Tacoma, WA

U.S. News Ratings
Population 202,822
Crime Rate High
Cost of Living Average
Health Care Varied
Median Home Price Average
Median Income Low

Geography

Tacoma is located on the Puget Sound in western Washington. It is about 30 miles south of Seattle.

Cultural Attractions

Tacoma's Museum District has three notable museums: the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass (featuring a bridge of glass designed by Dale Chihuly), and the Washington State History Museum.

Recreation

Tacoma is surrounded by natural attractions like Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade mountain range. These scenic places attract residents and visitors for hiking, biking, boating, and skiing.

Historical

Tacoma used to be the end point of the Northern Pacific Railroad, giving the city the nickname "City of Destiny" because of the many travelers who settled there.

Economy

The military is a major employer in Tacoma, and healthcare and retail are also big industries in town. The Port of Tacoma is also a busy shipping center.

Demographics

Demographic Detail

Population:
202,822
Population under 55:
75.8%
Population over 55:
24.2%

City Detail

Crime rate:
High
Closest large city:
Seattle

Marital Status 2010

Weather

Weather Detail

Air quality:
Poor
Temperature:
78°F July High, 26°F January Low

Jobs & Economy

Housing

Median income:
$39,336
Median home price:
$167,500
Average property tax:
$2,850

Income & Jobs

Unemployment rate 2010:
9.2%
Average
Cost of living:
Average

Employment Projections

Education

K–12

Elementary schools:
50
Middle schools:
21
High schools:
15

view High Schools ranked by U.S. News

Higher Education

Best Colleges at the location:
2
Best Colleges within 30 miles:
10
Best Colleges within 50 miles:
15

view Colleges ranked by U.S. News

Health Care & Retirement

Hospitals

Hospitals/Best Hospitals at the location:
6/0
Hospitals/Best Hospitals within 30 miles:
30/3
Hospitals/Best Hospitals within 50 miles:
41/4

view closest hospitals

Retirement Facilities

Community care facilities for the elderly:
852

view closest nursing homes ranked by U.S. News

Overview information and high school, college, hospital, and nursing home rankings copyright ® 2012 U.S.News & World Report.

Other data and information copyright 2012 Onboard Informatics or as otherwise sourced. Information is represented by Onboard Informatics as reliable but not guaranteed.

Search Best Places
U.S. News Rankings & Research

U.S. News delivers quality analysis and clear objective rankings to help you make informed financial decisions.

Advertisement
Most Viewed
  1. The 50 Best Careers of 2011
  2. 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2012
  3. Whispers: U.S. Government Still Pays Two Civil War Pensions
  4. 12 Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
  5. The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012
Slide Shows
10 New Retirement Hot Spots

Some surprising new cities are becoming increasingly popular places to retire.