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Puyallup, WA

Photo: Wikipedia

Puyallup, WA

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 50
Population42,642
Foreign Born4.4%
Population Density2,969people per mi²
Median Age37.2 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2010, this city has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

162/100

62% above national average

C+

The Real Cost of Living in Puyallup, Washington

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $28k$53k
Comfortable $93k$136k
Luxury $136k+$210k+
Elite (Top 5%) $160k+$248k+
Affordability Ratio

70%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean81%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
40
Poor
8
Negative
12

Groceries

7 within 10 miles

0.5mi

Gas

20 within 10 miles

0.3mi

Hospital

17 within 20 miles

0.2mi

Airport

SEA — Seattle–Tacoma International

18.6mi

Post Office

USPS — Puyallup, WA

0.8mi

Critical Amenities

Golf6Nearest 5.2 mi
Camping20Nearest 9.2 mi
Marina2Nearest 8 mi
Winery1Nearest 9.1 mi
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range6Nearest 5.8 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C+
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Median HHI
$96k+5.6%
27% above US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$1.3M
103% above US avg
College Educated
28.3%
19% below US avg
WFH
10.7%
25% below US avg
Homeownership
51.3%
22% below US avg
Median Home
$507k
80% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
B-
Safe

Generally safer than 58% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
29.4
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−36.2%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−12.5%
Homicide
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Robbery
0.66 / 1k Residents37% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
1.77 / 1k Residents2% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr−59.8%
Burglary
3.42 / 1k Residents16% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
20.36 / 1k Residents58% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
2.57 / 1k Residents11% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+9Leans Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Puyallup, Washington
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C-
Weak10.7% of income
Property Rights
C-
FairIJ Grade C-
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
D-
PoorHigh regulation

Energy independence: Importer (55% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A+
Fully OpenRetail sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season204 days315 frost-free
Annual Rainfall52.0"
Elevation79 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
D
Poor30 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,969/sq mi
Fallout Danger
C
Weak9 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorEarthquake, Inland Flooding, Heat Wave, Cold Wave, Avalanche
Border / Coast
B
Fairborder 126 mi · coast 30 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$531.9M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CitySeattle737k people are 30 mi away
Nearest Major AirportSEA19 mi away
Distance to State Capital30 miOlympia, WA
Nearest Prison19 mi1 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T11:00:17.000Z

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