Living in Federal Way, WA
Federal Way is the 344th-largest city in the US, home to about 100,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (111.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 99,729-1.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $552,8006.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,797/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $86,909median, per year
- Price level
- 111.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 48° / 77°lows 38° / 57°
- Average commute
- 32 min14% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: King County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 463 ft
Metro area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cost of living in Federal Way
The median home in Federal Way is worth $552,800 and the median household earns $86,909 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,797 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area at 111.1, with housing at 151.3 and goods at 104.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $83,300 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Federal Way?
Federal Way weather
Average highs run from 48°F in January to 77°F in July, and January nights average 38°F. It gets 39 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 6 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Federal Way
People and work
The median resident is 37.4 years old, and 31% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 55% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 32 minutes; 14% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 37.4335th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 31%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 55%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,46922.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 5%2% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 13%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1984median year
Who moves to Federal Way, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Jose (Santa Clara County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Jose (Santa Clara County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for King County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, earthquake, avalanche, heat wave.
Home prices
+0.3% in a year
Up 25% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, WA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
56% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Federal Way
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- T-Mobile Park 19 miles
- Bellevue College 20 miles
- Pierce College District 16 miles
- Green River College 6 miles
- Tacoma Community College 11 miles
- Highline College 5 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Federal Way
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport SEA | 9 mi | 25,414,592 |
| Boeing Field Airport BFI | 14 mi | 28,769 |
| Paine Field Airport PAE | 41 mi | 275,996 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Federal Way
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 23 mi | 31,942 | $13,663 | 85% |
| Bellevue College | 20 mi | 7,364 | $18,271 | n/a |
| Pierce College District | 16 mi | 5,313 | $20,424 | n/a |
| Green River College | 6 mi | 4,965 | $18,821 | n/a |
| Tacoma Community College | 11 mi | 4,668 | $19,206 | n/a |
| Seattle University | 20 mi | 4,062 | $34,324 | 71% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Federal Way
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 2, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 7 and the first frost comes around November 23.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Seattle Tacoma Intl. Airport, WA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Federal Way.
Wildfire smoke in Federal Way
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Federal Way on about 65 days a year, including about 19 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Federal Way
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 35,717 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Federal Way
Downtown Federal Way is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Way School District | Pre-K to 12 | 22,250 | 46 | 18.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Tacoma Public Schools (28,847 students), Kent School District (25,358 students), Puyallup School District (23,026 students), Auburn School District (18,174 students), Highline School District (18,072 students), Renton School District (14,873 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Federal Way's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Federal Way's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Rialto, CA66% matchCompare
- Yonkers, NY57% matchCompare
- Jersey City, NJ57% matchCompare
- Clifton, NJ55% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Federal Way
- Alpental 42 miles
- The Summit at Snoqualmie 43 miles
- Milwaukee Ski Bowl 43 miles
- Martin Ski Dome 46 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Federal Way
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
Cons
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
- Data Commutes are long: 32 minutes each way on average.
- Data High natural hazard risk in King County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, earthquake and avalanche.
Federal Way report card from locals
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Federal Way through locals' eyes
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Cities near Federal Way
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, WA | 5 mi | 86,301 | $547,900 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kent, WA | 6 mi | 134,871 | $587,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Tacoma, WA | 8 mi | 229,816 | $479,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Renton, WA | 12 mi | 104,975 | $672,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Seattle, WA | 20 mi | 784,777 | $938,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Bellevue, WA | 21 mi | 154,193 | $1,340,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Federal Way ranks 71st of 73 in our best suburbs of Seattle ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Federal Way with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Federal Way a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, long commutes. Compare Federal Way side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Federal Way?
The Census Bureau estimates Federal Way had 99,729 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 101,028 in April 2020 (-1.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Federal Way?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $83,300 in the Federal Way area. The median household here earns $86,909.
When is the best time to visit Federal Way?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 77°F and January 48°F for daytime highs.
What county is Federal Way in?
Federal Way is in King County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Federal Way in?
Federal Way is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Federal Way?
About 463 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Federal Way. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Seattle Tacoma Intl. Airport, WA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.