The 10 Best Places To Live In Washington For 2026


The best places to live in Washington for 2026 are Mercer Island, Sammamish, and Snoqualmie. Find out where your city or town ranks.

The best places to live in Washington embody the best of everything that makes calling Washington home.

Think Washington State staples like being the home of Starbucks, Grunge music, soaring mountains, and enough rain to make California extremely jealous.

But what makes the best places to live in Washington great are the down-to-earth people and creative, friendly communities. Some cities in the Evergreen State deserve special attention for standing out as truly extraordinary.

To find the best places in Washington state, we used Saturday Night Science to analyze Census, FBI, and Zillow data. After reviewing 122 of the state’s most populous cities, we arrived at this list of places.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


What’s the best place to live in Washington State? The best place in Washington is Mercer Island for 2026.

Any place mentioned in the top ten would be a great place to call home, although some places are definitely on the pricer side of Seattle. But that’s what you get for your money — a safe, excellent place to live.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In Washington For 2026

Best Places To Live In Washington Map

Mercer Island, WA

Source: Flickr User rutlo | CC BY 2.0
Stat Mercer Island Washington
Population 25,307 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $2,326,984 $601,016
Median Income $219,069 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 3.0% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0123 0.0284

More on Mercer Island: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Big congratulations to Mercer Island for holding onto the title of best place to live in Washington for the second year running. Located smack dab in the middle of Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, Mercer Island has a lot going for it. Like the 2nd highest median household income in the state at $219,069/year. And the 5th lowest rate of violent crime in Washington.

People in Mercer Island didn’t wind up so awesome accidentally. The local public school system scored a 9/10 on GreatSchools, so you know the next generation is well-situated to pick up the mantle of excellence Mercer Island has established. And with over 40% of adults having a master’s degree or higher, this early insistence on the importance of education definitely has an impact later in life. One thing to note about Mercer Island though is that the cost of living here is nearly three times as high as the Washington average, so you might want some savings and/or a lucrative job lined up before starting your island life.

Speaking of island life, an extra thing that makes Mercer Island special is the access to awesome beaches. The one at Luther Burbank Park is the most popular, but the west-coast Groveland Beach is the spot to be if you’re hunting gorgeous sunsets.

Sammamish, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Emmanuel BRUNNER | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Sammamish Washington
Population 66,463 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $1,627,993 $601,016
Median Income $239,690 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 3.1% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0055 0.0284

More on Sammamish: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Sammamish is no stranger to the Homesnacks spotlight — we’ve already named it the best city for families in Washington for 2026, and a lot of those same factors come into play here. Like having a perfect 10/10 education score on our SnackAbility ratings. And being the place with the 3rd lowest crime rate in the state, with the 3rd lowest incidence of violent crime. Or having awesome family-friendly activities around like camping and boating at Lake Sammamish.

Word to the wise though, Sammamish is also the richest place in Washington, so we hope you’re comfortable rubbing elbows with the state’s elite. Homes in Sammamish are the 2nd most expensive in the state at $1,627,993. That’s no biggie for most residents though since Sammamish also has the highest median household income in Washington at $239,690/year. Along with the normal perks of wealth, Sammamish also has the 10th highest rate of health insurance coverage in the state at 97.8%. And it’s not like some people are getting left in the dust here, because Sammamish has a poverty level of just 4.3%, the 10th lowest in the state.

The secret is out on Sammamish and the city’s population has grown by almost 50% since 2010, so be sure to move quickly if you want to get in on the good times.

Snoqualmie, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Max Richards | GFDL
Stat Snoqualmie Washington
Population 13,798 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $1,122,656 $601,016
Median Income $214,107 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 2.6% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0107 0.0284

More on Snoqualmie: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Snoqualmie is a King County city of 13,798 located about 30 miles east of Seattle. If you’re moving here, expect a lot of random visitors, because Snoqualmie Falls draws more than 1.5 million tourists each year. Those visitors are pretty respectful though because even with all the randoms coming and going, Snoqualmie experienced only 6 violent crimes in 2026, the 7th lowest in the state.

Aside from crime, the economy of Snoqualmie is cause for considerable envy for other Washingtonians. The absurdly teeny poverty level of 0.8% is the lowest in the state. Unemployment is at incredibly low levels and 98.2% of residents have health insurance, the 4th highest rate in Washington. Lastly, Snoqualmie’s median household income of $214,107/year is the 3rd highest statewide.

Normandy Park, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Joe Mabel | GFDL
Stat Normandy Park Washington
Population 6,659 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $1,050,868 $601,016
Median Income $162,476 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0134 0.0284

More on Normandy Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Normandy Park, ranked as the 4th best place to live in Washington for 2026, offers a high quality of life and a range of attractions for residents. Located in King County, Normandy Park is known for its low cost of living and home prices.

Despite its small population of 6,659, Normandy Park boasts a variety of activities and amenities. Residents can enjoy the beautiful beaches and waterfront parks, perfect for picnicking, swimming, or enjoying the scenic views. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Seattle and Tacoma provides easy access to city perks.

Kirkland, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Jelson25 | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Kirkland Washington
Population 92,621 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $1,265,787 $601,016
Median Income $150,414 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 4.6% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0203 0.0284

More on Kirkland: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Next up is Kirkland, a city of 92,621 located across Lake Washington from Seattle. Parents love Kirkland because it has an average GreatSchools rating of 8/10, with an emphasis on top-rated high schools. Employees love Kirkland because they earn the 15th highest median household income in Washington at $150,414/year. And everyone loves the fact that Kirkland has about a third as much violent crime as your average Washington city. Not to mention that as the 6th most densely populated spot in the state, you’ll never lack for action in Kirkland.

All of these great factors help account for Kirkland’s monumental rise in recent years. It is by far the fastest growing city in Washington, adding a whopping 85% to its ranks since 2010. And with a low unemployment rate of 4.6%, there seems to be plenty of jobs for all newcomers.

Being right on Lake Washington means there Kirkland has some of the most picturesque parks in the state, but we recommend Juanita Bay Park as the top choice.

Brier, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Elwood j blues | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Brier Washington
Population 6,545 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $1,012,104 $601,016
Median Income $132,045 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0041 0.0284

More on Brier: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Located about 15 miles north of Seattle, Brier comes in as the 6th best place to call home in Washington. Brier is one of the safest places in Washington, with a crime rate roughly 80% lower than the statewide average.

Brier residents enjoy the 24th highest median household income in Washington at $132,045/year. And with home prices at a relatively reasonable $1,012,104, the cost of living in Brier only about 25% higher than the Washington average. Not to mention that, with an unemployment rate at 3.3%, the 18th lowest in the state, you shouldn’t have any trouble locking down a job here.

One thing to note is that, at 47, Brier is the oldest place we’re covering, which can be a positive or a negative depending on your priorities. One definite positive, though, is having easy access to Saint Edward State Park, a popular picnic destination for Seattleites.

Camas, WA

Source: Public domain
Stat Camas Washington
Population 27,007 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 10
Median Home Value $751,542 $601,016
Median Income $141,126 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 4.0% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0080 0.0284

More on Camas: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Camas, Washington, lies on the north bank of the Columbia River, in the southwest portion of the state. Though it sits in Washington, it actually forms a suburb of Portland, Oregon, located on the other side of the river. A half hour drive takes you to the center of one of the most thriving cities in the Pacific Northwest.

However, Camas gives its 27,007 residents more than access to a major metropolitan area. It provides the number 7 best home town in Washington.

An excellent economy offers one of the main draws of the area. The median income sits at $141,126, while the unemployment rate comes in at 4.0%. Crime is well below the national average. One thing to look out for, though: living in Camas can get expensive. The cost of living is about 30% above the typical U.S. standard. Meanwhile, the median home value in town is $751,542.

Beyond the city fun you can find in nearby Portland, Camas has its share of natural wonders as well. Check out Prune Hill, a one-time volcanic vent that gives shape to the town. Or take a day trip to Mt. Hood, about 2 hours down the road.

Kenmore, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Matthew Piatt | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Kenmore Washington
Population 23,741 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 8
Median Home Value $1,046,651 $601,016
Median Income $139,764 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 3.8% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0105 0.0284

More on Kenmore: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Kenmore, located in Washington, combines suburban comfort with access to nature. Its 23,741 residents enjoy a high median income and educational attainment, with 62% of adults holding degrees. The housing market is competitive, reflected in the $1,046,651 home prices, and the job market is strong, with an unemployment rate lower than the national average.

Kenmore has the Burke-Gilman Trail, waterside parks, and marinas for recreation and is close to Seattle. Kenmore also benefits from being home to Bastyr University and Kenmore Air Harbor.

Bainbridge Island, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Casey Yee | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Bainbridge Island Washington
Population 24,631 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 12
Median Home Value $1,173,702 $601,016
Median Income $172,188 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 2.8% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0097 0.0284

More on Bainbridge Island: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Bainbridge Island, ranked as the number 9 best place to live in Washington, offers a high quality of life and a range of attractions. Located in Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island is a suburb of Seattle and is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community.

Bainbridge Island is conveniently connected to Seattle through the Washington State Ferries system, providing easy access to the city’s amenities and job opportunities. The island itself has a thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events throughout the year. Residents can also enjoy shopping and dining experiences in the downtown area, which features a charming mix of local boutiques and restaurants.

Lake Forest Park, WA

Source: Wikipedia User Solarbird (talk) | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Lake Forest Park Washington
Population 13,335 7,816,116
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $1,054,029 $601,016
Median Income $159,904 $98,141
Unemployment Rate 4.4% 5.1%
Crime Per Capita 0.0168 0.0284

More on Lake Forest Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

We’re sticking around Lake Washington but heading to the north shore to visit the 10th best place in Washington, Lake Forest Park. Here you’ll find the 8th lowest poverty level in the state at 4.0%. Lake Forest Park also has the 29th lowest crime rate in Washington, so safety is hardly an issue.

Just know that to keep up with the Joneses in Lake Forest Park, you’ll want your household to earn at least $159,904/year. Especially with home prices up around $1,054,029. If you do decide to settle down here, you can get great views from the city’s highest point at Horizon View Park. And if that’s not cutting it, the Space Needle is just 20 minutes down the road.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Washington

Best Places To Live In Washington Size Requirement

Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Washington, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Olympia, with a population of 55,951, against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,000
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This filter left 122 cities, 194 towns, and 169 small towns.

We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Washington have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Washington

Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.

We ranked each place in Washington across a number of criteria from one to 122, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Washington.”

The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher is better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2026. This report is our eleventh time ranking Washington’s best places to live.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Washington. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Mercer Island at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Summary: The Best Places In Washington

If you’re looking at areas in Washington with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

The best places to live in Washington are Mercer Island, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Normandy Park, Kirkland, Brier, Camas, Kenmore, Bainbridge Island, and Lake Forest Park.

Mercer Island made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Washington for 2026.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Washington according to the data:

  1. Sunnyside (Pop. 16,277)
  2. Aberdeen (Pop. 17,088)
  3. Union Gap (Pop. 6,584)

For more Washington reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In Washington Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Mercer Island 25,307 3.0% $2,326,984 $219,069 $2,502 0.0123
2 Sammamish 66,463 3.1% $1,627,993 $239,690 $2,857 0.0055
3 Snoqualmie 13,798 2.6% $1,122,656 $214,107 $2,938 0.0107
4 Normandy Park 6,659 2.3% $1,050,868 $162,476 $1,893 0.0134
5 Kirkland 92,621 4.6% $1,265,787 $150,414 $2,401 0.0203
6 Brier 6,545 3.3% $1,012,104 $132,045 $2,318 0.0041
7 Camas 27,007 4.0% $751,542 $141,126 $2,090 0.0080
8 Kenmore 23,741 3.8% $1,046,651 $139,764 $1,949 0.0105
9 Bainbridge Island 24,631 2.8% $1,173,702 $172,188 $2,194 0.0097
10 Lake Forest Park 13,335 4.4% $1,054,029 $159,904 $2,333 0.0168
11 Mukilteo 21,323 3.1% $933,198 $132,861 $2,166 0.0178
12 Redmond 77,353 4.9% $1,402,276 $162,560 $2,409 0.0307
13 Black Diamond 5,961 1.3% $776,133 $141,383 $1,453 0.0052
14 Woodinville 13,438 4.3% $1,390,134 $164,398 $2,416 0.0316
15 Maple Valley 28,287 4.8% $799,653 $152,885 $2,304 0.0159
16 Bothell 49,610 3.9% $1,061,138 $140,427 $2,346 0.0152
17 Bellevue 151,847 4.2% $1,516,153 $165,576 $2,572 0.0347
18 Newcastle 12,989 5.6% $1,424,187 $160,278 $2,369 0.0226
19 Mill Creek 20,956 4.5% $981,773 $124,364 $2,249 0.0193
20 Edmonds 42,735 4.1% $942,130 $122,449 $1,903 0.0325
21 Lake Stevens 40,253 4.8% $705,681 $122,336 $2,224 0.0078
22 Liberty Lake 12,737 2.7% $558,763 $118,723 $1,895 0.0179
23 Anacortes 17,966 4.2% $725,455 $91,951 $1,702 0.0160
24 Bonney Lake 22,090 3.6% $676,347 $136,845 $2,256 0.0195
25 Battle Ground 21,886 3.7% $606,387 $104,977 $1,576 0.0116
26 Issaquah 39,591 3.3% $1,158,594 $154,669 $2,590 0.1578
27 North Bend 7,953 2.3% $1,008,581 $175,109 $2,091 0.0269
28 Enumclaw 12,798 3.7% $680,130 $121,250 $1,954 0.0147
29 Poulsbo 12,165 3.7% $665,803 $116,250 $1,886 0.0186
30 Lynden 16,234 3.6% $625,493 $103,233 $1,707 0.0136
31 Mountlake Terrace 23,104 4.2% $699,078 $107,687 $2,004 0.0223
32 Orting 8,978 2.8% $560,310 $132,877 $2,284 0.0120
33 Fircrest 7,069 6.8% $623,545 $113,926 $1,554 0.0202
34 Shoreline 61,431 4.6% $831,856 $112,751 $1,985 0.0278
35 Oak Harbor 24,362 5.4% $528,587 $76,084 $1,645 0.0097
36 Covington 21,233 4.1% $678,607 $134,502 $2,232 0.0328
37 University Place 34,911 5.1% $661,409 $99,031 $1,762 0.0217
38 Ridgefield 13,408 6.9% $665,863 $116,389 $2,335 0.0145
39 Steilacoom 6,686 6.0% $640,510 $100,851 $1,818 0.0085
40 Edgewood 13,032 1.8% $737,911 $116,132 $2,034 0.0233
41 Gig Harbor 12,424 2.7% $820,740 $118,395 $2,301 0.0326
42 Ferndale 15,999 3.1% $616,286 $87,579 $1,477 0.0174
43 Seattle 754,195 4.6% $868,680 $123,860 $2,030 0.0583
44 Snohomish 10,239 10.6% $939,009 $87,250 $1,654 0.0178
45 Duvall 8,526 2.5% $980,302 $197,361 $2,042 0.1578
46 Tumwater 26,956 5.3% $526,057 $95,212 $1,779 0.0233
47 Marysville 73,002 3.9% $634,695 $103,974 $1,997 0.0220
48 West Richland 17,586 4.8% $493,161 $119,892 $1,590 0.0075
49 Monroe 19,755 5.7% $733,030 $110,461 $1,950 0.0196
50 College Place 9,854 6.4% $404,141 $61,914 $1,186 0.0188
51 Sultan 6,116 1.0% $564,591 $94,730 $1,729 0.0085
52 Washougal 17,490 7.7% $640,871 $106,368 $1,701 0.0128
53 Blaine 6,100 5.5% $541,720 $84,030 $1,450 0.0244
54 Buckley 5,371 4.5% $657,837 $124,583 $1,992 0.0123
55 Pullman 32,229 8.3% $423,692 $46,812 $1,062 0.0098
56 Stanwood 8,373 6.4% $715,578 $90,242 $1,766 0.0123
57 Richland 62,753 5.6% $466,467 $95,813 $1,468 0.0226
58 Wenatchee 35,484 3.2% $491,477 $73,040 $1,248 0.0303
59 Lacey 57,737 4.9% $516,096 $90,625 $1,870 0.0271
60 East Wenatchee 14,199 4.6% $510,449 $77,558 $1,327 0.0222
61 Connell 5,054 4.0% $325,258 $77,721 $1,011 0.0061
62 Renton 105,317 4.9% $764,374 $100,432 $1,998 0.0360
63 Bellingham 93,438 5.6% $668,589 $66,755 $1,577 0.0421
64 DuPont 9,931 6.2% $621,241 $120,781 $2,322 0.0672
65 Port Townsend 10,438 10.4% $633,222 $62,606 $1,578 0.0192
66 Selah 8,437 4.4% $436,782 $74,783 $1,539 0.0122
67 Yelm 11,102 3.8% $489,021 $90,750 $1,626 0.0210
68 Arlington 21,095 4.2% $669,005 $88,231 $1,905 0.0262
69 Puyallup 42,746 6.0% $570,441 $97,826 $1,812 0.0416
70 Pacific 7,066 4.6% $561,715 $115,625 $1,692 0.0192
71 Woodland 6,487 1.9% $589,005 $81,193 $1,367 0.0282
72 Sumner 10,733 5.3% $593,647 $98,191 $1,974 0.0372
73 Lynnwood 40,110 4.3% $784,106 $77,704 $1,742 0.0723
74 Sequim 8,161 9.7% $562,160 $59,707 $1,195 0.0236
75 Mount Vernon 35,377 6.0% $586,879 $75,777 $1,405 0.0196
76 Olympia 55,951 7.3% $533,713 $81,302 $1,599 0.0399
77 Port Orchard 17,149 3.9% $556,427 $89,795 $1,797 0.0360
78 Milton 8,894 5.3% $572,123 $96,540 $2,199 0.0295
79 Spokane Valley 106,365 5.2% $408,887 $74,042 $1,353 0.0388
80 Ellensburg 20,874 8.9% $453,797 $55,438 $1,340 0.0213
81 Des Moines 32,823 7.5% $612,731 $92,483 $1,799 0.0304
82 Everett 111,845 5.8% $662,785 $83,512 $1,740 0.0347
83 Port Angeles 20,118 5.1% $450,576 $62,606 $1,170 0.0305
84 Burlington 10,003 4.3% $539,012 $80,475 $1,746 0.0661
85 Vancouver 195,300 5.7% $509,318 $81,338 $1,702 0.0405
86 Spokane 230,293 5.7% $395,324 $70,064 $1,215 0.0550
87 Walla Walla 33,925 7.7% $413,577 $66,748 $1,323 0.0243
88 Burien 51,513 7.0% $650,468 $91,318 $1,782 0.0373
89 Sedro-Woolley 12,831 4.8% $497,458 $80,885 $1,525 0.0661
90 Tacoma 222,758 5.6% $493,839 $85,884 $1,676 0.0670
91 Kent 135,603 7.0% $656,313 $92,302 $1,909 0.0416
92 Kelso 12,684 6.6% $384,871 $66,751 $1,220 0.0215
93 Cheney 12,804 13.1% $420,133 $54,503 $1,156 0.0198
94 Auburn 85,676 6.0% $614,182 $97,884 $1,786 0.0436
95 Bremerton 44,830 5.7% $483,131 $74,940 $1,641 0.0334
96 Kennewick 85,295 5.1% $430,870 $73,576 $1,240 0.0384
97 Chehalis 7,587 4.0% $478,650 $73,702 $1,102 0.0431
98 Pasco 79,575 5.3% $418,088 $85,586 $1,227 0.0258
99 Federal Way 99,493 5.4% $601,744 $86,909 $1,797 0.0478
100 Fife 10,949 5.2% $557,638 $90,532 $1,889 0.0672

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About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.