vancouver
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While reading this, you may be seriously considering moving to a new place. Why not choose Vancouver, the fourth-most populous city in Washington?

The city is not just scenic with its mesmerizing surroundings, but is also a major business center, and its proximity to Portland also makes it a great place to raise a family. 

Would you love to know more about the city?

Our Vancouver moving guide is for you. It discusses everything related to one of the oldest cities in Washington. We cover its population, crime stats, jobs, cost of living, transportation, taxes, education, and much more. This means, once you are through our guide, you’ll be the best to answer every query related to the city.

Without wasting much time, let’s delve into the city details.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before moving to Vancouver

  • Vancouver is the fourth most populous city in Washington State.
  • It is the 25th-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
  • Vancouver is on the north bank of the Columbia River.
  • The city’s natural beauty is unparalleled.
  • The city is named after British sea captain George Vancouver.
  • The name is also shared by a Canadian city in British Columbia, 300 miles to the north.
  • The first European contact with the city was in 1792.
  • It rains heavily in Vancouver.
  • The real estate prices are shooting up in the city.
  • Vancouver boasts plenty of seasonal festivals.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Vancouver

  • Vancouver is the second-largest city in Washington.
  • The city is affordable compared to neighboring cities in Washington.
  • It ranks high on the livability index.
  • The quality of education is much higher here.
  • The city has charming community vibes.
  • There is a lot to explore outdoors
  • The climate is mild in Vancouver.
  • The city is retirement-friendly with great tax advantages.
  • Vancouver is pet-friendly
  • More than one-third of the population lives in unincorporated urban areas north of the city limits.

Is Vancouver, WA a good place to live in?

Vancouver is amazingly splendid and is also highly affordable in terms of cost of living. The city gives a welcoming community vibe, and it is also home to many quality educational institutions. It has many tax benefits and is also highly retirement-friendly. If you are looking for such facilities, Vancouver can be your next home.

Is Vancouver, WA expensive?

The cost of living in Vancouver is slightly higher than the national average, but lower than the average cost of living in Washington State. The city’s cost of living is 4.3% higher than the US average. While housing costs are 2% lower than the US average, groceries are 6% and transportation is 7% higher than the national average. To live comfortably in Vancouver, a single adult with no dependents should aim for a salary around $62,340 before taxes. 

What's the population of Vancouver, WA?

Vancouver is the 4th most populous city in the state. The city has about 190,915 residents, which means 3,917.2 persons per square mile. About 22.1% of the population is under 18, and 6.2% is under 5. About 15.7% of people are older than 65. As per the latest stats, the number of people per household in Vancouver is 2.4. About 12.7% of the population lives below the poverty line.

To know the population better, here are a few stats.

  • Vancouver’s total population is 190,915.
  • The population is made up of 49.4% males and 50.6% females.
  • The median age in Vancouver is 37.0.
  • The city population is made up of 76.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, 0.6 Native Americans, and 9.1% from two or more races. 
  • About 14.7% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Vancouver is 2.4 persons.
  • About 47.3% of the residents are married couples living together.

Vancouver is smaller in size, and the population is moderate compared to other cities in the state. That means the streets are less crowded, and you can easily drive here without spending much time behind the wheel, leading to less commuting time. The average one-way commute time in Vancouver is 25.2 minutes, which is shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats:

  • About 71.5% drive their car alone
  • About 8.9% carpool with others
  • About 3.5% work from home
  • Approximately 5.1% take mass transit

What is the weather like in Vancouver, WA?

The city has a mild, oceanic climate with rainy winters and moderately pleasant summers. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with average summer temperatures in the upper 70s and winters rarely dropping below freezing. The city receives more rain than the US average. Heavy snowfalls are infrequent, with major snowstorms occurring every 2-4 years.

Here are a few Vancouver weather facts:

  • The city receives about 42 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Vancouver averages 3 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, the city gets about 143 sunny days per year compared to the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 164 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
move to Vancouver

Top reasons to move to Vancouver, WA

You may ask why many people move to Vancouver annually. And trust us, this has got its reasons. We have filtered out 7 positives in the city.

Since you’re considering moving to Vancouver, WA, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • More affordability
  • No income tax
  • Pleasant climate
  • Plenty of outdoor activities
  • Good schooling options
  • Low substance abuse rate
pros and cons of Vancouver

Pros and Cons of living in Vancouver, WA

When you think about relocating to a new place, analyzing both the merits and demerits is a crucial activity and to help you, we’ve got the best and worst of Vancouver. Take a look at both to gauge whether moving here is a good decision for you.

Pros of living in Vancouver
  • Low cost of living
  • Low risk of natural disasters
  • Low rent
  • No extreme climate
  • Low snowfall
  • Pet friendly
  • Retirement-friendly policies
Cons of living in Vancouver
  • Wet weather
  • Limited public transport
  • High housing costs
  • Limited nightlife
Best neighborhoods in Vancouver

What are the best places to live in Vancouver, WA?

If you're considering moving to Vancouver, WA, living in the best places in the city should be among your top priorities.

So, we’ve compiled relevant data about the ten best neighborhoods to live in Vancouver, WA to help you get started.

Rank Neighborhood Home Value Average Rental
1 Ireland / Little Elkhorn $870,876 $2,137
2 Lake Shore North $675,406 $3,243
3 Barberton West $738,134 $2,901
4 Felida $824,424 $3,470
5 Salmon Creek Northwest $635,235 $3,376
6 Orchards Northeast $662,155 $3,805
7 Lakeshore $745,114 $2,923
8 Proebstel $702,842 $3,566
9 Barberton Northwest $672,410 $2,777
10 Pacific Park $521,426 $3,263
Cost of living in Vancouver

Cost of living in Vancouver, WA

How much does it cost to live in Vancouver? If you're planning to relocate here, cost of living will certainly be one of your top concerns.

Vancouver may be affordable compared to other cities in Washington, but if you're relocating from outside the state, expect a moderate bump in costs. The cost of living here is 4% higher than the U.S. average but 11% lower than the Washington state average.

Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Vancouver, WA.

Living Expense Vancouver Washington National Average
Overall 122.8 109.8 100
Grocery 102.3 105.8 100
Health 95.2 98.1 100
Housing 109.1 118.5 100
Median Home Cost $510,017 $575,894 $338,100
Utilities 105.3 111.2 100
Transportation 122.3 127.7 100
Miscellaneous 111.2 116.5 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Vancouver, WA?

Vancouver has a strong economy and this leads to a robust job market where you’ll find it easier to get an offer letter for a better package. If a job is your goal behind the moving plan, you’ve reasons to smile. Healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education, trade, and commerce are major areas where you can apply for a job.

We’ve got a few job-related facts in Vancouver, which may benefit you:

  • The job growth in Vancouver has been negative.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 38.8%
  • The unemployment rate here is 6.4%
  • Jobs have decreased by 4.7% over the past year
  • The average salary in Vancouver is $67,462
  • The median home cost in Vancouver is $510,017

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Vancouver job market.

Employment Information Vancouver, Washington United States
The income per Cap $43,745 $31,177
Household Income $67,462 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 6.4 6.0%
Recent Job Growth -4.7% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 38.8% 33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver has a growing economy that contributes plenty of jobs. With many offices and companies within the boundaries, it is always tough to pick the best jobs in Vancouver. We’ve researched and made a list of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Vancouver.

Rank Job Title Growth Average salary
1 Chiropractic physician 147.8% $69,480
2 Hardware engineer 144.6% $103,220
3 Software developer 133.1% $122,120
4 Telemarketer 129.4% $31,300
5 Optometrist 125.1% $112,240
6 Environmental field technician 121.2% $63,433
7 Web developer 116.0% $83,177
8 Sales assistant 111.8% $47,066
9 Production operator 106.4% $34,156
10 Business analyst 105.4% $96,509

Top career options in Vancouver, Washington

While you’re job hunting in Vancouver, the pay slip would be the priority. Knowing the best-paying jobs in the city would make things easier. We’ve prepared a list of top career options in Vancouver.

Rank Job Title Average salary Entry level salary
1 Orthopedic surgeon $345,293 $197,000
2 Hospitalist physician $258,116 $157,000
3 Pulmonary physician $255,244 $130,000
4 Physician $246,980 $140,000
5 General internist $215,915 $121,000
6 Hospitalist $212,357 $131,000
7 Owner/operator $198,133 $112,000
8 Vice president $172,048 $86,000
9 Pharmacist $154,765 $120,000
10 Associate dentist $152,256 $98,000

What's the average salary & income in Vancouver, WA?

Salary is a major factor that decides whether a place is good to live. Once you’re in Vancouver, you would like to know how much you would be able to earn. The average salary in Vancouver is $67,462, and anything above $65k is good enough to comfortably live.

  • Vancouver’s average annual pay for average jobs is $67,462 a year
  • Vancouver’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $23.15 an hour
  • Vancouver’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $910 per week
  • Vancouver’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $4,080 per month
  • Vancouver’s top earners (90th percentile) make $101,300 annually

Major industries in Vancouver, WA

Vancouver is a growing city and while moving here for a job, you won’t be disappointed. We’ve listed out the major industries in the city to give you a better idea of the economy.

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Retail

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Vancouver, WA

We all love working at companies that maintain outstanding employee relationships. Vancouver has many such organizations. Here’s our list of the best companies to work for in Vancouver.

  • GiftTree
  • Hawthorn Retirement Group
  • DiscoverOrg
  • SEH America
  • Nautilus
  • Pacific Bells
  • AbSci
  • Papa Murphy’s
  • Holland Partner Group
  • Riverview Community Bank

How is the Housing Market in Vancouver, Washington?

Median Home Prices in Vancouver, Washington

If you’re planning to move to Vancouver, WA, you should be prepared to spend more on buying a home. Home values here are significantly higher than the national average. The current median home cost in Vancouver is $510,017, which is cheaper compared to the Washington state average but higher than the U.S. average of $338,100.

We’ve got the latest city housing facts for you:

  • Vancouver’s median home cost is $510,017.
  • The median age of Vancouver’s real estate is 35 years old.
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 161.0%.
  • Renters make up 46.9% of the Vancouver population.
  • About 3.8% of houses and apartments in Vancouver are available to rent.

Average Rental Prices in Vancouver, Washington

After arriving in Vancouver, you might spend your initial months—or even years—in rental housing. Fortunately, Vancouver’s rental prices are reasonable compared to other major cities in Washington. Here's a breakdown of average rental costs:

  • Vancouver’s average rent for a studio apartment is $910
  • Vancouver’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,160
  • Vancouver’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,460
  • Vancouver’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,580
  • Vancouver’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,830

What are taxes like in Vancouver, WA?

Taxes play a major role in your salary and your takeaway is based on how much the authorities tax you. Knowing this is crucial in deciding whether you need to relocate to Vancouver. And as you would be keen to know the taxes in Vancouver, we thought to point down the major tax factors here.

  • The sales tax rate for Vancouver is 8.8%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • There is no personal income tax in Vancouver. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Vancouver is 1.05%

What Are the Best Things to Do in Vancouver, WA?

After moving to Vancouver, you can be sure of having fun every weekend as the city is packed with many activities, both indoor and outdoor.

  • Dig the past at Fort Vancouver

    Step back in time at this reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post and military fort, filled with living history demonstrations.

  • Visit Pearson Field and Museum

    One of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the U.S., Pearson Field is home to vintage aircraft and fascinating aviation history exhibits.

  • Explore Officers Row

    Stroll through a tree-lined avenue of historic homes that once housed military officers, now offering cultural programs and public access.

  • Learn the history at the Clark County Historic Museum

    This small but rich museum offers exhibits on the local heritage, from Indigenous roots to pioneer life and beyond.

  • Visit George C. Marshall House

    Explore the elegant home of the famed general and statesman, located within Vancouver's historic district.

  • Catch up with a movie at Kiggins Theater

    This restored 1930s art deco theater hosts indie films, local shows, and classic cinema with an old-school vibe.

  • Get close to nature at the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

    A beautiful trail ideal for walking, running, and birdwatching, surrounded by wetlands and natural scenery.

  • Spend time at Moulton Falls Park

    A scenic park just outside Vancouver offering waterfalls, hiking trails, and a popular arch bridge for photo ops.

  • Shop at Wild Fern

    Support local artisans at this downtown boutique featuring handmade goods, vintage finds, and eco-conscious products.

  • Take a stroll at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

    Just a short drive from the city, these historic gardens bloom with rare lilac varieties each spring and offer peaceful, fragrant walks.

Safety in Vancouver, WA

Safety is a major factor in determining your moving destination. Relocating to Vancouver is a good idea as the city is much safer than most cities in Washington. The city has a violent crime rate of 21.6, lower than the national average. The city is safer than about 2% of the US cities and about 64% of the population feels safer here.

  • Vancouver’s violent crime is 21.6 while the US average is 22.7.
  • Vancouver’s property crime is 46.6 while the US average is 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 154 in Vancouver.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 22 in Vancouver.
  • About 64% of the population feels safe in Vancouver.
  • Vancouver is safer than 2% of US cities.

Best Schools & Universities in Vancouver, WA

Whether you're still schooling or have school-age kids or not, if you're moving to Vancouver, you'd most likely be interested in the best schools in the city. Here we've made a list of the best elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges in Vancouver. Check out the list below:

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