Cost of Living in North Fort Lewis, WA
Population 5,990 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
North Fort Lewis is a smaller Washington community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,778 and housing costs give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 13.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, North Fort Lewis sits roughly 11 miles southwest of Tacoma. Tacoma's typical home runs $455,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in North Fort Lewis
Median rent runs $2,375/month, 81% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,778/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, North Fort Lewis has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% more expensive.
North Fort Lewis is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 76 | 70 | 59 | 51 | 46 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 47 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 6.06 | 4.11 | 4.63 | 3.39 | 2.08 | 1.36 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 1.54 | 4.32 | 7.18 | 5.81 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Fort Lewis, WA?
North Fort Lewis has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.
What is average rent in North Fort Lewis, WA?
The median gross rent in North Fort Lewis is $2,375 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in North Fort Lewis?
The median household income in North Fort Lewis is $72,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Fort Lewis, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Fort Lewis is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is North Fort Lewis, WA affordable?
North Fort Lewis is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in North Fort Lewis?
North Fort Lewis has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
North Fort Lewis at a Glance
- Population
- 5,990
- Median Income
- $72,778
- Median Rent
- $2,375/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data