Everett, WA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Everett: The Data Profile (2026)

Everett represents a specific niche in the Pacific Northwest housing ecosystem: the industrial-adjacent commuter hub. With a population of 111,147, it offers the scale of a smaller city while servicing the broader Seattle metropolitan area. The economic profile reveals a "middle-market" squeeze: the median income sits at $74,276, which is statistically flat (-0.4%) relative to the US median of $74,580. However, the educational attainment rate is slightly below the national curve at 32.2% (vs. 33.1% US average).

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "Hybrid Industrialist." This profile fits professionals earning $75k-$90k who work in aerospace, logistics, or healthcare. They require proximity to the Boeing Everett Factory or the naval base but cannot afford the $1.2M+ median home prices of Seattle proper. They accept a higher housing cost index (118.0) in exchange for larger square footage and manageable commute times into the regional economic hub.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While Everett beats the national average on variable costs like groceries (98.8 Index) and electricity (11.9 cents/kWh vs. 16.0 cents/kWh US average), the structural cost of housing drives the overall budget up. The "Housing Index" of 118.0 indicates an 18% premium over the US standard, which dictates the monthly burn rate for relocating families.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Based on the median income of $74,276 (approx. $4,650 monthly take-home after taxes), a single earner retains roughly $1,505 monthly after covering the "Single" budget above. However, a family relying on a single median income is effectively cash-flow negative. A dual-income household (earning $148,552) retains approximately $7,724 monthly, highlighting that Everett is structurally viable only for multi-income households.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The Everett housing market is decoupled from the national average. The median home price sits significantly higher than the US norm, driven by land constraints and demand from Seattle commuters. The rent-to-buy ratio currently favors long-term renting for those unwilling to commit to the $600k+ entry point for ownership.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
With a median home price of $625,000, the monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) exceeds $3,900, while the median 3BR rent is $2,501. This creates a massive $1,400/month arbitrage opportunity for renters. Unless you plan to stay for 7+ years to absorb closing costs and ride out appreciation, renting is the financially superior data-driven choice in 2026.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

Everett’s economy is anchored by "sticky" industries: Aerospace (Boeing), Healthcare (Providence), and Naval Station Everett. The post-2024 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have stabilized the local economy, but the 4.6% unemployment rate remains slightly elevated compared to the US average of 4.0%.

Commute & RTO Impact:
For those commuting south to Seattle or Redmond, the I-5 corridor remains a bottleneck. The average commute time is 32 minutes, but "super-commuters" heading to the Eastside tech hubs face 60-75 minute drives. However, the arrival of the Sounder commuter rail offers a reliable alternative, making Everett a viable "bedroom community" for those working in the central business district but needing affordability.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Everett presents a complex QoL profile: excellent air quality and health infrastructure, offset by statistically significant crime rates and lifestyle risks.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is the primary friction point. The violent crime rate is 567 per 100k, which is 49% higher than the US average (380 per 100k). Property crime is even more pronounced at 3,234 per 100k, roughly 62% above the national norm. Residents must practice urban awareness, particularly in the downtown corridor.

Air Quality & Weather:
Everett excels in environmental health. With an AQI average of 38, the air is cleaner than 90% of US cities. The current temperature of 45.0°F and frequent cloud cover require psychological preparation for the "gray season," but the lack of industrial smog is a major health asset.

Schools:
While specific district data varies, the 32.2% college education rate suggests a competitive K-12 environment. The Everett School District generally performs slightly above state averages, though funding disparities exist compared to neighboring affluent suburbs like Mill Creek.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality: An AQI of 38 is exceptional for a mid-sized industrial city.
• Utilities: Electricity costs are 25% lower than the national average.
• Housing Availability: Unlike the Seattle core, inventory exists here for $600k-$700k range.

Cons:

• Crime Rates: Violent crime is 49% higher than the US average; Property crime is 62% higher.
• Housing Premium: You pay 18% more for housing than the average American for a statistically lower income.
• Commute Friction: RTO mandates have clogged the I-5 southbound lanes.

Recommendation:
Rent, Do Not Buy (Short-Term).
Everett is a high-value entry point for the region only if you rent. The $2,501 rent for a 3BR unit allows access to the Snohomish County economy without the $625,000 asset risk. Buying is currently mathematically unfavorable due to the rent-to-price arbitrage. This city is ideal for the risk-averse professional who needs proximity to aerospace/industrial jobs but prioritizes cash flow over asset accumulation.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Everett in 2026?
For a single person, a salary of $85,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate after the estimated $3,145 monthly expenses. For a family, a combined income of $165,000 is the baseline for stability.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Tacoma?
Everett is safer than Tacoma (Tacoma violent crime is approx. 650/100k) and has better air quality (Tacoma AQI is often 50-60). However, Everett housing is roughly 5-8% more expensive. Everett wins on safety/environment; Tacoma wins on entry-price.

3. Is the crime rate as bad as the data suggests?
The data is accurate. The 3,234/100k property crime rate is high. However, crime is hyper-localized. Areas near the naval base and northern suburbs (e.g., Silver Lake) have crime rates much closer to the national average, while the downtown core drives the high aggregate numbers.

4. When is the best time to move to Everett?
Target October or November. The housing market cools, and rental concessions often appear before the winter "gray" sets in. Avoid moving in July/August when rental inventory is lowest and prices peak.