City profile
University Place, WA
Pierce County · Population 34,911
University Place is a town in Pierce County, WA with about 34,911 residents and a typical home value near $625,000. It is 6 miles from Tacoma, WA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
42°F
Summer avg
66°F
Sunny days / yr
155
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$624,800
Typical monthly housing
$3,831
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
130
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.84%
- State income tax (top)
- None
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.43%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High · county score 99/100
Top hazards: Earthquake, Volcanic activity, Avalanche
Nearest major airport
20 mi to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 54% Democratic / 43% Republican
Community
Population
34,911
Black population
7.1%
County
Pierce County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: wildfire smoke, earthquakes
Highlights
- About 34,911 residents
- Typical home value about $625,000
- 6 miles from Tacoma, WA
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.