Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Health & Safety
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Mercer Island, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 25,820 residents. In Mercer Island, there are 4,045 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 71%, the majority of the Mercer Island population is White; this is followed by 20% Asian and 1% Black. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 70% of the population considered married and 49% with kids under the age of 18, Mercer Island could be considered a very suitable city for families. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Mercer Island, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Mercer Island is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Mercer Island, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, commute, education, employment and more.
Mercer Island, WA receives 76 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #146 in Washington and #2,924 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Mercer Island ranks well in multiple categories! Mercer Island has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Mercer Island ranks well for crime (A+) and housing (B-). There are some categories that Mercer Island scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Mercer Island has a violent crime rate of 100 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The Mercer Island unemployment rate of 1.39% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Mercer Island have an average test score of 85%, which is well above the US average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Mercer Island apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Mercer Island meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Mercer Island. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Mercer Island are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Mercer Island come in at $1,386,300, which is 414.8% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mercer Island, the home price to income ratio is 9.2, which is 114% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Mercer Island | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 60.8% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.6% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.6% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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