Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Tacoma

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median monthly rent in Tacoma is $1,676, and the median household income is $85,884 annually. About 44% of Tacoma residents rent their homes, reflecting strong demand for affordable housing options in the city.

Safety

According to the Tacoma Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Tacoma had a violent crime rate of 1,064 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Among the 22 HUD-assisted properties in Tacoma tracked by Lease Lantern, none are located in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone.

Getting Around Tacoma

According to Walk Score, the area around Tacoma's assisted properties scores 39 out of 100 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, and 45 out of 100 for bikeability. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties listed on this page, not the city as a whole.

• Walk Score: 39 - Car-Dependent
• Bike Score: 45

Most errands will likely require a car, though some biking infrastructure is available near these properties. Prospective renters who rely on public transit or walking should check the specific address of any property they are considering.

Schools

Tacoma is served by 102 schools across 9 districts, including 54 elementary, 16 middle, and 28 high schools (plus 4 other), according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

Cost of Renting in Tacoma, WA

The median household income in Tacoma is $85,884 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median monthly rent across all rental housing in the city is $1,676, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

Income-restricted housing in Tacoma -- including HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties -- can offer rents significantly below that market median, with eligibility typically tied to a percentage of the area median income (AMI).

• Median household income: $85,884/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,676/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 44% of all households in Tacoma (Census ACS 5-Year)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 22 affordable housing properties in Tacoma have been mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring finding for renters concerned about flood exposure.