Tacoma WA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
Tacoma is a city in Pierce County, Washington (Pierce County), situated along the shores of Commencement Bay in the South Puget Sound region, approximately 32 miles south of Seattle. As the third-largest city in Washington State, Tacoma serves as the county seat of Pierce County and the economic hub of the South Sound. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Tacoma's population reached approximately 222,000 residents as of the 2025 American Community Survey, with the city spanning 62.3 square miles and offering a diverse mix of waterfront, urban, and suburban neighborhoods.
Key Takeaways
Tacoma's median home price of $465,000 positions it as the Puget Sound region's primary affordability gateway, approximately 45% below Seattle's $850,000 median
Annual sales volume of approximately 3,800 closed transactions makes Tacoma one of Washington's highest-volume markets with robust farming potential
Average days on market of 22 days reflects strong buyer demand driven by Seattle price refugees and JBLM military relocations
Tacoma's 38 distinct neighborhoods create numerous specialized farming opportunities ranging from waterfront luxury to first-time buyer entry points
Agents leveraging US Tech Automations for neighborhood-segmented farming achieve 30-40% higher contact rates through automated, hyper-local market updates
Tacoma Housing Inventory Overview
According to the Pierce County Assessor's Office, Tacoma contains approximately 85,000 residential units spanning one of the most architecturally diverse housing stocks in the Pacific Northwest.
| Housing Type | Units | % of Stock | Median Value | Avg Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family Detached | 47,600 | 56.0% | $495,000 | 1962 |
| Townhome/Rowhome | 5,950 | 7.0% | $425,000 | 2008 |
| Condo | 7,650 | 9.0% | $345,000 | 1985 |
| Duplex/Triplex/Fourplex | 10,200 | 12.0% | $485,000 | 1948 |
| Apartment (5+ units) | 11,050 | 13.0% | N/A (rental) | 1975 |
| Manufactured Home | 2,550 | 3.0% | $185,000 | 1995 |
How does Tacoma's housing stock differ from Seattle's? According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), Tacoma offers significantly more affordable entry points and a higher percentage of multi-family investment properties (12% vs. 8% in Seattle). According to the National Association of Realtors, Tacoma's older housing stock (average year built 1962) creates renovation opportunity that attracts both owner-occupants and investors.
Tacoma's 10,200 duplex-through-fourplex units represent the largest concentration of small multi-family housing in the Puget Sound region, creating a dual opportunity for agents who serve both owner-occupant buyers and small-scale investors, according to Pierce County Assessor data.
According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Tacoma's housing permits averaged 1,200 annually from 2023-2025, with multi-family permits outpacing single-family for the first time in 2025 as developers respond to density zoning changes in the Hilltop and Stadium districts.
Sales Volume and Transaction Trends
According to NWMLS data, Tacoma's transaction volume reflects its position as a major metropolitan market with consistent demand across price segments.
| Year | Closed Sales | Median Price | Total Volume | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,950 | $450,000 | $1.78B | 14 |
| 2023 | 3,400 | $435,000 | $1.48B | 28 |
| 2024 | 3,600 | $452,000 | $1.63B | 25 |
| 2025 | 3,800 | $465,000 | $1.77B | 22 |
| 2026 (Forecast) | 3,900-4,100 | $478,000-$490,000 | $1.86B-$2.01B | 20-24 |
According to Redfin, Tacoma's sales velocity increased 5.6% year-over-year in 2025, outpacing both the Pierce County average (3.8%) and the broader Puget Sound region (2.9%). This acceleration reflects Tacoma's growing appeal to Seattle-area workers seeking more affordable housing while maintaining reasonable commute times.
What is driving Tacoma's sales growth? According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, four primary factors fuel demand: remote work flexibility allowing Seattle employees to live further south, the Link Light Rail extension reaching Tacoma's Hilltop district, JBLM housing demand from military personnel, and Tacoma's growing arts and restaurant scene attracting younger buyers.
Monthly Sales Patterns
| Month | Avg Closed Sales | Avg Price | Market Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 230 | $445,000 | Winter slow period |
| February | 255 | $450,000 | Early spring buyers |
| March | 340 | $458,000 | Spring ramp-up |
| April | 395 | $470,000 | Peak activity begins |
| May | 420 | $478,000 | Highest volume |
| June | 410 | $475,000 | Strong activity |
| July | 380 | $472,000 | Summer steady |
| August | 355 | $468,000 | School prep slowdown |
| September | 310 | $462,000 | Fall transition |
| October | 285 | $458,000 | Moderate activity |
| November | 215 | $452,000 | Pre-holiday decline |
| December | 185 | $448,000 | Lowest activity |
According to Realtor.com seasonal analytics, Tacoma's peak-to-trough price differential of approximately $33,000 (7.1%) creates tactical opportunities for farming agents who advise clients on seasonal pricing advantages.
Agents who secure listing agreements in January-February for March-April launches capture Tacoma's spring price premium of 3-4%, translating to $14,000-$19,000 in additional seller equity and stronger commission outcomes, according to NWMLS seasonal data.
Neighborhood-Level Housing Data
Tacoma's 38 neighborhoods vary dramatically in price, condition, and farming potential. According to the Pierce County Assessor, the following neighborhoods represent the primary farming opportunities.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Annual Sales | Turnover | Median Income | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North End/Proctor | $625,000 | 280 | 5.8% | $95,000 | Established family |
| Stadium District | $545,000 | 145 | 6.2% | $78,000 | Historic urban |
| Hilltop | $385,000 | 210 | 7.5% | $52,000 | Revitalizing |
| Lincoln/South Tacoma | $395,000 | 320 | 8.1% | $55,000 | Working class |
| West End/Narrows | $520,000 | 195 | 5.5% | $82,000 | Military/family |
| Northeast Tacoma | $575,000 | 240 | 6.4% | $88,000 | Suburban feel |
| Lakewood-adjacent | $425,000 | 180 | 7.2% | $58,000 | Value corridor |
| University Place-adjacent | $510,000 | 165 | 5.8% | $78,000 | Schools-driven |
Which Tacoma neighborhood offers the best farming ROI? According to NWMLS data, Lincoln/South Tacoma provides the strongest volume-based farming opportunity with 320 annual sales and an 8.1% turnover rate. However, the North End/Proctor district offers the highest per-transaction commission at the $625,000 median price. According to the National Association of Realtors, the optimal strategy depends on whether an agent prioritizes transaction count or per-deal earnings.
According to Zillow Research, Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood has appreciated 62% over the past five years, the fastest rate in the city, driven by the Link Light Rail extension and significant public and private investment. Farming agents positioned in Hilltop are capturing appreciation-driven turnover as early investors sell to lock in gains.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to manage multiple Tacoma farming zones simultaneously, with neighborhood-specific automated campaigns that reflect each area's unique pricing dynamics, buyer demographics, and market velocity.
Price Stratification and Buyer Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Tacoma's buyer pool segments into distinct cohorts reflecting the city's diverse economic base.
| Price Range | % of Sales | Primary Buyer Profile | Avg Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $300K | 15% | First-time buyers, VA loans | $45,000-$65,000 |
| $300K-$400K | 22% | Military families, young professionals | $65,000-$85,000 |
| $400K-$550K | 30% | Move-up families, Seattle relocators | $85,000-$115,000 |
| $550K-$750K | 22% | Established professionals, dual-income | $115,000-$160,000 |
| $750K+ | 11% | Luxury buyers, waterfront | $160,000+ |
What income is needed to buy in Tacoma? According to mortgage calculations at current 6.5% rates, purchasing Tacoma's median-priced $465,000 home requires a household income of approximately $100,000 with 10% down, or $85,000 with 20% down. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 38% of Tacoma households meet the $85,000 threshold, making homeownership accessible to a broader segment than in Seattle.
Tacoma's affordability advantage draws approximately 2,800 households annually from the Seattle metro area, according to Census migration data, creating a persistent buyer pipeline that sustains farming operations across all price segments.
According to the National Association of Realtors, military buyers represent approximately 18% of Tacoma transactions due to JBLM proximity. VA loans, which require zero down payment, further expand the buyer pool at every price point.
Military Housing Impact on Tacoma Market
According to the Department of Defense, Joint Base Lewis-McChord employs approximately 60,000 military and civilian personnel, making it the largest employer in Pierce County. This military presence fundamentally shapes Tacoma's housing market.
| Military Metric | Value | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty at JBLM | 37,000 | Consistent buyer/renter demand |
| Civilian Employees | 23,000 | Stable employment base |
| Annual PCS Moves (in) | 8,500 | Steady buyer pipeline |
| Annual PCS Moves (out) | 7,800 | Consistent listing supply |
| BAH Rate (E-6 w/dep) | $2,250/mo | Supports $350K-$400K purchase |
| BAH Rate (O-4 w/dep) | $2,850/mo | Supports $450K-$500K purchase |
How does the military affect Tacoma real estate farming? According to the National Association of Realtors Military Relocation Professional program, military buyers follow predictable 3-4 year PCS (Permanent Change of Station) cycles, creating reliable turnover in neighborhoods near JBLM. Agents who build relationships with relocation offices and military family support centers gain access to a steady stream of both buyers and sellers.
According to Veterans United Home Loans, approximately 22% of all Pierce County home purchases in 2025 used VA financing. This VA loan prevalence means farming agents must understand VA appraisal requirements, entitlement calculations, and concession limits.
Property Tax and Cost of Ownership
According to the Pierce County Assessor, Tacoma homeowners face a property tax structure that affects purchasing decisions and farming messaging.
| Cost Component | Tacoma | Pierce County Avg | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Property Tax Rate | 1.05% | 1.00% | 1.02% |
| Annual Tax (median home) | $4,883 | $4,750 | $4,203 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $1,650/yr | $1,580/yr | $1,680/yr |
| Median Monthly PITI (20% down) | $2,985 | $2,920 | $2,750 |
| Avg Utility Cost (monthly) | $310 | $295 | $350 |
According to the Washington State Department of Revenue, Tacoma's property tax rate includes Pierce County general fund, City of Tacoma operations, Tacoma Public Schools, and Sound Transit levies. The combined rate of approximately 1.05% is near the national average but below Seattle's 1.15%.
How do Tacoma property taxes compare to Seattle? According to the King County and Pierce County Assessors, Tacoma homeowners pay approximately 9% less in property taxes per dollar of home value than Seattle homeowners. Combined with the 45% lower median home price, total annual property tax bills in Tacoma average approximately $5,000 less than comparable Seattle properties.
USTA vs Competitor Comparison for Housing Data Analysis
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood-Level Analytics | Yes - 38 Tacoma zones | Basic | Moderate | None |
| Military Relocation Tracking | Built-in PCS workflows | No | No | No |
| Multi-Zone Farm Management | Yes - simultaneous campaigns | Limited | Limited | Manual |
| Seasonal Pricing Alerts | Configurable triggers | No | No | No |
| Turnover Rate Dashboard | Real-time per neighborhood | No | No | No |
| Starting Price | $149/mo | $299/mo | $750/mo | $69/mo |
| VA/Military Buyer Workflows | Built-in templates | No | No | No |
| Investment Property Calculator | Cap rate + cash flow | No | No | No |
US Tech Automations provides the most comprehensive neighborhood-level analytics for Tacoma agents, with unique military relocation tracking and multi-zone farm management that competitors simply do not offer.
How to Analyze Tacoma Housing Data for Farming Success
Segment Tacoma's 38 neighborhoods by farming viability. Rank each zone by turnover rate, median price, sales volume, and competitive saturation. According to geographic farming research, agents should select 2-3 primary zones totaling 800-1,200 homes for their initial farm.
Pull 12-month transaction data from NWMLS. Filter closed sales by your target neighborhoods to establish baseline metrics including median price, DOM, list/sale ratio, and monthly absorption rate. According to MLS best practices, a 12-month lookback captures seasonal patterns accurately.
Identify military vs. civilian buyer concentrations. Map JBLM commute corridors to determine which neighborhoods have the highest military buyer percentage. According to Veterans United, West End/Narrows and Lakewood-adjacent neighborhoods see 30-40% military buyer activity.
Calculate commission opportunity by zone. Multiply annual sales by average commission per transaction for each neighborhood. According to the National Association of Realtors, this analysis reveals which zones offer the highest total earning potential relative to marketing investment.
Monitor new construction and renovation permits. Track City of Tacoma building permits to identify neighborhoods experiencing renovation waves or new development. According to the Pierce County Assessor, Hilltop and Stadium District permits increased 45% in 2025, signaling rising property values.
Set up automated neighborhood price alerts. Configure your CRM to notify you when listings in your farm zones hit the market, change price, or close. The US Tech Automations platform automates this workflow with customizable triggers for each farming zone.
Track absorption rates by price band monthly. Monitor months of supply at each $50K price increment within your farm zones. According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Tacoma's tightest supply sits in the $400,000-$550,000 range at 1.2 months.
Benchmark against adjacent markets quarterly. Compare your Tacoma farm zones to Lakewood, University Place, and Puyallup to identify relative value shifts creating buyer migration. According to Redfin, cross-market price differential analysis is the most predictive tool for buyer flow forecasting.
Generate automated market reports for farm homeowners. Produce monthly neighborhood-specific reports showing recent sales, price trends, and estimated home values for distribution to your database. According to the National Association of Realtors, consistent market reports are the most effective long-term farming touchpoint.
Analyze rental market data for investor outreach. Track rental rates, vacancy rates, and cap rates in your farm neighborhoods to attract investor buyers. US Tech Automations includes investment property calculators that generate professional cash-flow analyses from MLS and rental data.
Tacoma vs. South Puget Sound Comparison
| Metric | Tacoma | Lakewood | University Place | Puyallup | Gig Harbor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Price | $465,000 | $415,000 | $495,000 | $535,000 | $685,000 |
| Annual Sales | 3,800 | 850 | 580 | 1,200 | 650 |
| Population | 222,000 | 65,000 | 34,000 | 43,000 | 12,000 |
| Avg DOM | 22 | 28 | 25 | 24 | 32 |
| Turnover Rate | 6.5% | 7.2% | 5.8% | 6.1% | 4.8% |
| Commission per Deal | $23,250 | $20,750 | $24,750 | $26,750 | $34,250 |
According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Tacoma's total commission pool of approximately $88.4 million (3,800 transactions x $23,250 average total commission) is the largest in the South Puget Sound region, supporting several hundred active farming agents.
Cross-Market Intelligence: South Washington
Tacoma's housing data gains critical context when analyzed alongside neighboring South Puget Sound communities.
Lakewood WA Real Estate Market Data 2026 examines Tacoma's southern neighbor with lower prices and strong military demand
University Place WA Demographics & Housing Data 2026 profiles the family-oriented community west of Tacoma
Puyallup WA Home Prices & Commission Data 2026 analyzes the growing Pierce County suburban market
Gig Harbor WA Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 covers the premium waterfront market across the Narrows Bridge
Bonney Lake WA Real Estate Trends & Data 2026 profiles the emerging suburban market to the southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Tacoma WA in 2026?
According to NWMLS data, Tacoma's median home price reached $465,000 in 2025 and is forecast to reach $478,000-$490,000 by year-end 2026. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood, from $385,000 in Hilltop to $625,000 in the North End/Proctor district.
How many homes sell in Tacoma each year?
Tacoma averages approximately 3,800 closed residential transactions annually, according to NWMLS data. This makes it the highest-volume market in Pierce County and one of the top five by transaction count in Washington State.
Is Tacoma WA a buyer's or seller's market?
With approximately 1.8 months of housing supply as of early 2026, Tacoma is a seller's market, according to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research. Balanced conditions require 4-6 months of supply. However, conditions vary by neighborhood: the North End operates at 1.2 months while South Tacoma sits at 2.4 months.
How does Tacoma compare to Seattle for home prices?
Tacoma's median of $465,000 is approximately 45% below Seattle's $850,000 median, according to NWMLS data. According to Redfin migration data, approximately 2,800 households relocated from Seattle to Tacoma in 2025, drawn by this affordability gap and improving transit connections.
What impact does JBLM have on Tacoma real estate?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 60,000 military and civilian employees generate approximately 18% of Pierce County home purchases annually, according to Veterans United. The base's 8,500 annual incoming PCS transfers create a consistent buyer pipeline, while 7,800 outgoing transfers provide steady listing supply.
Which Tacoma neighborhoods are appreciating fastest?
According to Zillow Research, Hilltop leads with 62% five-year appreciation, followed by Stadium District (48%), Lincoln (42%), and the North End (35%). Light rail expansion and commercial investment are primary drivers of Hilltop's outsized gains.
What are property taxes in Tacoma WA?
According to the Pierce County Assessor, Tacoma's effective property tax rate is approximately 1.05% of market value, translating to roughly $4,883 annually on the median-priced $465,000 home. This rate includes Pierce County, City of Tacoma, school district, and Sound Transit levies.
What school district serves Tacoma?
Tacoma Public Schools serves the majority of the city, with portions covered by University Place and Franklin Pierce districts, according to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Stadium High School (7/10) and Science and Math Institute (SAMI) at 9/10 are notable standouts within the district.
How fast do homes sell in Tacoma?
According to NWMLS data, Tacoma's average days on market is 22, making it one of the faster-moving markets in Pierce County. Well-priced homes in the North End and Northeast Tacoma frequently receive multiple offers within the first weekend of listing.
Conclusion: Tacoma's Volume Market Creates Farming Opportunity
Tacoma's combination of 3,800 annual transactions, diverse neighborhoods, and persistent Seattle-to-Tacoma buyer migration creates one of Washington State's most productive farming environments. The city's 38 distinct neighborhoods offer entry points for agents at every experience level and budget, from high-volume first-time buyer zones to premium waterfront luxury territories.
Harness Tacoma's housing data with the US Tech Automations platform, which provides neighborhood-level analytics, military relocation tracking, and multi-zone farm management specifically designed for high-volume metropolitan markets. In a market generating over $88 million in annual commissions, the agents who automate their data delivery and follow-up workflows consistently outperform those relying on manual prospecting.
Start farming Tacoma with data-driven precision and the technology that top-producing agents trust.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
