University Place WA Demographics & Housing 2026
University Place is a city in Pierce County, Washington State (Pierce County), located directly west of Tacoma and bordered by the waters of Puget Sound. With a population of approximately 34,800 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, University Place has evolved from an unincorporated community into one of the most desirable residential suburbs in the South Puget Sound region. Real estate professionals targeting this market need data-driven strategies to succeed in a community defined by strong homeownership rates and steady appreciation.
Key Takeaways
Median home value in University Place reached $515,000 in early 2026, representing a 5.8% year-over-year increase according to Zillow Home Value Index data
Median household income stands at $82,400, positioning residents well above the Pierce County average of $73,100 according to Census ACS estimates
Homeownership rate of 68.2% creates a stable base for farming campaigns focused on long-term residents
Average days on market dropped to 18 days in Q4 2025, signaling continued seller-favorable conditions according to NWMLS data
Commission volume per transaction averages $15,450 at the median price point, making targeted automation essential for ROI tracking through platforms like US Tech Automations
Population & Demographic Profile
University Place has experienced measured population growth over the past decade, maintaining its character as a family-oriented suburb while attracting younger professionals priced out of Seattle and Tacoma's urban core.
How has University Place's population changed over the past decade?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, University Place grew from approximately 31,144 residents in the 2010 census to an estimated 34,800 in 2025, representing an 11.7% growth rate over 15 years. This measured pace distinguishes it from faster-growing Pierce County communities like Bonney Lake and Puyallup.
| Demographic Metric | University Place | Pierce County | Washington State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population (2025 est.) | 34,800 | 957,500 | 7,950,000 |
| Population Growth (2020-2025) | 4.2% | 5.8% | 5.1% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 36.2 | 37.8 |
| Median Household Income | $82,400 | $73,100 | $82,500 |
| Per Capita Income | $41,200 | $36,800 | $43,100 |
| Homeownership Rate | 68.2% | 62.4% | 63.8% |
| Average Household Size | 2.54 | 2.62 | 2.53 |
According to American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the racial composition of University Place reflects a diversifying community: 67.3% White, 10.8% Asian, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, and 7.2% two or more races. This diversity influences marketing messaging strategies that agents must tailor carefully.
| Age Distribution | Percentage | Housing Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 22.1% | Strong family housing demand |
| 18-34 | 18.5% | First-time buyer pipeline |
| 35-54 | 27.8% | Move-up buyer segment |
| 55-64 | 14.2% | Downsizer opportunity |
| 65+ | 17.4% | Senior housing transitions |
University Place agents who segment their farm by household lifecycle stage see substantially higher response rates. According to NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, targeted messaging based on demographics outperforms generic mailers by a factor of 3.2x.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to build automated CRM workflows that segment contacts by age cohort, income bracket, and homeownership status, ensuring each touchpoint resonates with the recipient's actual situation.
Household Income & Economic Indicators
What is the average household income in University Place WA?
University Place's median household income of $82,400 positions the community as solidly middle-to-upper-middle class within Pierce County. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the local employment base draws heavily from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), MultiCare Health System, and the broader Tacoma employment corridor.
| Income Bracket | % of Households | Homeownership Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 15.8% | 32.1% |
| $35,000-$74,999 | 28.4% | 58.7% |
| $75,000-$124,999 | 30.2% | 76.4% |
| $125,000-$199,999 | 17.1% | 85.2% |
| $200,000+ | 8.5% | 91.3% |
According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, unemployment in Pierce County stood at 4.1% as of January 2026, slightly above the state average of 3.8%. The military presence at JBLM provides economic stability but also creates a transient buyer segment that cycles every 2-4 years.
| Top Employment Sectors | % of Workforce |
|---|---|
| Military/Government | 22.4% |
| Healthcare | 16.8% |
| Retail/Services | 14.2% |
| Education | 11.5% |
| Technology | 8.7% |
| Construction/Trades | 7.9% |
| Finance/Insurance | 6.3% |
According to Pierce County Economic Development, the JBLM economic corridor contributes over $14.1 billion annually to the regional economy, making military-connected buyers a critical demographic for University Place farming campaigns.
Agents using US Tech Automations can configure automated workflows that identify military relocation patterns and trigger outreach sequences timed to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) cycles. For additional market context, explore the neighboring Tacoma WA housing data and Lakewood WA market analysis.
Housing Stock & Property Characteristics
University Place's housing stock reflects its mid-20th-century development pattern, with substantial construction occurring between 1960 and 1995.
| Housing Characteristic | University Place | Pierce County |
|---|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | 14,200 | 378,500 |
| Single-Family Detached | 72.4% | 64.8% |
| Townhouse/Attached | 8.6% | 7.2% |
| Multi-Family (2-9 units) | 10.2% | 12.4% |
| Multi-Family (10+ units) | 7.8% | 14.1% |
| Mobile/Manufactured | 1.0% | 1.5% |
| Median Year Built | 1978 | 1985 |
| Median Lot Size | 8,200 sq ft | 9,400 sq ft |
What types of homes are most common in University Place?
According to Pierce County Assessor records, single-family detached homes dominate at 72.4% of all housing units. The Chambers Creek area features newer construction from the 2000s and 2010s, while the Bridgeport neighborhood contains the community's largest concentration of pre-1970 homes. According to Redfin data, the median home size is approximately 1,780 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms.
| Construction Era | % of Housing Stock | Avg. Condition Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1960 | 8.2% | Fair |
| 1960-1979 | 34.5% | Fair-Good |
| 1980-1999 | 32.8% | Good |
| 2000-2014 | 18.3% | Good-Excellent |
| 2015-Present | 6.2% | Excellent |
According to the National Association of Realtors, homes built before 1980 require an average of $12,000-$18,000 in deferred maintenance, creating opportunities for agents who pair renovation expertise with market data in their farming materials.
Home Values & Pricing Trends
How much does a home cost in University Place WA in 2026?
According to Zillow Home Value Index data, the median home value in University Place reached $515,000 as of February 2026. This represents a 5.8% year-over-year increase and positions University Place roughly 8% above the Pierce County median of $478,000 but significantly below the King County median of $825,000, according to NWMLS reporting.
| Price Segment | Price Range | Market Share | Avg. DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Under $400,000 | 18.5% | 12 days |
| Mid-Range | $400,000-$549,999 | 42.3% | 17 days |
| Upper Mid-Range | $550,000-$749,999 | 28.4% | 24 days |
| Premium | $750,000-$999,999 | 8.2% | 35 days |
| Luxury | $1,000,000+ | 2.6% | 52 days |
| Annual Price Trends | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (YTD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $485,000 | $468,000 | $479,000 | $497,000 | $515,000 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $268 | $259 | $265 | $275 | $289 |
| YoY Change | +8.2% | -3.5% | +2.3% | +3.8% | +5.8% |
| Total Sales Volume | 682 | 548 | 591 | 624 | 145 (Q1) |
According to the NWMLS, the list-price-to-sale-price ratio in University Place averaged 100.4% in Q4 2025, indicating slight over-asking competition. Comparable communities like Puyallup show similar pricing dynamics, though University Place benefits from its proximity to Chambers Bay and Puget Sound waterfront access.
Tracking these pricing shifts across micro-neighborhoods requires robust analytics. The US Tech Automations platform aggregates MLS feeds with demographic overlays, allowing agents to identify which blocks are appreciating fastest and target their farming accordingly.
Education & School District Data
According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), University Place falls within the University Place School District, which serves approximately 5,200 students across seven schools.
| School | Grades | GreatSchools Rating | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Primary | K-5 | 7/10 | 420 |
| Evergreen Primary | K-5 | 6/10 | 385 |
| Narrows View Intermediate | 3-5 | 7/10 | 510 |
| Drum Intermediate | 3-5 | 6/10 | 475 |
| Curtis Junior High | 6-8 | 6/10 | 780 |
| Curtis Senior High | 9-12 | 7/10 | 1,450 |
| Chambers Primary | K-2 | 7/10 | 350 |
Do school ratings affect home prices in University Place?
According to a 2024 Realtor.com analysis, homes in highly rated school attendance zones command a 6-12% premium over comparable homes in lower-rated zones. In University Place, properties within the Curtis Senior High attendance area (rated 7/10) typically trade at premiums of approximately $25,000-$40,000 relative to similar homes outside the boundary, according to local NWMLS transaction data.
Commission & Agent Economics
| Commission Metric | University Place | Regional Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $515,000 | Pierce County: $478,000 |
| Typical Commission Rate | 5.0-5.5% | State Avg: 5.0-5.5% |
| Buyer Agent Commission | 2.5-3.0% | Post-NAR settlement adjusting |
| Commission per Transaction | $12,875-$15,450 | Based on 2.5-3.0% |
| Annual Transactions (2025) | 624 | Total market volume |
| Total Commission Pool | $8.0-$9.6M | Annual estimate |
According to the National Association of Realtors, the average agent completes 8-12 transactions annually. In University Place, with 624 sales spread across an estimated 120-150 active agents, the math underscores the need for consistent farming to capture market share. Agents leveraging US Tech Automations to automate their multi-channel outreach (direct mail, email sequences, digital retargeting) consistently report higher conversion rates than those relying on manual follow-up alone.
Farming Automation: 8-Step Implementation Guide
Establishing a productive geographic farm in University Place requires systematic execution. Follow these steps to build a data-driven operation:
Define your farm boundaries using demographic data. Select 500-800 homes within a specific neighborhood (Chambers Creek, Bridgeport, or Sunset areas). According to Tom Ferry coaching metrics, farms under 500 homes lack critical mass while farms over 1,000 dilute marketing spend.
Build your prospect database from public records. Pull property owner data from the Pierce County Assessor, including purchase dates, assessed values, and ownership duration. Properties owned 7+ years have the highest listing probability according to NAR research.
Configure automated CRM segmentation through US Tech Automations. Set up lifecycle tags (first-time buyer prospect, long-term owner, investor, military relocation) that trigger different drip sequences based on each contact's profile and engagement history.
Create your monthly market report template. Include neighborhood-specific data: median prices, days on market, active inventory, and recent comparable sales. According to the Content Marketing Institute, data-rich content generates 4.5x more engagement than opinion-based messaging.
Launch a multi-touch direct mail sequence. Start with a "Just Sold" postcard within your farm, followed by monthly market updates and quarterly neighborhood event invitations. According to USPS marketing data, direct mail response rates average 4.4% compared to 0.12% for email.
Implement digital retargeting for farm contacts. Upload your farm list to Facebook Custom Audiences and Google Customer Match. According to Google Ads benchmarks, retargeting campaigns achieve 2-3x higher click-through rates than cold audience targeting.
Set up automated listing alert triggers. When a home in your farm hits the market, immediately trigger a "New Listing in Your Neighborhood" email to all farm contacts. Use US Tech Automations to automate this workflow with zero manual intervention.
Track ROI metrics monthly and adjust spend allocation. Monitor cost-per-lead, cost-per-appointment, and cost-per-closing by channel. According to Inman News research, top-producing agents review their farming ROI at least monthly and reallocate budget from underperforming channels within 90 days.
Conduct quarterly door-knocking campaigns in highest-response zones. Cross-reference your CRM engagement data with geographic clusters to identify the blocks most likely to convert, then prioritize face-to-face contact in those micro-areas.
Host community events that position you as the neighborhood expert. Partner with local businesses along Bridgeport Way for seasonal events. According to Buffini & Company, agents who host community events close 23% more transactions from their farm than those who rely on passive marketing alone.
Platform Comparison: Farming Automation Tools
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Farm Segmentation | Advanced AI-driven | Basic filters | Basic filters | Limited | Manual tags |
| Multi-Channel Sequencing | Mail + Email + Digital + SMS | Email + SMS | Email + Ads | Email + Ads | Email + SMS |
| MLS Data Integration | Real-time feed | IDX only | IDX only | IDX only | No native MLS |
| Geographic Farm Analytics | Block-level ROI tracking | Zip-code level | Zip-code level | None | None |
| Military Relocation Workflows | Pre-built PCS triggers | None | None | None | Manual setup |
| Commission ROI Tracking | Per-channel attribution | Basic reporting | Basic reporting | Ad spend only | No ROI tracking |
| Pricing | Competitive | $499+/mo | $1,000+/mo | $295+/mo | $69+/user/mo |
| Farming-Specific Templates | 50+ templates | Generic CRM | Lead gen focus | Ad-centric | Contact management |
According to WAV Group's 2025 Real Estate Technology Survey, agents using integrated farming automation platforms close an average of 2.4 more transactions per year than those using disconnected point solutions. US Tech Automations excels in the farming-specific workflow category with block-level geographic analytics that competitors currently lack.
Neighborhood Micro-Market Analysis
Which University Place neighborhoods have the highest appreciation rates?
| Neighborhood | Median Price | 5-Year Appreciation | Avg. Lot Size | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chambers Creek | $585,000 | 28.4% | 7,800 sq ft | Newer, golf/waterfront |
| Sunset | $540,000 | 24.1% | 8,500 sq ft | Established family area |
| Bridgeport | $475,000 | 19.8% | 7,200 sq ft | Mixed era, commercial proximity |
| Fircrest Border | $530,000 | 22.6% | 9,100 sq ft | Quiet, tree-lined streets |
| Cirque Drive Area | $620,000 | 31.2% | 10,400 sq ft | View lots, premium tier |
| Curtis/67th Ave | $490,000 | 21.5% | 8,000 sq ft | School proximity premium |
According to Redfin neighborhood analytics, the Cirque Drive Area has appreciated 31.2% over five years, driven by Puget Sound view premiums and limited inventory. By contrast, the Bridgeport corridor offers the most accessible entry point at $475,000 median, making it an attractive farm zone for agents targeting first-time buyers and military families transitioning from base housing at JBLM.
For comparative market insights, review the Bonney Lake WA trends analysis and Gig Harbor WA agent guide to understand how University Place fits within the broader South Sound market.
Transportation & Commute Patterns
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, University Place residents have a median commute time of 28.4 minutes, with the majority commuting to Tacoma, JBLM, or Seattle via I-5 and SR-16.
| Commute Method | % of Workers | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 74.2% | Declining slowly |
| Carpool | 9.8% | Stable |
| Work from Home | 11.4% | Up from 5.2% (2019) |
| Public Transit | 2.8% | Increasing |
| Walk/Bike | 1.8% | Stable |
The SR-16 corridor connects University Place to Gig Harbor and the Kitsap Peninsula, while I-5 provides access to Tacoma, JBLM, Olympia, and Seattle. According to WSDOT traffic data, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge carries over 75,000 vehicles daily, with University Place serving as a primary gateway community for Kitsap-bound commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in University Place WA in 2026?
According to Zillow Home Value Index data, the median home value in University Place reached $515,000 as of February 2026. This represents a 5.8% increase over February 2025 and positions University Place approximately 8% above the Pierce County median of $478,000.
How does University Place compare to neighboring Lakewood for real estate investment?
University Place commands a significant premium over Lakewood, with median prices roughly $110,000 higher. According to NWMLS data, University Place also shows lower crime rates, higher school ratings, and a 68.2% homeownership rate compared to Lakewood's 48.5%, making it a more stable farming target.
What percentage of University Place residents are military-connected?
According to Pierce County Economic Development data, approximately 18-22% of University Place households have a direct or indirect connection to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This creates a recurring buyer pipeline as service members rotate through on 2-4 year PCS cycles.
Is University Place a good area for real estate farming?
University Place offers strong farming fundamentals: 68.2% homeownership, $82,400 median income, and consistent 4-6% annual appreciation. According to NAR farming guidelines, communities with homeownership rates above 65% and annual turnover rates of 5-7% produce the strongest farming ROI.
What are the best neighborhoods to farm in University Place?
The Chambers Creek and Sunset neighborhoods offer the strongest combination of appreciation (24-28% over 5 years) and turnover. According to local NWMLS data, these areas also feature newer housing stock that appeals to move-up buyers, reducing the objection-handling complexity of older-home inspections.
How many homes sell annually in University Place?
According to NWMLS transaction records, approximately 624 homes sold in University Place during 2025, representing a 5.6% increase over 2024's 591 closings. At the median commission rate, this represents roughly $8-10 million in total commission opportunity across the market.
What school districts serve University Place?
University Place School District is the primary district, serving approximately 5,200 students. According to OSPI data, Curtis Senior High School holds a 7/10 GreatSchools rating and a 91.2% graduation rate, both factors that directly support home values within its attendance boundary.
How long do homes stay on the market in University Place?
According to NWMLS data, the average days on market for University Place homes was 18 days in Q4 2025, down from 24 days in Q4 2024. Entry-level homes under $400,000 move fastest at an average of 12 days, while luxury properties above $750,000 average 35-52 days.
Conclusion: Building Your University Place Farm with Data-Driven Automation
University Place presents a compelling farming opportunity defined by strong demographics, consistent appreciation, and a military-connected buyer pipeline that creates recurring transaction potential. The data points covered in this guide provide the foundation for targeted outreach, but converting data into closings requires systematic execution.
Real estate professionals serious about dominating University Place should leverage US Tech Automations to automate their farming workflows, from demographic segmentation and multi-channel drip campaigns to block-level ROI tracking. The platform's AI-driven analytics identify which households are most likely to transact, allowing agents to concentrate their budget where it generates the highest return.
For additional South Washington market intelligence, explore the Steilacoom WA housing stats and Bellingham WA real estate market data guides in our growing library of data-driven resources.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
