Pierce County offers a unique blend of vibrant city life, charming suburbs, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county is home to Tacoma, its largest city, which boasts a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and a strong sense of community. Alongside Tacoma, picturesque waterfront towns such as Gig Harbor provide stunning views of the Puget Sound, while more rural areas offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. This combination of urban convenience and natural beauty makes Pierce County a place where people can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Beyond its scenic appeal, Pierce County is rich in outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. The region is a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, offering endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife exploration. Residents and visitors can also explore numerous parks, trails, and waterfront areas, making it easy to embrace an active lifestyle. Meanwhile, the county’s diverse communities host a variety of events, farmers’ markets, and festivals that celebrate local art, food, and heritage. Whether seeking adventure, a thriving job market, or a welcoming community, Pierce County provides a dynamic and fulfilling environment for all who call it home.
Come see how Pierce County perfectly blends city life and nature.
Pierce County’s rich history is woven into its towns, landmarks, and cultural traditions, reflecting the legacy of the people who have shaped the region. Established in 1852 and named after President Franklin Pierce, the county has deep ties to the Pacific Northwest’s early pioneers, the railroad industry, and the timber trade. Historic towns like Steilacoom—the first incorporated town in Washington—offer a glimpse into the past with well-preserved buildings and museums, while Dupont’s roots trace back to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s fur trade in the 1830s. The region’s military history is also significant, with Joint Base Lewis-McChord playing a vital role in national defense for over a century.
Beyond its towns and industries, Pierce County’s history is reflected in its traditions and cultural events. The annual Daffodil Festival, dating back to the 1930s, celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, while museums like the Washington State History Museum and Fort Nisqually Living History Museum bring the stories of early settlers and Indigenous communities to life. As Pierce County continues to grow and evolve, it remains deeply connected to its past, honoring the pioneers, industries, and cultures that have made it what it is today.
At the heart of Pierce County, Tacoma stands as a vibrant center of culture, industry, and waterfront beauty. Surrounding the city, the county unfolds into a mix of historic towns, suburban hubs, and peaceful rural landscapes. Puyallup thrives with its renowned fairgrounds and agricultural heritage, while Lakewood offers a blend of commerce and community. Along the shores of Puget Sound, Steilacoom preserves its rich history as Washington’s first incorporated town. Further south, the towering presence of Mount Rainier defines the county’s rugged natural beauty, drawing adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether in its lively cities, charming towns, or breathtaking wilderness, Pierce County offers a dynamic and diverse experience.
Pierce County offers a diverse real estate market, featuring everything from historic homes in charming small towns to modern waterfront properties and mountain retreats. Home prices vary based on location, size, and amenities, ranging from around $350,000 to multi-million-dollar luxury estates, with a median price near $550,000.
The vibrant urban hub of Pierce County, Tacoma is known for its thriving arts scene, historic districts, and scenic waterfront. The city offers a mix of modern and historic architecture, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions like the Museum of Glass and the Washington State History Museum.
A picturesque maritime town, Gig Harbor is celebrated for its waterfront lifestyle, charming downtown, and strong sense of community. With boutique shopping, excellent schools, and easy access to outdoor activities, it’s a sought-after destination for families and boating enthusiasts alike.
A diverse and well-connected city, Lakewood provides a blend of suburban living, scenic waterfront parks, and close proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. With a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and outdoor spaces, it offers a dynamic and convenient lifestyle.
Best known as the home of Chambers Bay Golf Course, University Place offers a blend of upscale and family-friendly living. With waterfront parks, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s a desirable place for those looking to enjoy both suburban tranquility and recreational activities.
A rural town with a deep connection to nature, Eatonville offers large properties, open spaces, and a close-knit community feel. Its location near Mount Rainier National Park makes it an ideal home for those who appreciate outdoor adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
Pierce County is home to several top-performing public school districts that provide strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college readiness initiatives. Tacoma Public Schools, the largest district in the county, offers a diverse range of academic programs, including STEM-focused and arts-integrated magnet schools. The Puyallup School District is known for its strong academic performance, career and technical education programs, and engaged community support. In the Gig Harbor area, the Peninsula School District provides excellent college-preparatory programs and extracurricular opportunities. Other districts, such as Bethel and Sumner-Bonney Lake, also focus on innovation and student success, ensuring a well-rounded education for students across the county.
Families seeking alternative education have numerous private school choices in Pierce County, offering faith-based, college-preparatory, and experiential learning approaches. Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma provides a Jesuit college-preparatory education with a rigorous academic curriculum and strong community engagement. Annie Wright Schools, an independent IB-accredited institution, serves students from preschool through high school with an emphasis on global learning. Cascade Christian Schools offer faith-based education across multiple campuses, integrating academic excellence with spiritual growth. Charles Wright Academy, another independent college-preparatory school, emphasizes leadership and experiential learning. In Gig Harbor, Harbor Christian Schools provide Christ-centered education for families in the area. Additionally, alternative learning approaches, such as those found at Harbor Montessori School in Gig Harbor and Tacoma Montessori School, offer hands-on, individualized education tailored to each student’s needs.
Pierce County is home to several higher education institutions that provide pathways to associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees, as well as career-focused training. The University of Washington Tacoma offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, engineering, and social work, as part of the prestigious UW system. Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma is a private liberal arts university known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and education. Bates and Clover Park Technical Colleges provide workforce training in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, helping students transition into high-demand careers. Pierce College, with campuses in Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom, offers top-rated community college programs, including transfer degrees and professional training. With a combination of strong public schools, diverse private education options, and excellent higher education institutions, Pierce County provides students and families with the resources they need to succeed at every stage of learning.
Source: Census.gov & Census Reporter
The population is approximately 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The median age in Pierce County is 36.8 years.
Source: US Census
928,696
Source: Census.gov
Among residents aged 25 and older, 32.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: Census.gov
The population is 73.1% White, 8.0% African American, 1.8% Native American, 7.4% Asian, 1.8% Pacific Islander, and 7.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 12.2% of the population.
Source: Census.gov
$82,574
Source: Best Places
Voting trends indicate a somewhat liberal preference; in the last presidential election, 53.8% voted Democrat, while 42.6% voted Republican.
4221 Harborview Dr., NW.
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Listings Courtesy of NWMLS
