The story of this market
The typical home in University Place, Washington sells for about $699,581, or $363 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.6% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 7 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,150 a month.
Monthly price momentum
Home values since 2015
-0.2%
WA · past 12 months
Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.
University Place, Washington
The University Place housing market is currently a competitive seller's market, characterized by low inventory and homes selling near or above asking price. Strong demand is driven by the city's reputation for quality schools and its desirable location near Tacoma, keeping the market resilient despite broader economic shifts.
No ARED county foreclosure postings attributed to University Place yet — the verified ledger covers every county the foreclosure ingest has read, attributed by published city area. Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).
Median prices moved up 3.6% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 7 days on market with 2.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
41% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 101.3% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 8.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this city — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.
A world-class public golf course and park that hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, offering dramatic views of the Puget Sound and extensive walking trails.
A large community park featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and open spaces that serve as a primary recreational hub for local families.
University Place is an ideal fit for families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with high-quality schools and access to premium outdoor amenities. Its proximity to Tacoma and major regional employers makes it a popular choice for commuters who prioritize a quieter residential environment.
The city is served by the University Place School District, which is highly regarded for its academic performance and student outcomes. Schools in the district consistently rank well within Pierce County, contributing to the area's appeal for families.
The city is served by a network of arterial roads connecting to Interstate 5 and Highway 16, facilitating commutes to Tacoma and Seattle. Public transit is provided by Pierce Transit, offering bus connections throughout the region.
University Place is home to the world-renowned Chambers Bay Golf Course, which hosted the 2015 U.S. Open and offers extensive public trails and waterfront access. The city features numerous community parks and green spaces that serve as central hubs for local outdoor activity.
The rental market in University Place is characterized by steady demand and low vacancy rates, driven by its proximity to major employment centers in Tacoma and the military base. Rent growth has tracked with regional trends, and the market remains attractive to long-term investors.
The local economy is anchored by service-sector businesses, retail, and proximity to the broader Tacoma-Lakewood employment corridor. Major economic drivers include the public school district and regional government services.
University Place maintains a steady development pace with a focus on residential quality and local commercial amenities. While not a major industrial hub, its proximity to Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides a strong economic foundation and consistent demand for housing.
Development planning is focused on maintaining the city's suburban character while supporting modest infill and commercial revitalization in designated corridors.
Parcels are subject to levies from the University Place School District, Pierce County, and local fire/EMS districts, which are reflected in the annual property tax assessment.
University Place generally experiences lower crime rates compared to the neighboring city of Tacoma, with public safety efforts prioritized by the city council. Residents typically report a sense of security, though property crime remains the most common concern in the region.
The city faces standard Pacific Northwest climate risks, including potential for windstorms and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Insurance markets remain stable, though residents are encouraged to maintain standard hazard coverage typical for the Puget Sound region.
The insurance market is stable, with premiums reflecting standard regional risks for wind and water damage common to the Puget Sound area.
The city's property tax structure includes levies for the University Place School District, Pierce County, the State of Washington, and local fire/EMS districts. The city portion of the tax rate is specifically allocated to fund police and public safety services.
Researched annual trajectory for this city, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this city's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau QuickFacts and Data USA profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
County linkage populates as this city's member ZIP reports roster beneath it.
No ZIP intel reports rostered under this city yet — property dossiers roll up through the ZIP tier, so the chain populates as the county refreshes discover them.