Disclaimer: The information presented here has been researched at the time of this page last update/posting. Some sections will show an on average cost/fee, or state when it was last updated. For more accurate costs/fees, please be sure to visit each agencies website for more information. We try to make sure this information is as complete and updated as possible. If you find any information incorrect, or a link that is not working as intended, please contact us directly by phone or email.
Auto and Driver Licensing
Out of state residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Washington state resident and pass a vehicle emissions test by the Washington State Patrol.
The Lakewood Vehicle/Vessel Licensing Agency:
10102-A Bristol Avenue SW, (253) 588-7786
Out-of-state residents and new drivers can apply for their driver’s license at the 27th St. DOL office in University Place, (253) 534-3218 or at the South Yakima Avenue in Tacoma, (253) 593-2990.
Churches
There are over 60 local churches of many denominations in Lakewood. Look under church listings in this directory, or refer to an on-line directory such as Google or your local telephone directory for more information.
Follow this Google Search link for more information:
https://www.google.com/search?q=churches+in+Lakewood%2C+Washington
Climate
Our seasons are wonderfully moderate! Typical summer afternoon highs reach the low 80s, and daytime winter temperatures range in the 40s.
Summer afternoon winds range from zero to fifteen miles per hour creating ideal sailing and boating weather. Winters can be rainy and windy, but not bitterly cold as associated with most northern states.
Get the current weather: Weather Channel for the City of Lakewood.
Occasionally, we see some snowfall where our rooftops and trees are blanketed in winter splendor—but it generally melts before it accumulates to any depth with the exception of nearby Cascade and Olympic mountains—where excellent ski and winter sports conditions prevail. Approximately 75 percent of the area’s rainfall occurs in October through March. Record mean precipitation is 39.9 inches annually.
Parks & Recreation
While in and around the city of Lakewood are impressive paid and free parks, our area is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the nation. Your access to the great Pacific Northwest starts with a Discovery Pass – your ticket to Washington’s Great Outdoors. www.discoverpass.wa.gov
Economy
The most recent cost of living index figures reports the county (Pierce) is 118.8 percent—with the US average of 100 percent.
| COST OF LIVING | Pierce | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 118.9 | 118.7 |
| Grocery | 101.4 | 101.1 |
| Health | 83.8 | 83.8 |
| Housing | 152.3 | 164.9 |
*As of May 2022. Source: Google Search
https://www.google.com/search?q=cost+of+living+index+pierce+county
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/county/washington/pierce
Business
Considering opening a business in the city limits of Lakewood?
To learn more information and how to start, please click here to read the latest news, policies, regulations and tax requirements for the City of Lakewood.
Why Lakewood?
Conveniently located halfway between Seattle and Olympia, Lakewood is the host community to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. We are home to several beautiful lakes and wonderful historic treasures such as Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewold Gardens and Thornewood Castle. Lakewood is an ideal place to shop or lodge while visiting local destinations like Mount Rainier or Chambers Bay.
Lakewood is just minutes away from Puget Sound and the Port of Tacoma and just a short drive to Sea-Tac International Airport . With great educational opportunities, a strong business district, and numerous recreational opportunities, Lakewood is a great place to locate!
Lakewood has No B&O Tax, No Traffic Impact Fees, and No additional minimum wage requirement.
Source: City of Lakewood website located at (as of December 2018):
https://www.cityoflakewood.us/economic-development/doing-business/
Information to your answers is always the best way to start on the right foot — especially when it comes to municipal policies. rules and regulations as well as tax and licensing requirements. Each municipality and county in the State of Washington is governed independently, and as such, their regulations and policies differ.
To learn more about unincorporated Pierce County, click here. If you plan to open a business in the city limits of Tacoma, click here.
Employment
Pierce County Job Service
The Washington State Employment Security Department has two main offices in Lakewood and Tacoma. For employment assistance, visit the Pierce County Job Service Center Lakewood Office, 10107 South Tacoma Way, Building A, Suite 2, or call (253) 589-6311. You can also visit or call the Pierce County Job Service Tacoma Office, 1305 Tacoma Avenue South. (253) 593-7300.
Pierce County Work Source
A one-stop resource that lets businesses and individuals access employment services of many local providers with the click of a mouse. Regional and national resources are also available from this single Internet site. Finding the employment services you need is now as easy as turning on your computer. Go to www.go2worksource.com.
Services
Government
The City of Lakewood became the eighth largest city in the state upon incorporation on February 28, 1996.
The City has a Council-Manager form of government with an appointed City Manager and seven elected Council Members. City Council holds regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Mondays and study sessions on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
City Hall is located at 6000 Main St. SW. Call City Hall at (253) 589-2489 or the information line at (253) 512-2264.
Housing
From small starter/retirement homes to grand mansions on the shores of our beautiful lakes and private country clubs; a wide range of homes are available to choose from.
House Assistance – City of Lakewood
The typical home value of homes in Lakewood is $509,019. This value is seasonally adjusted and only includes the middle price tier of homes. Lakewood home values have gone up 19.4% over the past year.
*As of May 2022. Source: https://www.zillow.com/lakewood-wa/home-values/
The average rent for an apartment in Lakewood is $1,532. The cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including location, size, and quality.
*As of May 2022. Source: https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/wa/pierce-county/lakewood/
Light & Power
Lakeview Light & Power is located at 11509 Bridgeport Way SW Lakewood, WA 98499.
Phone (253) 584-6060 | Tacoma Power (800) 752-6745 | Puget Sound Energy (888) 225-5773.
Water Services
Lakewood Water District is located 11900 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
Phone (253) 588-4423.
Waste Management
Lakewood Refuse & Recycling is located at 3869 94th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
Phone: (253) 588-1705.
Postal Service
The main post office, serving the residents and businesses of Lakewood is located at 5409 100th St. SW and open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 p.m.
For additional Information, call 1-800-275-8777.
Safety Services
Law Enforcement
The Lakewood Police Department works collaboratively with a wide variety of governmental, community and neighborhood organizations to reduce crime and safety in our city. Since incorporation in 1996, crime in Lakewood has dropped 24 percent overall, with an astounding drop of 40 percent in violent crime.
Police youth outreach activities were an integral part the recognition provided by America’s Promise that Lakewood is one of the 100 best cities in America for youth.
The Crime Free Business Task Force, developed through a partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, helps businesses to protect themselves from being victims of crime. This partnership has also been instrumental in pioneering best practices to reduce crime and improve the quality of service in rental housing, motels, and liquor establishments.
The Lakewood Police Department has deep roots in Lakewood. They share in its progress and are proud to serve Lakewood and its citizens. “Of, For, About Community.”
For non-emergency calls (253) 798-4721, otherwise, please dial 911.
Fire and Life Safety
The mission of Lakewood Fire District 2 is to provide service to the community by preventing and minimizing loss of life, pain, and suffering, and property loss or damage. The Department strives to deliver these services in a caring and professional manner with an emphasis on customer service. The department has a Class 3 fire defense rating, ensuring low insurance rates, and an average response time of five minutes.
The district’s staff includes 123 full-time personnel, 21 of whom are certified, paramedics. The district has five stations and their headquarters is located at 10928 Pacific Hwy. SW.
For non-emergency calls (253) 582-4600, otherwise, please dial 911.
Hospitals
The list is lengthy—please click here to see a list of hospitals and clinics that serves Lakewood, WA and the surrounding communities. If you would like your establishment to be listed, please contact the chamber with your details.
OTHER
Taxes*
The state general sales tax rate of Washington is 6.500%. Cities and/or municipalities of Washington are allowed to collect their own rate that can get up to 3.5% in city sales tax. Lakewood has no B&O tax. There is no income tax in the state of Washington.
Sales Tax rate for the City of Lakewood, WA: 10.000%
For more information, please visit the state website:
https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/retail-sales-tax
A convenient tool to look up city sales tax rates can be found here:
https://webgis.dor.wa.gov/taxratelookup/SalesTax.aspx
A reliable source: Avalara, Inc.
https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/washington/cities/lakewood.html
*As of May 2022.
Transportation
Just north of Lakewood, WA, is our world-class port of Tacoma and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) provide easy access to the nation and the world. A regional rapid transit system links Lakewood commuters as far north as Everett through a Park-N-Ride located at: Park-N-Ride at SR512 and I5.
Ferry Services: The Pierce County Ferry serves Anderson and Ketron islands from the town of Steilacoom (south of Lakewood, WA – approx. 10 minutes by car (4 miles)).
All fares are round trip and are collected at the Steilacoom Terminal. The terminal is located at: 56 Union Ave, Steilacoom – Driving Directions.
Good To Go! Pass – Toll Rates and HOV/HOT Lanes
If you need information about Toll Bridges, HOV Lanes, and the Good To Go Pass, please visit the official WSDOT website for Good To Go here.
Good To Go is a pass that you can affix to your vehicle to use fast pay through toll bridges and HOV Lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle – lane) that are located in high congested areas of our state’s highways and state routes. The Good To Go pass is not required for toll areas that are manned 24 hrs a day by payment kiosks — however, use of HOV Lanes without the required occupancy – a pass is required.
Tacoma Narrows-Bridge Toll (Eastbound lane only)
| Number of Axles | Good To Go! Pass | Toll Booth | Pay By Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two (includes motorcycles) | $5.25 | $6.25 | $7.25 |
| Three | $7.90 | $9.40 | $10.90 |
| Four | $10.50 | $12.50 | $14.50 |
| Five | $13.15 | $15.65 | $18.15 |
| Six or more | $15.75 | $18.75 | $21.75 |
*As of May 2022 Source: https://wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/TNBTolling/tnbtollrates.htm
Other Toll rates to note: 520 Toll Bridge / SR 167 HOT Lanes
Voting Information
If you are a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Washington, and at least 18 years old, you are eligible to vote. Voters must register at least 30 days before the election and can do so at county courthouses, city offices, local libraries, and schools. For more voting information, call the Pierce County Elections Department at (253) 798-7430. or register on-line and learn how you can benefit by involving yourself in your city, county, state and federal elections.
City, State and County Government Entities contact information:
Please contact us if any information is inaccurate and needs to be corrected. Every attempt is made to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. All source materials were obtained by searching Google. Some sources may not be accessible through the link provided if that source material has been removed by the organization that originally published the information.
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