City of Lakewood, WA (City Hall)
Offical Website: click here
6000 Main St SW
Lakewood, WA 98499 (map)
Website: City of Lakewood, WA
City Hall Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: (253) 983-7795
Permit Center Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 253-589-2489
*For accurate hours, please call city hall directly or check their website
EMERGENCY DIAL 911
Lakewood Police Department
Offical Website: click here
9401 Lakewood Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499 (map)
Phone: (253) 830-5000
For non-emergency calls
(253) 798-4721, otherwise, please dial 911.
Website: Lakewood PD
Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM Mon-Fri*
*For accurate hours, please call the non-emergency line for the Lakewood PD directly or check their website. If this is an emergency, call 911.
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.
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.
*Washington state does not require emission testing for passenger vehicle registration renewal. The mandatory inspection program ended on January 1, 2020. Drivers are no longer required to have their vehicles tested in any county.
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
Pierce County has a cost of living approximately 26%–28% higher than the national average. While generally cheaper than neighboring King County, housing costs remain high, with median home prices under $500,000 and average household bills around $2,556 per month. A single adult needs roughly $52,400 annually to live comfortably.
*As of April 2026 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.
To get more information and help with business resources, visit the City of Lakewood website.
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. For more information click here.
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 Services – 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 April 2026 Source: https://www.zillow.com/lakewood-wa/home-values/
As of April 2026, the average rent in Lakewood, WA is $1,277 per month. This is 22% lower than the national average rent of $1,641/month, making renting in Lakewood more affordable than most cities in the US. When you rent an apartment in Lakewood, you can expect to pay about $1,094 per month for a studio, $1,277 for a one-bedroom apartment, and around $1,609 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you opt for a three-bedroom rental, you could pay $2,249 or more.
*As of April 2026. 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.
OTHER
Sales Taxe Rate*
Lakewood has no B&O tax.
As of March 2026, Washington state has enacted a new 9.9% tax on personal income over $1 million<, known as the Millionaires’ Tax. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, this tax applies to income exceeding $1 million per household, starting with collection in 2029. The law specifically targets high earners, with an estimated 21,000 to 30,000 residents affected.
Sales Tax rate for the City of Lakewood, WA: 10.1%
For more information visit this website:
https://cityoflakewood.us/finance/taxes-fees-in-lakewood/
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 December 2025.
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 10417 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499.
Fares & Passes – Pierce Transit
List of all Park and Ride locations: click here.
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.
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: CLICK HERE
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.
Source materials: If the sourced material violates your written notice of copyright, please notify our business office to have the information removed. The source material is being displayed as information only, please refer to Section 107 of the Copyright Act for Fair Use.
https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/more-info.html
Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM)
Official Wesbsite: click here
JBLM’s origin dates back to a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission decision to merge Fort Lewis, McChord AFB and Yakima Training Center into a joint base supported by an Army-led Joint Base Garrison. The Joint Base Garrison consists of 4,700 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees. JBLM has four major areas: JBLM Lewis Main, JBLM Lewis Main North, JBLM McChord Field and JBLM Yakima Training Center. In all, JBLM covers approximately 420,000 acres in Southern Puget Sound and Eastern Washington.
JBLM is home to I Corps, 62nd Airlift Wing, and the 446th Airlift Wing. Approximately 30 Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units are based at JBLM.
JBLM’s assigned population of more than 116,000 people includes more than 40,000 military members, about 15,000 civilian employees, and more than 61,000 military family members. An estimated 29,000 retired DOD members live within 50 miles of JBLM.
Based on these demographics, JBLM is Pierce County’s top employer with an estimated workforce payroll exceeding $2.5 billion.
JBLM Public Affairs office, call (253) 967-0147.
62nd Airlift Wing’s Public Affairs office, call (253) 982-5637.
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, call (253) 982-3330.
Camp Murray
Headquarters to the Washington State Military Department, a state agency, and the Washington Army and Air National Guard, Camp Murray also holds the Washington State Emergency Operations Center. The Center coordinates for all state responders during a disaster – (253) 512-8989.
Lakewood Veterans Memorial
A memorial to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 26, 2003, at Lakewood City Hall. The memorial consists of a globe that denotes that American forces have served throughout the world in the defense of their country and to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Around the perimeter of the site are benches for each of the five uniformed services. The benches are colored in their respective service colors and are embedded with the appropriate service seals.
Lakewood was called the Prairie in the beginning—an expanse of land about 20 miles square, dotted with lakes and occasional stands of Oak and Douglas fir trees. Steilacoom and Nisqually Indians held pow-wows on The Prairie—before the advent of the White hunters, trappers, and settlers.
Learn more: Lakewood Historical Museum
This abundant Nisqually Prairie was chosen by the British as the site of one of its fur-trading operations by the Hudson Bay Company in 1833.
Hunters began to set up farming on The Prairie. One of these farms, at the present site of Western State Hospital, was leased by the US Army in 1849 to serve as a military post following an Indian attack on Fort Nisqually. The new fort, called Fort Steilacoom, was used to quell Indian uprisings.
Immigrants began to arrive in covered wagons over Naches Pass in 1853 after Washington became a Territory. As the new population increased, so did hostilities with the native tribes. The era known as The Indian Wars brought to Fort Steilacoom many army lieutenants and captains who would make names for themselves during the Civil War.
The land wrested by the British from the Indians, then by the U.S. from the British, became part of the 42nd State of the Union in 1889.
Many stately homes were built on estates along the shorelines of area lakes, the most impressive being Thornewood, built on American Lake between 1909 and 1911. Another spectacular home and garden of that era are Lakewold Gardens and Wagoner Home on Gravelly Lake Drive.
During World War I, Camp Lewis was built on land donated to the government by Pierce County citizens. McChord Air Force Base, then known as McChord Field, was developed from the old County Air Field in 1938.
As the Great Depression lifted, business development took off. In 1937, Norton Clapp built the first part of the Lakewood Colonial Center, one of the first suburban shopping centers in the country. Between 1939 and 1949, the population of the Lakes District jumped from 3,000 to 17,000.
A decade later, in 1958, the Villa Plaza Shopping Center was built, and in 1960, the Thunderbird Center was built on the site of another small airstrip. Villa Plaza has since become the Lakewood Towne Center; Thunderbird is now the Oakbrook Shopping Center full of retail and services for residents and visitors to enjoy.
In March 1995, Lakewood citizens voted to incorporate as a city, passing with a 60% vote. In September, seven City Council Members were elected to form the city’s first government. Lakewood officially became a city on February 28th, 1996, making it the second largest city in Pierce County and the eighth largest city in the state.
The Tacoma Country and Golf Club were established in 1894 to further attract the rich and famous. The first golf club west of the Mississippi, it featured trolley transportation from Tacoma to the playground on The Prairie.