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Graham

Graham

Located in Pierce County

$606,949 Average Value
$306 Average Price per Sq Ft
78 Homes For Sale

Country living 25 miles from Tacoma

On a clear day in Graham, a Pierce County city known for peaceful countryside living and large private lots, Mount Rainier can be seen standing tall in the distance. Graham is all homes and pine trees from the outside, but a closer look reveals its quirks. In 2017, an actual castle, complete with a dungeon and mini medieval village, went on the market here. “People have the space and freedom to do whatever they want with their properties,” notes Ellisa Greer, a Keller Williams Realty broker with 11 years of experience in the area. “They keep farm animals and tend large vegetable gardens – things you can’t really do in the busy city.” Some people here grow enough produce that they don’t need to go into town for groceries.

On the outskirts of town, residents spend their free time boating on lakes and exploring hiking trails. Each August, the Pierce County Fair is held in Graham’s Frontier Park, bringing in locals from across the state. Many residents commute 15 miles northwest to Joint Base Lewis-McChord or 24 miles north to Tacoma.

Spacious Lots with Mt.Rainier in the Distance overlooking the Graham Neighborhood
Spacious Lots with Mt.Rainier in the Distance overlooking the Graham Neighborhood
A Charming Farmhouse Style Home in the Graham Neighborhood.
A Charming Farmhouse Style Home in the Graham Neighborhood.
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Fairs and races at Frontier Park

The community comes together for special events at the 60-acre Frontier Park, which offers horse-friendly wooded trails, lodges, and a playground. The most popular events here include the Pierce County Fair, booming with live music and rides; the Little Wheels Race, where kids as young as 5 years old compete around a racetrack; and the Tacoma Highland Games, where Scottish culture is celebrated through piping and drumming competitions. Lake Kapowsin, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Graham, is a 512-acre freshwater lake that’s popular for sport fishing, waterfowl hunting, birdwatching, and boating.

Mt.Rainier National Park is about 30 miles south east of Graham.
Mt.Rainier National Park is about 30 miles south east of Graham.
Frontier Park has a large space to accommodate horse riding.
Frontier Park has a large space to accommodate horse riding.
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Custom built homes on large lots

The median home price in Graham is about $570,000, higher than the national median of roughly $406,000. Home styles range from modest ranch-style and manufactured homes to custom-built rambler homes and two-story Craftsman-styles. Standout properties include log cabins and modern farmhouses, scattered throughout Graham’s hilly, heavily wooded landscape. On large open lots, it isn’t uncommon to see horses roaming neighbors’ backyards. Many newer homes developed within the past decade are located north of 208th Street; older properties with more acreage can often be found south of 224th Street. Riverfront properties near the Puyallup can be found in the Thrift neighborhood, but most homes have unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on clear days.

A beautiful red painted rambler home in the Graham neighborhood.
A beautiful red painted rambler home in the Graham neighborhood.
A row of stunning large family homes on Clear Lake in Graham.
A row of stunning large family homes on Clear Lake in Graham.
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More shopping options in Puyallup

The city’s small shopping and dining scene is set on 224th Street and Meridian, lined with restaurants that serve up Italian cuisine, classic American comfort food and fast-casual dining. While residents can shop for weekly groceries on the corridor, there aren’t many retail options in city limits. “For major shopping, you’ll have to make a 10-mile drive to Puyallup,” says Shawn Maxey, Realtor at Terry Wise and Associates with 21 years of experience. In Puyallup, shoppers can find big retailers like Home Depot, Walmart Supercenter and the South Hill Mall, which has over 100 stores and restaurants.

Big Daddy's in Graham serves great burgers and fries.
Big Daddy's in Graham serves great burgers and fries.
Amici Italian Eatery in Graham town square.
Amici Italian Eatery in Graham town square.
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Sports, special clubs and college credit in Bethel School District

Local kids can attend schools in the Bethel School District, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Graham students can attend 22 different elementary schools, however, Nelson Elementary has the largest student body. Middle school can be completed at Frontier Junior High, which offers 11 activities and clubs, including robotics and weight training. Students typically advance to Graham-Kapowsin High, where students can participate in 14 different sports. For higher education, Pierce College is set on the same lot as Graham-Kapowsin, offers online and in-person courses in the late afternoon and evening.

Students can advance to Graham Kapowsin High School in the Graham neighborhood.
Students can advance to Graham Kapowsin High School in the Graham neighborhood.
Students can begin at Nelson Elementary School in the Graham neighborhood.
Students can begin at Nelson Elementary School in the Graham neighborhood.
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Between State Routes 161 and 7

State Route 161, also known as Meridian Avenue, is the main north-south thoroughfare through Graham, while State Route 7 (Mountain Highway) runs along the western edge of the community. State Route 512 is the primary east-west route, located about 8 miles north of Graham and leading to Tacoma in roughly 25 miles. Heavy rain and mountain snowmelt can cause flooding on local roads during winter and spring months. Pierce Transit provides bus service along Meridian Avenue, with routes connecting Graham to neighboring communities like Tacoma, Lakewood and Steilacoom. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 36 miles away. The nearest major hospital, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, is about 10 miles north of Graham.

The Tacoma Dome is a major architectural feature in Tacoma.
The Tacoma Dome is a major architectural feature in Tacoma.
A view of Downtown Seattle from across Elliot Bay.
A view of Downtown Seattle from across Elliot Bay.
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Higher crime rates in the northern part of the city

According to the most recent FBI statistics, the Pierce County Police Department reported higher violent crime rates than state figures in 2023, but lower rates than national figures. In the same year, property crime rates were on par with national figures, but lower than state figures. Generally, crimes tend to occur more frequently in the northern portion of the city.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Perry Cucinotta
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Becky Gaskill
Video By
Becky Gaskill

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Don Karstedt, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Graham Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$597,000
Median Sale Price
$577,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$589,950
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$444,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
468
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$306

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,991
Number of Homes for Sale
78
Median Year Built
1995
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,054
Above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,127
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,443
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,117

Open Houses

  • Friday, Dec 19
    Open Fri 9AM - 5PM

    20432 97th Ave E Unit 8, Graham, WA 98338

    $634,990

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,500 Sq Ft
    • 20432 97th Ave E
    • Unit 8

    **Move-In Ready!!! The must-see Lowrey plan on Lot 8 provides two floors of generous living space. The main level features an open dining area, a great room with fireplace and a well-appointed gourmet kitchen. This floor also features a bedroom and 3/4 bath and covered patio! Upstairs, discover a laundry, a large loft and three bedrooms, including a serene primary suite with a generous walk-in

    Mitchell Diehr Richmond Realty of Washington

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  • Wednesday, Dec 17
    Open Wed 4PM - 7PM

    8728 203rd St E, Spanaway, WA 98387

    $535,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,618 Sq Ft
    • 8728 203rd St E

    Serene 3-Bedroom retreat in a Cul-de-Sac with your own park-like backyard! Relax on the back deck to the calming sound of a water feature, while hummingbirds flutter nearby. As the evening sets in, gather around the fire pit for cozy moments under the stars. Inside, you’ll discover a bright and welcoming interior, freshly painted throughout. The open-concept living area features vaulted ceilings

    Steve Dawson RE/MAX Extra Inc.

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  • Saturday, Dec 20
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    8507 206th Street Ct E, Spanaway, WA 98387

    $559,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,653 Sq Ft
    • 8507 206th Street Ct E

    Beautifully updated rambler offering style, comfort, and thoughtful details throughout! Step inside to a charming entry that opens to the dining area ft. tray ceiling, wainscoting, & barn door accent. Cozy living room W/Gas FP for relaxing evenings. Gourmet kitchen boasts quartz countertops, chandelier lighting, a full-height tile backsplash, SS appliances, & a farmhouse sink. The primary suite

    Carrie Johnson Terry Wise & Associates

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Graham Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
29,929
Median Age
37
Population under 18
27.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$105,254
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$121,622

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
17.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Graham
Don Karstedt
Rethinking Real Estate LLC
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