← Virginia | Full Rankings | West Virginia →
Part of the G.I. Jobs 50 States of Opportunity for Veterans series.
Using the Military Friendly® States Tool, this series explores what makes each state unique and why it may be the perfect place to begin your next mission.
Washington at a Glance
Veteran Population: 473,124 Veterans lived in Washington during 2020–2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Veteran Employment: BLS estimated approximately 458,000 Washington Veterans age 18+ in 2025, including roughly 223,000 in the civilian labor force and 216,000 employed. The estimated Veteran unemployment rate was 2.8%.
State Unemployment: Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0% in July 2026. Employers added an estimated 21,100 jobs during the month, but statewide unemployment remained above the national rate.
Housing: Washington’s statewide median home sale price was $607,813 in July 2026, according to Redfin.
Rent: Zillow reported an average statewide asking rent of $2,145 in September 2026.
Taxes: Washington currently has no individual state income tax. A new income tax affecting annual adjusted gross income above $1 million is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2028.
Major Career Fields: Aerospace, technology, cybersecurity, maritime, defense, healthcare, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, logistics and life sciences.
Best For: Veterans who want a strong military community, careers in aerospace, technology, maritime, logistics or defense, and access to mountains, water and outdoor recreation—and who can make the housing numbers work.
The Short Version
Washington can be an exceptional post-military landing spot if your experience translates into aviation, maintenance, logistics, technology, cybersecurity, maritime operations or defense. JBLM, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Fairchild Air Force Base create major military communities, while Boeing, technology companies, shipyards, ports and healthcare systems provide civilian pathways that often line up naturally with military experience.
The major drawback is cost. Western Washington—especially the Seattle/Puget Sound region—can be expensive enough that a strong salary does not automatically mean an easy budget. Veterans willing to consider Tacoma, Olympia, Kitsap County, Spokane or other regional markets may find a much better balance between career opportunity and quality of life.
Table of Contents
• Veteran Snapshot
• Why Veterans Choose Washington
• Washington by the Numbers
• Employment Outlook for Veterans
• If Your MOS Was…
• Education Opportunities
• Veteran Benefits in Washington
• Healthcare & VA Resources
• Best Cities for Veterans
• Cost of Living
• Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
• Veteran Reality Check
• 3 Things Veterans Should Know Before Moving to Washington
• Pros & Cons
• Is Washington Right for You?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How Does Washington Compare?
Veteran Snapshot
Washington’s military identity does not revolve around one base.
It stretches across the state.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma is one of the largest military installations on the West Coast. Military OneSource lists approximately 31,000 active-duty personnel at JBLM, while the broader installation community includes tens of thousands of civilians, family members, Reservists and retirees.
JBLM combines major Army operations with McChord Field’s Air Force mission, including the 62nd Airlift Wing and its C-17 Globemaster III fleet.
Then there is the Navy.
Naval Base Kitsap combines the Bangor submarine base and Bremerton naval facilities and sits beside the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Military OneSource lists roughly 15,600 active-duty personnel and more than 25,000 civilian employees associated with the installation.
Puget Sound is the Navy’s third-largest fleet concentration area. Navy Region Northwest says its Washington-area footprint includes about 25,000 active-duty Service members, 20,974 civilian employees, more than 2,400 contractors, 42,000 family members and roughly 99,200 retirees.
Eastern Washington has a military identity of its own.
Fairchild Air Force Base outside Spokane is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and approximately 3,238 active-duty personnel, along with Guard members, civilians and a substantial retiree community.
Add Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, Coast Guard facilities and Washington National Guard operations, and you get a state where military communities exist on both sides of the Cascades.
That matters after separation.
In Washington, a Veteran can leave active duty and still live around people who understand PCS moves, deployments, military resumes, security clearances and the strange experience of suddenly becoming a civilian after years of having your next assignment decided for you.
Why Veterans Choose Washington
Washington offers one of the more unusual post-military combinations in the country.
Military community?
Yes.
Major civilian industries?
Absolutely.
Outdoor access?
Almost absurdly good.
No current individual state income tax?
Also yes.
The state economy is especially useful to Veterans because its strongest industries overlap with military skills.
Washington’s Department of Commerce identifies aerospace, information and communications technology, maritime, military and defense, life sciences, clean technology and agriculture/food manufacturing among its key sectors.
That creates obvious connections.
Aviation maintainer?
Washington has one of the country’s most important aerospace ecosystems.
Cyber or signal?
The Seattle region is one of America’s major technology markets.
Navy maintenance background?
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the broader maritime economy deserve attention.
Logistics?
Ports, warehouses, aerospace supply chains, military logistics and major distribution networks give you several directions to go.
Medical?
Healthcare systems operate throughout the state.
Then there is the geography.
A Veteran stationed at JBLM can build a civilian career near Tacoma or Olympia while keeping Mount Rainier in the backyard.
A Navy Veteran can transition around Bremerton or Kitsap County without leaving a region that understands shipboard systems and naval operations.
Someone willing to move east can build a life around Spokane and Fairchild AFB with a different housing market, drier climate and easier access to eastern Washington and Idaho.
That choice between western and eastern Washington is one of the state’s biggest advantages.
It is also one of the most important things to understand before moving.
Seattle is not Washington.
Spokane is not Seattle.
Bremerton is not Bellevue.
Tacoma is not Wenatchee.
Statewide averages hide enormous differences in careers, climate, housing and lifestyle.
Washington May Be a Great Fit If You…
✓ Have experience in aviation, aerospace, maintenance, logistics, cybersecurity, IT, maritime operations or technical fields
✓ Want access to a large military and Veteran community
✓ Want to stay near JBLM, Naval Base Kitsap, Fairchild AFB or another major military installation
✓ Value mountains, water, hiking, skiing, fishing, camping or boating as part of everyday life
✓ Want to live in a state that currently has no individual state income tax
✓ Are open to choosing between very different western and eastern Washington lifestyles
You May Want to Think Twice If You…
✕ Need inexpensive housing near Seattle or the Eastside
✕ Strongly dislike gray, wet winters in western Washington
✕ Want a low-traffic metropolitan commute
✕ Assume a six-figure salary automatically makes the Puget Sound region affordable
✕ Prefer a hot, dry climate year-round
Washington by the Numbers
| Metric | Washington |
|---|---|
| Population, July 2025 | 8,001,020 |
| Veterans, 2020–2024 | 473,124 |
| Veteran unemployment, 2025 estimate | 2.8% |
| State unemployment, July 2026 | 5.0% |
| Median home sale price, July 2026 | $607,813 |
| Average asking rent, Sept. 2026 | $2,145 |
| Current individual state income tax | None |
| JBLM active-duty population | About 31,000 |
| Naval Base Kitsap active-duty population | About 15,600 |
The Census Bureau estimated Washington’s population at just over 8 million in July 2025 and counted 473,124 Veterans in its 2020–2024 estimates.
The employment picture requires more context.
BLS estimated that about 223,000 Washington Veterans were in the civilian labor force during 2025, with approximately 216,000 employed and an estimated Veteran unemployment rate of 2.8%. Because BLS state-level Veteran estimates are survey-based—and its 2025 annual data exclude October due to the federal government shutdown—they should be treated as useful indicators rather than exact headcounts.
Washington’s overall labor market was softer.
The statewide unemployment rate fell to 5.0% in July 2026 after holding at 5.2% through much of the second quarter. Employers added 21,100 jobs in July, but Washington remained in what state economists had described earlier in the year as a relatively “low hire / low fire” environment.
Then comes housing.
Redfin’s July 2026 statewide median sale price reached $607,813. Prices were down 1.2% year over year, but that hardly makes Washington inexpensive.
Zillow’s September 2026 statewide average asking rent was $2,145.
Bottom line: Washington offers serious career opportunity, but housing can consume a large share of the advantage if you choose your location carelessly.
Employment Outlook for Veterans
Washington’s economy makes particular sense for Veterans who spent their military careers working around complicated systems.
Aircraft.
Ships.
Networks.
Supply chains.
Medical systems.
Communications.
Heavy equipment.
Large organizations.
The civilian economy needs people who can keep those systems working.
Aerospace
Washington remains one of the most important aerospace states in America.
The state Department of Commerce specifically identifies aerospace as a key sector and continues to describe Washington as a global center for aircraft manufacturing and the aerospace supply chain.
That creates opportunities for Veterans with experience in:
• Aircraft maintenance
• Avionics
• Quality assurance
• Aerospace manufacturing
• Engineering
• Logistics
• Supply-chain management
• Safety
• Production supervision
• Technical inspection
Veterans separating from aviation units at JBLM, Whidbey Island or other installations may find that Washington allows them to convert highly specific military aviation experience without completely changing industries.
Technology & Cybersecurity
The Seattle-area technology market is one of Washington’s biggest civilian advantages.
Microsoft and a large network of technology companies have helped create deep demand for software, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, data systems and IT professionals.
Washington’s Department of Commerce lists information and communications technology as a key state sector, including software, networks, gaming, e-commerce and big data.
For Veterans with backgrounds in:
• Cybersecurity
• Signals
• Communications
• Information systems
• Network administration
• Intelligence
• Data analysis
• Electronic warfare
…the Puget Sound region can offer a transition path well beyond traditional defense contracting.
And unlike some technology markets, Washington also has a huge military presence.
That combination can make cleared, military-experienced technical talent especially useful.
Maritime & Shipbuilding
Navy Veterans should take Washington seriously.
Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the broader regional maritime economy create civilian pathways in:
• Ship maintenance
• Nuclear maintenance
• Welding
• Machining
• Electrical work
• Marine engineering
• Quality assurance
• Project management
• Industrial safety
• Logistics
• Supply operations
The Navy says its Northwest presence contributes more than $15 billion annually to the regional economy and supports more than 82,000 jobs.
That is not a niche labor market.
For a Navy Veteran, Bremerton and Kitsap County may offer one of the clearest military-to-civilian transitions anywhere on the West Coast.
Military & Defense
Washington’s Department of Commerce says approximately 2,000 businesses support the state’s military and defense sector.
Major contractors and military-connected companies cited by the state include Boeing, Microsoft, Vigor and others working across aerospace, cybersecurity, maritime, energy and defense technologies.
The state’s 2024 defense economic-impact study estimated JBLM alone supported roughly 78,890 jobs and about $9 billion in state economic activity. Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Magazine Indian Island together supported an estimated 63,381 jobs and $6.8 billion.
For Veterans, that means the installations matter even if you never plan to work on base again.
The surrounding civilian economies were partly built around them.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Washington is a Pacific gateway.
Ports, rail, trucking, military logistics, aerospace supply chains and major consumer companies all create demand for people who understand how to move equipment and material efficiently.
Veterans with logistics experience can pursue roles in:
• Supply-chain management
• Distribution
• Inventory
• Procurement
• Port operations
• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Fleet operations
• Aerospace logistics
• Military contracting
JBLM’s location near the deep-water ports of Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle is itself strategically important to military deployment operations.
That military geography also supports civilian logistics expertise throughout the Puget Sound region.
Healthcare
Washington’s large population and major metropolitan areas support broad healthcare employment.
Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver and other regional centers offer careers in nursing, medical technology, behavioral health, administration, emergency services, health IT and other medical fields.
Military medics, corpsmen and healthcare administrators should pay particular attention to licensing requirements before separation.
Your military experience may be excellent.
Civilian credentialing rules still get a vote.
State Employment
Washington provides Veterans’ preference in state employment.
Depending on qualifying service and the type of state hiring process, Veterans may receive preference through additional examination points or referral rules. Eligible surviving spouses and certain spouses of qualifying disabled Veterans can also receive preferences.
Looking beyond individual employers? Explore Military Friendly® employers recognized for their commitment to the military community.
Ready to Translate Your Military Experience?
Washington has industries that understand technical experience—but your civilian resume still needs to explain results, responsibility and impact without assuming the hiring manager knows your MOS.
If Your MOS Was…
Washington gives Veterans some unusually direct military-to-civilian connections.
| Military Background | Civilian Opportunities in Washington |
|---|---|
| Aviation / Aircraft Maintenance | Aircraft Technician, Avionics Technician, Aerospace Manufacturing, Quality Inspector, Maintenance Planner |
| Navy Engineering / Shipboard Systems | Shipyard Technician, Marine Electrician, Industrial Mechanic, Nuclear Maintenance Support, Marine Engineer |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Logistics Manager, Procurement Specialist, Distribution Supervisor, Port Operations, Supply Chain Analyst |
| IT & Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity Analyst, Systems Administrator, Cloud Support, Network Engineer, Information Security Specialist |
| Intelligence & Analysis | Intelligence Analyst, Risk Analyst, Cyber Threat Analyst, Business Analyst, Government Contractor |
| Medical & Healthcare | Nurse, EMT, Medical Technician, Health Services Manager, Behavioral Health Specialist |
| Leadership & Management | Operations Manager, Program Manager, Project Manager, Production Supervisor, Team Lead |
Aviation Veterans have an obvious connection to Washington’s aerospace economy.
Navy technical Veterans have Puget Sound shipyards and maritime employers.
Army logisticians coming out of JBLM can look toward civilian distribution, port operations and supply chains.
Cyber and signal Veterans can tap into one of the strongest technology economies in the country.
Your MOS may not appear on the job posting.
The skill behind it probably does.
If you need one civilian credential to close the gap, explore certifications Veterans can earn in under six months.
Education Opportunities
Washington offers Veterans everything from major research universities to community and technical colleges specifically suited to shorter career transitions.
Major institutions include:
• University of Washington
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University
• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• The Evergreen State College
• Community and technical colleges across the state
For Veterans who do not need another four-year degree, Washington’s community and technical college system deserves serious attention.
Programs in aviation maintenance, advanced manufacturing, nursing, cybersecurity, information technology, welding, automotive technology and other applied fields can align directly with the state’s major industries.
Washington also has unusually useful residency rules for military-connected students.
The Washington Student Achievement Council says qualifying military members, Veterans and dependents eligible for VA educational assistance or rehabilitation benefits are treated as Washington resident students at public colleges and universities. They do not have to meet a traditional waiting period to receive resident tuition status.
Veteran Tuition Waivers
Washington law authorizes public colleges and universities to waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible Veterans and National Guard members.
The exact Veteran waiver varies by school, so Veterans need to check directly with the institution’s Veteran-services or financial-aid office.
At the University of Washington, for example, qualifying Veterans may receive a waiver of up to 50% of resident tuition under the school’s implementation of the state program.
Dependent Tuition Benefits
Eligible spouses, domestic partners and children of certain Veterans or Guard members who became totally disabled, died because of military service, or are POW/MIA can receive much more significant assistance.
Washington’s public colleges and universities generally must waive undergraduate tuition and fees for qualifying dependents, subject to program requirements. A book stipend of up to $500 per academic year may also be available when funded.
That can make Washington particularly attractive to families planning for children’s college costs.
GI Bill Benefits
The GI Bill is a federal benefit, not a Washington benefit.
You can use eligible GI Bill benefits at approved Washington colleges and training programs under federal VA rules.
The smartest strategy is to combine the federal benefit with whatever state tuition waiver, residency status, scholarships or institutional aid you qualify for.
Search current Military Friendly® schools when comparing programs.
Thinking About Going Back to School?
Washington gives Veterans several ways to combine federal education benefits with state residency and tuition programs. Before enrolling, make sure you know which benefits stack—and which do not.
Veteran Benefits in Washington
Washington’s strongest financial Veteran benefit may be the one everyone receives automatically:
There is currently no individual state income tax.
That means Washington does not levy an individual state income tax on military retirement pay, civilian wages or most other ordinary personal income under the state’s current tax structure.
There is an important future caveat.
Beginning January 1, 2028, Washington is scheduled to impose a 9.9% state income tax on annual adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million for individuals and married couples filing jointly. For most military retirees, that does not materially change the current relocation calculation, but it is worth noting for high-income households.
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief
Washington provides property-tax relief to qualifying Veterans with disabilities.
Under the program currently displayed by the Department of Revenue, qualifying Veterans must own and occupy a primary residence, meet county-based income requirements and generally have at least an 80% service-connected disability or receive VA compensation at the 100% rate.
But Washington recently expanded this benefit.
A law passed in 2025 lowers the disability threshold from 80% to 40% for property taxes due beginning in 2027.
That is an important distinction for Veterans planning a future move.
The eligibility rules in effect for your tax year may be different from the rules displayed on older relocation guides.
Income thresholds also vary by county and are periodically updated, so Veterans should apply through the county assessor rather than relying on a generic statewide income limit.
Veterans’ Employment Preference
Washington gives qualifying Veterans preference in state hiring.
Depending on the hiring process, qualifying Veterans may receive additional scoring consideration or referral advantages for state jobs.
Education Benefits
Washington public colleges and universities may provide partial tuition waivers to qualifying Veterans and National Guard members.
Eligible dependents of certain 100% disabled, deceased, POW or MIA Veterans may qualify for full undergraduate tuition and fee waivers.
Hunting & Fishing
Washington offers reduced-rate hunting and combination fishing licenses to certain disabled Veterans.
Washington resident Veterans with at least a 30% service-connected disability may qualify, as can certain older Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
State Veteran Services
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps Veterans and families navigate benefits, education, employment, housing, behavioral health and other programs.
For comparison with other states, use the Military Friendly® States Tool.
Important: Washington’s property-tax programs, tuition waivers, employment preferences and recreation benefits are state benefits. Disability compensation, VA healthcare, VA home loans and the GI Bill are federal benefits administered separately.
Healthcare & VA Resources
Washington has several major VA healthcare hubs.
That is a major advantage in a geographically large state.
Puget Sound
VA Puget Sound Health Care System provides major care through Seattle and American Lake.
Seattle is the primary urban VA hospital for much of western Washington.
American Lake, near Tacoma and JBLM, gives Veterans in the South Sound direct access to VA services without having to rely exclusively on Seattle. Official VA facility listings identify both locations as major Washington VA sites.
For Veterans living around JBLM, Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia or south King County, American Lake can materially improve the healthcare calculation.
Spokane
The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane serves Veterans across eastern Washington and parts of the broader Inland Northwest.
That is especially useful for Veterans who want Washington residency without Puget Sound housing prices.
Spokane is not simply a cheaper alternative to Seattle.
It has a major VA medical center and Fairchild AFB nearby, giving eastern Washington a genuine military/Veteran infrastructure of its own.
Walla Walla
The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center serves Veterans in southeastern Washington and the surrounding region.
Rural Access
Washington’s geography creates the same issue seen in many western states:
A VA facility may technically exist in your region without being close.
If you live on the Olympic Peninsula, in the Cascades or in a rural eastern county, routine outpatient care may be manageable while specialty care still requires substantial travel.
That means healthcare should be part of your housing search.
Before buying the cabin with the perfect mountain view, check where your cardiology appointment is going to be.
Best Cities for Veterans
Washington’s best Veteran community depends heavily on what kind of civilian life you want.
| If You Want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| JBLM access | Tacoma / Lakewood / Lacey / Olympia |
| Aerospace & major metro jobs | Seattle / Everett |
| Technology careers | Seattle / Bellevue / Redmond |
| Navy & shipyard careers | Bremerton / Silverdale |
| Lower-cost major metro | Spokane |
| Fairchild AFB connection | Spokane / Airway Heights |
| State government careers | Olympia / Lacey |
| Navy aviation | Oak Harbor / Whidbey Island |
| Portland-area job access without Oregon residency | Vancouver |
Tacoma / Lakewood
This is one of Washington’s most logical locations for Army and Air Force Veterans transitioning from JBLM.
JBLM sits immediately south of the Tacoma/Lakewood area and supports tens of thousands of military, civilian and family members.
Tacoma also connects Veterans to healthcare, logistics, port operations, government, education and the broader Puget Sound job market.
The advantage is location.
You can reach JBLM, American Lake VA services, Tacoma employers and—when traffic cooperates—Seattle-area opportunities.
The problem is the phrase “when traffic cooperates.”
Do not buy a house based on mileage alone.
Olympia / Lacey
Olympia gives Veterans access to state government while keeping JBLM relatively close.
That can make it especially appealing for retiring senior NCOs and officers whose experience translates into program management, emergency management, operations, administration or public-sector leadership.
Lacey is also popular with military families because of its proximity to JBLM.
Compared with Seattle, this region can feel much more manageable.
That does not mean cheap.
Washington’s housing market has pushed prices upward throughout much of western Washington.
Bremerton / Silverdale
For Navy Veterans, this region deserves its own category.
Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Navy’s enormous regional civilian workforce make Kitsap County one of Washington’s strongest military-to-civilian transition areas.
If your background includes:
• Shipboard engineering
• Nuclear maintenance
• Electrical systems
• Industrial maintenance
• Quality assurance
• Logistics
• Project management
…Bremerton may make considerably more sense than Seattle.
You also gain ferry access to Seattle without necessarily paying Seattle housing prices.
Seattle / Bellevue / Redmond
This is the high-opportunity, high-cost option.
Veterans in technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, aerospace, consulting and professional services can find some of the state’s deepest career markets here.
Seattle also has major VA healthcare.
But this is where the statewide housing number stops being useful.
The Seattle/Eastside region can make a great salary feel surprisingly ordinary.
Veterans considering this market should compare:
Salary
minus housing
minus transportation
minus childcare
minus commuting costs
—not simply salary versus salary.
Everett
Everett deserves attention from aviation Veterans.
The city has deep aerospace connections and also hosts Naval Station Everett.
That gives the region a mix of civilian aviation, manufacturing, maritime and military employment.
It also keeps you inside the Puget Sound economy while avoiding some Seattle neighborhoods’ prices.
Spokane
Spokane is Washington’s strongest alternative for Veterans who want a major regional economy without living in Puget Sound.
Fairchild AFB is roughly 12 miles west of the city and supports a significant military and retiree population.
The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center strengthens Spokane’s Veteran infrastructure.
Employment includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, government and regional professional services.
The climate also feels very different.
Spokane has colder winters, hotter summers, more snow and far less of western Washington’s persistent winter drizzle.
For some Veterans, that is an improvement.
For others, definitely not.
Vancouver
Vancouver gives Veterans access to the Portland metropolitan economy while remaining Washington residents.
That can be interesting from a lifestyle and tax-planning perspective, but cross-border employment can create tax complexity depending on where income is earned.
Do not assume “live in Washington, work in Oregon” automatically means “no state income tax.”
Run the actual tax numbers before making that move.
Cost of Living
Washington is not uniformly expensive.
But its highest-opportunity regions can be very expensive.
Redfin reported a statewide median sale price of $607,813 in July 2026.
Zillow’s September statewide average asking rent was $2,145.
Those are already high numbers.
Then regional differences pile on top.
Seattle / Eastside
This is where housing pressure is most obvious.
Technology salaries and major employers attract high-income workers, while constrained supply and strong demand have kept housing expensive.
If your post-military career is in cyber, cloud technology or another high-paying field, the numbers may work.
If your new civilian salary is closer to the national average, they may not.
Tacoma / South Sound
Tacoma and surrounding communities historically offered a lower-cost alternative to Seattle.
They still can.
But the gap has narrowed.
JBLM demand, Seattle-area spillover and broader Puget Sound housing pressure mean Veterans should not assume Tacoma is automatically inexpensive.
Kitsap County
Bremerton and surrounding communities can offer an alternative to Seattle-area housing while keeping Veterans near Navy and shipyard employment.
Ferries provide Seattle access, but ferry schedules and commute patterns are a lifestyle decision of their own.
Olympia
Olympia can make sense for state-government employees and JBLM-connected families.
Housing remains part of the western Washington cost problem, but avoiding a Seattle commute can dramatically improve quality of life.
Spokane
Spokane is generally the first place Veterans should investigate if they like Washington but cannot justify Puget Sound prices.
You still have a real regional economy, Fairchild AFB, VA healthcare and substantial outdoor access.
The tradeoff is distance.
Seattle is roughly 280 miles away.
This is not suburban Seattle.
It is a separate economic region.
Taxes
Washington currently has no individual state income tax.
That is particularly attractive to:
• Military retirees
• Dual-income households
• High earners
• Veterans with substantial civilian wages
But “no income tax” does not mean “low tax.”
Washington relies heavily on sales taxes and other revenue sources.
Property taxes vary by location.
Housing itself can be expensive.
And beginning in 2028, a new 9.9% tax is scheduled to apply to annual adjusted gross income above $1 million.
The right question is not:
“Does Washington have an income tax?”
It is:
“What will my complete household budget look like in the specific Washington county where I plan to live?”
Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
Washington is unfairly good at weekends.
Mountains.
Ocean.
Islands.
Rain forest.
Desert.
Volcanoes.
Lakes.
Rivers.
Ski areas.
You can spend years living here without running out of places to go.
A few options:
• Hike around Mount Rainier National Park
• Backpack in Olympic National Park
• Explore North Cascades National Park
• Ski or snowboard at Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie or Mount Baker
• Fish Puget Sound
• Kayak around the San Juan Islands
• Camp on the Olympic Peninsula
• Hike the Enchantments
• Mountain bike around Spokane or the Cascades
• Fish or boat on Lake Washington, Lake Chelan or eastern Washington lakes
• Explore the Columbia River Gorge
• Hunt in eastern Washington
• Visit Mount St. Helens
• Take a ferry somewhere purely because you can
For JBLM Veterans, Mount Rainier is not a once-a-decade vacation destination.
It is right there.
For Kitsap County Veterans, saltwater and forests are part of the neighborhood.
For Spokane Veterans, lakes, mountains and Idaho are close enough for easy weekend trips.
Washington’s geography is also unusually varied.
The “Washington is rainy” stereotype is only half true.
Western Washington is famously gray and wet during much of the cooler season.
Cross the Cascades and eastern Washington becomes considerably drier, sunnier and more continental.
That means a Veteran who loves Washington’s career opportunities but hates Seattle weather does not necessarily need to leave Washington.
They may just need to drive east.
Veteran Reality Check
Washington has enough advantages that it is easy to sell.
Here is the part that belongs in the relocation spreadsheet.
First: The statewide labor market is not booming everywhere.
Washington’s July 2026 unemployment rate was 5.0%, and state economists had described much of 2026 as a “low hire / low fire” labor market.
Do not move because Washington has famous employers.
Move because you have identified an industry, region and realistic path into it.
Second: Housing can cancel out the tax advantage.
No current personal state income tax is appealing.
A $600,000-plus statewide median sale price is less appealing.
Run both sides of the equation.
Third: Puget Sound traffic changes geography.
Seattle, Tacoma, Everett and JBLM may look relatively close on a map.
During rush hour, the map is lying to you.
Fourth: Western and eastern Washington are practically different relocation products.
If you only research Seattle, you have not really researched Washington.
3 Things Veterans Should Know Before Moving to Washington
1. Choose Your Side of the Cascades on Purpose
Western Washington offers the deepest concentration of aerospace, technology, maritime and military employment.
It also generally brings higher housing costs, heavier traffic and wetter winters.
Eastern Washington offers Spokane, Fairchild AFB, VA healthcare, more sunshine and often a different housing equation.
Neither is “better.”
They solve different problems.
2. JBLM Is an Economic Ecosystem, Not Just a Base
JBLM supports roughly 31,000 active-duty personnel according to Military OneSource, while the broader community includes large civilian, retiree and family populations.
A 2024 statewide defense study estimated that JBLM-related activity supported nearly 79,000 jobs.
That means transitioning near JBLM gives you access to much more than base employment.
3. Check the New Disabled-Veteran Property Tax Rules
Washington’s disabled-Veteran property-tax rules are changing.
The state previously required a service-connected disability rating of at least 80% or VA compensation at the 100% rate under the Veteran-specific qualification.
Legislation enacted in 2025 lowers the service-connected threshold to 40% for taxes due in 2027 and later. Income requirements still apply and vary by county.
If you looked at this benefit several years ago and assumed you did not qualify, look again.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✓ Major military communities around JBLM, Naval Base Kitsap, Whidbey Island and Fairchild AFB
✓ Strong aerospace, technology, maritime, logistics and defense career opportunities
✓ No current individual state income tax
✓ Extensive outdoor recreation
✓ Strong VA healthcare infrastructure in both western and eastern Washington
✓ Veteran tuition and dependent education benefits
✓ Direct MOS translation for aviation, Navy technical, cyber and logistics Veterans
Cons
✕ High housing costs, especially in western Washington
✕ Statewide unemployment remained relatively elevated in 2026
✕ Puget Sound traffic can seriously affect quality of life
✕ Gray, wet western Washington winters are not for everyone
✕ VA specialty access can require long trips from rural communities
Is Washington Right for You?
Washington is probably a strong choice if…
You want your military background to translate into a civilian economy built around aircraft, ships, technology, logistics, healthcare and national defense.
It becomes even stronger if outdoor access matters to you.
Few states let you combine a serious technical career with weekend options ranging from alpine skiing to saltwater fishing to backpacking through a temperate rain forest.
Washington may not be the best choice if…
Housing affordability is your top priority and you need to live near Seattle.
It may also be frustrating if you want reliably sunny winters, short metropolitan commutes or a labor market where employers are aggressively hiring across every industry.
The G.I. Jobs Take
Washington is one of those states where the military-to-civilian transition can feel less like starting over and more like changing lanes.
That is its biggest advantage.
An aviation maintainer can move toward aerospace.
A Navy technician can move toward shipyards and maritime work.
A signal or cyber Veteran can pursue one of the country’s strongest technology markets.
A logistician can move toward ports, distribution or aerospace supply chains.
A retiring leader can pursue state government, operations or program management.
And Veterans who want to stay near military life have several substantial communities to choose from instead of one dominant installation.
But Washington makes you pay attention to geography.
The career opportunities around Seattle may look incredible until you price the house.
Tacoma may look close to Seattle until you drive I-5 at 4:45 p.m.
A place on the Olympic Peninsula may look peaceful until you calculate the drive to specialized healthcare.
Spokane may solve the housing and weather problems but put you hundreds of miles from Puget Sound employers.
So do not ask whether Washington is a good state for Veterans.
Ask which Washington works for you.
If you match the right region to your career, housing budget and preferred lifestyle, this state offers one of the most complete post-military packages in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington a good state for Veterans?
Yes. Washington offers large military communities, strong aerospace, technology, maritime and defense industries, major VA healthcare facilities, Veteran education programs and no current individual state income tax. High housing costs are the biggest drawback.
How many Veterans live in Washington?
The Census Bureau estimates that 473,124 Veterans lived in Washington during 2020–2024.
What are the best cities in Washington for Veterans?
Tacoma and Lakewood are strong for JBLM access, Bremerton and Silverdale for Navy and shipyard careers, Seattle/Eastside for technology and aerospace, Olympia for state government and Spokane for Fairchild AFB, VA access and a lower-cost regional alternative.
Does Washington tax military retirement pay?
Washington currently has no individual state income tax, so military retirement pay is not subject to a Washington individual income tax under the current system. A new tax on annual adjusted gross income above $1 million is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Does Washington offer property-tax relief to disabled Veterans?
Yes. Qualifying disabled Veterans who meet income and residency requirements may receive property-tax relief. Current rules include certain Veterans rated at least 80% service-connected or compensated at the 100% rate. A law effective for taxes due in 2027 lowers the service-connected disability threshold to 40%.
What jobs are good for Veterans in Washington?
Aerospace, aviation maintenance, cybersecurity, technology, maritime trades, shipbuilding, logistics, healthcare, defense contracting and government work are strong options.
Where do Veterans receive VA healthcare in Washington?
Major VA facilities include VA Puget Sound locations in Seattle and American Lake/Tacoma, the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane and the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla.
Are there Military Friendly® schools in Washington?
Yes. Veterans can compare current Military Friendly® schools in Washington and evaluate institutions based on their support for military-connected students.
Does Washington offer tuition waivers for Veterans?
Washington authorizes public colleges and universities to waive some or all tuition and fees for qualifying Veterans and National Guard members, but each institution administers its own Veteran waiver. Eligible dependents of certain totally disabled, deceased, POW or MIA Veterans may qualify for full undergraduate tuition and fee waivers.
Is Washington affordable for Veteran families?
It depends heavily on location. Washington’s statewide median home sale price was $607,813 in July 2026, and Zillow reported average statewide asking rent of $2,145 in September. Spokane and some eastern Washington communities can offer a very different cost structure from Seattle and the Eastside.
Where do most Veterans live in Washington?
Large military and Veteran communities are concentrated around the Puget Sound region, including JBLM, Tacoma, Kitsap County, Whidbey Island and Everett. Spokane and Fairchild AFB form another major military-connected community in eastern Washington.
What are the biggest drawbacks of living in Washington as a Veteran?
Housing costs, Puget Sound traffic, western Washington’s long gray season and distance to specialty healthcare from some rural communities are the biggest practical drawbacks.
How Does Washington Compare?
Washington’s strongest competition in this series comes from states that offer either a major military footprint or a high-skill civilian economy.
Washington offers both.
Its 473,124 Veterans share the state with JBLM, one of the largest military installations in the West; Naval Base Kitsap and a major Navy fleet concentration; Fairchild AFB; Naval Air Station Whidbey Island; and other military facilities.
Then add aerospace, technology, cybersecurity, maritime, healthcare and logistics.
That combination gives Washington an especially strong argument for technical Veterans.
The drawbacks are equally real.
Washington’s statewide median home sale price exceeded $600,000 in July 2026, and the state unemployment rate was 5.0%.
So Washington is not the obvious choice for the Veteran whose first priority is cheap housing.
It is much more compelling for someone willing to pay more—or move outside the Seattle core—to gain access to exceptional career and lifestyle options.
Compare Washington with all 50 states in the complete Best States for Veterans guide.
Up Next: West Virginia
We’ve covered Washington. Now let’s see what West Virginia has to offer Veterans looking for their next mission.
← Previous: Virginia | Next: West Virginia →
Looking for the complete rankings? Visit our Best States for Veterans guide.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington Employment Security Department, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Department of Revenue, Washington Student Achievement Council, Washington State Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Navy, Military OneSource, Zillow and Redfin.