TL;DR: Washington state is home to more than a dozen active military installations across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard — and with no state income tax, dramatic mountain scenery, and world-class outdoor recreation, it’s one of the most requested PCS destinations in the entire military.
If your orders are sending you to the Evergreen State, you’re in for something remarkable. Washington has been central to American military operations since before World War I, and today it ranks sixth in the nation for active-duty military personnel, with approximately 55,000 service members stationed here. When you add dependents, reservists, and civilian DoD employees, the military community across this state is enormous.
Whether you’re heading to Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma, settling into Naval Base Kitsap on the Olympic Peninsula, hunting for housing near NAS Whidbey Island, or bracing for Spokane winters at Fairchild AFB — Washington delivers. The state offers a combination of outdoor recreation, big-city access, and financial advantages that military families genuinely love. Furthermore, many service members who PCS here find themselves hoping they never have to leave.
Washington contributes more than $13 billion annually to state GDP from its military and defense sector. In fact, more than 120,000 people across the state work in military-connected jobs. Joint Base Lewis-McChord alone supports 56,000 jobs and $7 billion in economic activity in Pierce County. Additionally, JBLM holds the distinction of being the most-requested separation duty station in the entire U.S. Army — a clear signal that families who live here tend to want to stay.
Start your free PCS Plan to get a personalized relocation roadmap built with a military-connected Ambassador who knows your next duty station inside and out.
The Puget Sound region: the heart of Washington’s military footprint
The South Puget Sound area contains the largest concentration of military power in the Pacific Northwest. From JBLM’s sprawling footprint between Tacoma and Olympia to the naval corridor along the Kitsap Peninsula, this region is where the bulk of Washington’s active-duty community lives and works. Fortunately, it also happens to be one of the most beautiful corners of the country.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord — the largest base west of the Rockies
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the premier military installation on the West Coast. It was formed in 2010 when Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base merged under BRAC realignment. Today, JBLM covers nearly 87,000 acres in Pierce County, making it the largest military installation in Washington state by a significant margin.
On the Army side, JBLM is home to I Corps, the 7th Infantry Division, and the 1st Special Forces Group. The Air Force mission centers around McChord Field, where the 62nd Airlift Wing operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for global airlift. Additionally, the base supports a wide range of tenant commands and joint operations that give it genuine power-projection capability.
Madigan Army Medical Center is a major tertiary care hospital on base. It offers specialty clinics, a Level II trauma center, and a pharmacy network. However, long wait times for specialist appointments are a common complaint — plan accordingly and establish primary care early after arrival.
The base also provides Space-A travel access through McChord Field. Daily flights to various locations make this a cost-effective travel perk, especially for families who enjoy weekend getaways.
On-base housing
On-base housing at JBLM is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing. The inventory is large and varied across dozens of neighborhoods. Some areas feature brand-new builds like Meriwether Landing, while others consist of older but well-maintained units. Neighborhoods range from historic Clarkdale to modern Eagleview.
Only about 20% of JBLM families can secure on-base housing. As a result, wait times typically run 7–9 months, and some high-demand units can exceed 12 months. Apply immediately upon receiving orders — do not wait until you arrive. Contact the Housing Services Office at (253) 967-3581 or visit jblmhso.as.me to schedule your mandatory installation in-processing brief.
Schools on base are served by the Clover Park School District. There are six elementary schools on JBLM — five on Lewis Main and one on McChord Field. Middle school students attend Mann Middle or Woodbrook Middle, while high schoolers go to Lakes High School, Clover Park High School, or Harrison Preparatory. Almost one-third of Clover Park’s total student population is military-connected.
Off-base neighborhoods
The off-base housing market near JBLM is competitive and expensive. A three-bedroom rental typically runs $2,500–$3,500+ per month. Similarly, the for-sale market moves fast, with multiple offers common on desirable homes.
DuPont is the most popular choice for military families. It’s a master-planned community just outside the DuPont gate, with walkable streets, parks, and a strong military community feel. Commute time to the gate runs just 5–10 minutes.
Lacey and Olympia sit about 20 minutes south and offer excellent schools, suburban comfort, and easy I-5 access. University Place and Steilacoom appeal to families who want character, walkability, and waterfront access. Puyallup, Spanaway, and Lakewood are popular near the McChord side, where commute times are short and housing inventory is higher.
For families who want rural quiet, Yelm, Graham, and Roy offer affordable options. Notably, those areas do require longer commutes and more planning around services.
Ready to start planning your Washington PCS?
Whether you’re choosing between DuPont and Lacey, comparing school districts, or figuring out if renting or buying makes more sense for your timeline, a PCS Plan gives you a personalized roadmap built by a military-connected Ambassador who knows the JBLM area. It’s free, and it saves you hours of guesswork.
The Kitsap Peninsula: the Navy’s Pacific Northwest stronghold
Cross Puget Sound from Seattle and you’ll reach the Kitsap Peninsula — a waterfront community anchored by one of the most strategically important naval installations on the planet. The combination of a nuclear submarine base, a world-class shipyard, and a major surface ship homeport makes this corner of Washington uniquely powerful.
Naval Base Kitsap — the third-largest naval base in the country
Naval Base Kitsap is the third-largest naval installation in the United States and the largest employer in Kitsap County. It was established in 2004 after consolidating five separate installations under one command. Today, NB Kitsap spans three distinct compounds: Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport.
Bangor is the strategic centerpiece. It serves as the Pacific homeport for Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) — the Navy’s nuclear deterrent force. Bangor also maintains the Navy’s largest fuel depot on the West Coast. If your service member is in the submarine community, Bangor is likely on the horizon.
Bremerton is where the surface fleet and maintenance mission lives. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) at Bremerton is the only dry dock facility on the West Coast capable of handling Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. PSNS supports over 15,000 jobs and is the economic engine of Kitsap County. Aircraft carriers, submarines, and destroyers all cycle through for maintenance and overhaul.
Keyport is home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC). It serves as the Navy’s primary R&D facility for undersea weapons systems. Additionally, it handles the receipt, storage, and issue of torpedoes and undersea munitions.
Across the full NB Kitsap complex, there are more than 25,000 active-duty personnel and their families. The base supports 70 tenant commands and provides a comprehensive installation experience.
On-base housing
On-base family housing at NB Kitsap is privatized and managed by West Sound Family Housing at (360) 598-5831. There are ten neighborhoods across the Bremerton and Bangor compounds, plus a set of apartments. Homes range from two to four bedrooms, with lushly landscaped grounds and parks throughout.
Waitlists are common — contact the housing office as soon as orders arrive. On-base housing includes utilities, which provides meaningful monthly savings given the region’s above-average utility costs.
Off-base neighborhoods
Off-base housing options on the Kitsap Peninsula span a wide range of price points and lifestyles. Families near Bangor tend to gravitate toward Silverdale, Poulsbo, and Kingston — all offering small-town Pacific Northwest charm with easy base access.
Near Bremerton, Port Orchard is a popular and affordable choice. Meredith Heights and Freestone are highly rated by military families who have lived there. Belfair and Bremerton proper also have options, though Bremerton’s urban core is rougher around the edges.
School districts serving the area include Central Kitsap School District, North Kitsap School District, and Bremerton School District. Research individual schools carefully — quality varies significantly even within the same district. Washington ranks second in the country for higher education, so opportunities for military spouses pursuing degrees are excellent.
One major bonus: a short ferry ride connects Bremerton to downtown Seattle. Consequently, military families here enjoy big-city amenities without big-city rent. The commute by ferry runs about 60 minutes, and many families consider it a worthwhile trade for affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle.
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard — a hub of critical maintenance
PSNS is one of the most important military industrial facilities in the country. It is the only facility on the West Coast with dry docks large enough to accommodate Nimitz-class carriers. However, it functions primarily as a civilian workforce installation. Most active-duty families near PSNS live in the broader Bremerton/NB Kitsap community rather than being specifically “PSNS families.”
Whidbey Island: electronic warfare and island living
NAS Whidbey Island — the center of excellence for electronic attack
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island sits in Oak Harbor, on the largest island in the contiguous United States. It was commissioned in 1942 — originally supporting PBY Catalina seaplanes — and today serves as the Navy’s primary hub for electronic attack and maritime patrol aviation.
NAS Whidbey Island is home to the EA-18G Growler electronic attack squadrons. These jets suppress enemy air defenses and conduct electronic warfare, making Whidbey one of the most tactically relevant air stations in the entire fleet. Additionally, the base hosts P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol squadrons that conduct anti-submarine warfare and surveillance across the Pacific.
The total population at NAS Whidbey, including active duty, reserves, retirees, and families, runs around 38,000. Furthermore, the base is designated the Center of Excellence for Electronic Attack training, drawing personnel from across the Navy and Marine Corps.
One honest heads-up: Growler jet noise is a real part of life in Oak Harbor. The aircraft are loud. However, most families who live here say you adjust within a few weeks — and the lifestyle tradeoff is well worth it.
On-base housing
On-base family housing is privatized and managed by Hunt Military Communities at (360) 679-4241. There are 12 neighborhoods on the base, offering single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments. The Crescent Harbor Community alone features over 450 homes with three to four bedrooms.
Homes typically include fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer hookups, and a master bedroom with en-suite bath. The neighborhoods offer 35 playgrounds, pavilions, BBQ areas, community centers, and exercise facilities. Contact the NAS Whidbey Island Housing Services Office at (360) 257-3331 upon receiving orders.
Off-base neighborhoods
Off-base housing on Whidbey Island centers around Oak Harbor. The median home listing price runs around $375,000 — noticeably higher than inland Washington, but well below Seattle and the greater Puget Sound metro. The island is beautiful, peaceful, and community-focused in a way that families consistently describe as one of the best-kept secrets in the military.
Some families prefer the mainland towns of Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Anacortes, roughly 30 minutes from Oak Harbor via the Deception Pass Bridge. Those areas offer more housing inventory, slightly lower prices, and access to big-box stores that aren’t available on the island.
Schools on Whidbey Island are served by the Oak Harbor School District, which has a long track record of serving military families. NAS Whidbey Island BAH rates increased by 3.8% for 2026, reflecting continued demand for housing in this area.
For outdoor recreation, NAS Whidbey is an absolute dream assignment. Fishing, boating, hiking, and clamming are all part of the weekly rhythm. Additionally, two veteran-owned wineries — Holmes Harbor Cellars and Comforts of Whidbey Winery — have become beloved community institutions.
Naval Station Everett — the Navy’s most modern homeport
Naval Station Everett sits about 25 miles north of Seattle and 40 miles south of the Canadian border. It consistently earns the distinction of being the most modern naval base in the United States. Located right on the Snohomish County waterfront, NS Everett serves as the homeport for Carrier Strike Group Nine and supports multiple destroyers, frigates, and support vessels.
The base opened in the early 1990s and was built with modern pier infrastructure, energy efficiency, and family support services baked in from day one. As a result, it avoids many of the aging infrastructure issues that plague older installations. Notably, it’s one of the few naval stations in the country where the facilities genuinely feel current.
For families, Everett’s location is a major draw. You are close enough to Seattle to enjoy world-class culture, dining, and professional sports — Seahawks, Sounders, and Kraken — without paying Seattle prices. Everett itself is undergoing significant urban revitalization. Meanwhile, the Puget Sound waterfront neighborhoods of Mukilteo and Edmonds offer charming, walkable communities just minutes from base.
On-base housing
On-base housing at NS Everett is privatized and managed by Lincoln Military Housing. Availability varies by rank, so contact the housing office immediately upon orders. Off-base, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Marysville, and Everett proper are the most popular choices for military families.
Rental prices near Everett run lower than Seattle but higher than South Puget Sound — budget $2,000–$2,800 for a three-bedroom home. The Everett School District serves most families in the immediate area. Mukilteo School District, which covers the Mukilteo area, consistently earns strong ratings and has a large military family population.
Eastern Washington: Fairchild AFB and the high desert
Fairchild AFB — Spokane’s Air Force gem
Fairchild Air Force Base sits about 12 miles west of downtown Spokane in eastern Washington, and it tends to surprise people in the best possible way. While western Washington gets most of the military attention, Fairchild delivers a unique combination of mission importance, affordability, and four-season outdoor living.
The base is home to two major missions. First, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing operates KC-135 Stratotankers, keeping the Air Force’s global mobility pipeline flowing around the clock. Second, the 336th Training Group runs the Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School — one of the most demanding training programs in the entire DoD. The rugged terrain of eastern Washington provides an ideal environment for SERE’s field training components.
Additionally, the Washington Air National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing operates at Fairchild alongside the active-duty mission. In total, the base supports over 11,000 active duty, National Guard, and civilian personnel — plus more than 31,000 eligible military retirees in the region.
Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington and a genuine gem. The Spokane River runs through downtown, with Riverfront Park offering waterfront walking, a cable car over the falls, and a vibrant food scene. In addition, four true seasons mean hot summers perfect for lake days, brilliant fall colors, genuine skiing in winter, and a spectacular spring.
On-base housing
On-base housing at Fairchild is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Fairchild AFB Homes brand. There are four main neighborhoods — Lilac Village, Galena Station, Circle Drive, and Palouse Hills — offering two, three, and four-bedroom homes.
Lilac Village is the most expansive community, located near the commissary and main gate. Galena Station sits near Michael Anderson Elementary School and the base theater. Circle Drive is reserved for O-6 personnel and features four-bedroom layouts with covered patios and two-car garages. Palouse Hills offers townhome-style residences ideal for junior enlisted families.
Expect housing wait times of one to three months — shorter than most Puget Sound installations. Contact Fairchild Family Homes at (509) 244-6500 or the Housing Office at (509) 247-5185 with your orders.
Schools serving Fairchild families include Medical Lake School District for on-base residents, Cheney School District for families in Airway Heights or Cheney, and Spokane School District for those in western Spokane neighborhoods. Medical Lake Middle School and Medical Lake High School serve on-base middle and high school students.
Off-base neighborhoods
Spokane’s housing market is far more affordable than the western side of the state. Consequently, military families here often find that their BAH stretches significantly further. Three-bedroom rentals in Airway Heights and West Spokane typically run $1,400–$1,900 per month — well below Puget Sound pricing.
Airway Heights is the closest off-base community, sitting between the installation and Spokane International Airport. Medical Lake is the charming small town directly adjacent to the base, with a tight-knit community that embraces the military. For families who want urban amenities, the South Hill and North Spokane neighborhoods offer newer developments with excellent schools and shorter drives to Spokane’s restaurants and entertainment.
One thing to prepare for: eastern Washington winters bring real snow. Temperatures regularly dip below freezing from November through February. However, families who love skiing, snowmobiling, and winter recreation absolutely love it. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is less than 40 miles away. Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho is about 30 miles east — a breathtaking summer destination for boating and hiking.
Supporting installations and training facilities
Yakima Training Center
The Yakima Training Center (YTC) is a 327,000-acre Army training range in south-central Washington under JBLM’s command. Most active-duty families will not PCS directly to YTC. However, many JBLM-based units spend significant training time there annually. The Yakima Valley offers a completely different Washington experience — dry, high-desert terrain that feels worlds away from the rain and forests of the Puget Sound.
Camp Murray
Camp Murray, adjacent to JBLM in Pierce County, serves as headquarters for the Washington Army National Guard and Washington Air National Guard. The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team calls Camp Murray home. Therefore, Guard and Reserve families in the region should be familiar with this installation for benefits access, ID card services, and family support programs.
Naval Magazine Indian Island
Located on a small island near Port Hadlock in the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula, NAVMAG Indian Island is the Navy’s only West Coast deep-water ammunitions port. Its mission is the receipt, storage, and issuance of munitions to the Pacific Fleet. It’s a small, mission-specific installation, but it plays a critical logistics role.
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, based in Seattle, oversees maritime safety, security, and environmental protection across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Its crews conduct search and rescue on the often-treacherous waters of Puget Sound and the Pacific coast. Coast Guard families stationed here enjoy easy access to Seattle’s neighborhoods and the strong military community across the broader Puget Sound region.
What to know about living in Washington as a military family
Yes, it rains — but not the way you think
The reputation for constant rain is somewhat misleading. The Pacific Northwest experience is more accurately described as persistent drizzle and overcast skies from October through May, not heavy downpours. In fact, Seattle gets less total annual rainfall than cities like Miami or New York. Furthermore, summer in Washington — June through September — is genuinely spectacular, with low humidity, temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and clear skies that make the mountains pop. Locals will tell you: there’s no bad weather, just bad gear.
Traffic is genuinely bad around Puget Sound
The Seattle metro area and I-5 corridor are among the most congested in the country. Consequently, commuting from a popular neighborhood like Tacoma’s waterfront to JBLM’s main gate can take 45 minutes during rush hour. As a result, neighborhood selection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Moreover, living close to your gate saves hours every week — time that adds up fast over a three-year assignment.
The housing market is expensive on the western side
Western Washington ranks among the highest-cost housing markets in the nation. BAH rates are competitive, however they don’t always cover the full cost of rent in the most desirable neighborhoods. Therefore, budget carefully and research specific neighborhoods before committing. In contrast, eastern Washington near Fairchild AFB is dramatically more affordable — a genuinely significant quality-of-life advantage.
Military spouse employment opportunities are strong
The greater Seattle metro offers one of the most diverse job markets in the country, with Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, and a deep bench of tech companies all headquartered here. Additionally, Washington participates in the Interstate Compact on licensure recognition, easing credential transfers for licensed professionals. Furthermore, no state income tax means your take-home pay goes further here than in most coastal states.
Outdoor recreation is unmatched anywhere in the military
Mount Rainier National Park is practically in the backyard of JBLM families. Similarly, Olympic National Park is a short drive from NAS Whidbey Island and Naval Base Kitsap. Families near Fairchild AFB have access to four ski resorts, hundreds of miles of hiking, and the lakes of north Idaho. Specifically, snowshoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, and foraging for wild mushrooms are all part of everyday Washington life. Overall, Washington’s outdoor access is the single biggest reason many military families want to stay.
The ferry system is a lifestyle, not just a commute
Washington State Ferries connects the Kitsap Peninsula, Whidbey Island, and several other locations to the mainland and to Seattle. For families stationed at NB Kitsap or NAS Whidbey Island, ferries become a regular part of life. Moreover, the “poor man’s cruise” — hopping the ferry to Seattle for a day trip — is a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition that never gets old.
Use your VA home loan in Washington
Washington is an excellent state to put your VA loan to work. With no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, a VA loan can open doors that a conventional loan simply can’t in a market this competitive. This is especially true in areas like Spokane, Kitsap County, and the South Puget Sound corridor, where median home prices are within a realistic range for most mid-grade service members. In short, your VA benefit goes further here than in many other duty station states.
In the Spokane area near Fairchild AFB, the VA loan benefit is a particularly powerful tool. Median home prices in Spokane County run significantly below the greater Seattle market, giving families more buying power for their allowance. Many families who use their VA benefit near Fairchild have built meaningful equity before their next PCS.
On the western side of the state, VA loans in Kitsap County and Island County are increasingly popular. However, buyers should prepare for competitive offer situations. Therefore, working with a lender who specializes in VA loans and knows the Pacific Northwest market is critical.
Learn how your VA home loan works →
Washington’s no-state-income-tax advantage
Washington has no state personal income tax — one of only nine states in the country with this advantage. For military families, this puts real money back in your pocket every single paycheck.
In states like California, Virginia, or New York, you would owe state income tax on base pay. In Washington, you keep every dollar. For an E-6 with 10 years of service, the savings typically run $2,500–$4,500 per year compared to a high-tax state. Over a three-year assignment, that difference is substantial.
Military retirement pay in Washington is completely exempt from state income tax. Consequently, Washington is one of the most popular states for service members to claim as their state of legal residence, even when assigned elsewhere. Additionally, this benefit carries forward into retirement, making Washington an attractive long-term home for transitioning service members who want to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington veteran and military family benefits
Beyond the income tax advantage, Washington offers meaningful benefits for veterans and military families across several categories.
Property tax exemptions
Washington’s property tax relief program for disabled veterans is income-based rather than flat-rate. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 80% or higher, or a total disability rating regardless of percentage, may qualify for a property tax reduction on their primary residence.
The amount of the reduction depends on income, home value, and local levy rates. VA disability compensation is excluded when calculating disposable income for eligibility purposes, which significantly improves access for many veterans. To apply, contact your county assessor’s office. Additionally, surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may receive grant assistance for property taxes — a benefit that does not need to be repaid.
Education benefits for veterans and families
Washington state colleges and universities may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans. Institutions set their own guidelines, so programs vary. Furthermore, dependents of service members who died in service or who are permanently and totally disabled may receive up to 200 quarter credits of free tuition at state public schools.
Children of qualifying veterans must be between ages 17 and 26 to use this benefit. Spouses and surviving spouses are eligible for 10 years from the date of the service member’s death or VA rating. Additionally, all honorably discharged veterans who move to Washington qualify for in-state tuition immediately upon establishing residency.
Washington ranks second in the country for higher education quality, making these benefits especially valuable. The state’s major universities — University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University — all have strong military student populations and veteran support offices.
Additional veteran benefits
State Parks Pass. Washington residents with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher receive a free lifetime state parks pass. This pass covers camping, boat launches, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, and day use at all state parks. Given the quality of Washington’s parks — including Olympic, Rainier, and dozens of Puget Sound waterfront parks — this is a genuinely significant benefit.
Hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans 65 or older with any disability rating, and veterans under 65 with at least a 30% rating, receive reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. Active-duty members stationed in Washington may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate, regardless of legal residency.
State employment preference. Combat veterans and veterans with a campaign ribbon receive preference for state civil service jobs. This adds points to competitive examination scores, improving hiring prospects for veterans entering Washington’s substantial state government workforce.
Free disabled veteran license plates. Veterans who have been receiving 100% VA disability for at least one year can receive a free disabled veteran vehicle license plate from the Washington Department of Licensing.
WDVA Veterans Service Offices. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs operates Veterans Service Offices across the state to help veterans, retirees, and their families identify and apply for all eligible benefits. All services are free. Call (800) 562-2308 or email benefits@dva.wa.gov to connect with a VSO.
Plan your Washington PCS with confidence
No matter which Washington installation is on your orders, the right planning makes the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one. Our PCS Plan connects you with a vetted, military-connected Ambassador who knows your next duty station personally. They’ll help you navigate housing, neighborhoods, schools, and timing — all personalized to your family’s situation. It’s completely free, and it’s built by families who have made these exact moves.
Join the PCS Pay-It-Forward® community and connect with families already stationed at your next base. Local insight from people who’ve been there beats any website.
Additional PCS resources:
- Find your base guide — 115+ installation guides with real family insights
- 2026 BAH rates — look up your housing allowance by zip code
- VA home loan guide — learn how to use your benefit at your next duty station
- DITY/PPM move guide — understand your move options and what you can earn
- PCS tax write-offs — deductions you might be missing
- Military moving tips — hard-earned advice from families who’ve been there
- PCS binder checklist — stay organized from orders to unpacking
Frequently asked questions about military bases in Washington
How many military bases are in Washington state?
Washington is home to approximately eight major active military installations, with representation from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The primary installations include Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap (Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport), NAS Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, and Fairchild AFB. Additionally, supporting installations include Naval Magazine Indian Island, Yakima Training Center, Camp Murray, and Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. In total, Washington ranks sixth in the nation for active-duty military personnel.
What is the largest military base in Washington state?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the largest military installation in Washington state, covering nearly 87,000 acres in Pierce County between Tacoma and Olympia. It also holds the distinction of being the largest military base west of the Rockies and the most-requested separation duty station in the U.S. Army.
Does Washington state have a state income tax?
No. Washington has no state personal income tax. All income — including military base pay, active duty special pay, military retirement, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments — is completely free from state income tax. For military families, this can translate to $2,500–$4,500 or more in annual savings compared to high-tax duty stations. This benefit also makes Washington a popular state for service members to claim as their legal residence.
What are the best military bases in Washington for families?
JBLM consistently ranks as one of the most family-friendly installations in the military, thanks to proximity to Seattle and Tacoma, world-class outdoor recreation, and a strong military community. NAS Whidbey Island is beloved for its island lifestyle and tight-knit community. Fairchild AFB surprises people positively — Spokane offers genuine affordability, four seasons, and a community that embraces the military. The best base for your family depends on priorities around housing cost, school quality, outdoor interests, and spousal employment.
What property tax benefits does Washington offer disabled veterans?
Washington offers income-based property tax reductions for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 80% or higher, or a total disability rating regardless of percentage. The reduction amount depends on income, home value, and local levy rates. Importantly, VA disability compensation is excluded when calculating disposable income for eligibility purposes. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also receive property tax grant assistance. Contact your county assessor to apply.
What should I know about the housing waitlist at JBLM?
On-base housing at JBLM is managed by Liberty Military Housing and has a wait time of 7–9 months on average. Some high-demand homes, particularly larger units, can exceed 12 months. Only about 20% of JBLM families live on base. As a result, most families rent or buy off base in communities like DuPont, Lacey, Olympia, or University Place. Apply to the waitlist immediately upon receiving orders — do not wait until you arrive.
What squadrons are at NAS Whidbey Island?
NAS Whidbey Island is home to the Navy’s EA-18G Growler electronic attack squadrons, which conduct airborne electronic warfare and radar suppression missions. The base also hosts P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol squadrons that conduct anti-submarine warfare and long-range maritime surveillance. NAS Whidbey Island is designated the Navy’s Center of Excellence for Electronic Attack training, making it one of the most operationally relevant air stations in the fleet.
What is the SERE school at Fairchild AFB?
The Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School at Fairchild AFB is run by the 336th Training Group. It is the Air Force’s primary SERE training program, preparing aircrew and other at-risk personnel to survive and return with honor from any isolating situation. The rugged terrain of eastern Washington provides an ideal training environment for the field components of the program. SERE training is a required prerequisite for many aviation-related career fields across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Can I use my VA home loan in Washington?
Absolutely. Washington is a strong state for your VA loan benefit, particularly in the Spokane area near Fairchild AFB, Kitsap County near Naval Base Kitsap, and Island County near NAS Whidbey Island. With zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, military families can often buy for less than the cost of renting in these markets. Start by exploring your options on our VA home loan guide.
Does Washington offer free tuition for veterans?
Washington state colleges and universities may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans. Dependents of service members who died in service or who are permanently and totally disabled may receive up to 200 quarter credits of free tuition at state public institutions. Children must be between ages 17 and 26, while spouses are eligible for 10 years from the qualifying event. Additionally, all honorably discharged veterans are eligible for in-state tuition rates immediately upon establishing Washington residency.
Key Takeaways
Washington state is one of the most strategically significant and quality-of-life-rich PCS destinations in the military. Here’s what to carry with you as you plan your move:
- Washington ranks sixth in the nation for active-duty military personnel, with approximately 55,000 service members across the state.
- No state income tax means every dollar of your paycheck stays in your pocket — a savings of $2,500–$4,500+ annually compared to high-tax states.
- JBLM is the largest base west of the Rockies and the most-requested separation duty station in the U.S. Army — sign up for the housing waitlist immediately upon orders, not after arrival.
- Naval Base Kitsap is the third-largest naval base in the country, with the only dry docks on the West Coast capable of handling Nimitz-class carriers and the Pacific homeport for the nation’s nuclear submarine fleet.
- NAS Whidbey Island is the Navy’s Center of Excellence for Electronic Attack — and one of the most sought-after island lifestyle assignments in the military.
- Fairchild AFB offers Spokane’s affordability paired with a critical Air Force refueling and SERE training mission that makes it far more important than most people realize.
- Veteran benefits in Washington include income-based property tax reductions, free lifetime state parks passes for 30%+ disabled veterans, free tuition assistance for dependents, and hunting/fishing license discounts.
- Start with a free PCS Plan — connect with a military-connected Ambassador who knows your next duty station and can help your family land well from day one. That’s what PCS Pay It Forward is all about.
