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Moses Lake, WA

Frequently asked questions

Moses Lake, WA

Moses Lake is a city in Grant County, Washington, United States. The population was 25,146 as of the 2020 census. Moses Lake is the largest city in Grant County. The city anchors the Moses Lake Micropolitan area, which includes all of Grant County and is part of the Moses Lake–Othello combined statistical area.

Moses Lake, on which the city lies, is made up of three main arms over 18 miles (29 km) long and up to one mile (1.6 km) wide. It is the largest natural body of fresh water in Grant County and has over 120 miles (190 km) of shoreline covering 6,500 acres (2,600 ha). Before it was dammed in the early 1900s and then incorporated into the Columbia Basin Project, Moses Lake was a smaller shallow lake. To the south of the town are the Potholes Reservoir and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge which has several seep lakes and vast amounts of migratory birds and other fauna natural to the area.

Before the construction of Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in 1941 and Moses Lake Army Air Base in 1942 the area was largely barren. Native Americans knew the area as Houaph, which meant willow. Chief Moses was the leader of the Sinkiuse tribe from 1859 to 1899 and was forced to negotiate with white settlers who began to settle in the area in the 1880s. Under pressure from the government, Chief Moses traded the Columbia Basin land for a reservation that stretched from Lake Chelan north to the Canada–US border. The government later traded again for what is now the Colville Indian Reservation.

The new settlers named the lake in honor of Chief Moses. The city was originally named Neppel, after a town in Germany where one of the original settlers had lived. The first settlers established fisheries and farms — some of the first exported items were carp, jackrabbits, and fruit — but irrigation attempts failed and settlers left at about the same rate as they came. When the town was incorporated and renamed Moses Lake in 1938, the population was estimated at 302 people.

The arrival of the air base in 1942 and irrigation water pumped from Grand Coulee Dam in 1955 offered newcomers a reason and a way to settle in an area that previously had little to offer other than good fishing and a place to water sheep and cattle. Moses Lake was quickly transformed into a hub for a vast region where transportation, agriculture, and recreation came together.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.75 square miles (48.56 km²), of which 15.75 square miles (40.79 km²) is land and 3.00 square miles (7.77 km²) is water.

Moses Lake places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Moses Lake offers a wealth of resources to its residents. Samaritan Healthcare offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. South Campus Athletic Club offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For those seeking a comprehensive fitness experience, Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to state-of-the-art gym facilities. Planet Fitness offers personalized training and group classes for all fitness levels. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails at McCosh Park and Montlake Park, perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking. Surf 'n Slide Water Park is a fun way to stay active while enjoying water-based activities.

Top sites in Moses Lake, WA are Surf 'n Slide Water Park, Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, Blue Heron Park, and Japanese Peace Garden.

Population: 26,299 (2023). ZIP code: 98837. Area code: 509. Elevation: 1,070 ft (326 m). Area: 18.75 square miles (48.56 km²).

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Moses Lake WA?

The cost of living in Moses Lake, WA is 13% lower than the state average and 2% higher than the national average. Moses Lake, WA housing is 4% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 22% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% more in Moses Lake, WA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 17% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 3% pricier in Moses Lake, WA.

Is Moses Lake, WA a nice place to live?

Moses Lake is in Grant County. Living in Moses Lake offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Moses Lake, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Moses Lake and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the crime rate in Moses Lake WA?

With a crime rate of 59 per one thousand residents, Moses Lake has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 17. Within Washington, more than 94% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Moses Lake.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Moses Lake

Niche

Rentcafe

Neighborhood Scout

Surf 'n Slide Water Park 

Moses Lake Museum & Art Center 

Blue Heron Park 

Japanese Peace Garden

Samaritan Healthcare

South Campus Athletic Club

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

McCosh Park

Montlake Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.