Adult Family Homes in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has 378 Adult Family Homes licensed by Washington DSHS, with 2,188 resident beds in total (state records checked November 7, 2026). 368 of them (97%) have a Medicaid contract, 370 hold the dementia specialty, 377 the mental health specialty and 288 the developmental disabilities specialty. The city also has 24 assisted living communities and 11 nursing homes.
Tacoma at a glance
- Adult Family Homes
- 378
- Resident beds
- 2,188
- Medicaid contract
- 368 (97%)
- Dementia specialty
- 370
- Mental health specialty
- 377
- Developmental disabilities
- 288
- Assisted living
- 24
- Nursing homes
- 11
From Washington DSHS license records, checked November 7, 2026.
Choosing an Adult Family Home in Tacoma
Tacoma has the 2nd most Adult Family Homes of any city in Washington, so there is real choice here. Narrow it down by care needs first, then by the neighborhood family can visit most easily.
Homes are spread across 17 ZIP codes. The most are in 98444 (97), 98445 (78) and 98408 (48). If someone will visit every week, start with the ZIP code closest to them.
The average home here is licensed for 5.8 residents. 5 are approved for seven or eight. 22 care for four or fewer, which some families prefer for a quieter house.
Tacoma has more homes approved for developmental disabilities than most of Washington: 76% here, against 61% statewide. That makes it a good place to look for an adult son or daughter with DD.
Nearly every home here holds the dementia specialty, so the label alone will not narrow your list. Ask each home how many residents with memory loss live there now, who is awake at night, and how they handle wandering.
Before you visit, read each home's DSHS inspection reports; every listing on this page links to them, and our guide to reading inspection reports explains what to look for.
Paying for care in Tacoma
Medicaid. 368 Tacoma homes (97%) have a Medicaid contract with the state, above the Washington average of 94%. A contract does not mean a Medicaid bed is open today, so ask each home, and ask whether a private pay resident can stay if savings run out.
Cost. Adult Family Homes set their own rates, usually by how much care is needed. Across Washington they typically charge $135 to $473 a day, about $4,050 to $14,190 a month. Tacoma is in the Seattle area, where assisted living averages $8,038 a month, compared with $7,546 statewide. Our cost of care estimator gives a range for your situation.
Free local help. Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center (Pierce County Human Services) at (253) 798-4600 can talk through care options and benefits. For a Medicaid care assessment and every other local number, see our Pierce County guide.
WA Cares Fund. If your loved one paid into WA Cares, the benefit can go toward an Adult Family Home. See who qualifies.
Questions about Adult Family Homes in Tacoma
How many Adult Family Homes are in Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma has 378 Adult Family Homes licensed by Washington DSHS, with room for 2,188 residents in total, according to state records as of November 2026. Each home cares for up to six residents, or up to eight with state approval.
Do Adult Family Homes in Tacoma accept Medicaid?
368 of Tacoma's 378 Adult Family Homes (97%) have a Medicaid contract with Washington DSHS, so residents who qualify for Medicaid or COPES can live there. Ask each home whether a Medicaid bed is open now.
Are there Adult Family Homes for dementia or memory care in Tacoma?
Yes. 370 Adult Family Homes in Tacoma hold the DSHS dementia specialty, which means their staff completed extra state training in dementia care. Ask each home how it handles wandering and night time care.
Which Tacoma Adult Family Homes care for mental health needs or developmental disabilities?
Of Tacoma's 378 Adult Family Homes, 377 hold the mental health specialty and 288 hold the developmental disabilities specialty. Both designations require extra DSHS training. Filter for them on this page, then ask how many residents with similar needs live in the home now.
How much does an Adult Family Home cost in Tacoma?
Each home sets its own rate based on the care needed. In Washington, Adult Family Homes typically charge $135 to $473 a day, about $4,050 to $14,190 a month. Medicaid, long term care insurance, VA benefits and the WA Cares Fund can help pay.
How do I check the inspection reports for an Adult Family Home in Tacoma?
DSHS inspects every Adult Family Home at least every 18 months and publishes inspections, complaint investigations and enforcement letters online. Each Tacoma home on Wayvo links to its own DSHS reports by license number.
How do I find an Adult Family Home in Tacoma with a room open now?
Rooms open and fill quickly, so call the homes on your short list and ask. Or tell a Wayvo guide what your loved one needs and we will check which Tacoma homes have a room open, free.
Home counts updated November 7, 2026 from state records. Sources:
See all 413 care homes in Tacoma, A to Z
More about care near Tacoma
Care homes in Pierce County · Which kind of home is right?