Joint Base Lewis McChord JBLM
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Relocation Information
Welcome to Joint Base Lewis-McChord!
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is the product of the BRAC realignment that culminated in the joining of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. It was originally known as Camp Lewis, which was founded in 1917 and named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Located on the picturesque Puget Sound in Northwestern Washington, JBLM is touted as the most requested Army installation by the base’s MWR. The base is located near idyllic mountain ranges and Pacific Ocean destinations and is found between Olympia and Tacoma about one hour from Seattle, leaving endless opportunities for city exploration.
The year-round mild climate makes hiking, camping, kayaking, and boating just a few of the outings you can enjoy in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier!
Moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord? Download your free guide to the area below!
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Base Lewis-McChord
1) Where is JBLM located?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in western Washington state, about one hour south of Seattle. See below for more information about this base's location.
2) What county is JBLM in?
JBLM is located in Pierce County, Washington, and occupies 627 square miles.
3) What are the main units located at JBLM?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is home to I Corps and the 62nd Airlift Wing.
4) How many military members are stationed at JBLM?
The base hosts approximately 40,000 service members and their families. (Source: army.mil)
5) What is the zip code for JBLM?
The zip code for Joint Base Lewis McChord is 98433. Other nearby zip codes include 98374, 98327, and 98513.
6) What is the BAH for JBLM?
The BAH for JBLM ranges from $2,235 for E-1 to $3,003 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,472 for O-1 to $3,348 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more information.
Mt. Rainier near Seattle
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Base Location and Information
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located about 9 miles southwest of Tacoma and approximately 6 miles south of Lakewood, Washington, which lies conveniently off of I-5.
To the southwest of the southern end of the installation is the city of Dupont, Washington, less than 5 miles away. Continuing southwest on I-5 are the cities of Lacey and Olympia. Lacey is less than 15 miles away, and the outskirts of Olympia are just over 15 miles. East of the base is Spanaway, WA, and to the northeast, closer to the former McChord AFB, is the city of Puyallup, WA.
JBLM is truly a joint area, with Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases.
With easy access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and Space-A Travel, it’s recommended to have a passport updated and ready to go. Even our friendly Canadian neighbors to the north require proper documentation. Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia are popular treks, especially for skiing in the winter. Tropical beach lovers, don’t forget that Hawaii and the Pacific Islands are closer than ever while stationed at JBLM!
It’s likely that previous to your assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, riding on and parking a car in a ferry wasn’t part of your daily routine. Here, the chances of doing just that are high, depending on where you live and how much you like to explore and travel. Commuting without a ferry is doable, but some folks enjoy being a bit off the grid which requires ferry rides to get around the area.
Official Site:
Military Bases Near JBLM
Arrival Lodging
Joint Base Lewis-McChord offers on-base lodging through IHG Army Hotels. To make reservations, visit the IHG Army Hotel site or call 1-877-711-TEAM.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Housing
Military housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing. Liberty provides more than 5,200 new and renovated homes in 22 different communities on base.
Liberty Military Housing
5128 Pendleton Ave
Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington 98433
360-858-6097
General Management Office (GMO)
253-912-2111
Government Housing Office
253-966-2888
JBLM Off-Base Housing
There are several popular cities that families enjoy near the base, but each has its own personality. Affordability and larger yard space require a longer commute to JBLM. On the northern end of the base you’ll find Lakewood, Puyallup, Spanaway, University Place, and Steilacoom. Steilacoom is known for its views of the water, charming older homes, and lush farmers’ markets. Lakewood offers plentiful shopping.
The southern end is closest to Olympia, Lacey, and Dupont.
Without traffic, a good commute time is 20 minutes. These cities provide the comforts of suburbia with easy access to large chain stores and restaurants.
JBLM BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed servicemembers compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
BAH rates for JBLM zip code 98374:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,235
- E-1 without dependents: $1,683
- E-9 with dependents: $3,003
- E-9 without dependents: $2,574
- O-1 with dependents: $2,472
- O-1 without dependents: $2,034
- O-7 with dependents: $3,348
- O-7 without dependents: $2,976
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Area Weather & Climate
Seattle is known as the Emerald City, with every shade of green in its landscape due to the area's regular rainfall. Expect some sort of precipitation most days, and you’ll be prepared! Downpours aren’t the regular forecast; fine misting and drizzle are more the norm.
The area gets about 40 inches of rain per year and about three inches of snow. July is the warmest month with about 75 degrees as a high temperature, and January is the coldest at 35 degrees for a low.
JBLM Area Schools
Clover Park School District Map via Clover Park School District. Visit the website for the most current information.
Twenty schools serve JBLM. The Clover Park School District administers to the students there. Off base, residents will be served by one of the 19 school districts surrounding the base. Each district uniquely administers grading scales, sports, dress code, and school lunch programs.
It’s important to make contact with the JBLM Student Liaison Officer (SLO) to ensure the right educational track for your child, whether public or private. The SLO answers questions about transfer credits, curricula, and specialty programs.
Washington regulates homeschooling. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has more information.
Support for Military and Families
Military spouses and families benefit from the numerous programs offered, whether recreational or educational. The MWR Employment Readiness Program offers resources that include all components of employment readiness, including job searches.
For those seeking to further their education, JBLM is connected with colleges including Central Texas College, Brandman University, Pierce College, Central Washington University, and more.
Some helpful links:
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More Area Info
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Base Address:
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Visitors Center
Joint Base Lewis McChord
,
98433