Cost of Living in Wasco County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wasco County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wasco County ranks #2,995 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wasco County, Oregon
Wasco rents less than national average
Wasco County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits below the national median household income of $74,755, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than typical American households. This favorable ratio reflects both modest rents and solid local incomes that outpace many rural Oregon counties.
Better affordability than most Oregon counties
At 18.4%, Wasco's rent-to-income ratio beats Oregon's state average of 19.4%, positioning the county among the more affordable places to rent in the state. The median rent of $978 per month is also $159 below the statewide average, making Wasco a relative bargain for renters.
Most affordable in its region
Wasco County offers the lowest rents among nearby counties, with $978 monthly rent compared to Washington County's $1,773 and Yamhill County's $1,377. Wheeler County edges slightly cheaper at $782, but Wasco strikes a balance between affordability and access to services that its rural neighbors cannot match.
Housing costs break down clearly
Wasco renters pay $978 monthly while owner-occupants pay $1,108, with a median home value of $332,500 and median household income of $63,602. Renters dedicate 18.4% of income to housing, while mortgage costs consume roughly 21% of owner household income, making both options relatively affordable.
Consider Wasco for rural balance
If you're relocating to Oregon and want genuine affordability without sacrificing access to amenities, Wasco delivers lower rents and mortgage costs than most regional peers. Compare Wasco's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio to your current housing burden—you may find substantial monthly savings while staying connected to the wider Portland metro region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wasco County
Affordability Verdict
Wasco County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $978/month — about 18.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wasco County pay $978/month on average, compared to $1,108/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,486/year. With a median household income of $63,602, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Wasco County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Morrow County where rent averages $910/month, Wasco County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wasco County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,484
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Wasco County may be a stretch
Median home value is $332,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,654 vs. your max of $1,484.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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