Cost of Living in Clark County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clark County ranks #2,680 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clark County, Washington
Clark County's rent surge pressures affordability
Clark County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio stands significantly above both the national average and Washington's 18.8% state benchmark. At $1,668 monthly rent paired with a $94,948 median household income, Clark's affordability challenge stems from explosive housing cost growth rather than low earnings.
Least affordable county in this sample
Clark County ranks as the state's least affordable housing market in this analysis, with the highest rent-to-income ratio at 21.1%. Its median rent of $1,668 towers over state average at $1,202, reflecting the region's explosive growth and proximity to Portland, Oregon.
Far outpaces all comparable counties
Clark County's $1,668 rent dwarfs every peer, running $412 above Cowlitz County ($1,169) and over $700 above Adams County. Even with the highest median income in the sample at $94,948, Clark residents spend far more on housing relative to earnings.
Both renters and owners face sticker shock
Clark renters dedicate 21.1% of income to housing while homeowners commit 22.6%—the highest burdens in this sample by far. At $487,900 median home value, Clark prices exceed every comparable county, reflecting red-hot regional demand.
Clark County demands premium budget plans
Clark County's combination of high rents and home prices makes it the costliest market in this analysis. Relocators should carefully weigh whether job opportunities and lifestyle benefits justify nearly a quarter of income going toward housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clark County
Affordability Verdict
Clark County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,668/month — about 21.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Clark County pay $1,668/month on average, compared to $1,790/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $66,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,714/year. With a median household income of $94,948, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Clark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pierce County where rent averages $1,722/month, Clark County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clark County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,215
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.6%
of gross income
The median home in Clark County may be a stretch
Median home value is $487,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,895 vs. your max of $2,215.
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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