Cost of Living in Cowlitz County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cowlitz County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cowlitz County ranks #2,825 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cowlitz County, Washington
Cowlitz County edges out national affordability
Cowlitz County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above Washington's 18.8% state average but remains competitive with national norms. At $1,169 monthly rent and $72,932 median household income, Cowlitz residents face moderate affordability constraints.
Slightly above-average rental costs statewide
Cowlitz County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Washington's affordability scale with a 19.2% rent-to-income ratio and $1,169 median rent. Both figures hover slightly above state averages, reflecting regional housing pressures in the Longview-Kelso area.
More expensive than Adams and Asotin
Cowlitz County's $1,169 rent exceeds Adams ($901) and Asotin ($994) but trails Benton ($1,256) and Clark ($1,668). Its $367,400 median home value aligns with Benton County, suggesting comparable housing market dynamics.
Homeownership carries the heavier burden
Cowlitz renters spend 19.2% of income on housing, but homeowners commit 23.0%—the steepest ownership burden in this sample. At $72,932 median household income and $367,400 median home value, Cowlitz homebuyers face significant affordability headwinds.
Cowlitz suits renters better than buyers
If relocating to Cowlitz County, renters will find more balanced economics than prospective homebuyers, whose monthly costs consume nearly a quarter of income. Evaluate both your tenure preference and income stability before committing to this market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cowlitz County
Affordability Verdict
Cowlitz County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,169/month representing approximately 19.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,169/month rent versus $1,396/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $227/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,829/year. With a median household income of $72,932, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cowlitz County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Cowlitz County is more affordable than Walla Walla County by roughly 5% ($1,169/mo vs $1,113/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cowlitz County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,702
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.0%
of gross income
The median home in Cowlitz County may be a stretch
Median home value is $367,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,933 vs. your max of $1,702.
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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