Cost of Living in Cowlitz County, Washington

$1,169/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$367,400

Median Home Value

3% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,169/mo

3% below state average

Median Home Value

$367,400

30% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Cowlitz County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Cowlitz County$1,169/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,169/mo

Median Gross Rent

$367,400

Median Home Value

$1,396/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Cowlitz County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio19.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cowlitz County, Washington?

Cowlitz County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,169/mo and a median home value of $367,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Cowlitz County?

The median gross rent in Cowlitz County is $1,169/mo. This is 3% below state average for Washington.

Is Cowlitz County affordable?

Cowlitz County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Cowlitz County's rent compare to the state average?

Cowlitz County's median rent of $1,169/mo is 3% below state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Cowlitz County?

The median home value in Cowlitz County, Washington is $367,400. This is 30% above the national median home value of $281,900.