Cost of Living in Ferry County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ferry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ferry County ranks #781 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ferry County, Washington
Ferry offers rare rental bargain territory
Ferry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is exceptional—well below the national renter burden of roughly 28–30%. At just $703 monthly rent, residents earning a median of $54,650 enjoy one of the most affordable rental markets in the state.
Washington's affordability champion
Ferry County ranks among Washington's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% compared to the state average of 18.8%. This 3.4-percentage-point advantage reflects genuinely low housing costs in a rural, less-developed market.
Significantly cheaper than all peers
Ferry County's $703 rent dramatically undercuts neighboring Douglas ($1,234) and Grant ($1,059) counties, and its $274,500 median home value is the lowest in this regional cluster. This rural county trades urban amenities for some of Washington's most accessible housing.
Minimal housing burden across the board
Both renters ($703/month) and homeowners ($695/month) spend roughly 15% of household income on housing, freeing up income for other needs. This is the lowest burden ratio among the eight counties examined, reflecting Ferry's cost-of-living advantage.
Ferry County for those prioritizing affordability
If housing cost is your primary concern and you can embrace a rural lifestyle, Ferry County offers genuine affordability rarely seen in Washington. Your income stretches furthest here, though job opportunities and services are more limited than in larger counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ferry County
Affordability Verdict
Ferry County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $703/month representing approximately 15.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $703/month rent versus $695/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $8/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,786/year. With a median household income of $54,650, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Ferry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Garfield County where rent averages $768/month, Ferry County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ferry County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,275
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Ferry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $274,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,191 vs. your max of $1,275.
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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