Cost of Living in Franklin County, Washington

$1,171/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$345,700

Median Home Value

3% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,171/mo

3% below state average

Median Home Value

$345,700

23% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% 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 Franklin County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Franklin County$1,171/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,171/mo

Median Gross Rent

$345,700

Median Home Value

$1,417/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Washington

Franklin strikes national-level balance

Franklin County renters dedicate 17.0% of income to housing—comfortably below the national average of roughly 28–30% for typical renters. With a median household income of $82,755, residents earn above the national median of $74,755, providing strong financial footing for housing decisions.

One of Washington's better affordability plays

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks well below Washington's state average of 18.8%, making it one of the state's more balanced markets. The combination of solid incomes and moderate rents creates a favorable environment for both renters and buyers.

Undercuts nearby counties on rent

Franklin County's $1,171 rent is notably lower than Douglas ($1,234) and Grant ($1,059), positioning it as the cheapest rental option among central Washington peers. Its median home value of $345,700 sits in the middle of the regional range, offering moderate entry costs for homebuyers.

Homeownership carries slightly higher costs

Renters pay $1,171 monthly, while homeowners face $1,417—a $246 gap that reflects higher property-related expenses beyond mortgage principal. Both groups keep housing costs under 20% of household income, maintaining healthy financial flexibility.

Franklin offers solid middle ground

If you seek balance between affordability and regional opportunity, Franklin County delivers reasonable rents and moderate home values. Match your household income against the $82,755 median to assess whether this central Washington location fits your relocation goals.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,931

per month

Owner Cost Burden

20.5%

of gross income

The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch

Median home value is $345,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,760 vs. your max of $1,931.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Franklin County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,171/mo and a median home value of $345,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Franklin County?

The median gross rent in Franklin County is $1,171/mo. This is 3% below state average for Washington.

Is Franklin County affordable?

Franklin County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Franklin County's median rent of $1,171/mo is 3% below state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Franklin County?

The median home value in Franklin County, Washington is $345,700. This is 23% above the national median home value of $281,900.