Cost of Living in Garfield County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garfield County ranks #1,160 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garfield County, Washington
Garfield County: ultra-affordable housing rare find
Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is exceptional—nearly half the national renter burden of roughly 28–30%. With monthly rent at just $768 and a median household income of $62,411, residents enjoy some of Washington's lowest housing pressure.
Second-most affordable in Washington
Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks just behind Ferry County as one of Washington's most affordable markets, well below the state average of 18.8%. This rural Palouse County offers genuine escape from state housing inflation.
The bargain of the central/eastern region
Garfield County's $768 rent is the lowest among all eight counties examined, and its $214,200 median home value is the cheapest entry point to homeownership in the region. Rural character and isolation translate directly into accessible housing costs.
Housing barely dents household budgets
Both renters ($768/month) and homeowners ($698/month) spend roughly 15% of household income on housing, the lowest burden ratio among all categories examined. This leaves residents maximum flexibility for savings, education, healthcare, and other priorities.
Garfield for budget-conscious relocators
If you're moving to Washington and affordability is non-negotiable, Garfield County delivers the deepest discounts on both rent and home purchases. Remote work or flexible employment is essential, given limited local job markets, but your housing dollar stretches the furthest here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garfield County
Affordability Verdict
Garfield County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $768/month representing approximately 14.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Garfield County pay $768/month on average, compared to $698/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,914/year. With a median household income of $62,411, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Garfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Garfield County sits 9% more expensive than Ferry County ($703/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garfield County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,456
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
The median home in Garfield County may be a stretch
Median home value is $214,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,710 vs. your max of $1,456.
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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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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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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