Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,737 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Washington
Jefferson County: waterfront premium hits hard
Jefferson County renters spend 21.8% of income on housing, well above the national average of roughly 28–30% and among the highest examined. With a median household income of $71,143 and $1,291 monthly rent, the county's Olympic Peninsula waterfront location commands substantial housing costs.
Second-most expensive rental in Washington
Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% ranks among Washington's least affordable markets, exceeded only by Island County's 22.1%. This reflects both limited housing stock on the Olympic Peninsula and strong demand from affluent Seattle-area relocators.
Waterfront pricing steeper than inland peers
Jefferson County's $1,291 rent exceeds most central and eastern Washington counties, and its $495,100 median home value is second only to Island County at $535,300. Olympic Peninsula waterfront geography drives scarcity and pricing premium.
Homeownership offers modest cost relief
Renters pay $1,291 monthly while homeowners face $1,087—a notable $204 advantage that reflects Jefferson's rental scarcity relative to owned inventory. Homeowners enjoy roughly 18% housing burden while renters carry 22%, making ownership more accessible despite higher entry prices.
Jefferson for waterfront relocators with means
If Olympic Peninsula waterfront living justifies premium housing costs, Jefferson County offers access—but your household income needs to exceed the $71,143 median to maintain healthy affordability. Purchasing a home provides better long-term value than renting in this supply-constrained market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Jefferson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,291/month — about 21.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jefferson County pay $1,291/month on average, compared to $1,087/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $51,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,586/year. With a median household income of $71,143, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Jefferson County sits 5% more expensive than Douglas County ($1,234/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
21.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,660
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $495,100. Estimated monthly cost: $3,953 vs. your max of $1,660.
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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