Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Washington

$1,291/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$495,100

Median Home Value

7% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,291/mo

7% above state average

Median Home Value

$495,100

76% 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 Jefferson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Jefferson County$1,291/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,291/mo

Median Gross Rent

$495,100

Median Home Value

$1,087/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio21.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jefferson County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,291/mo and a median home value of $495,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Jefferson County?

The median gross rent in Jefferson County is $1,291/mo. This is 7% above state average for Washington.

Is Jefferson County affordable?

Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's rent compare to the state average?

Jefferson County's median rent of $1,291/mo is 7% above state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Jefferson County?

The median home value in Jefferson County, Washington is $495,100. This is 76% above the national median home value of $281,900.