Cost of Living in Kittitas County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kittitas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kittitas County ranks #2,406 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas rents strain modest incomes
With a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio, Kittitas County exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average despite lower incomes of $69,928. Renters spend $1,253 monthly—far above the national median—making housing affordability a genuine challenge for most households.
Cascades county faces affordability crunch
Kittitas ranks among Washington's more strained counties with a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 18.8%. The median rent of $1,253 is particularly burdensome given the county's median income of $69,928, the lowest among this peer group.
Stuck between city and countryside
Kittitas's $1,253 rent is higher than rural Okanogan ($868) or Klickitat ($1,119) yet below Puget Sound counties, reflecting its mountain-town character and Seattle commute appeal. Neighboring Yakima County offers comparable housing costs but more job diversity.
High burden on lower income
Renters dedicate 21.5% of the $69,928 median income to housing, while homeowners spend 25.4% on mortgage costs of $1,483. The median home value of $459,900 is steep for a county where incomes lag state and national levels.
Kittitas offers Cascades living
Despite affordability pressures, Kittitas offers mountain recreation and regional growth potential if you're willing to stretch your housing budget. Consider pairing relocation with remote work or Puget Sound commute opportunities to justify the cost premium over flatter, further-east alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kittitas County
Affordability Verdict
Kittitas County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,253/month representing approximately 21.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,253/month rent versus $1,483/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $230/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,557/year. With a median household income of $69,928, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Kittitas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Kittitas County is more affordable than Spokane County by roughly 4% ($1,253/mo vs $1,200/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kittitas County
Rent Burden
21.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,632
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.4%
of gross income
The median home in Kittitas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $459,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,672 vs. your max of $1,632.
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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