Cost of Living in Lewis County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lewis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lewis County ranks #2,746 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lewis County, Washington
Lewis County aligns with national norms
At 18.0%, Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio sits below both the national average and Washington's state average, representing solid affordability. Renters pay $1,044 monthly against a $69,690 median income, making this south-central county accessible for most households.
Among Washington's best-aligned markets
Lewis County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio falls below Washington's 18.8% average, placing it in the state's more affordable tier. At $1,044 monthly rent—significantly under the state average of $1,202—Lewis offers genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability.
Pierce County's affordable counterpart
Lewis County's $1,044 rent undercuts most neighbors, rivaling only rural Okanogan for affordability among this region. Thurston County to the north offers comparable prices but with stronger job markets; Lewis compensates with lower overall costs of living.
Balanced housing across tenure
Renters allocate just 18.0% of $69,690 income to housing, while homeowners spend 21.0% on mortgage costs of $1,221. The median home value of $341,500 is the lowest among western Washington counties, making ownership accessible.
Lewis County rewards smart relocators
Lewis County delivers exceptional affordability if you're willing to embrace a smaller-town lifestyle south of Olympia. The combination of sub-state-average rents, reasonable home values, and lower overall living costs makes Lewis an underrated option for budget-conscious Pacific Northwest movers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lewis County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lewis County is affordable. The median rent is $1,044/month against a median household income of $69,690, putting rent at 18.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lewis County is $1,044/month, while owner costs run $1,221/month. Renting saves approximately $177/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,329/year. With a median household income of $69,690, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Lewis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clallam County where rent averages $1,110/month, Lewis County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lewis County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,626
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.0%
of gross income
The median home in Lewis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $341,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,726 vs. your max of $1,626.
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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