Cost of Living in Skagit County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Skagit County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Skagit County ranks #2,737 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Skagit County, Washington
Skagit County's Moderate Affordability Squeeze
Skagit County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% exceeds the national average by 4 percentage points, indicating tighter housing affordability than most American counties. With median household income of $85,474 and rent at $1,439/month, Skagit sits in the upper-middle range for housing cost burden nationally.
Above Washington's State Average
Skagit County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it among the less affordable regional markets. Median rent of $1,439/month exceeds the state median by $237, reflecting Puget Sound-adjacent housing pressures.
Skagit Between Rural and Metro
Skagit County's $1,439 rent falls squarely between rural Pend Oreille ($786) and urban Pierce County ($1,722), while median home values of $486,200 match Pierce's closely. Skagit offers a middle path: stronger affordability than Snohomish or San Juan, but less extreme values than pure rural counties.
Housing Takes Its Share
Skagit County renters spend 20.2% of income on rent, while owners dedicate 22.9% to mortgage and costs—both elevated for the state. The median home value of $486,200 reflects solid regional demand, placing ownership within reach for households earning the county's median income.
Skagit: Middle Ground in Puget Sound
Skagit County provides a bridge between rural affordability and urban opportunity, though housing costs run above state averages. Relocators balancing job access and affordability might find Skagit appealing compared to Pierce or Snohomish, but Skamania or Pend Oreille offer stronger housing value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Skagit County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Skagit County is affordable. The median rent is $1,439/month against a median household income of $85,474, putting rent at 20.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,439/month rent versus $1,630/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $191/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $57,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $69,857/year. With a median household income of $85,474, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Skagit County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $1,291/month, Skagit County is approximately 11% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Skagit County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,994
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.9%
of gross income
The median home in Skagit County may be a stretch
Median home value is $486,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,881 vs. your max of $1,994.
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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