Cost of Living in Skamania County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Skamania County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Skamania County ranks #793 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Skamania County, Washington
Skamania County's Exceptional Affordability
Skamania County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national average by nearly 5 percentage points. With median household income of $90,085 and rent at just $1,024/month, Skamania delivers genuine housing affordability while maintaining above-average incomes.
Washington's Second-Most Affordable
Skamania County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Pend Oreille in Washington, significantly beating the state average of 18.8%. At $1,024/month, median rent remains $178 below the state median, making Skamania one of the state's top affordability destinations.
Skamania's Unbeaten Value Proposition
Skamania County's $1,024 rent is $62 higher than Pend Oreille but undercuts Spokane ($1,200) and crushes Pierce ($1,722) and Snohomish ($1,866). With a strong median income of $90,085, Skamania residents enjoy both low costs and solid earning power.
The Best Housing Math in Washington
Skamania County renters spend just 13.6% of income on rent—the lowest affordability burden in the state—while owners dedicate 17.8% to mortgage costs. The median home value of $472,600 requires strong income but remains more accessible than San Juan's $726,500.
Skamania: Affordability Meets Strong Income
Skamania County offers Washington's second-best housing affordability paired with above-average incomes—a rare combination for relocators seeking both value and earning potential. If you're moving within Washington, Skamania competes directly with Pend Oreille for the state's best housing value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Skamania County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Skamania County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,024/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Skamania County pay $1,024/month on average, compared to $1,341/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,471/year. With a median household income of $90,085, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Skamania County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Skamania County is more affordable than Pacific County by roughly 6% ($1,024/mo vs $962/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Skamania County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,102
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.9%
of gross income
The median home in Skamania County may be a stretch
Median home value is $472,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,773 vs. your max of $2,102.
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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