Cost of Living in Wahkiakum County, Washington

$1,086/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$344,500

Median Home Value

10% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,086/mo

10% below state average

Median Home Value

$344,500

22% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

40.0%

% 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 Wahkiakum County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Wahkiakum County$1,086/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,086/mo

Median Gross Rent

$344,500

Median Home Value

$682/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

40.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Wahkiakum County, Washington

Wahkiakum County: Highest Rent Burden

Wahkiakum County carries the most severe affordability challenge among these seven counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.8%—far exceeding the national average. The median household income of $57,091 struggles against median rent of $1,086/month, a structural mismatch.

Worst Affordability in Washington

Wahkiakum County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% represents the highest burden statewide, significantly worse than Washington's 18.8% average. This rural coastal county combines low incomes with rents approaching state medians—a squeeze felt acutely by renters.

Rent Disconnect From Income

Wahkiakum County renters pay $1,086/month—nearly double Stevens County ($864/month)—while earning less than most comparables. The county's geographic isolation and limited economic diversification drive this rent-income mismatch.

Stretched Renters, Affordable Ownership

Renters allocate 22.8% of income to housing, making Wahkiakum one of Washington's toughest markets for tenants. Homeowners fare better at 14.4% of income ($682/month), with median home values of $344,500 offering surprising equity access.

Evaluate Before Moving Here

Wahkiakum's affordability pressures hit renters hardest—if you're considering relocation, weigh whether Wahkiakum's natural amenities offset its limited income opportunities and rental costs. For homeowners with capital, the story improves considerably.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Wahkiakum County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

22.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,332

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.3%

of gross income

The median home in Wahkiakum County may be a stretch

Median home value is $344,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,750 vs. your max of $1,332.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio22.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wahkiakum County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,086/mo and a median home value of $344,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 40.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Wahkiakum County?

The median gross rent in Wahkiakum County is $1,086/mo. This is 10% below state average for Washington.

Is Wahkiakum County affordable?

Wahkiakum County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 40.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Wahkiakum County's rent compare to the state average?

Wahkiakum County's median rent of $1,086/mo is 10% below state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Wahkiakum County?

The median home value in Wahkiakum County, Washington is $344,500. This is 22% above the national median home value of $281,900.