Cost of Living in Walla Walla County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Walla Walla County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Walla Walla County ranks #2,758 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Walla Walla County, Washington
Walla Walla County: Nearly National Average
Walla Walla County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% sits just below the national norm, with a median household income of $72,212 supporting median rent of $1,113/month. The county performs slightly better than the national median household income of $74,755.
Right at Washington Average
Walla Walla County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% closely mirrors Washington's state average of 18.8%, positioning it as a representative Washington market. Median rent of $1,113/month runs $89 below the state average, offering modest savings.
Mid-Range for Eastern Washington
Walla Walla County rents ($1,113/month) fall between rural alternatives like Yakima ($1,068/month) and western Washington pressure points like Thurston ($1,634/month). The county anchors eastern Washington's affordability middle ground.
Balanced Housing Load
Renters dedicate 18.5% of income to housing while homeowners invest 21.0% ($1,263/month) in ownership—a reasonable split across tenure types. The median home value of $375,600 reflects a stable, moderately-priced real estate market.
Walla Walla for Balanced Living
If you want Washington affordability without deep rural tradeoffs, Walla Walla County delivers solid wine-country economics and reasonable housing costs. Compare your current housing burden against this stable regional baseline.
Cost of Living Advisory: Walla Walla County
Affordability Verdict
Walla Walla County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,113/month representing approximately 18.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Walla Walla County pay $1,113/month on average, compared to $1,263/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,129/year. With a median household income of $72,212, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Walla Walla County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Walla Walla County is more affordable than Grant County by roughly 5% ($1,113/mo vs $1,059/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Walla Walla County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,685
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.0%
of gross income
The median home in Walla Walla County may be a stretch
Median home value is $375,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,999 vs. your max of $1,685.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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