Cost of Living in Whitman County, Washington

$1,002/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$323,300

Median Home Value

17% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,002/mo

17% below state average

Median Home Value

$323,300

15% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

39.0%

% 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 Whitman County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Whitman County$1,002/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,002/mo

Median Gross Rent

$323,300

Median Home Value

$1,114/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

39.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Whitman County, Washington

Whitman County Faces Affordability Squeeze

Whitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% significantly exceeds the national average, with a median household income of $52,893 supporting median rent of $1,002/month. The county combines the lowest incomes with above-average rental costs.

Severe Affordability Challenge

Whitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% ranks among Washington's worst, substantially above the state average of 18.8%. This rural college county struggles to reconcile student-impacted demographics with limited local earning capacity.

Lowest Income, Moderate Rents

Whitman County combines the lowest median household income ($52,893) among these seven counties with rents ($1,002/month) that exceed rural peers like Stevens ($864/month) and Yakima ($1,068/month). The income-to-rent gap creates acute pressures.

Tight Margins for Renters

Renters dedicate 22.7% of income to housing, the highest proportion in this county set, while homeowners allocate 25.3% ($1,114/month)—the most severe ownership burden across all comparables. The $323,300 median home value reflects a college-town market.

Whitman: Limited Affordability Options

Whitman County's combination of low incomes and moderate rents creates genuine affordability challenges—this market suits only those with external income support or strong job prospects tied to the university. Carefully evaluate your earning potential before relocating here.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Whitman County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

22.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,234

per month

Owner Cost Burden

25.3%

of gross income

The median home in Whitman County may be a stretch

Median home value is $323,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,581 vs. your max of $1,234.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio22.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Whitman County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,002/mo and a median home value of $323,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 39.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Whitman County?

The median gross rent in Whitman County is $1,002/mo. This is 17% below state average for Washington.

Is Whitman County affordable?

Whitman County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 39.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Whitman County's median rent of $1,002/mo is 17% below state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Whitman County?

The median home value in Whitman County, Washington is $323,300. This is 15% above the national median home value of $281,900.