Cost of Living in Whitman County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Whitman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Whitman County ranks #1,628 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Whitman County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Whitman County is affordable. The median rent is $1,002/month against a median household income of $52,893, putting rent at 22.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,002/month rent versus $1,114/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $112/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,743/year. With a median household income of $52,893, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 39.0% of renter households in Whitman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Whitman County is less affordable than Grant County by roughly 5% ($1,002/mo vs $1,059/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Whitman County
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
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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