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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Washington (2026)

In Washington, a typical home is worth $564,600 and the typical rent is $1,760 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,063,750 depending on the county. 15 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Washington; 9 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $310,100
  • $310,100–$385,800
  • $385,800–$425,300
  • $425,300–$535,000
  • $535,000 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$564,600
70% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,760
25% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$98,141
22% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $1,063,750
It changes by county. The highest applies in 3 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
0.81%
of value a year
The typical bill is $4,556 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Washington

In Washington, a typical home is worth $564,600: 70% more than in the United States overall. Prices change a lot by county: from $239,200 in Garfield County to $859,900 in King County. The typical household earns $98,141 a year and the typical rent is $1,760 a month; 50% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 64% of households own their home, and the typical property tax is $4,556 a year (about 0.81% of value).

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home runs from $832,750 to $1,063,750 depending on the county. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington ($2,044) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $39.31 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Washington

More on property tax

  • Exemption for people 61 and older or with disabilities

    If you are 61 or older (or retired because of a disability, or a veteran with a qualifying rating), live in the home as your primary residence and your household's combined disposable income is at or below your county's Income Threshold 3, you can ask the county assessor for a tax reduction. The reduction depends on your income, the home's value and local levy rates.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Property tax deferral for people 60 and older or with disabilities

    If you are at least 60 by December 31 of the year you apply, or retired from work because of a disability, this deferral program covers property taxes and special assessments for current and delinquent years. The deferred amount accrues 5 percent simple interest and is repaid when the home is sold, the applicant dies, or the home is no longer the primary residence. Your combined disposable income must be within your county's limit and you need enough equity in the home.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Deferral for homeowners with limited income: apply by September 1

    If your household's combined disposable income is $57,000 or less, you have owned your Washington home for five years and you live in it, you can defer the second-half tax installment due in October. Applications are due by September 1. The deferred amount accrues simple interest and is repaid when the home is sold, the applicant dies, or the home is no longer the primary residence.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Appealing to the county board of equalization: July 1 or 30 days

    If you disagree with the assessor's value for your property, you can appeal to your county board of equalization with the Taxpayer Petition form. A letter or phone call is not accepted instead. The deadline is the later of July 1 of the assessment year or 30 days after the Change of Value Notice was issued; some counties allow 60 days. If you mail it, it must be postmarked by midnight of the deadline.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Graduated state real estate excise tax (REET)

    The state portion is charged in tiers of the selling price: 1.10 percent up to $525,000; 1.28 percent from $525,000.01 to $1,525,000; 2.75 percent from $1,525,000.01 to $3,025,000; and 3 percent above that. The local REET of each city or county is added. The Department of Revenue announces new thresholds effective January 1, 2027.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Who pays the real estate excise tax (REET)

    All sales of real property in Washington are subject to REET unless an exemption applies. Usually the seller pays, but if they don't, the buyer is responsible, and unpaid tax can become a lien on the property. It is due to the treasurer of the county where the property is located on the date of sale.

    Washington State Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Washington

What homes there are in Washington, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Washington, 6 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses, about the same as in the U.S..

Year built

Here half of the homes date from 1985 or later; in the U.S., from 1980 or later.

By size, homes in Washington look like those in the U.S.: 59% have 3 bedrooms or more.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

Looking at what owner-occupied homes in Washington are worth, the most common range is between $300K and $500K (28%).

Monthly rent with utilities

The largest group of rented homes in Washington pays between $1,500 and $1,999 a month: 26%.

With a mortgage

$2,445 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$773 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

66%

United States: 61%

Owning costs more in Washington: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $2,445 a month; in the U.S., $1,963. Without one, $773.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Washington rose 67% since 2015–2019, more than in the U.S. (53%).

The typical rent in Washington rose 40% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

Housing prices ran ahead of income in Washington: typical income rose 33%, against +67% for home values and +40% for rent.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureWashingtonUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.5%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.7%0.9%
More than one person per room 3.5%3.4%
People per household 2.502.53
Drive alone 63%69%
Carpool 9%9%
Public transit 3%3%
Walk or bike 4%3%
Work from home 20%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

There is little rental housing open in Washington: only 4.5% is empty and offered for rent, against 5.5% in the U.S..

Much as in the U.S., 3.5% of households in Washington have more than one person per room.

By size, households in Washington look like those in the U.S.: 2.50 people on average.

Working from home is more common in Washington: 20%, against 15% in the U.S..

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Washington

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Washington

Start from the typical home value in Washington, $564,600, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Washington

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$4,622

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Washington rose 113% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Washington United States
In 2025 +1.8% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +44% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +113% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Washington were 7% higher than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 25% higher than nationwide.

Category Washington United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 107.0 100.0 7% more
Housing rents What renters pay 126.0 100.6 25% more
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 92.9 98.4 6% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 104.4 99.6 5% more
Other services Services other than rent 103.9 100.1 4% more

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Washington 1.6% of homes (39,781) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 40% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Washington United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 1.6% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 40% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 0.9% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Washington

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (178)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Washington

    Our list has 4 official programs that help you buy in Washington. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 4 programs
    1. Home Advantage Downpayment Assistance

      Washington state commission 0% second mortgage for 3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage, with no monthly payments; you do not need to be a first-time buyer. Offered by Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. Covenant Homeownership Program

      Washington state commission loan with no monthly payments of up to 20% of the price (maximum $150,000) plus closing costs, for first-time buyers whose family lived in Washington before 1968 and belonged to a group affected by housing discrimination, including Hispanic people. Offered by Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    3. House Key Opportunity DPA

      Washington state commission loan of up to $15,000 at 1% simple interest, with no monthly payments, for the down payment and closing costs of first-time buyers with the House Key Opportunity mortgage. Offered by Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Washington

    Washington law answers 5 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      Washington law sets no maximum for the security deposit. RCW 59.18.260 requires the deposit to be in a written agreement that states when it may be withheld, but caps no amount.

      RCW 59.18.260(1)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and you move out, the landlord must give you a full and specific statement of why any part of the deposit is kept, with copies of estimates or invoices, together with any refund due.

      RCW 59.18.280(1)(a)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you owe rent, the landlord must give you a 14-day written notice to pay or vacate before suing. The notice must follow the statutory form, which includes the free legal-help phone numbers.

      RCW 59.12.030(3)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      In a month-to-month tenancy, you can end it with written notice of 20 days or more before the end of a month. The landlord may end the tenancy only for one of the causes the law lists, with the notice each cause requires.

      RCW 59.18.200(1)(a)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      A landlord may not charge a late fee if you pay rent within 5 days after the due date. If rent is more than 5 days late, the landlord may charge late fees from the first day after the due date.

      RCW 59.18.170(2)

    A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire at a forest campsite.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Washington?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    15 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Washington; 9 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    32 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Washington.

    See all 15 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Washington

    • Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC)

      The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) offers home loans and down payment assistance programs. Every one of its loans includes down payment assistance; its programs are called Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity. You can start with a free homebuyer class.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 31, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Washington

    • Housing discrimination complaints to the Washington State Human Rights Commission

      The complaint is filed on the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) online portal, or with its downloadable forms. It must be filed within twelve (12) months of the date of harm; after that it cannot be accepted. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

      Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • What Washington law adds to federal fair housing law

      Washington's law against discrimination bars refusing a real estate transaction, or discriminating in its terms, because of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, families with children status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, a sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.

      Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington) · Verified October 31, 2026

    • Help in Spanish from the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner

      If you need help filing an insurance complaint or have insurance questions in your language, call the Office of the Insurance Commissioner's consumer hotline: 800-562-6900. They connect you with an interpreter at no cost. Its staff helps you understand your rights and answers questions about every type of insurance.

      Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner · Verified October 31, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Washington

    We picked them with the numbers of Washington. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Washington

    What is the FHA limit in Washington in 2026?

    In Washington, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,063,750. The highest is in King County.

    How much does a typical home cost in Washington?

    The typical home value in Washington is $564,600 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in King County ($859,900) and the lowest in Garfield County ($239,200).

    How much does it cost to rent in Washington?

    The typical rent in Washington is $1,760 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Washington ($2,044, Fiscal year 2027), about $39.31 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Washington?

    The typical property tax in Washington is $4,556 a year, about 0.81% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Washington?

    There are 15 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Washington; 9 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).