Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Adams County, WA

The median household in Adams County, WA earns $66,136 a year ($5,511/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,133/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $45,320 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 7% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$66,136$5,511 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,133HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)107.0+7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population20,800Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Adams County, WA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,133Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$45,320To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,653At 30% of $66,136
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Adams County, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Adams County, WA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Adams County, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$795$9,540$31,80014.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$863$10,356$34,52015.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,133$13,596$45,32020.6%
3-Bedroom Home$1,576$18,912$63,04028.6%
4-Bedroom Home$1,901$22,812$76,04034.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Adams County, WA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Adams County, WA

Based on the local median household income of $66,136/year ($5,511/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,756/moRent ($1,133 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,653/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 107.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,102/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Washington

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Washington state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$66,136
$25,000$135,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$66,136
Net 84%
Fed 9%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$55,320After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,610Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,128Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,756 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,059 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Washington with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Adams County, WA

What is the median household income in Adams County, WA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Adams County, WA is $66,136 per year (approximately $5,511 per month).

What is the average rent in Adams County, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Adams County, WA are $795 for a studio, $863 for 1 bedroom, $1,133 for 2 bedrooms, $1,576 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,901 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Adams County, WA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Adams County, WA is 107.0 (7% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Adams County, WA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,133/month) in Adams County, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $45,320 per year ($3,777 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Adams County, WA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $66,136/year ($5,511/month) in Adams County, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,756/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,653/month to discretionary spending, and $1,102/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Adams County, WA?

Residential electricity rates in Washington average 14.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $134 per month.