Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Island County, WA

The median household in Island County, WA earns $90,551 a year ($7,546/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,671/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $66,840 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 7% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$90,551$7,546 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,671HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)107.0+7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population86,836Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,671Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$66,840To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,264At 30% of $90,551
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Island County, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Island 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 Island County, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,172$14,064$46,88015.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,356$16,272$54,24018%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,671$20,052$66,84022.1%
3-Bedroom Home$2,324$27,888$92,96030.8%
4-Bedroom Home$2,733$32,796$109,32036.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Island County, WA →

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

Based on the local median household income of $90,551/year ($7,546/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,773/moRent ($1,671 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,264/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 107.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,509/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.

$90,551
$35,000$185,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$90,551
Net 80%
Fed 12%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$72,533After all taxes
Monthly deposit$6,044Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,790Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$11,091 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,927 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Island County, WA

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Island County, WA is $90,551 per year (approximately $7,546 per month).

What is the average rent in Island County, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Island County, WA are $1,172 for a studio, $1,356 for 1 bedroom, $1,671 for 2 bedrooms, $2,324 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,733 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Island 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 Island County, WA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,671/month) in Island County, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $66,840 per year ($5,570 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $90,551/year ($7,546/month) in Island County, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,773/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,264/month to discretionary spending, and $1,509/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Island 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.