Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Jefferson County, WA

The median household in Jefferson County, WA earns $74,048 a year ($6,171/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,367/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $54,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 7% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$74,048$6,171 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,367HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)107.0+7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population33,577Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,367Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$54,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,851At 30% of $74,048
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Jefferson County, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,119$13,428$44,76018.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,165$13,980$46,60018.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,367$16,404$54,68022.2%
3-Bedroom Home$1,901$22,812$76,04030.8%
4-Bedroom Home$2,293$27,516$91,72037.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Jefferson County, WA →

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

Based on the local median household income of $74,048/year ($6,171/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,085/moRent ($1,367 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,851/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 107.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,234/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.

$74,048
$25,000$150,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$74,048
Net 82%
Fed 10%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$60,923After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,077Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,343Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,461 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,665 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Jefferson County, WA

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Jefferson County, WA is $74,048 per year (approximately $6,171 per month).

What is the average rent in Jefferson County, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Jefferson County, WA are $1,119 for a studio, $1,165 for 1 bedroom, $1,367 for 2 bedrooms, $1,901 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,293 for 4 bedrooms.

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

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,367/month) in Jefferson County, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $54,680 per year ($4,557 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $74,048/year ($6,171/month) in Jefferson County, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,085/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,851/month to discretionary spending, and $1,234/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Jefferson 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.