Columbia County, Washington

Income Data

-6% vs. Washington average
$71,528
Median Household Income
$42,143
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,528
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$42,143
+7% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Washington
#20 / 39
by median household income

How Columbia County Compares

Columbia County$71,528
Washington Average$76,363
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,528
Median Household Income
$42,143
Per Capita Income
$256,100
Median Home Value
27.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Columbia County, Washington

Columbia County modestly exceeds national average

At $71,528, Columbia County's median household income tops the national median of $74,755 by approximately 4.5%, reflecting stable middle-income status. Per capita income of $42,143 also outperforms national averages, indicating broad-based earning opportunity.

Mid-tier Washington county for household earnings

Columbia County's median household income of $71,528 falls $4,835 short of the Washington state average of $76,363, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $42,143 exceeds the state average by $1,515, suggesting concentrated pockets of higher earners.

Outearning Adams, lagging more connected regions

Columbia County's $71,528 exceeds Adams County by $4,065 but trails Benton County by $15,788 and Chelan County by $6,778. The rural Palouse community benefits from agricultural and government employment but lacks the economic diversification of larger regional centers.

Most affordable rents among peer counties

Columbia County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.8%, well below affordability concerns, and median home value of $256,100 remains the most accessible among comparison counties. This combination provides residents maximum breathing room for savings and financial planning.

Maximizing affordability advantage for savings

Columbia County's exceptionally low housing-cost burden creates prime opportunity to fund retirement accounts and build emergency reserves. Direct the housing savings into automatic IRA contributions, education funds, or investment accounts to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Columbia County, Washington?
The median household income in Columbia County, Washington is $71,528, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Columbia County?
The per capita income in Columbia County is $42,143, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,528.
How does Columbia County compare to the Washington average?
Columbia County's median household income of $71,528 is lower than the Washington state average of $76,363. The per capita income is $42,143, compared to the state average of $40,628.
What is the per capita income in Columbia County, Washington?
The per capita income in Columbia County, Washington is $42,143, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Columbia County a low-income area in Washington?
Columbia County's median household income of $71,528 is below the Washington average of $76,363. The per capita income of $42,143 is also comparable to the state average of $40,628. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Columbia County rank for income in Washington?
Columbia County ranks #20 out of 39 counties in Washington by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,528 and per capita income of $42,143, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Columbia County

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County median: $71,528 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-4%

vs. Columbia County MedianAbout equal
vs. Washington Average6% below
vs. National Median4% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,961) vs. median rent ($944/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.