Cost of Living in Forks, WA
Population 3,413 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Forks's median household income of $46,389 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (23% here). At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Forks lies roughly 95 miles west of the nearest major metro, Seattle — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 79% lower than Seattle's $912,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forks
The median home value in Forks is $193,900 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $878/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,389/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 57.1°F and lows of 41.9°F. Overall, Forks has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Forks has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 49 | 51 | 55 | 60 | 63 | 68 | 69 | 67 | 59 | 51 | 47 |
| Low °F | 36 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 51 | 51 | 48 | 42 | 38 | 35 |
| Precip" | 15.59 | 9.73 | 11.78 | 8.11 | 4.25 | 3.30 | 1.58 | 2.64 | 4.56 | 10.68 | 15.26 | 13.84 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forks, WA?
Forks has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forks, WA?
The median gross rent in Forks is $878 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forks?
The median home value in Forks is $193,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forks?
The median household income in Forks is $46,389 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forks, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forks is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Forks, WA affordable?
Yes, Forks is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Forks?
Forks has average high temperatures of 57.1°F and average lows of 41.9°F. Annual precipitation is 101.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forks at a Glance
- Population
- 3,413
- Median Income
- $46,389
- Home Value
- $193,900
- Median Rent
- $878/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs