Cost of Living in Goldendale, WA
Population 3,458 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Goldendale run well below national norms — a median of $41,621 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $194,000). Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Goldendale lies roughly 80 miles east of the nearest major metro, Gresham. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Gresham's $440,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Goldendale
The median home value in Goldendale is $194,100 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $892/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,621/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.2%, 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 64.8°F and lows of 43.9°F. Overall, Goldendale has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Goldendale 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 | 42 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 74 | 79 | 88 | 88 | 80 | 66 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F | 31 | 32 | 36 | 42 | 49 | 55 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 35 | 31 |
| Precip" | 2.38 | 1.58 | 1.18 | 0.83 | 0.76 | 0.48 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.33 | 1.14 | 1.97 | 2.68 |
💨 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 Goldendale, WA?
Goldendale has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Goldendale, WA?
The median gross rent in Goldendale is $892 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Goldendale?
The median home value in Goldendale is $194,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Goldendale?
The median household income in Goldendale is $41,621 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Goldendale, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Goldendale is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Goldendale, WA affordable?
Yes, Goldendale 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 Goldendale?
Goldendale has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Goldendale at a Glance
- Population
- 3,458
- Median Income
- $41,621
- Home Value
- $194,100
- Median Rent
- $892/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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