Cost of Living in Orchards, WA

Population 29,716 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

137
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Orchards lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $437,000 — 43% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Washington. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 5 miles northeast of Vancouver, Orchards falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Vancouver's $440,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 143
Rent 128

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Orchards

The median home value in Orchards is $437,100 — 43% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,685/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,893/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 63.9°F and lows of 46.2°F, with about 4.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Orchards has a cost of living index of 137 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$437,100
43% above avg
Median Rent
$1,685/mo
28% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$963
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,317
3 BR
$1,845
4 BR
$2,071
Owner-occupied 67.5%
Renter-occupied 32.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,685
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,299/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.8 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.1%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
12.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$96,893
30% above avg
Per Capita Income
$41,222
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
40% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Labor Force Participation
69.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.6%
Graduate degree 7.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.8
Male median age 33.9
Female median age 35.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.9°F
Avg Low
46.2°F
Annual Precip
36.9"
Annual Snowfall
4.2"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485257626974828277645447
Low °F 363740444954595954474136
Precip" 5.033.683.972.892.511.630.510.541.523.425.455.77
Snow" 1.71.20.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 35 — Good
77%
Good air days/yr
153
Max AQI recorded
248
PM2.5 days
117
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Orchards, WA?

Orchards has a cost index of 137 (100 = national average). It is 37% above the national average.

What is average rent in Orchards, WA?

The median gross rent in Orchards is $1,685 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Orchards?

The median home value in Orchards is $437,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Orchards?

The median household income in Orchards is $96,893 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Orchards, WA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orchards is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.

Is Orchards, WA affordable?

Orchards is above average in cost of living, with an index of 137 — about 37% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Orchards?

Orchards has average high temperatures of 63.9°F and average lows of 46.2°F. Annual precipitation is 36.9". Average annual snowfall is 4.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Orchards at a Glance

Population
29,716
Median Income
$96,893
Home Value
$437,100
Median Rent
$1,685/mo
Unemployment
6.7%
Avg High Temp
63.9°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
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🗺️ County data for Washington

Explore county-level cost of living data

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