Cost of Living in Shelton, WA
Population 10,619 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Shelton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $296,000. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Shelton is about 30 miles west of Tacoma, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shelton
The median home value in Shelton is $296,100 — 3% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,298/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,589/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 41.2°F. Overall, Shelton has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 47 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 67 | 72 | 78 | 79 | 74 | 62 | 52 | 46 |
| Low °F | 34 | 33 | 35 | 38 | 44 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 48 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 11.08 | 6.66 | 7.24 | 4.86 | 2.62 | 1.54 | 0.68 | 1.22 | 2.50 | 6.99 | 11.60 | 10.92 |
💨 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 Shelton, WA?
Shelton has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shelton, WA?
The median gross rent in Shelton is $1,298 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shelton?
The median home value in Shelton is $296,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shelton?
The median household income in Shelton is $60,589 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shelton, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shelton is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Shelton, WA affordable?
Shelton is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Shelton?
Shelton has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 41.2°F. Annual precipitation is 67.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shelton at a Glance
- Population
- 10,619
- Median Income
- $60,589
- Home Value
- $296,100
- Median Rent
- $1,298/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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