Cost of Living in Yelm, WA
Population 10,618 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Yelm sits on the smaller end of the Washington city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Yelm sits roughly 25 miles southwest of Tacoma. Housing prices track closely with Tacoma's $455,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Yelm
The median home value in Yelm is $439,100 — 44% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,363/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,279/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 60.7°F and lows of 40.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Yelm has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more 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 | 46 | 49 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 78 | 78 | 72 | 60 | 51 | 45 |
| Low °F | 33 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 7.80 | 5.09 | 5.68 | 3.67 | 2.26 | 1.46 | 0.53 | 0.96 | 2.04 | 5.07 | 8.21 | 7.85 |
| Snow" | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 |
💨 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 Yelm, WA?
Yelm has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Yelm, WA?
The median gross rent in Yelm is $1,363 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Yelm?
The median home value in Yelm is $439,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Yelm?
The median household income in Yelm is $88,279 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Yelm, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Yelm is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Yelm, WA affordable?
Yelm is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Yelm?
Yelm has average high temperatures of 60.7°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 50.6". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Yelm at a Glance
- Population
- 10,618
- Median Income
- $88,279
- Home Value
- $439,100
- Median Rent
- $1,363/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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