Cost of Living in Fords Prairie, WA

With a cost of living index of 98, Fords Prairie, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 2% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Washington state average of 119. Fords Prairie is a small community of 1,762 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fords Prairie's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,196 (9% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $297,400 (2% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.4x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Fords Prairie is $55,556, which is 26% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fords Prairie. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches spread over roughly 163 days.

Everyday prices in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.