Cost of Living in South Cle Elum, WA
Population: 707 | Washington
South Cle Elum is 4% more expensive than the national average.
Cost of Living in South Cle Elum, WA: What You Need to Know
With a cost of living index of 104, South Cle Elum, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 4% more expensive than the national average and 15% below the Washington state average of 119. South Cle Elum is a small community of 707 residents.
Housing costs are the biggest factor in South Cle Elum's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,193 (10% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $375,000 (23% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.
The median household income in South Cle Elum is $60,268, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.
Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to South Cle Elum. The area sees an average annual temperature of 42.4°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 85 inches spread over roughly 187 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.
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.
Income
- Median Household Income
- $60,268
- vs US Median ($75,149)
- -20%
Housing
- Median Rent
- $1,193/mo
- Median Home Value
- $375,000
- Median Monthly Housing Cost
- $1,384/mo
Climate in South Cle Elum
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 60 | 68 | 69 | 63 | 49 | 38 | 32 |
| Avg °F | 29 | 30 | 35 | 39 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 60 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 28 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 29 | 33 | 38 | 43 | 50 | 51 | 47 | 38 | 30 | 24 |
| Rain" | 11.7 | 7.9 | 8.8 | 6.5 | 4.7 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 13.7 | 12.6 |