Special Interest
Housing in Columbia County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Columbia County averages $985/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Washington median of $1,760 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 24% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Columbia County FMR Area are $772 for a studio, $995 for 1‑bedroom, $1,101 for 2‑bedroom, $1,531 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,847 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $116 increase for a 2-bedroom in Columbia County shows a 12% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Columbia County was 4.1% in 2024, compared to Washington at 4.5% and the national rate of 4.0%.
