RentData

Average Rent in Mason County, WA Rents falling 1.3% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 66,968

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Mason County, WA has rental prices ranging from $955/month to $1,917/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $961/month — 31% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $78,359/year, spending $961/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mason County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,261/month, Mason County ranks #16 most expensive of the 36 cities tracked in Washington — pricier than 85% of all US cities in our data.

The Mason County Rental Market

The Mason County, WA area has a population of about 66,968 and 19% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Mason County, WA have fallen by $17/month (1.3%) over the past year, from $1,278 to $1,261. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mason County, WA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,440. The local median household income of $78,359 exceeds that threshold by $39,919, making Mason County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Mason County, WA has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$955
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$961
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,261
1.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,767
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,917
Affordable
🔔
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Is Mason County, WA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$50,440/year
Local median income: $78,359
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,261/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Tacoma$1,479$1,673$2,057$2,882
Seattle$2,238$2,293$2,671$3,521
Spokane$998$1,123$1,444$1,997
Kennewick$1,101$1,236$1,503$2,003
Olympia$1,393$1,585$1,843$2,526
Bremerton$1,411$1,568$2,057$2,685

Rent or Buy in Mason County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Mason County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,261/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,261/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Mason County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Mason County

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💵Rent Affordability in Mason County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WA

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⚖️Compare Mason County

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📋WA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections