Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ellensburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ellensburg, you need to earn at least $56,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,730, which means the typical resident is $2,990 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 19,003

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$993	$3,310	$39,720	$-14,010
1 Bedroom	$1,177	$3,923	$47,080	$-6,650
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,418	$4,727	$56,720	+$2,990
3 Bedroom	$1,730	$5,767	$69,200	+$15,470
4 Bedroom	$2,127	$7,090	$85,080	+$31,350

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Ellensburg's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,730

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$56,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,990

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Ellensburg

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ellensburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,343

Studio

$993/mo

1 BR

$1,177/mo

2 BR

$1,418/mo

3 BR

$1,730/mo

4 BR

$2,127/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Ellensburg.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Ellensburg's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ellensburg

Renting in Ellensburg is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,990, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $993/month.

If you're relocating to Ellensburg, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($993–$1,177/month) unless your income exceeds $56,720. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $709/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Ellensburg is approximately $85,080. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Ellensburg, Washington.

With a total population of 19,003, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 10,053 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $56,720 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

10,053

Active civilian employees in Ellensburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ellensburg

What salary do I need to live in Ellensburg, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ellensburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $56,720. The median household income in Ellensburg is $53,730.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ellensburg on $53,730?

The affordability verdict for Ellensburg is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.7%, meaning there's a $2,990 income gap.

What is the average rent in Ellensburg compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Ellensburg is $1,177/month. With a median household income of $53,730, residents spend approximately 31.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ellensburg?

A studio in Ellensburg rents for approximately $993/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $39,720 to afford this.

Is Ellensburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,990 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Ellensburg is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $56,720 to the local median household income.

How Ellensburg Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements