Housing Fuels the Economy in Washington
Housing is central to American family life and critical to a thriving economy. The state of the housing industry is a good barometer of the broader economy and the condition of the nation's social fabric.
Use the map to see how your state is doing in terms of new home production, housing affordability, remodeling activity, and other benchmarks.
Please note that due to the decennial reapportionment, the necessary data to generate Congressional District estimates based off the new boundaries were not available at the time of data collection and analysis.
$94,709
Median family income in Washington
63%
Homeownership rate in Washington
$387,600
Median home value in Washington
22%
of Washington residents pay more than 50% of income in rent
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Metro Areas
Building permits are valuable indicators of the strength of the housing market in communities across America. See these in each of the metro areas of Washington.
Single-family building permits in 2021
Multi-family building permits in 2021
Bellingham, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
900
1000
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1100
1200
Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
1900
200
Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
100
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
300
600
Olympia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
1300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
8800
21900
Spokane, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
2000
1500
Walla Walla, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
100
200
Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
800
200
Yakima, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area
600
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
The Data Tells a Story
Housing starts, new home sales and other housing benchmarks can be valuable tools in analyzing housing market dynamics and consumer behaviors and making reliable market projections. NAHB’s proprietary analysis tools, including the Housing Market Index and the Housing Opportunity Index, are among the industry’s most important market benchmarks.
The State of Housing in Washington
$94,709
Median family income
63%
Homeownership rate
3,195,098
Number of housing units
49%
Minority (Hispanic or Non-White) homeownership rate
$387,600
Median value of homes owned in Washington
62%
of all Washington homes are single-family detached
27%
of all Washington homes are multifamily
4%
of all Washington homes are single-family attached
6%
of all Washington homes are other types of housing units
The State of Rental Housing in Washington
4%
Rental vacancy rate in Washington
$1,359
Median gross rent in Washington
48%
Gross rent is more than 30% of household income in Washington
22%
Gross rent is more than 50% of household income in Washington
Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey
Affordability
The Rising Cost of Housing is Hurting Families in Washington
Housing Availability and Policy in Washington
The ability to find a home in your area is a factor many of us take for granted. Not all have this luxury, and there are specific ways Americans would like to see the government act to improve housing opportunity.
Housing Affordability Among Adults in Washington
Percentage of adults in Washington who say housing affordability is a major problem, minor problem, or not a problem at all in each of the following:
Major problem
Minor problem
Not a problem at all
Don't know / not sure
The United States
55%
24%
6%
15%
Their state
65%
20%
5%
9%
Their city
66%
21%
5%
8%
Their county
65%
20%
6%
10%
Impact of New Laws and Regulations on Housing Affordability in Washington
Percentage of adults in Washington who agree with the following statement: “Policymakers should consider the impacts of new laws and regulations on housing affordability.”
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know/No opinion
48%
36%
4%
2%
9%
$387,600
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Washington is $387,600.
490,312
renter households in Washington spend more than 30% of their income for housing.
Trouble Finding a Home in Washington
Across the nation, home prices are on the rise. In addition, it is becoming more and more difficult for buyers to find desirable homes in their price range.
Housing Availability Among Adults in Washington
Percentage of adults in Washington who say housing inventory is a major problem, minor problem, or not a problem at all in each of the following:
Major problem
Minor problem
Not a problem at all
Don't know / not sure
The United States
46%
23%
9%
21%
Their state
46%
29%
9%
16%
Their city
45%
30%
10%
15%
Their county
46%
28%
10%
15%
Obstacles to Housing Affordability
What are the most significant obstacles to housing affordability where you live?
44%
Cost/availability of land
34%
High-interest rates
14%
Supply chain disruptions
8%
Restrictive zoning laws
6%
Lack of available contractors
6%
Citizen pushback against new development
Washington Residents Support Federal Incentives to Promote Housing Affordability
Homeownership is a key piece of the American Dream. However, affordability concerns have pushed this dream out of reach for many. Many Americans are now looking to the federal government to intervene on their behalf.
Support for Federal Incentives to Meet Energy and Building Codes in Washington
Percentage of adults in Washington who support the federal government providing homeowners with financial incentives to update their homes to do each of the following:
Without Information
With Information
Without information: Do you support or oppose the federal government providing financial incentives to homeowners to update their homes to do each of the following?
With information: Some say the federal government providing financial incentives to homeowners to update their homes to meet the most recent building and energy codes should become law because it would make homes more energy efficient. Others say the federal government providing financial incentives to homeowners to update their homes to meet the most recent building and energy codes should not become law because it would add to the national debt. Based on what you know, do you support or oppose the federal government providing financial incentives to homeowners to update their homes to do each of the following?
The Environment
Environmental Issues Currently Impacting the Home Building Industry
Environmental Issues
NAHB is engaged on these issues to ensure favorable building conditions that protect the natural environment and further housing opportunity.
Perceptions of Access to Reliable Water Resources in Washington
How much of a problem, if at all, is access to reliable water resources in each of the following?
Major problem
Minor problem
Not a problem at all
Don't know / not sure
The United States
31%
34%
18%
16%
My State
6%
27%
56%
11%
My City
5%
19%
66%
11%
My County
11%
21%
54%
14%
Housing development and water supply tradeoffs in Washington
Which of the following comes closest to your view, even if neither is entirely correct?
51%
Housing development should be constrained based on available water supply, even if it hurts housing affordability
16%
Housing development should not be constrained based on available water supply, even if hurts available water supply
Contact Your Representative
NAHB strives to protect the American Dream of Housing opportunities for all, while working to achieve professional success for its members who build communities, create jobs, and strengthen our economy
to tell your representative to support sensible housing laws and regulations
Please note that due to the decennial reapportionment, the necessary data to generate Congressional District estimates based off the new boundaries were not available at the time of data collection and analysis.
For more information visit NAHB.org
NAHB Communications
800-368-5242 x8583
housing@nahb.org
NAHB Government Affairs
800-368-5242 x8319
builderlink@nahb.org
Three polls were conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of NAHB across the following timeframes and samples: December 21 - December 27, 2021, 20,201 adults, +/- 1% margin of error; December 16 - December 20, 2021, 1,998 homebuyers, +/- 2% margin of error; September 9 - September 15, 2022, 11,053 adults, +/- 1% margin of error
Interviews for each of the surveys were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults or homebuyers based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region.
For more information visit NAHB.org
NAHB Communications
800-368-5242 x8583
housing@nahb.org
NAHB Government Affairs
800-368-5242 x8319
builderlink@nahb.org
Three polls were conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of NAHB across the following timeframes and samples: December 21 - December 27, 2021, 20,201 adults, +/- 1% margin of error; December 16 - December 20, 2021, 1,998 homebuyers, +/- 2% margin of error; September 9 - September 15, 2022, 11,053 adults, +/- 1% margin of error
Interviews for each of the surveys were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults or homebuyers based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region.