RentData

Average Rent in Mount Vernon, WA↓ Rents falling 3.0% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 130,407

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Mount Vernon, WA has rental prices ranging from $1,162/month to $2,578/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,275/month — 9% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $85,474/year, spending $1,275/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mount Vernon Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,668/month, Mount Vernon ranks #8 most expensive of the 36 cities tracked in Washington — pricier than 93% of all US cities in our data.

The Mount Vernon Rental Market

The Mount Vernon, WA area has a population of about 130,407 and 29% 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 Mount Vernon, WA have fallen by $52/month (3.0%) over the past year, from $1,720 to $1,668. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Vernon, WA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $51,000. The local median household income of $85,474 exceeds that threshold by $34,474, making Mount Vernon relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Mount Vernon, WA is $582,462, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 29.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 29 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Mount Vernon's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are West Hill ($473,111 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,162
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,275
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,668
↓3.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,310
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,578
Average
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Median Home Value
$582,462
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$3,100/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Mount Vernon, 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
$66,720/year
Local median income: $85,474
To buy a median home
$124,004/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,668/month and 20% down on a $582,462 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Tacoma$1,491$1,682$2,064$2,849—
Seattle$2,091$2,180$2,549$3,324—
Spokane$1,116$1,173$1,494$2,047—
Kennewick$1,094$1,230$1,487$2,051—
Olympia$1,586$1,656$1,946$2,541—
Bremerton$1,370$1,535$1,967$2,637—

Rent or Buy in Mount Vernon?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Mount Vernon data

$
Home Value
$582,462
2BR Rent
$1,668/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$3,100/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $4,289/movs rent: $1,668/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $582,462 home at 7% rate

20% — $116,492
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$3,100
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$465,970
Total Paid
$1,116,039
Total Interest
$650,069
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Mount Vernon

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Mount Vernon

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Mount Vernon

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Mount Vernon

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WA

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⚖️Compare Mount Vernon

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📋WA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections