RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · WA

Ferndale

Pop. 15,999·60th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Ferndale, WA
Median rent (all units)
$2,007/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.8%
Month-over-Month
-4.8%
vs US Median
+$42
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Ferndale rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Ferndale · $2,007
More expensive than 59% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
54/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Ferndale's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,007/mo
Expected by trend
$2,049/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Ferndale's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,300
1 BR
$1,330
2 BR
$1,580
3 BR
$2,210
4 BR+
$2,650
Research median
$1,580/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,084/yr
At $2,007/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 1.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.8% YoY, -4.8% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Ferndale, WA is majority owner-occupied, 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
15,999
Median income
$87,579
Median age
35.1
Renters
32.4%
Age distribution
24.8%
24.8%
26.4%
15.7%
Under 1824.8%
18–3424.8%
35–5426.4%
55–648.2%
65+15.7%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
74.6%
12.6%
White74.6%
Black0.6%
Hispanic12.6%
Asian8.4%
Other4%
Education (25+)
24.1%
32.3%
36.9%
No HS diploma6.8%
HS diploma24.1%
Some college32.3%
Bachelor's+36.9%
Housing tenure
67.6%
32.4%
Owner67.6%
Renter32.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Ferndale, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,821 → $2,007
up 10.2%
Income
$77,746 → $87,579
up 12.6%
Population
14,777 → 15,999
up 8.3%
Renter share
34.4% → 32.4%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
32.9% → 36.9%
+4.0 pts
Median age
32.7 → 35.1
+2.4 yrs

Rent in Ferndale, WA has increased 10.2% since 2023, going from about $1,821 per month to roughly $2,007 today. Census figures show median household income at $87,579 today, compared with $77,746 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 14,777 to 15,999 between 2021 and 2024, a 8.3% change. About 32.4% of households rent today, against 34.4% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 32.9% to 36.9%. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

Discussions about Ferndale

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Ferndale rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Ferndale on your salary?

At $2,007/mo, how Ferndale rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Ferndale rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Ferndale. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Ferndale

About renting in Ferndale, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Ferndale is $2,007/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,300/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,580/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,330/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,210/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($87,579/yr), Ferndale ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Ferndale an affordable city for renters?

Ferndale is considered affordable for renters. At $2,007/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($87,579/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Ferndale falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Ferndale?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,007/mo in Ferndale. The local median household income is $87,579/yr, meaning the typical Ferndale household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Ferndale?

Rent in Ferndale has increased 1.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Ferndale rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Ferndale is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #60 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,007/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Ferndale?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Ferndale ($2,007/mo): Bellingham ($1,976/mo), Lynden ($2,006/mo).

What percentage of Ferndale residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.4% of Ferndale households are renters, while 67.6% are owner-occupied. Ferndale leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Ferndale rent compare to the national average?

Ferndale's median rent of $2,007/mo is $42 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #60 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,007/mo, rent takes ~27% of Ferndale's median household income ($87,579/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Ferndale 27%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Ferndale affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Ferndale
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Ferndale, WA

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Ferndale.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.