City Report · WA

Oak Harbor

Pop. 24,362·69th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Oak Harbor, WA
Median rent (all units)
$1,966/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.6%
Month-over-Month
+1.3%
vs US Median
+$4
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Oak Harbor · $1,966
More expensive than 57% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Oak Harbor's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,966/mo
Expected by trend
$2,033/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Oak Harbor's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,100
1 BR
$1,230
2 BR
$1,500
3 BR
$2,100
4 BR+
$2,450
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,500/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,966 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$23,592/yr
At $1,966/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.6% YoY, +1.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Oak Harbor, WA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, 28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
24,362
Median income
$76,084
Median age
31.5
Renters
53.3%
Age distribution
26.6%
29.8%
23.4%
12.8%
Under 1826.6%
18–3429.8%
35–5423.4%
55–647.3%
65+12.8%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
65.4%
14%
White65.4%
Black4.2%
Hispanic14%
Asian9.5%
Other6.8%
Education (25+)
24.4%
42%
28.9%
No HS diploma4.7%
HS diploma24.4%
Some college42%
Bachelor's+28.9%
Housing tenure
46.7%
53.3%
Owner46.7%
Renter53.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Oak Harbor, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,435 → $1,966
up 37.0%
Income
$61,261 → $76,084
up 24.2%
Population
24,267 → 24,362
up 0.4%
Renter share
54.9% → 53.3%
-1.6 pts
Bachelor's+
28.1% → 28.9%
+0.8 pts

The median rent in Oak Harbor, WA stood at $1,435 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,966, reflecting a 37.0% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $61,261 to $76,084 across the same window, up 24.2% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 53.3% of households, compared with 54.9% five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Oak Harbor, WA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Oak Harbor rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Oak Harbor on your salary?

At $1,966/mo, how Oak Harbor rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Oak Harbor rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Oak Harbor

About renting in Oak Harbor, WA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Oak Harbor is $1,966/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,100/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,500/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,230/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,100/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($76,084/yr), Oak Harbor ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Oak Harbor an affordable city for renters?

Oak Harbor is considered moderate for renters. At $1,966/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($76,084/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Oak Harbor slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Oak Harbor?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $79,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,966/mo in Oak Harbor. The local median household income is $76,084/yr, meaning the typical Oak Harbor household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Oak Harbor?

Rent in Oak Harbor has increased 2.6% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Oak Harbor rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Oak Harbor is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #69 out of 110 tracked cities at $1,966/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Oak Harbor?

Bellingham is nearby and more affordable at $1,956/mo, which is $10 less than Oak Harbor.

What percentage of Oak Harbor residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.3% of Oak Harbor households are renters, while 46.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Oak Harbor has a strong rental market.

How does Oak Harbor rent compare to the national average?

Oak Harbor's median rent of $1,966/mo is $4 (0%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #69 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $1,966/mo, rent takes ~31% of Oak Harbor's median household income ($76,084/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Oak Harbor 31%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Oak Harbor, WA

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