Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Goldendale, WA
Considering a move to Goldendale, WA? This friendly small town of about 3,350 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price around $275,000 and typical rents near $950. Goldendale enjoys a sunny climate with 65% sunny days, low rainfall, and short average commutes of 17 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the town features local schools, basic healthcare options, and easy access to the Columbia Gorge. Explore Goldendale if you're seeking a relaxed, rural lifestyle with great access to the outdoors.
Demographics - Goldendale, WA
Demographics - Goldendale, WA
Goldendale is a small, close-knit city with a population of about 3,350 and a median age of 43.8, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, with a modest Hispanic and Native American presence, and a nearly balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up just under 9% of residents, contributing to the town's modest diversity.
Population:
3,350
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.4%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Goldendale, WA?
Goldendale offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $275,000 and average monthly rent around $950. Overall living expenses are below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, while state taxes range from 0% to 9%.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
81.2
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Goldendale, WA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Goldendale are moderate for a small town, with a chance of property crime about 1 in 56 and violent crime at 1 in 455. The community experiences lower crime than many urban areas, but residents should remain mindful of property safety. Overall, the area offers a generally safe environment for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,020
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Goldendale, WA year-round?
Goldendale boasts a sunny climate, enjoying sunshine about 65% of the year and receiving just 17.5 inches of rainfall annually. Winters are cool with lows around 27°F, while summers are warm and pleasant, reaching highs near 87°F. The weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents in Goldendale enjoy a median household income of $47,100 and an average commute of just over 17 minutes. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and about 19% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, fostering a supportive, small-town atmosphere. The area has a slightly higher poverty rate, but offers affordable rents and low public transport usage.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$47,100
Family Income:
$56,300
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$33,600
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
14.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Goldendale, WA?
Goldendale is served by several public schools, with student-teacher ratios around 17:1, supporting personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, nearby Columbia Gorge Community College offers higher education opportunities just 23 miles away. The community values education, with over 90% of adults holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Goldendale Primary School
Street:
820 S Schuster Ave
Phone:
509-773-5831
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
Goldendale Middle School
Street:
520 E Collins St
Phone:
509-773-4323
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Goldendale High School
Street:
525 E Collins St
Phone:
509-773-5846
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Colleges
Name:
Columbia Gorge Community College
City:
The Dalles
State:
OR
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Goldendale provides essential healthcare services through Klickitat Valley Health, which offers emergency care, and a local family medicine clinic. The city has a physician density of 1.3 per 1,000 residents, and nearly 92% of people are covered by health insurance. While specialized care may require travel, basic medical needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
KVH Family Medicine - Goldendale
Address:
317 W Allyn St, Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone:
(509) 773-4017
Type:
Family Practice & Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Klickitat Valley Health
Address:
310 S Roosevelt Ave, Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone:
(509) 773-4022
Type:
General & Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Goldendale, WA?
The housing market in Goldendale is stable, with a median home price of $275,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. Around 64% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a healthy 4.3% annual appreciation rate. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Goldendale residents can access driver and vehicle services at the local Washington State Department of Licensing office on Columbus Ave. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration needs for the community. For additional resources, the state website offers comprehensive information and online services.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
Goldendale DOL, 710 S Columbus Ave, Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone:
(360) 902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.