Everything You Should Know Before Moving to White Salmon, WA
Considering White Salmon, WA for your next move? With a close-knit population of 2,700, this scenic city features a median home price around $505,000 and average 2-bedroom rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes and a below-average violent crime rate of 120 per 100K. The town offers strong educational attainment, beautiful Columbia River Gorge views, and a mild four-season climate with 54% sunny days. Explore White Salmon’s cost of living, schools, and welcoming community below to see if it’s your perfect fit.
Demographics - White Salmon, WA
Demographics - White Salmon, WA
White Salmon is a small, welcoming city with a population of about 2,700 and a median age of nearly 40, offering a balanced gender ratio and a strong sense of community. The majority of residents are White, with nearly 10% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and about 8.5% speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and diversity contribute to the city’s close-knit, inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
2,700
Density:
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
1.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in White Salmon, WA?
Living in White Salmon comes with a cost of living index of 120.5, above the national average, largely due to housing prices—the median home value is $505,000 and average rent is $1,350 for a two-bedroom. Utility and grocery costs are somewhat above average, but state taxes range from 0% to 9%, offering some flexibility. Overall, residents enjoy a high quality of life with expenses reflecting the area’s desirable location and amenities.
Median House Value:
$505,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.5
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
134.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
116.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is White Salmon, WA a safe place to live?
White Salmon experiences a notably low violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, with property crime being more common but still moderate for a small city. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 830, which is reassuring for families and individuals seeking safety. The city’s overall crime environment supports a relaxed and secure lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in White Salmon, WA year-round?
Residents of White Salmon enjoy a mild four-season climate, with summer highs reaching the low 80s and winter lows dipping just below freezing. The area receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 54% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes are distinct but generally moderate, contributing to the city’s appeal for nature lovers.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The local community in White Salmon enjoys a median household income of $71,500 and a family income of $87,000, with an unemployment rate of just 4.7%. Educational attainment is high, with 93.6% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and 41% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most residents experience short commutes, averaging under 17 minutes, which adds to the town’s convenient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$40,700
Household Income:
$71,500
Family Income:
$87,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$44,500
Income Female:
$39,200
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
41.0%
Education
How are the schools in White Salmon, WA?
Families in White Salmon benefit from well-rated public schools, such as Columbia High and Henkle Middle, with favorable student-teacher ratios around 16:1. The area also offers private school options and is within 21 miles of Columbia Gorge Community College, supporting lifelong learning. High educational attainment among residents contributes to a vibrant, informed community.
Public Schools
Name:
White Salmon Valley High School (Columbia High)
Street:
1455 NW Lincoln St
Phone:
(509) 493-1970
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Henkle Middle School
Street:
480 NW Loop Rd
Phone:
(509) 493-1502
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Mt. View Christian School
Street:
866 WA-141
Phone:
(509) 493-1931
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Columbia Gorge Community College
City:
The Dalles
State:
OR
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
White Salmon residents have access to quality healthcare, including Skyline Health, a critical access hospital in town, and additional major facilities nearby. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of residents insured, healthcare services are accessible and reliable. The city’s healthcare index reflects a strong local system, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Skyline Health
Address:
211 Skyline Dr, White Salmon, WA 98672
Phone:
(509) 493-1101
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
Address:
810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone:
(541) 386-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in White Salmon, WA?
The housing market in White Salmon is competitive, with a median home price of $505,000 and steady appreciation at 6.7% over the past year. Owner-occupancy is strong at 58%, and the rental vacancy rate is low at 3.2%, indicating high demand. Both buyers and renters can expect a stable market, making it an appealing location for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
White Salmon residents can conveniently access vehicle and licensing services through the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Goldendale. The office provides the full range of DMV services, with information and resources available online for added convenience. This ensures an easy process for new and existing residents managing their driving and registration needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
207 W Main St, Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone:
(360) 575-6900
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.