Life after COVID changed the math for everyday expenses in Clark County. Groceries, housing, and childcare all climbed. Families, newcomers, and locals planning a budget need a clear picture of what changed.

This guide breaks down the biggest shifts from 2019 through 2025. Housing, food, childcare, transportation, utilities, and healthcare – we’ll cover it all.

Housing Costs: The Biggest Jump in Clark County Home Prices

Housing is the biggest monthly cost, and it’s surged since 2019. The median sale price for a home in Clark County was $371,000 in 2019. In 2025, it sits at nearly $550,000. That is a 48% jump, and some neighborhoods increased in price by 50-60%.

Interest rates tell the other half of the story. Buyers saw rates from 4 – 5.5 % before COVID. Over the last 3 years, mortgage interest rates have been in the 6-7.5% range. This shift doubled monthly payments for some homebuyers.

Clark County housing appreciated faster than the national average. Even so, it remains more affordable than most West Coast major markets.

How Interest Rates Are Doubling Mortgage Payments

A $450,000 loan at 3% would be about $1,900 monthly for principal and interest. At 6.75%, that can jump near $2,900.
Buyers before 2021 may prefer to stay put, which will keep inventory low for years to come

Tips for getting a lower payment in 2026:

Shop lenders: A small rate cut can save hundreds each month
Buy payment, not price: Focus on a monthly number that fits
Negotiate concessions: Seller credits can cover points to buy you a lower interest rate or closing costs

Groceries and Childcare

Food costs hit families hard. Washington ranks 4th in the highest weekly grocery bills. A two-person household often spends $75 to $120 per week, up 20 to 30% since 2019, based on everyday cart totals.

Full-time daycare for one child can run about $12,250 per year. Waitlists grew after COVID as centers closed or reduced capacity. Regulations and staffing needs add to the price, and more are added regularly in Washington state.

Sources to review include KING5 coverage and Child Care Aware for local data and openings.

Transportation, Utilities & Subscriptions

Most residents rely on cars in Clark County. Gas averaged about $3.10 per gallon in 2019, then climbed to nearly $4.50 in 2023, a 45% increase.

Utilities rose, but not as sharply. Electricity and gas are regulated, with Northwest Natural servicing natural gas needs in SW WA. Water and trash vary by city. Internet costs $60-$100 per month, up from about $35 pre-COVID. Phone plans run near $50 per line, up from about $30.

Gas Prices Soaring: 45% Increase and What It Means for Drivers.

Washington’s taxes push pump prices above the U.S. average. For commuters, that adds up.

Drive smarter: Combine trips and use eco mode.
Consider EVs or hybrids if the math works.

Healthcare

Healthcare premiums rose by about $75 to $100 per month since 2019, which tracks with national inflation. Employer plans often soften the hit with contributions and HSA options.

Rising Cost in SW WA – Wrap Up

Clark County costs climbed across housing, groceries, childcare, gas, and subscriptions. The trend mirrors the national changes, yet Clark County keeps its appeal with strong communities and access to nature. A clear budget, smart shopping, and the right home strategy can keep goals on track.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Vancouver or Camas? Reach out to Dubyne Realty Group for local guidance, data-backed negotiations, and neighborhood insight.

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Vancouver WA Growth: What Newcomers Need to Know in 2025

Don’t Move to Vancouver, We’re FULL!

Locals keep saying the area feels packed. It’s a blunt question: Is Southwest Washington getting too crowded? Vancouver and Clark County still attract people for good reasons, like quick access to Portland & PDX, no state income tax, amazing nature, and a diversified economy.

Population growth has sped up since 2020. Housing costs climbed fast. Neighborhoods changed in pace and price. State sources, like the Washington Office of Financial Management, point to steady gains through 2025, not a one-year blip. This guide breaks down the growth stats, the housing crunch, income shifts, and other big changes coming to the area.

Population Growth in Vancouver & Washington State

Washington keeps growing, and Southwest Washington is no exception. Remote work opened the door for people from higher-cost markets. Many kept big city salaries, then chose Clark County for space, schools, and outdoor access.

Recent Growth Stats

Washington added over 100,000 residents each year since 2020, according to OFM estimates.
The state moved from about 7.6 million in 2020 to around 7.8 million by 2022, and projections suggest more than 8 million by 2026.
Clark County captured a strong share of that growth. Vancouver alone sees thousands of new transplants every year, placing it on many relocation shortlists nationwide. The County estimates 10,000 people a year will move in for the next 20 years.

Why People Are Flocking to Vancouver, WA

Relative value: Often lower costs than Portland or Seattle, plus no state income tax.
Lifestyle: Mountains, rivers, and coast access make weekend plans easy. PDX International Airport is just a 15-25 minute drive over the river.
Jobs and remote work: Many keep salaries from California or the Bay Area, which fuels local spending and startups, but adds pressure on housing and services.

The Rising Cost of Housing in Vancouver, WA

Prices jumped. Interest rates rose. Inventory stayed tight. That mix hit first-time buyers hardest and pushed more people into rentals.

Price Trends and Future Outlook

Median home price was:
- $362,000 in 2018
- $554,000 in 2025

Prices nearly doubled in six years. Buyers should budget for higher down payments, closing costs, and potential rate shifts.

How the Housing Shortage Drives Up Prices

Washington is short by roughly 250,000 homes statewide, per BIAW estimates.
Simple math applies: low supply, high demand, higher prices.
The state pushed middle housing options, like townhomes and condos. These help, but many buyers still want single-family homes with yards.
Developers cite permitting time and fees as cost drivers, which limit speed and add to final prices.

Income Disparities: Newcomers vs. Lifelong Residents

The state median income is about $90,000. Many relocating buyers earn above that, sometimes far above – it’s not uncommon for relocating residents from California to earn early $300,000-$1,000,000 per year as a household.

For locals: Higher rents and home prices squeeze budgets, and entry-level buyers get priced out.
For the economy: High earners boost restaurants, services, and small business growth.
The fix requires more homes at a range of price points, not just luxury builds.

Wrap Up

Growth, higher prices, and income gaps shape today’s Vancouver, Washington. Moving here can be a smart choice, as long as buyers and renters plan for tight inventory and higher budgets.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Vancouver or Camas, and looking for a realtor team that really knows what they’re doing? Reach out to us at Dubyne Realty Group for local guidance, data-backed negotiations, and neighborhood insights.