New KEDA Report Examines Housing Affordability Across Kitsap County

Data on home prices, rents and income provide a clearer picture of Kitsap County’s changing housing market

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance has released a new report examining housing affordability and costs across Kitsap County from the first quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of 2026.

The report brings together data on median home prices, average rents, household income and affordability for Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Poulsbo. It provides businesses, local governments and community partners with a clearer understanding of how housing conditions are changing throughout the county—and how those changes may affect the regional workforce and economy.

Home Prices Have Recently Stabilized

Kitsap County experienced rapid home-price growth between 2020 and 2022. Since that period, prices have increased only slightly and have remained relatively stable over the past four quarters in unincorporated Kitsap County, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Poulsbo.

Bainbridge Island remains the exception, with substantially higher prices and greater quarterly volatility than the rest of the county.

Rental Costs Continue to Vary Across the County

The report also tracks average rents across five Kitsap communities. Bainbridge Island consistently has the county’s highest rental costs, reaching nearly $2,300 per month. Bremerton generally remains the most affordable market, with average monthly rents of approximately $1,600 during 2025 and early 2026.

Poulsbo rents have increased over the past year, reflecting the city’s continued growth and appeal to remote workers.

Affordability Depends on Income

Housing costs alone do not tell the complete story. The report compares local prices and rents with household income to examine whether residents can reasonably afford to buy or rent.

The Homebuyer Affordability Index measures whether a middle-income household could qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. Bremerton’s comparatively lower home prices result in a stronger affordability index than Bainbridge Island, although affordability conditions vary over time and among communities.

For renters earning the median income, the report generally shows stronger affordability. An index score of 100 or higher indicates that the average rental unit is considered affordable based on the household’s income.

The picture is more difficult for lower-income households. The report finds that securing stable rental housing continues to be challenging for lower-income renters in Bremerton, where typical household income may not be sufficient to rent an average-priced unit without becoming cost-burdened.

The affordability indexes define housing as affordable when costs represent no more than 30 percent of household income. They are most useful for tracking changes within an individual community over time rather than directly comparing affordability among jurisdictions with substantially different income levels.

Turning Data into Useful Economic Insight

Housing affordability is closely connected to economic development. Employers need access to a stable workforce, and workers need housing options within reasonable distance of their jobs. Understanding these trends can help inform conversations about workforce recruitment, infrastructure, community planning and future economic growth.

The new report was prepared by KEDA’s Elizabeth Court, our resident master of data reporting. Elizabeth has a talent for transforming complicated datasets into clear, accessible information that helps partners better understand Kitsap County’s economy and make informed decisions.

The housing study joins KEDA’s growing collection of regional research, including employment reports, economic-impact studies, industrial-land analysis, cost-of-living data and quarterly economic updates. These resources are available through KEDA’s Research and Reports section.

Explore KEDA’s Research and Reports:
https://www.kitsapeda.org/doing-business/research-and-reports