‘A perfect storm’: Reader survey reveals deepening affordability crisis across South Snohomish County

A majority of readers in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace responding to a My Neighborhood News Group survey say their financial situation is worse than it was a year ago, citing a “perfect storm” of rising grocery prices, utility bills and insurance premiums.

The survey, which received 252 responses from across South Snohomish County through late April, paints an unsettling picture of a region grappling with a rapid decline in affordability. 

Nearly 88% of respondents said the area is becoming much less or somewhat less affordable, with more than half describing the shift as “much less” affordable.

Regional pressure points

While the financial strain is felt across all three communities, the survey showed that the “middle-income squeeze” is particularly acute. Households earning between $50,000 and $125,000 reported the highest rates of financial distress.

When asked what is driving the pressure, the most frequent burdens cited were:

• Groceries: Identified by 211 respondents.
• Gas and transportation: A major concern for the region’s many commuters (193 respondents).
• Utilities: Rising power, water and internet bills (174 respondents).

“We need to lower grocery, gas and utility costs,” one resident said. “Our income has not increased [at the same rate].”

Housing disparities

The data highlights a significant gap between those who own their homes and those who rent in South Snohomish County.

In Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, where rental housing makes up a significant portion of the residential landscape, the call for rent stability was a recurring theme. “Please put a cap on what percentage a landlord can raise rent,” one renter noted. “Ten percent plus is way too high.”

Meanwhile, homeowners — particularly seniors in Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace — expressed frustration with property tax increases and utility rates. Several respondents on fixed incomes said that while their home values have risen, their monthly cash flow has been stretched to the breaking point by rising municipal service costs.

“The house prices keep going up…with average prices around $750k, who can afford to buy a house anymore?” wrote one respondent.

A shift in local spending

To cope with the rising costs, residents are fundamentally altering their daily habits, which could have long-term implications for local businesses. The survey found a significant shift away from the local service economy:

• Dining out: The most common cutback, with residents pivoting to meal planning and cooking at home.
• Major purchases: Many are delaying the purchase of cars or appliances.
• Discretionary spending: Residents are cutting travel, streaming subscriptions and even delaying home maintenance.

Community perspectives

When asked what would make the biggest difference, responses varied by community. In Lynnwood, respondents frequently mentioned the high cost of transportation and child care. In Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace, many focused on senior property tax exemptions and holding the line on water and sewer rates.

Despite the differences in ZIP codes, the underlying sentiment across the My Neighborhood News Group coverage area was one of shared economic anxiety. 

Local feelings mirror national sentiment

These concerns are not limited to South Snohomish County. It’s the national sentiment. A Gallup affordability survey taken April 1-15, about the same time as the MNNG survey, shows inflation and high prices cited by 31% as top financial problem and energy concerns up 10 percentage points to highest since 2008, and 55% say their financial situation is worse than a year ago.

We want to hear from you about affordability

Thank you to readers who took the time to respond to our survey in April. 

My Neighborhood News Group wants to hear from more folks about this data – either in the comments below or in person. 

MNNG invites readers to join us in Edmonds at the Edway Taphouse, 22811 100th Ave. W., from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25 or in Mountlake Terrace at the Hopua Craft Beer and Bottleshop, 24015 Van Ry Blvd., from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday,June 30. (Thank you Blair from Edway and CJ from Hopua for saying yes to this.)

We want to dig into this affordability story. Does it resonate with you? How are you making ends meet? What is your biggest financial burden? What ideas do you have or advice you can share to make the situation a bit better? We plan to publish follow-up stories on this theme because it matters to the community.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in person later this month.