Spotlight on Kalama: A Different Story Within Cowlitz County
While Cowlitz County as a whole saw steady buyer demand and modest price growth in August 2025, the city of Kalama (98625) tells a very different story.
A Higher-End Market
Kalama continues to distinguish itself as a higher-end pocket of the county. The median home price surged to $824,500 in August, up an incredible 62% year-over-year and nearly double the countywide median of $425,000. Year-to-date, prices in Kalama are up 12%, compared to the county’s 3%. This reinforces Kalama’s position as one of the most desirable (and expensive) residential markets in Cowlitz County.
Slower Sales, More Choices
Despite the strong pricing, sales activity in Kalama slowed significantly. Only 2 homes closed in August, down 80% from last year, and pending sales dropped 43%. By contrast, Cowlitz County as a whole posted nearly 28% more pending sales year-over-year.
The number of homes available in Kalama grew sharply, with 30 homes on the market and a 6.3-month supply of inventory—almost double the county’s 3.5 months. This shift gives buyers in Kalama more negotiating power and time to make decisions.
Homes Moving Faster Once Under Contract
Interestingly, the homes that did sell in Kalama moved more quickly. The average days on market fell to 29, compared to 46 across Cowlitz County. This suggests that well-priced homes in Kalama are still attracting serious buyers quickly, even though overall sales volume is down.
What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
- For Sellers in Kalama: The luxury price point is holding strong, but higher inventory and slower sales mean pricing strategically is more important than ever.
- For Buyers in Kalama: There are more options on the market, and with supply nearly double that of the county overall, this is one of the more favorable times in recent years to shop for a home in Kalama.
📌 In short: Cowlitz County is showing stability with gradual growth, but Kalama stands out as a premium, more volatile market where higher prices are paired with slower sales and greater buyer leverage.
🏡 Kalama vs. Cowlitz County – Real Estate Snapshot
Kalama (98625)
- New Listings: 14 (+56% YOY; supply is building)
- Pending Sales: 4 (down 43%)
- Closed Sales: 2 (down 80%)
- Days on Market: 29 (faster than county, and down 19% YOY)
- Median Sales Price: $824,500 (+62% YOY; +12% YTD)
- Inventory: 30 homes (+58% YOY; 6.3 months supply)
Cowlitz County (overall)
- New Listings: 127 (down 8% YOY; up 9% YTD)
- Pending Sales: 110 (up 28% YOY)
- Closed Sales: 81 (down 25%)
- Days on Market: 46 (up nearly 50% YOY)
- Median Sales Price: $425,000 (+2% YOY; +3% YTD)
- Inventory: 322 homes (+12% YOY; 3.5 months supply)
🔑 Takeaways
- Kalama is a higher-end market: With a median price nearly double the county average, Kalama homes are commanding luxury-level values.
- Fewer transactions: Sales activity slowed significantly in Kalama, with pendings and closings down sharply compared to the county’s growth in buyer activity.
- Inventory shift: Kalama has a much larger 6.3 months of supply (vs. 3.5 months countywide), tipping its market toward buyers.
- Speed matters: Despite fewer sales, the homes that did sell in Kalama moved faster (29 days vs. 46 countywide).
📌 Bottom line: While Cowlitz County overall is showing steady buyer demand and moderate price growth, Kalama stands out as a smaller, higher-priced, more volatile market where buyers currently have more leverage due to higher inventory and slower sales.