Exhibit 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Washington Federal, Inc. on Form S-4 of our report dated October 18, 2002, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Washington Federal, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2002, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. Deloitte & Touche LLP Seattle, Washington June 23, 2003