Adams County scores 72.4 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This above-average score reflects solid fundamentals in tax policy and housing affordability that benefit residents across income levels.
2 / 5
Third-Strongest County in Washington
With a composite score of 72.4, Adams County ranks among the top performers in Washington state, where the average county scores 68.1. The county benefits from favorable tax and cost conditions that exceed state norms.
3 / 5
Tax Efficiency and Affordable Housing
Adams County excels with a Tax Score of 78.7 (meaning a low 0.837% effective rate) and a Cost Score of 79.3, reflecting an affordable median home value of $251,300 and rent averaging $901 per month. These two dimensions anchor the county's strong overall livability profile.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind Neighbors
The county's Income Score of 25.8 is notably weak, with a median household income of $65,042 that trails state and county peers. Data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality are not yet available to complete the livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
Adams County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high-wage employment opportunities. The combination of accessible property costs and favorable tax treatment makes it attractive for those seeking financial stability in a lower-cost setting.
Adams County scores 72.4 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This above-average score reflects solid fundamentals in tax policy and housing affordability that benefit residents across income levels.
Third-Strongest County in Washington
With a composite score of 72.4, Adams County ranks among the top performers in Washington state, where the average county scores 68.1. The county benefits from favorable tax and cost conditions that exceed state norms.
Tax Efficiency and Affordable Housing
Adams County excels with a Tax Score of 78.7 (meaning a low 0.837% effective rate) and a Cost Score of 79.3, reflecting an affordable median home value of $251,300 and rent averaging $901 per month. These two dimensions anchor the county's strong overall livability profile.
Income Growth Lags Behind Neighbors
The county's Income Score of 25.8 is notably weak, with a median household income of $65,042 that trails state and county peers. Data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality are not yet available to complete the livability picture.
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
Adams County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high-wage employment opportunities. The combination of accessible property costs and favorable tax treatment makes it attractive for those seeking financial stability in a lower-cost setting.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Adams County's effective tax rate of 0.837% sits above the national median of 0.761%, placing it in the 58th percentile across U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,104, compared to the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the county.
10th highest rate in Washington
Adams County ranks 10th among Washington's 39 counties for effective tax rate, above the state average of 0.761%. At $2,104 in median property tax, the county sits below the state median of $3,028.
Higher than most regional peers
Adams County's 0.837% rate exceeds neighboring Asotin (0.800%) and Benton (0.788%), though it trails Columbia County's 0.865%. Among similar rural counties in eastern Washington, Adams sits in the upper tier for tax burden.
$2,104 annual tax on typical home
A median-valued home in Adams County at $251,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,104. Homeowners with a mortgage typically pay $2,612 annually, while those without pay $1,755.
Check if you're overassessed
Many homeowners across Washington counties are unaware they may be overassessed on their property value. If your home feels undervalued compared to recent sales in your area, a tax appeal could reduce your annual bill.
At 16.6%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, making it one of the more affordable corners of Washington. Renters here spend roughly $901 monthly on housing—far less than the national median—while earning a median household income of $65,042.
Most affordable rental market in Washington
Adams County offers the best rent-to-income ratio in the state at 16.6%, compared to Washington's 18.8% average. Its median rent of $901 undercuts the state average of $1,202 by more than $300 per month.
Cheaper than nearby Asotin County
Adams County renters pay $901 monthly versus $994 in neighboring Asotin County, saving nearly $1,100 annually on rent. Both counties offer better value than the state average, but Adams edges out its eastern neighbor on affordability.
Renters and owners share the load
Adams County renters spend 16.6% of income on housing, while homeowners commit 15.5% to monthly ownership costs. The median home value of $251,300 remains well below the state's pricier counties, making both rental and ownership pathways accessible.
Considering a move? Adams delivers value
If affordability tops your relocation checklist, Adams County's combination of low rents, moderate home prices, and strong rent-to-income ratios makes it a compelling option. Compare these numbers to your current county—you may find significant monthly savings waiting here.
At $65,042, Adams County's median household income falls 13% short of the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, suggesting residents have less purchasing power than the typical American household.
Ranking fifth lowest among Washington counties
Adams County's median income trails the Washington state average of $76,363 by $11,321. Among the state's 39 counties, Adams ranks near the bottom, indicating limited earning opportunities compared to wealthier regional neighbors.
Lagging nearby agricultural and rural counties
Adams earns $4,065 less than neighboring Columbia County ($71,528) and $6,486 less than Asotin County ($69,107). The county's rural, agricultural focus contributes to lower average incomes relative to more diversified regional economies.
Housing costs manageable despite lower earnings
At 16.6%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend roughly one-sixth of income on housing. The median home value of $251,300 remains accessible compared to state averages, though wages would need to rise to improve overall economic stability.
Building financial security in Adams County
With moderate housing costs, Adams County residents have opportunity to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Start with automatic contributions to employer 401(k) plans and explore community credit union services to build wealth despite current income constraints.
At 77.0 years, Adams County residents live about 1.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. One in four residents (25.2%) report poor or fair health, well above the national poor/fair health rate of 18%, signaling deeper health challenges across the community.
Below Washington's health benchmark
Adams County's 77.0-year life expectancy trails Washington's 78.1-year state average by 1.1 years. The 25.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest, indicating Adams County faces outsized health burden compared to peers statewide.
Struggling versus regional peers
Adams County's life expectancy of 77.0 years is 2.3 years below neighboring Benton County (77.8 years) and 2.3 years below Chelan County (79.3 years). With just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Adams has the fewest of any comparison county, limiting immediate access to routine care.
Uninsured rate nearly half again higher
At 13.2%, Adams County's uninsured rate is 4.2 percentage points above Washington's 9.0% average, leaving more than 1 in 8 residents without health coverage. With only 34 primary care providers and 197 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, finding available appointments requires travel and persistence.
Check your coverage options now
If you're one of the 13.2% of Adams County residents without insurance, explore plans on Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator at a community health center. Coverage can mean earlier care, lower emergency room bills, and better health outcomes for you and your family.
With a composite risk score of 23.22, Adams County ranks well below the national average and sits in the very low risk category. This means residents experience substantially lower exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties.
Among Washington's safest counties
Adams County's composite score of 23.22 sits far below Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy protection from multiple hazard types that pose greater threats in other parts of Washington.
Safer than surrounding counties
Adams County's risk profile (23.22) is significantly lower than Benton County to the south (87.09) and Chelan County to the north (90.87). The county benefits from a relatively benign natural hazard environment compared to its more mountainous and flood-prone neighbors.
Wildfire is your primary concern
Wildfire risk registers at 85.21 in Adams County, making it the dominant natural hazard threat despite the county's overall low composite score. Earthquake risk (64.57) presents a secondary concern, though flood and tornado risks remain minimal at 34.32 and 7.19 respectively.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
While Adams County's overall risk is low, homeowners should ensure adequate wildfire insurance and earthquake coverage given those hazards' elevated scores. Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquake or wildfire damage, requiring separate endorsements or dedicated policies to protect your investment.