45
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.1Health 68.1

County Report Card

About Asotin County, Washington

Competitive Standing Near the National Median

Asotin County scores a 45.0, placing it within striking distance of the 50.0 national median. It represents a solid middle-ground for American livability metrics.

Leading the Washington State Average

With a score of 45.0, Asotin slightly outperforms the Washington state average of 44.1. It stands out as a high-performer in the southeastern corner of the state.

Excellent Water and Environmental Stability

The county excels in environmental factors with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 82.1. Healthcare is also a major strength, earning a high score of 68.1.

Addressing Safety and Cost Concerns

Safety scores are low at 12.5, and housing affordability is a pressure point with a Cost Score of 39.1. The median home value of $286,200 is rising, impacting overall affordability.

Ideal for Health and Environment Seekers

Asotin is a perfect match for retirees or outdoor enthusiasts who value high water quality and strong healthcare access. The $69,107 median income provides a stable foundation for those prioritizing natural surroundings.

Score breakdown

Tax53.3Cost39.1Safety12.5Health68.1Schools39.6Income64.6Risk82.1Water86Weather46.8
🏛53.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠39.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼64.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡12.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
68.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
82.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱9.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Asotin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Asotin County

via TaxByCounty

Asotin slightly above U.S. median rate

Asotin County's effective tax rate of 0.800% exceeds the national median of 0.761%, placing it near the 55th percentile. The median property tax of $2,289 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Middle-of-pack among Washington counties

Asotin County ranks 18th in Washington for effective tax rate, slightly above the state average of 0.761%. Its median property tax of $2,289 trails the state median of $3,028, indicating relatively affordable property taxation.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Asotin's 0.800% rate sits between Adams County (0.837%) and Benton County (0.788%), making it reasonably priced among eastern Washington neighbors. The county offers a balanced tax profile for the region.

About $2,289 yearly on median home

A typical Asotin County home valued at $286,200 incurs an annual property tax of $2,289. Both mortgage-holding and mortgage-free homeowners pay roughly the same amount, around $2,289.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Property assessments don't always reflect current market conditions, and many homeowners miss opportunities to appeal. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent comparable sales in Asotin, filing an appeal could lower your tax burden.

Cost of Living in Asotin County

via CostByCounty

Asotin County outperforms national average

Asotin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% beats the national average and falls below Washington's 18.8% state average. With median rent at $994 and median household income of $69,107, renters here enjoy more breathing room than most Americans.

Second-best rental affordability in state

Asotin County ranks near the top of Washington's most affordable counties with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio. Only a handful of counties offer better value, and Asotin's $994 median rent remains $208 below the state average.

Slightly pricier than Adams to the west

Asotin County's $994 rent runs about $93 higher than Adams County's $901, though both remain well below state average. Homebuyers here face similar affordability at $286,200 median value, compared to Adams's $251,300.

Balanced housing costs across tenure

Renters dedicate 17.3% of income to housing while homeowners spend 14.6% on monthly ownership costs—both figures favorable compared to state benchmarks. At $69,107 median household income, Asotin households find both rental and ownership options within reach.

Asotin offers solid affordability for relocators

Whether renting or buying, Asotin County delivers competitive housing costs relative to Washington's broader market. Prospective residents will find reasonable monthly payments and home prices that align with incomes earned in the region.

Income & Jobs in Asotin County

via IncomeByCounty

Asotin County slightly below national income standard

Asotin County's median household income of $69,107 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly 7.5%. While below the U.S. average, the county still maintains middle-income status with solid per capita earnings of $38,991.

Mid-range earnings within Washington state

Asotin County ranks above the state average of $76,363 by nearly $7,000 in per capita income at $38,991, positioning it in the middle tier of Washington counties. The median household income of $69,107 places it below state averages but still competitive regionally.

Outearning rural peers, lagging wealthier regions

Asotin County's $69,107 median income exceeds Adams County by $4,065 but falls $18,209 short of Benton County's $87,316. As a rural Wallowa Valley county, Asotin performs respectably against similar agricultural communities while acknowledging stronger earning centers elsewhere.

Rental costs stay reasonable for most households

Asotin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% indicates affordable housing for renters, well below the 30% threshold. At a median home value of $286,200, homeownership remains accessible for middle-income families, supporting economic stability.

Strategic wealth-building for rural earners

Asotin residents benefit from lower housing cost burdens, freeing income for investment and savings. Consider opening an IRA, exploring agricultural lending programs if applicable, and consulting with local financial advisors about long-term wealth strategies suited to rural economies.

Safety in Asotin County

via CrimeByCounty

Asotin County maintains high safety standards

Asotin County earns an impressive safety score of 95.9, nearly reaching the ideal mark for regional security. Its total crime rate of 2570.4 per 100K is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Local officials attribute this resilience to strong community ties and active law enforcement presence.

Meeting the Washington state safety benchmark

The county's safety score of 95.9 is almost identical to the Washington state average of 96.2. While the total crime rate of 2570.4 is higher than the state average of 2377.2, the severity of incidents remains low. Asotin County continues to be one of the more stable regions in the state.

Outperforming neighboring high-rate counties

Asotin County remains much safer than its western neighbors like Benton County, where crime rates reach 3879.8 per 100K. With a total rate of 2570.4, Asotin offers a more secure environment for families. It sets a positive example for public safety in the southeastern corner of the state.

Analyzing violent versus property incidents

Violent crime in Asotin County is 254.8 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national figure of 369.8. Property crime stands at 2315.6, representing the vast majority of all reported incidents in 2022. Residents are far more likely to experience a property-related issue than a violent encounter.

Securing your household against theft

Protecting your home from property crime starts with simple preventative measures like motion-sensor cameras. Since property theft is the primary risk here, securing garages and sheds is especially important. Awareness and modern security tech go a long way in keeping Asotin County safe.

Health in Asotin County

via HealthByCounty

Asotin County life expectancy falls short

At 76.7 years, Asotin County residents live about 1.6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate is below the national average of 18%, though the lower life expectancy suggests additional health pressures in the county.

Among Washington's lower-performing counties

Asotin County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks below Washington's 78.1-year average by 1.4 years. The county faces health headwinds that place it among the state's more challenged regions on longevity metrics.

Mixed standing against regional comparisons

Asotin County's 76.7-year life expectancy trails Benton County (77.8 years) and significantly lags Chelan County (79.3 years). However, with 67 primary care providers and 523 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Asotin has stronger provider density than Adams County and better mental health access than most peers.

Low uninsured rate, solid provider access

Asotin County's 6.8% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 9.0%, meaning most residents have health coverage. With 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 523 mental health providers, access to care is notably better than the state average, supporting preventive health engagement.

Maintain your coverage and care plans

Asotin County's strong insurance enrollment rates mean most residents have access to preventive care and routine treatment. If your coverage lapses or changes, renew promptly through Healthcare.gov or your employer to keep access to the county's robust provider network.

Schools in Asotin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Schools Serving the Tri-State Area

Asotin County operates 12 public schools serving 3,132 students across just two school districts. The system includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools, alongside three alternative programs. This concentrated infrastructure reflects the county's focused population centers along the Snake River.

Steady Performance with Targeted Spending

The county achieves an 80.4% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average of 81.4% but trailing the 87.0% national average. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,261, which is below the state's $9,250 and the national median of $13,000. Despite lower spending, the school score of 51.2 remains competitive with state performance levels.

Clarkston Schools Anchor the Region

The Clarkston School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,518 students across 10 different schools. The Asotin-Anatone School District serves a smaller cohort of 614 students. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all students within traditional district frameworks.

A Consistent Suburban Learning Environment

All 12 schools in the county are classified as suburban, creating a uniform educational feel for residents. Charles Francis Adams High is the largest campus with 753 students, while the average school size across the county is 261. This scale allows for smaller class sizes than many neighboring metropolitan areas.

Relocate Near Clarkston Schools

Proximity to the Heights Elementary or Parkway Elementary schools makes Clarkston a preferred destination for young families. Many buyers prioritize homes within the Clarkston School District to take advantage of the established suburban infrastructure. Start your home search where river views meet local school accessibility.

Disaster Risk in Asotin County

via RiskByCounty

Asotin County ranks among safest nationally

Asotin County's composite risk score of 17.91 places it in the very low risk category, significantly outperforming the national average. This county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American communities.

Washington's lowest-risk county

Asotin County's score of 17.91 ranks it as the safest county in Washington relative to the state average of 70.01. The county benefits from geographic and climatic factors that shield it from most major natural hazards.

Exceptionally safe compared to neighbors

Asotin County (17.91) faces substantially lower risk than neighboring Columbia County (8.56) and Adams County (23.22), though it's the state's safest overall. The county's remote northeast location provides natural protection from the earthquake and flood hazards that impact western Washington.

Wildfire dominates Asotin's hazard profile

Wildfire risk reaches 89.38 in Asotin County, representing the clear dominant threat despite the county's overall very low composite score. Flood risk (38.52) and earthquake risk (32.73) remain secondary concerns, with tornado risk minimal at 6.87.

Wildfire insurance essential for homeowners

Asotin County residents should prioritize wildfire coverage despite the county's generally low risk profile. Adding a wildfire endorsement to your homeowners policy provides critical protection for your home against the county's primary natural hazard threat.

Weather & Climate in Asotin County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry conditions define the southeast corner

Asotin County receives only 15.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half the national average. While specific local temperature records are limited, the landscape reflects a classic semi-arid climate.

Drier than the average Washington landscape

Washington state averages 38.5 inches of rain, but Asotin sees just 15.2 inches. This precipitation gap places it among the state's more arid eastern territories.

Modest snowfall compared to regional neighbors

With 10.5 inches of annual snow, Asotin is less snowy than nearby Columbia County. It shares a similar dry profile with other counties in the Snake River region.

Winters bring light snow and rain

The county records 10.5 inches of snowfall annually amidst its 15.2 inches of total precipitation. Though specific summer data is unavailable, the low rainfall suggests hot, dry conditions are common.

Plan for dry summers and light snow

Homeowners should focus on water-efficient landscaping to manage the dry 15.2-inch precipitation cycle. Light snow gear is sufficient for the typical 10.5-inch winter accumulation.

Soil Quality in Asotin County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Terrain with Diverse Soils

Current surveys do not provide specific taxonomic or pH data for Asotin County's unique landscapes. Local growers typically encounter neutral-to-alkaline levels common in the region, varying from the 6.5 national median.

Variable Soil Structures in the Blues

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Local observations suggest a mix that varies from fertile river valleys to high plateaus, impacting how easily the land drains.

Building Organic Health Locally

We lack specific data on organic matter and water capacity for this area. However, the region typically faces drier conditions than the state average available water capacity of 0.194 in/in, requiring attentive moisture management.

Check Your Site's Water Flow

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are not currently mapped for these soils. Understanding your specific site’s drainage is crucial before starting any major building or agricultural project to prevent erosion.

Fruit and Grapes in Zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a provides a versatile window for growing hardy grapes and stone fruits. Despite the limited data, the diverse terrain offers plenty of microclimates for a successful home orchard.

Lawn Care in Asotin County

via LawnByCounty

A Rare Challenge for Asotin Lawns

Asotin County holds one of the most difficult lawn scores in the state at 9.3, far below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that local conditions in Zone 7a are extremely hostile to traditional turf without intensive intervention. Maintaining a lush green yard here requires significant planning and resources.

Dry Conditions Define the Landscape

The county receives 15.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the Washington state average. While specific local temperature data is limited, this low rainfall creates a high-deficit environment for most standard grass types. You will need to supplement heavily with irrigation to bridge the gap during the hot summer months.

Preparation Despite Limited Soil Data

While specific local soil metrics like pH and texture are not fully documented, the surrounding regional trends suggest a need for testing. Before planting, perform a local soil test to determine if your yard mirrors the alkaline or well-drained profiles common in eastern Washington. Amending your soil with compost can provide a necessary buffer for the challenging climate.

Severe Drought Grips the Region

Currently, 91.8% of the county is in severe drought, creating a critical situation for lawn health. Asotin has endured 40 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, the highest frequency among its neighbors. Strict water conservation and the use of mulch around landscape edges are vital to keeping your lawn alive.

Prioritizing Hardiness in Zone 7a

In Hardiness Zone 7a, choosing the right species is the difference between success and failure. Focus on drought-hardy grasses that can survive long periods without rainfall once established. Aim to plant in late summer or early fall when the intense heat begins to break.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asotin County's county score?
Asotin County, Washington has a composite county score of 45 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Asotin County rank among counties in Washington?
Asotin County ranks #16 among all counties in Washington on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Asotin County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Asotin County is $2,289, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Asotin County a tax score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Asotin County?
The median household income in Asotin County, Washington is $69,107 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Asotin County earns an income score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Asotin County, Washington a good place to live?
Asotin County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Asotin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Asotin County with other counties side by side.