countyscore
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.

2040608010053.339.112.568.139.664.682.18646.8Tax53.3Cost39.1Safety12.5Health68.1Schools39.6Income64.6Risk82.1Water86Weather46.845/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Asotin County DNA

Foverall

How Asotin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Asotin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.3
Cost
39.1-8.899999999999999
Safety
12.5-42.5
Health
68.1+18.099999999999994
Schools
39.6-14.399999999999999
Income
64.6+13.599999999999994
Risk
82.1+35.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
46.8-9.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Asotin County

Whether buying or refinancing in Asotin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$286,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$994/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$286,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,107/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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40.3
Garfield County
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54.4
Lewis County
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55.6
Columbia County
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44.8
Wallowa County
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Whitman County
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Latah County
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Walla Walla County
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37

Deep Dives

Asotin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Asotin County

via WaterByCounty

Asotin County earns a perfect Grade A

The county reported zero health violations over the last five years. This flawless record outperforms the state average of 113.4 violations per 100,000 people.

Watershed assessments not yet federally recorded

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet been completed for water bodies within this county. Comprehensive reporting on local impairments remains unavailable for the current reporting cycle.

Monitoring activity remains low in Asotin

Only six monitoring sites are active, producing 54 measurements over the past five years. Top measured groups include physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals.

Snake River flows at double its typical rate

The Snake River near Anatone currently discharges 68,300 cfs, which is 202% of its long-term mean. This significantly high flow reflects heavy seasonal runoff or upstream management.

Watch for high flow impacts on quality

High streamflow in the Snake River can increase turbidity and affect source water. While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should note that sparse monitoring data makes local watershed awareness essential.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.