Asotin County

Washington · WA

#5 in Washington
73.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Asotin County, Washington

Asotin County Ranks Well Nationally

Asotin County scores 72.3 on the CountyScore composite index, solidly exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. The score reflects strong tax and housing-cost fundamentals that create real savings for residents.

Among Washington's Top Performers

With a composite score of 72.3, Asotin County ranks in the upper tier of Washington counties, where the state average is 68.1. The county demonstrates above-average livability across its measured dimensions.

Lowest Taxes and Affordable Living

Asotin County boasts Washington's lowest effective tax rate at 0.800% (Tax Score 79.8) and a Cost Score of 77.6, with median rent at $994 per month and median home values at $286,200. These two dimensions—taxes and affordability—form the core of the county's appeal.

Income Levels Remain Modest

The county's Income Score of 28.5 reflects a median household income of $69,107, which, while respectable, lags behind wealthier counties in the state. Critical data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

Perfect for Frugal, Self-Sufficient Residents

Asotin County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families who value fiscal responsibility and rural living over high incomes and urban amenities. The combination of minimal taxes and affordable housing creates genuine long-term financial advantages.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.8Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.5Risk82.1WaterComing Soon
🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
82.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Asotin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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