Benton County

Washington · WA

#21 in Washington
64.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Benton County, Washington

Benton County Exceeds National Norms

Benton County scores 67.5 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. Despite this strong showing, the county sits slightly below Washington's average of 68.1.

Solid Middle Ground in Washington

Benton County's composite score of 67.5 places it near the state average of 68.1, making it a reliable choice for those seeking balanced livability without extremes. The county occupies a middle position among Washington's diverse counties.

High Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Benton County shines with an Income Score of 40.4—the strongest among these eight counties—reflecting a median household income of $87,316, paired with a Tax Score of 80.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.788%. These income and tax advantages signal economic vitality.

Housing Costs Squeeze Affordability

The county's Cost Score of 64.9 reflects a median home value of $369,400 and median rent of $1,256 per month, the highest housing costs in this group. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental quality are not yet available.

For Affluent Professionals and Families

Benton County suits higher-income professionals, dual-earning couples, and established families who can afford premium housing costs in exchange for strong wages and favorable taxes. The county rewards earning power and long-term career investment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.1Cost64.9SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.4Risk12.9WaterComing Soon
🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40.4
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
12.9
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

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton's rate below U.S. median

Benton County's effective tax rate of 0.788% sits just above the national median of 0.761%, placing it in the 52nd percentile. With a median property tax of $2,910 on homes valued at $369,400, the county sits near the national median of $2,690.

Moderate taxation in Washington

Benton County ranks 22nd among Washington's 39 counties for effective tax rate, marginally above the state average of 0.761%. Its median property tax of $2,910 exceeds the state median of $3,028 despite similar rate levels.

Lower rate than Adams, higher than Chelan

Benton's 0.788% rate falls between Adams County (0.837%) and Chelan County (0.711%), positioning it as the moderate option. For homeowners, this translates to moderate tax liability across the Tri-Cities region.

Expect $2,910 on typical property

A median-valued Benton County home at $369,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,910. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,947 annually, while those without pay $2,837.

Appeal may offset rising home values

As home values appreciate in Benton County's growing market, assessments can lag behind actual value—or sometimes overshoot. Homeowners who believe their assessed value exceeds comparable sales should file an appeal to potentially reduce future tax bills.

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton County rents remain affordable statewide

Benton County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio matches the best performers in Washington and beats the national trend. At $1,256 monthly rent against a median household income of $87,316, Benton residents enjoy above-average earnings paired with reasonable housing costs.

Above-average incomes fuel affordability

Benton County ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Washington counties for affordability, with the highest median household income ($87,316) in this sample. Its 17.3% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong earning power that absorbs higher-than-average rents.

More expensive than Adams, competitive with Chelan

Benton County's $1,256 rent significantly exceeds Adams County's $901 but runs $74 less than Chelan County's $1,182. However, Benton's median household income of $87,316 far outpaces both neighbors, cushioning the higher housing costs.

Homeownership carries a premium here

Renters spend 17.3% of income on housing while homeowners dedicate 18.5% to monthly ownership costs, the highest among comparable counties. At $369,400 median home value, Benton County attracts buyers with strong incomes and growing job markets.

Benton rewards high earners and job seekers

If you're relocating for a higher-paying position, Benton County's strong median income and balanced rent-to-income ratio signal economic momentum. Compare your prospective salary against these regional benchmarks to see if Benton's housing market aligns with your move.

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton County outearns most American households

At $87,316, Benton County's median household income runs 16.8% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's higher-earning counties. The county's robust aerospace, energy, and technology sectors drive strong household incomes across the region.

Third-highest income county in Washington

Benton County ranks among Washington's elite earning regions with a median income of $87,316, surpassing the state average of $76,363 by $10,953. At $41,588 per capita income, Benton residents enjoy substantially higher individual earnings than most state peers.

Commanding lead over neighboring rural counties

Benton County's $87,316 median income substantially exceeds Asotin County's $69,107 by $18,209 and Chelan County's $78,306 by $9,010. The Tri-Cities region's economic diversification and major employers create a significant income advantage over surrounding communities.

Higher incomes offset rising home values

Though Benton County's median home value of $369,400 ranks high, the 17.3% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable as strong wages support homeownership. Residents' higher earnings provide cushion for both housing and investment opportunities despite elevated property costs.

Premium earning power fuels wealth acceleration

Benton County's above-average incomes position residents to aggressively fund retirement accounts, invest in diversified portfolios, and build substantial net worth. Work with financial planners to maximize 401(k) contributions, explore investment properties, and leverage tax-advantaged strategies available to higher earners.

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Benton County health slightly below national

At 77.8 years, Benton County's life expectancy is 0.5 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The 17.1% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 18%, suggesting residents report better perceived health despite slightly lower longevity.

Close to Washington's state average

Benton County's 77.8-year life expectancy is 0.3 years below Washington's 78.1-year state average, placing it near the middle of the state's health performance. At 8.3%, the uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 9.0%, indicating strong health coverage across the county.

Solid performance in mid-state region

Benton County's 77.8-year life expectancy tops Adams County (77.0 years) and Asotin County (76.7 years), though trails the standout Chelan County (79.3 years). With 71 primary care providers and 388 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Benton offers reliable provider access for routine and behavioral health needs.

Strong coverage supports routine care access

At 8.3%, Benton County's uninsured rate is below the state average, meaning most residents can access primary care without financial barriers. With 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county supports timely preventive visits and chronic disease management for its population.

Keep your health plan active

Benton County's high insurance enrollment helps residents avoid gaps in care. If coverage changes due to job loss or life events, apply immediately on Healthcare.gov or through local enrollment assistors to maintain uninterrupted access to the county's primary care network.

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County faces moderate disaster risks

With a composite risk score of 87.09, Benton County ranks well above the national average and carries a relatively moderate risk rating. Residents experience meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards that require serious preparedness planning.

Among Washington's highest-risk counties

Benton County's score of 87.09 exceeds Washington's state average of 70.01 by 24%, ranking it in the upper tier of state risk. Only a handful of Washington counties face greater overall disaster exposure than Benton.

Higher risk than Adams, similar to Chelan

Benton County (87.09) faces substantially more disaster risk than its western neighbor Adams County (23.22) but aligns closely with Chelan County (90.87) and Cowlitz County (90.30). The county sits in a cluster of mid-Columbia and eastern Washington communities with elevated multi-hazard exposure.

Wildfires, floods, and earthquakes converge here

Benton County experiences extreme wildfire risk (96.69), severe flood risk (89.73), and dangerous earthquake risk (93.13), creating a particularly hazardous natural environment. Tornado risk is moderate at 19.62, making these three hazards the primary concerns for residents.

Comprehensive protection is critical

Benton County residents need robust disaster coverage including earthquake insurance, wildfire protection, and comprehensive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Given the county's convergence of major hazards, maintaining adequate coverage on all fronts is essential for financial security.

ByCounty Network

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