36.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.3Health 67.3Property Tax 54.3

County Report Card

About Benton County, Washington

High Earnings Meet National Ranking Hurdles

Benton County’s composite score of 36.8 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. Despite strong economic data, other quality-of-life factors pull the overall average down.

Trailing the Washington State Average

The county scores lower than the Washington state average of 44.1. While it is an economic hub, it struggles to match the livability scores of western Washington peers.

A Powerhouse for High Incomes

Benton County boasts an exceptional Income Score of 90.3, fueled by a median household income of $87,316. Residents also enjoy a low 0.788% effective tax rate, among the best in the state.

Confronting High Risk and Safety Issues

Environmental risk is a major concern with a score of 12.9, while public safety ranks low at 3.6. Additionally, the Cost Score of 12.9 reflects a tightening housing market.

Suited for High-Earning Professionals

This county is ideal for career-focused individuals in technical fields who can maximize the $87,316 median income. It suits those willing to trade environmental risk for significant economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax54.3Cost12.9Safety3.6Health67.3Schools50.4Income90.3Risk12.9Water41Weather48.8
🏛54.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠12.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼90.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡3.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓50.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
12.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧41
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱38.4
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

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Benton County

via CrimeByCounty

High crime rates but strong safety score

Benton County reports a total crime rate of 3879.8 per 100K, which is well above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this high volume, the county maintains a safety score of 93.9. This suggests that while crime is more frequent, the severity and response metrics remain favorable.

Trailing the Washington state average

Benton's safety score of 93.9 sits below the Washington state average of 96.2. The total crime rate of 3879.8 is also notably higher than the state average of 2377.2 per 100K. Public safety initiatives are currently focused on reducing these numbers to meet state expectations.

Consistent trends with nearby Adams County

Benton County's crime rate of 3879.8 is nearly identical to neighboring Adams County's 3886.8. These two counties experience some of the highest crime volumes in the region compared to quieter neighbors. This indicates a shared urban-rural crime dynamic across the Tri-Cities area.

Property crime dominates the data

Property crime accounts for 3536.3 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 343.5. Interestingly, the violent crime rate is lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents should be most concerned with protecting their belongings and vehicles from theft.

Taking proactive steps for home security

With property crime as the main concern, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Visible cameras and smart doorbells often discourage opportunistic thieves from targeting your residence. Staying connected with local neighborhood watch groups further enhances community safety.

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.

Schools in Benton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Infrastructure in the Tri-Cities

Benton County boasts an extensive network of 69 public schools serving over 38,000 students across six districts. The system includes 34 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 17 high schools. This infrastructure supports a rapidly growing population in one of Washington's most dynamic regions.

Exceeding State Averages in Performance

Benton County reports a strong 84.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 81.4%. The per-pupil expenditure of $8,952 is slightly below the state average but supports a high school score of 55.0. This score exceeds both the Washington state average and the national median.

Kennewick and Richland Lead the Way

Kennewick School District is the county's largest with 19,311 students, followed closely by Richland School District with 13,948. Together, these districts manage 56 of the county's 69 schools. No charter schools operate here, as traditional districts dominate the educational landscape.

Urban Hubs with Large Campuses

The county features 44 urban schools and nine suburban campuses, with an average enrollment of 560 students. Richland High School is a regional giant with 2,137 students, creating a classic, high-energy American high school experience. The mix of city and rural locales provides diverse environment choices for families.

Modern Living Near Top Districts

Homes in the Richland and Kennewick districts are highly sought after due to their modern facilities and strong graduation rates. Families often target neighborhoods near Kamiakin High or Hanford High for their academic reputations. Your next home in the Tri-Cities places you in a high-performing educational environment.

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.

Weather & Climate in Benton County

via WeatherByCounty

One of Washington's warmest, driest spots

Benton County's 53.9°F average temperature is higher than the national median. It is exceptionally dry, receiving only 7.9 inches of rain compared to the much higher national average.

Leading the state in summer heat

The county is significantly warmer than the Washington average of 49.9°F. Its 42 days of extreme heat far exceed what most residents in the state experience.

Hotter and drier than Adams County

Benton averages 53.9°F annually, making it warmer than neighboring Adams County. It also receives nearly four inches less rain per year than its neighbor to the northeast.

Scorching summers and mild winters

July brings an average temperature of 75.5°F, supported by 42 days of heat over 90°F. Winter remains relatively mild for the region, averaging 36.0°F.

Prioritize cooling and water storage

Central air conditioning is essential to handle the six weeks of extreme heat. With only 7.9 inches of rain, supplemental irrigation is necessary for any local gardening or agriculture.

Soil Quality in Benton County

via SoilByCounty

Basin Soils of the Inland Empire

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data for Benton County are currently limited in the federal database. Typical of the Columbia Basin, these soils often lean more alkaline than the national 6.5 median due to low annual rainfall.

Wind-Blown Texture and Workability

While specific sand and clay ratios are not recorded here, the region is known for its wind-blown loess. This fine texture usually provides excellent workability for farmers, even without precise lab percentages.

Boosting Fertility in the Sun

Data for organic matter and water capacity are missing, though the arid climate suggests levels below the 14.85% state organic matter average. Supplemental watering is almost always necessary to boost fertility and sustain plant life here.

Fast-Moving Water in Volcanic Soils

Formal drainage classes are not listed, but the area's volcanic history often results in rapid water movement. Homeowners should check local conditions to ensure proper foundation stability and efficient irrigation.

A Desert Paradise in Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, the long growing season is perfect for wine grapes and heat-loving peppers. Grab a trowel and take advantage of some of the state's best sun-drenched gardening weather.

Lawn Care in Benton County

via LawnByCounty

Benton County's Dry Climate Hurdle

With a difficulty score of 38.4, Benton County is slightly easier to manage than the state average but remains tougher than the national norm. Situated in Zone 7b, the county offers a longer growing window but requires constant attention to moisture. Expect to spend more on irrigation here than in the wetter western counties.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rainfall

Benton County is one of the driest in the state, receiving only 7.9 inches of rain annually. It also endures 42 extreme heat days over 90°F, which is more than double the Washington state average of 18 days. The high growing degree day count of 3,226 indicates a very long, active season that demands frequent watering.

Adapting to Local Soil Needs

Comprehensive soil texture data is currently limited for this county, but the arid environment typically produces sandy or silt-heavy profiles. Success requires a focus on increasing soil organic matter to improve moisture retention in the root zone. Testing your specific site is the best way to determine necessary amendments for the 7.9-inch rainfall reality.

Planning for Persistent Dry Spells

Benton County has experienced 35 weeks of drought in the last year, with 100% of the area currently abnormally dry. To build resilience, encourage deep root growth by watering heavily but less frequently. Avoid mowing during the heat of the day to reduce stress on the grass blades.

A Long Window for Growth

Your growing season typically stretches from the last frost on April 6 to the first frost on October 30. This long season is ideal for establishing warm-season grasses or heat-tolerant cool-season blends. Zone 7b offers plenty of flexibility, provided you can meet the high water demands of the local climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benton County's county score?
Benton County, Washington has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Benton County rank among counties in Washington?
Benton County ranks #32 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 Benton County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Benton County is $2,910, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Washington is $87,316 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Washington a good place to live?
Benton County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Benton 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 Benton County with other counties side by side.