countyscore
42
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.9Water Quality 68Property Tax 61.9

County Report Card

About Chelan County, Washington

Chelan County Below National Median

Chelan County earns a 41.9 composite score, placing it below the national median of 50.0. While it is a popular destination, structural costs impact its overall ranking.

Close to the Washington Average

Chelan's score of 41.9 is nearly in line with the Washington state average of 44.1. It remains one of the more desirable and high-income counties in Central Washington.

Strong Incomes and Low Tax Burden

The county shines with an Income Score of 81.9 and a Tax Score of 61.9. A low 0.711% effective tax rate allows residents to keep more of their $78,306 median income.

Navigating High Housing Costs and Risk

Housing affordability is a struggle with a Cost Score of 16.6 and a high median home value of $454,900. The county also faces high environmental threats, reflected in a Risk Score of 9.1.

Best for Established Professionals

Chelan County is a great fit for established families or remote workers who can afford the $454,900 home prices to enjoy the local lifestyle. Its low tax burden is a significant draw for those with higher earnings.

Score breakdown

Tax61.9Cost16.6Safety26.2Health59.3Schools49.8Income81.9Risk9.1Water68Weather41.4
🏛61.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.5
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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Nearby counties

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45.1
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Okanogan County
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Snohomish County
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King County
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Yakima County
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Deep Dives

Chelan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chelan County

via TaxByCounty

Chelan has one of state's lowest rates

Chelan County's effective tax rate of 0.711% sits below both the national median (0.761%) and Washington's state average (0.761%), landing it in the 40th percentile nationally. Despite this lower rate, the median property tax of $3,235 reflects the county's higher home values at $454,900.

Lowest rate among compared counties

Chelan County ranks 2nd in Washington for the lowest effective tax rate at 0.711%, well below the state average of 0.761%. This favorable rate makes Chelan attractive for property owners, though home prices are significantly higher here.

Chelan's low rate stands out regionally

At 0.711%, Chelan's effective rate beats all neighboring counties examined, including Benton (0.788%) and Clallam (0.742%). This advantage reflects the county's property tax structure and provides meaningful relief for buyers in the Wenatchee area.

$3,235 taxes on pricier homes here

Chelan County's median home value of $454,900 is among the highest in the region, resulting in a median annual property tax of $3,235. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,268 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $3,190.

Even low rates warrant verification

Chelan County's favorable tax rate is a competitive advantage, but homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate. If your home is worth less than its assessed value, an appeal could provide additional tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chelan County

via CostByCounty

Chelan County holds its own nationally

Chelan County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Washington's state average and remains competitive with national benchmarks. At $1,182 monthly rent and $78,306 median household income, Chelan residents maintain solid affordability despite living in a scenic mountain region.

Mid-range affordability among Washington counties

Chelan County ranks in the middle of Washington's affordability spectrum with an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio, marginally better than the state's 18.8% average. Its median rent of $1,182 runs just $20 below state average, reflecting a balanced market.

Pricier rents, pricier homes than most peers

Chelan County's $1,182 rent exceeds Asotin ($994) and Adams ($901) but trails Benton ($1,256). However, Chelan's median home value of $454,900 towers over all nearby counties, reflecting mountain real estate premiums.

Homeownership costs nearly match rent burden

Renters allocate 18.1% of income to housing while homeowners spend 18.8%—remarkably close and suggesting balanced market pressures. At $78,306 median household income, Chelan residents face moderate affordability constraints across both rental and ownership sectors.

Chelan appeals to those valuing lifestyle

Chelan County's higher home values and rents reflect its desirable mountain location and recreational amenities. If you're relocating for quality of life and can afford above-average housing costs, Chelan's market warrants comparison against your current region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chelan County

via IncomeByCounty

Chelan County exceeds national income baseline

Chelan County's median household income of $78,306 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 4.8%, reflecting solid earning power in this mountain community. Per capita income of $42,092 also surpasses national averages, showing broad economic strength across the population.

Above-average earnings for mountain region

At $78,306, Chelan County's median household income exceeds the Washington state average of $76,363 by nearly $2,000. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and diversified local employment.

Outearning rural peers despite high housing costs

Chelan County's $78,306 median income falls $9,010 short of Benton County but exceeds Asotin County's $69,107 by $9,199. The county balances strong tourism and recreation economies against higher cost-of-living pressures from mountain-valley real estate demand.

Income stretched by elevated property values

With a median home value of $454,900—the highest among these counties—Chelan's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio signals tightening affordability. While still below the 30% danger threshold, residents must carefully budget as property costs continue rising with tourism and vacation home demand.

Balancing lifestyle and long-term financial goals

Chelan County's moderate-to-high incomes support wealth-building, but rising housing costs require intentional planning. Prioritize down payment savings, explore first-time homebuyer programs, and diversify income through seasonal employment opportunities to offset housing market pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chelan County

via CrimeByCounty

Chelan County is safer than national average

Chelan County boasts an exceptional safety score of 97.2, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1804.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county one of the more desirable locations for safety-conscious residents.

Leading the state in public safety

Chelan County's safety score of 97.2 exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 1804.6 is also much lower than the state's average of 2377.2. These figures place Chelan among the safest counties in Washington.

Lower crime than urban neighbors

Chelan County is much safer than nearby high-volume areas like Benton County, which has double the crime rate. With only 1804.6 crimes per 100K, Chelan offers a stark contrast to more populated regions. Local law enforcement maintains high efficiency with just two reporting agencies.

Violent crime is remarkably low

The violent crime rate in Chelan is just 140.4 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also relatively low at 1664.2 compared to state norms. These numbers reflect a community where physical safety is a top-tier asset.

Maintaining a secure home environment

Even in safe areas like Chelan, maintaining basic security measures is a smart investment. Simple habits like locking windows and utilizing outdoor lighting can keep property crime rates low. Community vigilance ensures that the county remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chelan County

via HealthByCounty

Chelan County outlives U.S. average

At 79.3 years, Chelan County residents live 1.0 year longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years—among the nation's better life expectancies. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is also below the national average of 18%, indicating strong overall population health.

Washington's top county for longevity

At 79.3 years, Chelan County leads Washington's 78.1-year state average by 1.2 years, making it the standout performer among comparison counties. This longevity advantage reflects better preventive care engagement and healthier lifestyle patterns in the community.

Significantly healthier than regional peers

Chelan County's 79.3-year life expectancy outpaces Adams County (77.0 years), Asotin County (76.7 years), and Benton County (77.8 years) by substantial margins. With 111 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among comparison counties—Chelan residents enjoy exceptional access to preventive care.

Strong access despite moderate uninsured rates

Chelan County's 12.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 9.0%, with more than 1 in 8 residents lacking health coverage. However, 111 primary care providers and 593 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent the county's strongest healthcare infrastructure, enabling robust care delivery even as insurance enrollment needs attention.

Bridge the coverage gap in Chelan

Despite Chelan's excellent healthcare infrastructure, 12.8% of residents remain uninsured—above state average. Explore plans on Healthcare.gov or contact local enrollment assistance to secure coverage and maximize use of the county's outstanding primary and mental health provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chelan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Cascades

Chelan County operates 42 public schools serving 12,644 students across eight different districts. The landscape includes 17 elementary schools and 12 high schools, providing coverage from urban Wenatchee to remote mountain towns. Five alternative schools and one special education center round out the specialized offerings.

Strong Graduation Rates and State-Leading Spending

The county achieves an 83.2% graduation rate, which is higher than the Washington state average of 81.4%. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $9,390, exceeding the state average of $9,250. These figures result in a solid school score of 55.1, well above the national median.

Wenatchee District Anchors the Valley

Wenatchee School District is the largest provider, educating 7,347 students across 19 schools. The county also hosts one charter school, making up 2.4% of the total school inventory. Cascade and Lake Chelan districts also serve significant rural and resort-town student populations.

A Mix of City and Small-Town Life

The county features 18 city schools and 14 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 301 students. Wenatchee High School is the standout largest campus with 2,076 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural sites like those in Cashmere. This diversity offers families a choice between large-scale opportunities and intimate community schools.

Scenic Living Near Quality Schools

Finding a home near Wenatchee High or the Cashmere schools puts families in high-performing areas with strong graduation rates. School quality is a major driver of property values in the Chelan and Wenatchee valleys. Explore real estate in these districts to combine outdoor recreation with solid academic foundations.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chelan County

via RiskByCounty

Chelan County faces high disaster exposure

Chelan County's composite risk score of 90.87 places it in the relatively moderate risk category, significantly above the national average. This central Washington county experiences serious natural hazard threats that demand active preparedness.

Among Washington's most hazardous counties

Chelan County ranks second-highest in Washington with a composite score of 90.87, exceeding the state average of 70.01 by 30%. Only Clark County (92.24) faces greater overall disaster risk in the state.

Highest risk in the central region

Chelan County (90.87) faces more risk than nearby Adams County (23.22) and Asotin County (17.91), but matches the hazard exposure of other central and eastern Washington counties. Its mountain terrain and position relative to earthquake zones create a particularly dangerous natural environment.

Extreme wildfire and earthquake hazards

Chelan County experiences the state's highest wildfire risk at 99.55 and severe earthquake risk at 88.77, combining to create exceptional hazard exposure. Flood risk (91.25) represents a secondary but still serious concern, while tornado risk remains relatively low at 9.26.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage non-negotiable

Chelan County residents must carry both earthquake insurance and wildfire protection given the county's extreme scores in these categories. These specialized coverages fall outside standard homeowners policies and require separate policies or substantial endorsements to ensure your home is protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chelan County

via WeatherByCounty

A snowy retreat with moderate temperatures

Chelan County averages 48.0°F annually, sitting below the national temperature median. It is characterized by heavy winter precipitation and dry, hot summers.

Below state average temperatures with high snow

At 48.0°F, Chelan is cooler than the state average of 49.9°F. Its standout feature is its 96.8 inches of snow, which dwarfs the state's coastal averages.

The snow capital compared to neighbors

While Benton County to the south sees little snow, Chelan receives nearly 97 inches annually. This makes it a dramatic contrast to the drier, flatter counties in central Washington.

Extreme snow and hot summer days

Chelan experiences 26 days of extreme heat despite its cold 27.7°F January average. The transition from 69.7°F July averages to 96.8 inches of snow defines the local year.

Prepare for heavy snow and sun

Residents must maintain high-quality snow removal equipment for the massive 96.8-inch annual snowfall. Home insulation should be rated for sub-freezing winters and 90°F summer peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chelan County

via SoilByCounty

From Mountain Peaks to Valleys

Chelan County’s diverse terrain lacks a single dominant soil pH or taxonomic order in the current dataset. Local conditions vary wildly, though most forest soils are more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Complex Mix of Glacial Sediments

Sand, silt, and clay data are not yet mapped for this specific area. The mix of glacial till and river sediment creates complex drainage patterns that vary significantly between the Cascades and the valley floors.

Nurturing Soil in the Rain Shadow

We lack recorded numbers for organic matter and available water capacity in this county. Gardeners should aim to build up soil health with compost to reach closer to the state's 14.85% organic matter benchmark.

Site-Specific Testing is Essential

Without a formal drainage class or hydrologic group on record, site-specific testing is essential for any land use. This is especially true for the county's famous orchards where precise water management is key to success.

Orchard Country in Zone 7a

Falling in hardiness zone 7a, this area is world-renowned for its apples and cherries. With the right mulch and care, your backyard can become a productive part of this legendary fruit-growing region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chelan County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Beauty in Chelan County

Chelan County scores a 34.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just below the Washington state average of 36.9. While the Hardiness Zone 7a climate is manageable, the region's specific moisture levels require a tactical approach. You are dealing with conditions that are more challenging than the typical American lawn.

Moderate Rain with Hot Summers

The county averages 23.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is better than the desert counties but still below the state average of 38.5 inches. With 26 days of extreme heat each year, cool-season grasses will likely go dormant without supplemental summer water. Your 2,244 growing degree days support steady growth from spring through autumn.

Laying the Groundwork for Turf

While specific county-wide soil pH and drainage data are limited, local conditions often vary by elevation and proximity to the lake. For a healthy lawn, ensure your soil is properly aerated to manage the 23.9 inches of annual rainfall. Applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring will help the grass recover from the cold mountain winters.

Surviving 44 Weeks of Drought

Chelan County has faced drought conditions for 44 of the last 52 weeks, a significant stressor for any lawn. Currently, 87% of the county is abnormally dry, requiring careful water management. Use weather-based irrigation controllers to adjust for the 26 annual days of extreme heat.

Spring and Fall Planting Success

Plan your lawn projects between the last frost on April 27 and the first frost on October 17. These dates define a reliable growing window for Zone 7a turf varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass. Fall seeding is often more successful here as it allows roots to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chelan County's county score?
Chelan County, Washington has a composite county score of 42 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 Chelan County rank among counties in Washington?
Chelan County ranks #18 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 Chelan County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Chelan County is $3,235, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Chelan County a tax score of 61.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chelan County?
The median household income in Chelan County, Washington is $78,306 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chelan County earns an income score of 81.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chelan County, Washington a good place to live?
Chelan County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Chelan 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 Chelan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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