CountyScore

Clallam County

Washington · WA

#16 in Washington
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Clallam County, Washington

Clallam County Scores Above Median

Clallam County scores 70.4 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the top 42% of U.S. counties. The score reflects consistent strengths in tax policy and moderate housing affordability.

Top-Tier Livability in Washington

With a composite score of 70.4, Clallam County ranks above Washington's state average of 68.1, establishing it as one of the state's more desirable communities. The county maintains strong performance across its measured dimensions.

Low Taxes and Accessible Housing

Clallam County scores 81.4 on taxes (effective rate 0.742%) and 72.8 on costs, with median rent at $1,110 and median home values at $385,600. These balanced strengths in affordability and tax efficiency create genuine value for residents.

Income Levels Trail Peer Counties

The county's Income Score of 27.8 reflects a median household income of $67,999, which ranks among the lowest in this group. Critical information on schools, safety, health, and environmental quality remains unavailable.

Perfect for Retirees and Coastal Lovers

Clallam County suits retirees, remote workers, and families drawn to Pacific Northwest coastal living who prioritize reasonable housing costs and low taxes. The combination appeals to those seeking scenic beauty and financial stability over high wages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.4Cost72.8SafetyComing SoonHealth72.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.8Risk10.3WaterComing Soon
🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clallam County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Clallam County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clallam County

via TaxByCounty

Clallam rate below national median

Clallam County's effective tax rate of 0.742% sits slightly below the national median of 0.761%, placing it in the 45th percentile. The median property tax of $2,860 falls within range of the national median of $2,690, despite higher home values at $385,600.

Below-average taxation in Washington

Clallam County ranks 13th among Washington's 39 counties for effective tax rate, below the state average of 0.761%. With a median property tax of $2,860, it sits slightly below the state median of $3,028.

Competitive with western Washington peers

Clallam's 0.742% rate is favorable compared to Cowlitz (0.813%) and well below Clark County (0.836%), making it attractive on the Olympic Peninsula. The county offers relatively light tax burden for the Puget Sound region.

Around $2,860 annually on median home

A typical Clallam County home valued at $385,600 incurs an annual property tax of approximately $2,860. Both mortgage-holding and mortgage-free homeowners face nearly identical taxes, around $2,860.

Appeal if assessment seems high

Waterfront and scenic properties in Clallam County sometimes see inflated assessments that don't match actual market sales. If your property tax seems disproportionate to comparable sales nearby, filing an appeal is a straightforward way to potentially save money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clallam County

via CostByCounty

Clallam County faces tighter affordability squeeze

Clallam County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average of 18.8%. At $1,110 monthly rent against a median household income of just $67,999, Clallam residents spend a larger share of earnings on housing than peers elsewhere.

Among Washington's most expensive rental markets

Clallam County ranks near the bottom of Washington's affordability scale with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio. Its median rent of $1,110 runs $92 above state average, while median household income lags behind most peer counties.

Higher costs than most other sample counties

Clallam County's $1,110 rent exceeds Adams ($901), Asotin ($994), and Columbia ($944), matching affordability pressures in more expensive regions. At $385,600 median home value, Clallam also prices above most neighbors except Chelan.

Renters stretched more than homeowners

Clallam renters spend 19.6% of income on housing, compared to 17.9% for homeowners—one of the few counties where renters face greater burden. At $67,999 median household income, Clallam households face affordability constraints on both fronts.

Clallam requires careful budget planning

Before relocating to Clallam County, compare these housing costs—among the state's highest—against your current expenses and prospective income. The peninsula location and lifestyle may justify higher payments for some, but budget-conscious relocators should explore more affordable alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clallam County

via IncomeByCounty

Clallam County trails national income average

At $67,999, Clallam County's median household income runs 9% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. Per capita income of $40,133 slightly exceeds the national average, suggesting concentrated wealth among smaller populations.

Below-average earnings in Washington

Clallam County's median household income of $67,999 lags the Washington state average of $76,363 by $8,364. The county ranks among the state's lower-earning regions, reflecting limited major employers and reliance on seasonal tourism and government jobs.

Income gap reflects geographic isolation

Clallam County's $67,999 trails Adams County by $1,043, underperforming most comparison counties except those in the state's poorest regions. The Olympic Peninsula location contributes to economic isolation and fewer high-wage employment opportunities than more connected regions.

Housing affordability challenged by home costs

Clallam County shows the highest rent-to-income ratio at 19.6% among these counties, approaching the affordability warning threshold despite median household income pressures. The median home value of $385,600 reflects coastal demand, making housing increasingly strained relative to local wages.

Building resilience in a tight-budget economy

Clallam County residents should prioritize emergency funds and debt reduction before aggressive investing, given tighter income-to-expense ratios. Explore affordable housing programs, credit counseling, and employer retirement benefits to establish financial stability and gradual wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clallam County

via HealthByCounty

Clallam County health near national level

At 77.3 years, Clallam County's life expectancy is 1.0 year below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The 16.0% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the national average of 18%, suggesting residents perceive their health more positively despite shorter average lifespan.

Below Washington state health benchmark

Clallam County's 77.3-year life expectancy trails Washington's 78.1-year state average by 0.8 years. With a 9.3% uninsured rate just slightly above the state average of 9.0%, health insurance coverage is relatively strong across the county.

Mid-range performer on coastal region

Clallam County's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks between Cowlitz County (75.1 years) and Asotin County (76.7 years), placing it in the middle of regional health outcomes. With 96 primary care providers and 490 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Clallam offers solid access to both types of care.

Good coverage with accessible care

At 9.3%, Clallam County's uninsured rate is just above Washington's 9.0% average, so most residents have health insurance. With 96 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county supports timely access to preventive care and chronic disease management across its population.

Ensure continuous health coverage

Clallam County's near-average insurance enrollment supports good access to routine care. If you lack coverage or face a gap, visit Healthcare.gov or connect with a local health navigator to explore plans and maintain continuity with the county's primary care providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clallam County

via RiskByCounty

Clallam County faces moderate natural hazards

With a composite risk score of 89.73, Clallam County ranks well above the national average in the relatively moderate risk category. The county's Olympic Peninsula location creates a distinct hazard profile shaped by geographic and tectonic features.

Third-highest risk in Washington

Clallam County's score of 89.73 ranks it among Washington's most hazardous counties, trailing only Clark (92.24) and Chelan (90.87). The county significantly exceeds the state average of 70.01, placing residents in the upper tier of state disaster risk.

Most hazardous on the Olympic Peninsula

Clallam County (89.73) faces considerably more risk than surrounding counties in western Washington, reflecting its unique geographic position and proximity to seismic zones. Its exposure significantly outpaces more sheltered communities across the Puget Sound.

Earthquakes and floods are primary threats

Clallam County residents face extreme earthquake risk at 98.06 and substantial flood risk at 75.00, making these the county's defining hazards. Wildfire risk (39.73) and tornado risk (11.96) are secondary concerns relative to these two dominant threats.

Earthquake coverage is absolutely essential

Clallam County's extreme earthquake risk score of 98.06 makes earthquake insurance a critical investment for all homeowners in the county. Additionally, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program should be a priority given the county's significant flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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