CountyScore

Clark County

Washington · WA

#35 in Washington
60.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Clark County, Washington

Clark County Approaches National Median

Clark County scores 60.4 on the CountyScore composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 but sitting notably below Washington's state average of 68.1. The score reflects a county in transition, with rising incomes offset by sharply increasing housing costs.

Below Average for Washington State

Clark County's composite score of 60.4 places it below Washington's average of 68.1, making it one of the less livable counties in this group. Growth and development have created affordability pressures that weigh on the overall livability profile.

Highest Incomes and Competitive Taxes

Clark County boasts the highest median household income of any county in this group at $94,948, paired with a Tax Score of 78.8 and an effective rate of 0.836%. These income advantages reflect strong job markets and economic opportunity.

Housing Affordability Crisis Looms

The county's Cost Score of 50.4—the lowest in this group—reflects soaring median home values of $487,900 and median rent of $1,668 per month, consuming a larger share of household income. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

For High Earners Willing to Stretch

Clark County appeals to dual-income professionals and established families with substantial earning power who can absorb premium housing costs. The county suits those prioritizing strong wages and urban job markets over housing affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.8Cost50.4SafetyComing SoonHealth78.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.4Risk7.8WaterComing Soon
🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.8
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 Clark County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Honolulu County
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Madison County
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60.5
Median income: $73,141
Summit County
Ohio
60.5
Median income: $71,016
Erath County
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60.5
Median income: $65,351

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark among highest-taxed in nation

Clark County's effective tax rate of 0.836% exceeds the national median of 0.761%, placing it in the 57th percentile. At a median property tax of $4,080 on homes valued at $487,900, Clark County residents face some of the heaviest property tax burdens in the examined counties.

2nd highest rate in Washington

Clark County ranks 2nd among Washington's 39 counties for effective tax rate at 0.836%, well above the state average of 0.761%. Its median property tax of $4,080 is the highest among all examined counties, driven by elevated home values.

Significantly higher than nearby counties

Clark's 0.836% rate substantially exceeds neighboring Cowlitz (0.813%) and Clallam (0.742%), making it the priciest in the Southwest Washington region. The county's rapid growth has driven both home values and tax bills higher.

$4,080 yearly on typical Clark home

A median-valued Clark County home at $487,900 generates an annual property tax of $4,080, the highest among all counties examined. Homeowners with mortgages pay $4,036 annually, while those without mortgages pay $4,182.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

With the highest median property taxes in the region, Clark County homeowners have the most to gain from a successful appeal. If your assessed value seems out of line with recent sales in your neighborhood, challenging the assessment could yield significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County's rent surge pressures affordability

Clark County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio stands significantly above both the national average and Washington's 18.8% state benchmark. At $1,668 monthly rent paired with a $94,948 median household income, Clark's affordability challenge stems from explosive housing cost growth rather than low earnings.

Least affordable county in this sample

Clark County ranks as the state's least affordable housing market in this analysis, with the highest rent-to-income ratio at 21.1%. Its median rent of $1,668 towers over state average at $1,202, reflecting the region's explosive growth and proximity to Portland, Oregon.

Far outpaces all comparable counties

Clark County's $1,668 rent dwarfs every peer, running $412 above Cowlitz County ($1,169) and over $700 above Adams County. Even with the highest median income in the sample at $94,948, Clark residents spend far more on housing relative to earnings.

Both renters and owners face sticker shock

Clark renters dedicate 21.1% of income to housing while homeowners commit 22.6%—the highest burdens in this sample by far. At $487,900 median home value, Clark prices exceed every comparable county, reflecting red-hot regional demand.

Clark County demands premium budget plans

Clark County's combination of high rents and home prices makes it the costliest market in this analysis. Relocators should carefully weigh whether job opportunities and lifestyle benefits justify nearly a quarter of income going toward housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County leads peer income rankings nationally

At $94,948, Clark County's median household income runs 27% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's highest-earning counties. Per capita income of $46,391 further underscores robust economic opportunity throughout the region.

Highest-earning county in Washington state

Clark County ranks as Washington's top-earning county with a median household income of $94,948, exceeding the state average of $76,363 by $18,585. Per capita income of $46,391 also leads the state by 13.9%, reflecting Portland metro area prosperity spilling northward.

Commanding income advantage over all peers

Clark County's $94,948 median income far outpaces all comparison counties: $25,632 above Benton County, $34,841 above Chelan County, and $26,949 above Asotin County. The Vancouver region's integration with Portland's economy and tech-friendly business climate creates unprecedented local earning power.

Income pressured by highest housing costs

Despite leading income figures, Clark County shows the highest rent-to-income ratio at 21.1% with a median home value of $487,900—the priciest in this county set. Strong wages support homeownership, but residents must budget carefully as rapid population growth drives continuous property cost increases.

Leveraging premium earnings for wealth building

Clark County's exceptional income positions residents to aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies: maximize 401(k) and HSA contributions, invest in real estate, and diversify portfolios. Consult fee-only financial advisors to optimize tax strategies and capitalize on Portland metro economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark County outperforms national health

At 78.6 years, Clark County residents live 0.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With only 13.5% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national 18% rate—Clark residents demonstrate strong perceived health status and wellness engagement.

Among Washington's healthiest counties

Clark County's 78.6-year life expectancy exceeds Washington's 78.1-year state average by 0.5 years. At 6.9%, the uninsured rate ranks among the lowest in the state—nearly 2.1 percentage points below the state average of 9.0%—reflecting excellent health insurance penetration.

Regional leader in health outcomes

Clark County's 78.6-year life expectancy leads all comparison counties, outpacing Benton County (77.8 years) and significantly exceeding Cowlitz County (75.1 years). With 76 primary care providers and 472 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Clark's provider infrastructure is robust and accessible.

Exceptional coverage and provider access

Clark County's 6.9% uninsured rate is among Washington's lowest, meaning nine of ten residents have health insurance coverage. With 76 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and strong mental health infrastructure, Clark residents enjoy reliable access to preventive care, early treatment, and behavioral health support.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Clark County's high insurance enrollment rates contribute to its strong health outcomes and lower uninsured rate. If your coverage changes, renew promptly on Healthcare.gov to maintain access to the county's strong provider network and keep preventive care on track.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County ranks among most hazardous

Clark County's composite risk score of 92.24 is the highest in Washington and well above the national average, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. Residents face substantial exposure to multiple natural disasters that require comprehensive preparedness.

Washington's single highest-risk county

Clark County's score of 92.24 significantly exceeds Washington's state average of 70.01, ranking it as the state's most hazardous county by composite risk. The county faces notably greater disaster exposure than all but a few other Washington communities.

Riskier than adjacent counties

Clark County (92.24) faces more disaster risk than neighboring Cowlitz County (90.30) and substantially more than western Washington communities across the Cascades. Its lower-elevation position and proximity to seismic zones create exceptional hazard exposure.

Earthquakes, floods, and wildfires converge

Clark County experiences extreme earthquake risk (97.65), severe flood risk (92.56), and elevated wildfire risk (69.59), creating a uniquely hazardous environment. Tornado risk is also moderate at 31.27, making four distinct hazards significant concerns for residents.

Multi-hazard protection is critical

Clark County residents should maintain comprehensive disaster coverage including earthquake insurance, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and wildfire protection. Given the county's status as Washington's highest-risk county, adequate insurance across all hazard categories is non-negotiable for financial security.

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.