countyscore
36
County Score
Income & Jobs 73.9Weather & Climate 67.8Water Quality 66.4

County Report Card

About Cowlitz County, Washington

Cowlitz County Ranks Below Median

Cowlitz County’s composite score of 36.0 is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant challenges in balancing safety, risk, and cost.

Trailing the Washington State Average

Cowlitz falls behind the state average of 44.1. It struggles to compete with other Western Washington counties that offer higher safety and environmental scores.

Solid Incomes and Water Quality

Income is a strong point with a score of 73.9 and a median income of $72,932. The Water Score of 66.4 also provides a reliable foundation for residents.

High Risk and Safety Hurdles

Environmental risk is high at 9.7, and public safety scores only 8.6. Housing affordability is also strained, reflected in a Cost Score of 14.1.

Suited for Industrial Workforce Families

This county is a practical choice for industrial workers who benefit from the $72,932 median income. It best suits those who prioritize employment opportunities over environmental risk factors.

Score breakdown

Tax52.1Cost14.1Safety8.6Health56.7Schools46.7Income73.9Risk9.7Water66.4Weather67.8
🏛52.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.4
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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Nearby counties

Columbia County
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Clark County
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Wahkiakum County
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Multnomah County
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Washington County
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Lewis County
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Clatsop County
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Skamania County
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Deep Dives

Cowlitz County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cowlitz County

via TaxByCounty

Cowlitz rate moderately above national median

Cowlitz County's effective tax rate of 0.813% sits above the national median of 0.761%, placing it in the 54th percentile. The median property tax of $2,988 on homes valued at $367,400 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a higher rate and higher home values.

Upper-middle taxation in Washington

Cowlitz County ranks 12th among Washington's 39 counties for effective tax rate at 0.813%, above the state average of 0.761%. Its median property tax of $2,988 nearly matches the state median of $3,028, making it a representative county for state-level taxation.

Sits between Clark and Clallam

Cowlitz's 0.813% rate falls between Clark County (0.836%) and Clallam (0.742%), positioning it in the moderate-to-high range for the Puget Sound corridor. It offers a middle-ground tax burden for the Southwest Washington region.

Roughly $2,988 annually on median home

A median-valued Cowlitz County home at $367,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,988. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,096 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $2,768.

Assessment review could lower bills

Cowlitz County homeowners who have not recently verified their assessments should consider doing so, especially in the growing Longview area. A professional assessment review or formal appeal can identify overvaluations and reduce future tax obligations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cowlitz County

via CostByCounty

Cowlitz County edges out national affordability

Cowlitz County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above Washington's 18.8% state average but remains competitive with national norms. At $1,169 monthly rent and $72,932 median household income, Cowlitz residents face moderate affordability constraints.

Slightly above-average rental costs statewide

Cowlitz County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Washington's affordability scale with a 19.2% rent-to-income ratio and $1,169 median rent. Both figures hover slightly above state averages, reflecting regional housing pressures in the Longview-Kelso area.

More expensive than Adams and Asotin

Cowlitz County's $1,169 rent exceeds Adams ($901) and Asotin ($994) but trails Benton ($1,256) and Clark ($1,668). Its $367,400 median home value aligns with Benton County, suggesting comparable housing market dynamics.

Homeownership carries the heavier burden

Cowlitz renters spend 19.2% of income on housing, but homeowners commit 23.0%—the steepest ownership burden in this sample. At $72,932 median household income and $367,400 median home value, Cowlitz homebuyers face significant affordability headwinds.

Cowlitz suits renters better than buyers

If relocating to Cowlitz County, renters will find more balanced economics than prospective homebuyers, whose monthly costs consume nearly a quarter of income. Evaluate both your tenure preference and income stability before committing to this market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cowlitz County

via IncomeByCounty

Cowlitz County slightly below national earnings

At $72,932, Cowlitz County's median household income falls 2.4% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning residents in solid middle-income territory. Per capita income of $36,520 trails national averages slightly, suggesting lower individual earnings despite moderate household incomes.

Lower-middle income tier within Washington

Cowlitz County's median household income of $72,932 lags the Washington state average of $76,363 by $3,431. The county ranks in the lower-middle quartile statewide, reflecting industrial economy challenges and fewer high-wage employer concentrations.

Mid-range earner among rural and suburban peers

Cowlitz County's $72,932 median income exceeds Adams County by $7,890 and trails Columbia County by just $596. The Longview region balances legacy timber and manufacturing industries with Kelso-area service sector jobs, creating moderate but not exceptional earning power.

Housing pressure mounts as costs rise faster

Cowlitz County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability concern levels, and median home value of $367,400 rises faster than local wage growth. Residents increasingly struggle to maintain housing affordability as regional property values climb despite stagnant industrial wages.

Strategic planning amid economic transition

Cowlitz County residents should prioritize debt reduction and emergency funds given moderating incomes and rising costs. Explore employer training programs for higher-wage sectors, consider dual-income household strategies, and consult financial counselors about managing housing affordability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cowlitz County

via CrimeByCounty

Cowlitz County safety is above national average

Cowlitz County maintains a safety score of 95.4, reflecting a secure community environment. Its total crime rate of 2909.0 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. However, its safety score remains high due to effective law enforcement and lower incident severity.

Just below the Washington state average

Cowlitz County's safety score of 95.4 is slightly lower than the state-wide average of 96.2. The total crime rate of 2909.0 also exceeds the state average of 2377.2 per 100K. Efforts are ongoing to bring these metrics in line with the safest counties in Washington.

Comparative safety in the I-5 corridor

Cowlitz County is safer than its southern neighbor, Clark County, which has a crime rate of 3610.3. However, it sees more crime than coastal Clallam County at 2400.0. Five different agencies collaborate to manage safety across the county's diverse landscape.

Property crime outpaces violent incidents

Violent crime in Cowlitz is 237.7 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to the total rate, sitting at 2671.3 per 100K. This means that while physical safety is high, property protection is a key concern.

Enhancing home security and awareness

Residents should focus on securing their homes with motion sensors and reliable locks to deter property crime. Keeping property well-lit at night is one of the simplest ways to prevent opportunistic theft. Engaging with local police programs can provide more specific tips for your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cowlitz County

via HealthByCounty

Cowlitz County faces significant health gap

At 75.1 years, Cowlitz County residents live 3.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years—the largest shortfall among comparison counties. The 18.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating both lower life expectancy and worse perceived health status.

Washington's lowest-performing county

Cowlitz County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks 3.0 years below Washington's 78.1-year state average, making it the lowest-performing comparison county. This significant gap reflects serious health challenges that require targeted community and clinical interventions.

Substantial health disadvantage versus peers

Cowlitz County's 75.1-year life expectancy trails all comparison counties, with a 4.2-year gap behind Chelan County (79.3 years) and 2.7 years behind Clark County (78.6 years). With just 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Cowlitz has the lowest primary care provider density among peers, limiting preventive care access.

Modest uninsured rate masks access gaps

At 7.5%, Cowlitz County's uninsured rate is below the state average of 9.0%, but the county's lower life expectancy suggests coverage alone doesn't guarantee care access. With only 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below state need—residents may face long waits or travel to access preventive care.

Get covered and find care in Cowlitz

Cowlitz County residents need health insurance to overcome the county's documented health challenges and access limited primary care. If uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local health center navigator today to secure coverage and connect with available providers that can help reverse this county's concerning health trends.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cowlitz County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling on the Columbia River

Cowlitz County manages 48 public schools serving 17,049 students across seven school districts. The infrastructure includes 21 elementary, eight middle, and 14 high schools, plus eight alternative learning centers. This network provides comprehensive coverage for the county's industrial and residential centers.

Solid Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county's graduation rate is 84.1%, notably higher than the Washington state average of 81.4%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,528, supporting a composite school score of 53.7. These figures indicate a system that is performing efficiently compared to state benchmarks.

Longview and Kelso Anchor Education

Longview School District is the largest, managing 18 schools and 6,311 students, while Kelso School District serves 4,940 students. Woodland School District also provides significant service with 2,432 students. No charter schools are active, as the established districts cover the county's diverse educational needs.

A Mix of Urban and Rural Settings

Schools are distributed across 19 city, 11 suburban, and nine rural locations, with an average size of 363 students. Kelso High School is the county's largest campus with 1,424 students, while town-based elementary schools offer smaller, local environments. This mix caters to both metropolitan families and those in outlying timber and farm lands.

Relocate to Kelso or Longview

Homes in the Kelso and Longview districts are popular due to their proximity to high-performing secondary schools. Families often search for properties near Lexington Elementary or Castle Rock to secure a spot in these established programs. Your next home in Cowlitz County offers a balance of industrial opportunity and reliable public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cowlitz County

via RiskByCounty

Cowlitz County faces high disaster risk

Cowlitz County's composite risk score of 90.30 places it in the relatively moderate risk category, well above the national average. The county experiences meaningful natural hazard exposure that requires active preparedness planning from residents.

Fourth-highest risk in Washington

Cowlitz County ranks among Washington's most hazardous counties with a score of 90.30, exceeding the state average of 70.01 by nearly 29%. Only Clark, Chelan, and Clallam counties face greater overall disaster risk in the state.

Hazardous region in southwestern Washington

Cowlitz County (90.30) faces comparable risk to Clark County (92.24) just to the south, creating a particularly hazardous corridor in southwestern Washington. The county's proximity to the Cascade subduction zone and flood-prone river systems elevate its natural disaster exposure.

Earthquakes and floods dominate hazards

Cowlitz County residents face extreme earthquake risk (97.46) and severe flood risk (88.26), which combine as the county's defining natural hazards. Wildfire (61.29) and tornado (20.55) risks are secondary but still notable concerns for residents.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Cowlitz County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program given the county's extreme scores in both categories. These specialized policies fall outside standard homeowners coverage and are critical for protecting your property investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cowlitz County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and exceptionally wet county

Cowlitz County's 53.2°F average temperature is near the national median. Its 61.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the wettest regions in the country.

One of Washington's wettest, warmest areas

The county is significantly warmer and wetter than the state averages of 49.9°F and 38.5 inches. It ranks high for total annual rainfall in Washington.

Wetter than Clark and Clallam counties

With 61.4 inches of rain, Cowlitz outpaces both Clark (44 inches) and Clallam (58.7 inches). It maintains a mild temperature that mirrors its southern neighbors.

Mild winters and damp, cool summers

Summer averages 64.8°F with 10 days of heat over 90°F. Winter is notably mild at 41.8°F, seeing only 3.0 inches of snow despite heavy overall precipitation.

Focus on moisture and mold prevention

Dehumidifiers and waterproof home coatings are essential for managing 61.4 inches of rain. Outdoor gear should prioritize breathability to handle the mild but constant dampness.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cowlitz County

via SoilByCounty

Forest-Rich Alfisols and Loam

Cowlitz County features Alfisols with a loam texture and an acidic pH of 5.59. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the heavy rainfall and evergreen cover of western Washington.

The Perfect Loam Balance

The soil consists of 42.2% sand, 40.9% silt, and 13.2% clay. This balanced loam texture offers easy drainage, good aeration, and enough clay to hold onto fertilizers for your plants.

Strong Organic Foundation

With 5.51% organic matter, these soils are quite rich compared to the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity is 0.157 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state average but still supports vigorous forest growth.

Ideal Drainage for Modern Use

The soil drains well and falls into hydrologic group B, making it ideal for most land uses. It sheds excess water quickly to prevent root rot while remaining stable enough for building foundations.

Berries and Blooms in Zone 8b

Zone 8b provides a gentle climate where strawberries and salad greens thrive. The naturally acidic soil is a perfect match for acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias, so get out there and start digging.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cowlitz County

via LawnByCounty

Productive Growth in Cowlitz County

Cowlitz County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.4, performing better than the Washington state average of 36.9. Its Zone 8b climate provides a long, productive growing season with plenty of moisture. While it falls short of the national median of 50.0, it remains a relatively friendly environment for gardening.

High Rainfall and Gentle Heat

Receiving 61.4 inches of annual precipitation, Cowlitz is one of the wettest counties in the state. It enjoys a mild summer with only 10 extreme heat days, allowing cool-season grasses to thrive without scorching. The 2,268 growing degree days indicate plenty of energy for a thick, healthy lawn.

Well-Drained Loam with Acidic Tendencies

The soil in Cowlitz County is a well-drained loam with a pH of 5.59, which is slightly more acidic than most grasses prefer. Because it contains 42.2% sand, the soil drains effectively but may lose nutrients quickly during heavy rain. You should consider adding lime and slow-release fertilizers to maintain nutrient levels.

Current Resilience Despite Past Dryness

While Cowlitz saw 36 weeks of drought over the past year, current conditions are very favorable with only 0.7% of the area being abnormally dry. This high rainfall frequency reduces the need for constant irrigation compared to eastern neighbors. Keep an eye on drainage to prevent soggy roots during the peak rainy months.

The Longest Growing Window

With a frost-free period from April 8 to November 5, Cowlitz has one of the longest growing seasons in the state. This extended window in Zone 8b is perfect for establishing high-quality turf like Fine Fescue or Ryegrass. Late spring is an excellent time to start your lawn as the soil warms up and the rains persist.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowlitz County's county score?
Cowlitz County, Washington has a composite county score of 36 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 Cowlitz County rank among counties in Washington?
Cowlitz County ranks #35 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 Cowlitz County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Cowlitz County is $2,988, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Cowlitz County a tax score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cowlitz County?
The median household income in Cowlitz County, Washington is $72,932 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cowlitz County earns an income score of 73.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cowlitz County, Washington a good place to live?
Cowlitz County scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.