countyscore
45.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 84.3Schools 60.8

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Washington

A Competitive Edge in the Pacific Northwest

Douglas County earns a composite score of 45.1, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it sits slightly below the middle of the pack nationally, it remains a robust contender for the region.

Outperforming the Washington State Average

With its 45.1 composite score, Douglas County slightly exceeds the Washington state average of 44.1. This indicates a higher overall quality of life relative to many of its state neighbors.

Superior Water Quality and High Incomes

The county boasts an exceptional water score of 86.0 and a strong income score of 84.3. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $80,374, significantly boosting local purchasing power.

Housing Affordability and Environmental Risk

A low cost score of 16.1 reflects a median home value of $402,900, making entry-level ownership difficult. Additionally, a risk score of 25.9 suggests the area faces notable environmental challenges.

Ideal for Established High-Earning Professionals

Douglas County is best suited for high-income families who prioritize excellent utility infrastructure and economic stability. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can navigate the competitive housing market.

2040608010054.516.134.657.860.884.325.98639.1Tax54.5Cost16.1Safety34.6Health57.8Schools60.8Income84.3Risk25.9Water86Weather39.145.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Douglas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (84.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (16.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.5
Cost
16.1-31.9
Safety
34.6-20.4
Health
57.8
Schools
60.8
Income
84.3+33.3
Risk
25.9-21.1
Water
86+28
Weather
39.1-16.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$402,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,234/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$402,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,374/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Grant County
Washington
32.8
Okanogan County
Washington
45.9
Chelan County
Washington
42
Lincoln County
Washington
60.9
Kittitas County
Washington
41.8
Ferry County
Washington
58
Adams County
Washington
37.4
Franklin County
Washington
34.4

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas taxes slightly above national average

Douglas County's effective tax rate of 0.786% sits above the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $3,168 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the county's rate and its above-average home values of $402,900.

Middle of the pack in Washington

Douglas County ranks 18th among Washington's 39 counties by effective tax rate at 0.786%, slightly above the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax bill of $3,168 is $140 higher than the state average, making it a moderate-tax county for the region.

Higher than Grant, lower than Grays Harbor

Douglas County's rate of 0.786% falls between Grant County's 0.823% (among the state's highest) and Ferry County's 0.653% (among the lowest). Compared to Grays Harbor County at 0.873%, Douglas offers slightly lower effective rates despite similar median home values around $280,000–$402,900.

Median annual property tax hits $3,168

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $402,900 in Douglas County pays approximately $3,168 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related tax deductions factored in, the effective bill rises to $3,419, or drops to $2,624 for outright owners.

Many Douglas homeowners could appeal

Property assessments are not always accurate, and overassessed homeowners in Douglas County can file a formal appeal to reduce their tax burden. Consulting a local tax assessor or property attorney about your assessment is a free way to explore potential savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas rents remain below national mark

Douglas County renters spend 18.4% of their income on housing, slightly better than the national average of roughly 28–30% for typical renters. With a median household income of $80,374, residents earn above the national median of $74,755, creating relative breathing room in the rental market.

Middle of the pack in Washington

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% ranks favorably compared to Washington's state average of 18.8%, positioning it as a more affordable county than many peers. This modest advantage reflects both reasonable wage levels and housing costs aligned with statewide norms.

Comparable to central Washington peers

Douglas County's $1,234 monthly rent sits between Grant County ($1,059) to the south and Island County ($1,631) to the west, reflecting its mid-state location. Home values at $402,900 align with regional patterns, making it neither a bargain nor a premium market.

Housing takes similar slices both ways

Renters pay $1,234 monthly while homeowners face $1,208 in costs—nearly identical burdens that consume about 18% of household income either way. This balance suggests Douglas County offers relatively stable affordability regardless of tenure choice.

Consider Douglas for stable affordability

If you're relocating to Washington and want predictable housing costs without dramatic tradeoffs, Douglas County delivers solid income-to-housing ratios and mid-range home values. Compare your household income against the $80,374 median to gauge whether the market aligns with your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas outearns the nation

Douglas County's median household income of $80,374 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $5,600. This places Douglas in the upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting strong earning potential for households in this Washington region.

Above average in Washington

At $80,374, Douglas County earns about 5% more than Washington's state average of $76,363, ranking it in the middle-to-upper range among Washington's 39 counties. The county's per capita income of $40,039 is slightly below the state average of $40,628.

Douglas leads nearby counties

Douglas County's $80,374 median income outpaces Grant County ($71,115) and Jefferson County ($71,143), but lags Island County ($88,358). Among its regional peer group, Douglas offers solid earning power with moderate cost of living.

Housing costs are manageable here

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains reasonably accessible. With a median home value of $402,900, homeownership is achievable for households earning the county median income.

Build wealth with intentional planning

With above-average incomes and affordable housing, Douglas County households are well-positioned to invest in savings and retirement accounts. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize employer-sponsored plans and long-term investment strategies tailored to your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Douglas County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Douglas County earns an impressive safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,518.9 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Standard of Safety in Washington

The county's safety score exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. With a total crime rate well below the state average of 2,377.2, Douglas ranks as a notably secure region.

Comparing Douglas to Central Washington Neighbors

Douglas County is much safer than neighboring Grant County, which reports a high crime rate of 3,770.3. However, it sees more activity than Ferry County, where rates sit at just 564.7 per 100,000.

Low Violent Crime Rates Lead the Way

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1,410.1 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is just 108.8, which is less than half of the Washington state average.

Securing Property in Douglas County

Because property crime represents the majority of local reports, residents should focus on home security basics. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting can deter opportunistic theft in this safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Local Schools

Douglas County manages a diverse education infrastructure consisting of 21 public schools across six distinct districts. The system serves 7,308 students through 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This structured landscape provides a solid foundation for the county's growing student population.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 89.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 81.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $8,591, which is lower than the state's $9,250 average, the county still achieves a high school score of 56.9. These results suggest a high return on investment for local education funding.

Eastmont School District Leads the Way

Eastmont School District is the county's primary provider, serving 6,032 students across 12 different schools. Other significant districts include Bridgeport, with 776 students, and Waterville, which serves 232 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's borders.

Suburban and Rural Educational Environments

Schools here offer a mix of settings, with 12 schools in suburban locales and 9 in rural areas. The average school size is 365 students, though enrollment varies from small rural outposts to the massive Eastmont Senior High with ,1454 students. This diversity allows families to choose between intimate learning environments and larger, resource-rich campuses.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Douglas County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Explore homes in the Eastmont area to secure proximity to some of the region's largest and most successful schools. Quality local districts remain a primary driver for property values and community stability here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County's Natural Disaster Risk

Douglas County scores 74.08 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and performing slightly better than Washington's state average of 70.01. This places the county in the middle range nationally, meaning residents face moderate but manageable natural hazard exposure.

Where Douglas Ranks in Washington

Douglas County ranks in the middle tier among Washington's 39 counties for overall disaster risk. The county's 74.08 score outperforms the state average, indicating that many neighboring counties face higher cumulative risk from multiple hazard types.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Douglas County's risk profile sits between Ferry County (51.65, lower) and Grant County (76.94, higher). Unlike coastal Grays Harbor County (97.0), Douglas avoids extreme flood exposure, but shares elevated earthquake and wildfire concerns with regional peers.

Your Top Threats: Wildfire and Flood

Wildfire risk ranks highest at 94.72—among the state's most acute exposures—while flood risk at 82.06 reflects the county's river valleys and seasonal water patterns. Earthquake risk of 81.58 is significant but tornado exposure remains low at 6.74, typical for eastern Washington.

Prepare Your Home and Insurance

Given high wildfire and flood exposure, Douglas County residents should verify homeowners insurance covers both hazards and consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Review property defensibility around structures and maintain evacuation plans for fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Douglas County

via WaterByCounty

Douglas County earns top marks for water safety

The county maintains a perfect Grade A with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance far exceeds the Washington state average of 113.4 violations per 100,000 residents.

Watershed assessments are currently pending

Douglas County's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. Consequently, official impairment percentages and primary pollutant causes remain unavailable for this reporting cycle.

Limited monitoring tracks local water quality

Only three monitoring sites exist in the county, recording 44 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses primarily on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic chemicals.

Streamflow data unavailable for primary gauge

The USGS gauge on the Columbia River below Rock Island Dam does not currently report live discharge or mean comparisons. Officials rely on drinking water compliance signals in the absence of representative streamgage data.

Maintain vigilance despite high compliance grades

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the limited number of monitoring sites means residents should stay informed about local groundwater conditions. Support expanded data collection to ensure the long-term health of unassessed watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Continental Climate in Douglas

Douglas County’s average temperature of 49.1°F sits below the national median, characterizing its semi-arid continental climate. This cooler baseline reflects its position in the high desert of Central Washington.

Drier and Steadier Than the State

At 49.1°F, Douglas ranks slightly below the Washington state average of 49.9°F. It experiences much drier conditions than the state norm, receiving only 10.0 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 38.5-inch average.

High Desert Neighbors and Cold Winters

Its 10-inch annual rainfall is similar to neighboring Grant County, though its winters are notably colder with a January average of 27.1°F. It lacks the maritime influence that keeps coastal counties much wetter and milder.

Scorching Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 34 extreme heat days above 90°F during summers that average 69.5°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, delivering 27.9 inches of snowfall and an average low of 28.7°F.

Preparing for Thermal Extremes

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to handle the 34 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations should include heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage nearly 28 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil in Central Washington

Douglas County features a soil pH of 6.74, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This sits above the state average of 6.20, providing a neutral environment that supports a wide range of nutrient availability.

Sandy Foundations and Easy Workability

The soil is composed of 54.3% sand and 34.6% silt, creating a medium texture that is easy to till. With only 9.1% clay, the ground resists compaction but may require more frequent attention to moisture levels.

Managing Lean Organic Matter

Organic matter stands at 1.83%, slightly under the national average of 2.0% and far below the state average of 14.85%. An available water capacity of 0.166 in/in indicates that consistent irrigation is key for maximizing crop yields.

Rapid Water Movement Through Sand

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand content suggests naturally fast infiltration. Farmers and builders should plan for high drainage rates and low natural water retention in the soil profile.

A Prime Spot for Orchards

Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, this county is famous for its apples, cherries, and wheat. The workable soil and sunny climate make it a perfect time to start your own backyard fruit grove.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High-Desert Turf in Douglas County

Douglas County earns a 41.5 lawn difficulty score, making it slightly easier than the state average of 36.9 but tougher than the national median of 50.0. In hardiness zone 7a, homeowners face a semi-arid environment that requires careful planning to maintain green space. While the score is relatively high for Washington, the dry climate remains a significant hurdle.

Hot Summers and Sparse Rainfall

The county receives just 10 inches of annual precipitation, falling far short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. With 34 extreme heat days and 2618 growing degree days, grass requires heavy supplemental irrigation to survive the summer. Mowing schedules must stay flexible to avoid stressing turf during heat waves.

Well-Drained Sandy Soils

The local soil pH of 6.74 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, sitting squarely in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. However, the high sand content of 54.3% means water moves through the root zone quickly. You may need to add organic matter to improve moisture retention in these fast-draining soils.

Battling Persistent Dry Spells

This region spent 39 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth. Morning irrigation is essential here to minimize evaporation losses before the heat peaks.

Timing Your High-Desert Planting

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue are best suited for the zone 7a climate and hot summers. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 26 to ensure the lawn is established before the first fall frost on October 11. Start early to give your new grass the best chance against the July heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Washington has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Washington?
Douglas County ranks #15 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 Douglas County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $3,168, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 54.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Washington is $80,374 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Washington a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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