CountyScore

Douglas County

Washington · WA

#18 in Washington
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Washington

Douglas County tops national median

Douglas County's composite score of 68.3 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it well above average nationally. This 37% advantage over typical U.S. counties signals strong overall livability across measured dimensions.

Right at Washington's middle

Douglas County scores 68.3, just slightly above Washington's state average of 68.1, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's counties. It ranks competitively but not at the top of Washington's livability spectrum.

Tax advantages and solid income

Douglas County shines with an effective tax rate of just 0.786%, earning a tax score of 80.2 that rewards residents with favorable tax burden. Median household income of $80,374 provides good earning potential, though the cost score of 67.5 shows moderate housing affordability.

Income growth potential limited

The income score of 35.8 reveals that while current earnings are solid, Douglas County lags in income growth trajectory compared to state peers. Additional dimensions like safety, health, and schools lack current data, limiting a fuller picture of livability.

Ideal for tax-conscious families

Douglas County suits families prioritizing low taxes and moderate housing costs over peak earning potential or highest-amenity locations. It offers middle-ground livability—stable, affordable, and straightforward—for those seeking established Pacific Northwest communities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.2Cost67.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.8Risk25.9WaterComing Soon
🏛80.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡25.9
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 Douglas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Garfield County
Colorado
65.2
Median income: $86,172
Effingham County
Georgia
65.2
Median income: $85,465
Kauai County
Hawaii
65.2
Median income: $93,612
Alexander County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $43,523
Christian County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $59,253

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas County lives longer than most

At 80.7 years, Douglas County residents live 2.9 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.8 years. Just 18.6% report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 19.1%, suggesting a county where most people experience good health outcomes overall.

Among Washington's healthiest counties

Douglas County ranks well within Washington State, where the average life expectancy is 78.1 years—nearly 2.6 years below Douglas's rate. The county's 18.6% poor/fair health rate is better than the state average, placing it in the upper tier of Washington's 39 counties for health outcomes.

Outpacing neighbors in lifespan

Douglas County's 80.7-year life expectancy beats nearby Grant County (76.8 years) and Garfield County (77.0 years) by significant margins. The county also reports fewer residents in poor or fair health (18.6%) compared to Grant County (21.9%), indicating stronger overall wellness across the region.

Coverage gap and provider shortage

While 13.0% of Douglas County residents lack health insurance—above the state average of 9.0%—primary care access remains limited with only 28 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers are more abundant at 67 per 100,000, but the primary care shortfall means many residents may struggle to find routine medical care.

Don't go without coverage here

With one in eight Douglas County residents uninsured, checking your coverage options through the Washington Health Plan Finder or local community health centers is crucial. If you're eligible for Medicaid or subsidized plans, enrollment is often free or low-cost—don't delay.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.