countyscore
58
County Score
Cost of Living 77.7Safety 76.4Property Tax 68.2

County Report Card

About Ferry County, Washington

Well Above the National Median

Ferry County achieves an impressive composite score of 58.0, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score places it in a high percentile for overall livability across the United States.

A Top Performer in Washington

Ferry County significantly outpaces the state average composite score of 44.1. Its 58.0 rating makes it one of the more desirable rural alternatives in the state.

Affordable Living and Public Safety

Low costs and high safety are the county's hallmarks, with scores of 77.7 and 76.4 respectively. A median gross rent of just $703 makes this one of the most budget-friendly areas in the region.

Income Limits and Water Concerns

The county struggles with a low income score of 24.4 and a critical water score of 2.0. A median household income of $54,650 reflects a more restricted local job market.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Ferry County is a sanctuary for those prioritizing safety and low cost of living over high-speed career growth. It is an excellent fit for people with independent incomes who value peace and affordability.

2040608010068.277.776.439.444.424.448.4238.5Tax68.2Cost77.7Safety76.4Health39.4Schools44.4Income24.4Risk48.4Water2Weather38.558/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Ferry County DNA

Foverall

How Ferry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ferry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (77.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.2+16.200000000000003
Cost
77.7+29.700000000000003
Safety
76.4+21.400000000000006
Health
39.4-10.600000000000001
Schools
44.4-9.600000000000001
Income
24.4-26.6
Risk
48.4
Water
2-56
Weather
38.5-17.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$274,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$703/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$274,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,650/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Stevens County
Washington
55.1
Lincoln County
Washington
60.9
Pend Oreille County
Washington
54.7
Spokane County
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36.8
Okanogan County
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45.9
Douglas County
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45.1
Bonner County
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50.6
Boundary County
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56.6

Deep Dives

Ferry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ferry County

via TaxByCounty

Ferry County offers below-average tax burden

Ferry County's effective tax rate of 0.653% falls well below the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. At just $1,792 in annual median property taxes, homeowners here pay $898 less than the national median, one of the lowest burdens in the region.

One of Washington's most tax-friendly counties

Ferry County ranks 6th lowest among Washington's 39 counties by effective tax rate at 0.653%, significantly below the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $1,792 is the lowest among the eight counties analyzed, making it highly attractive to tax-conscious homeowners.

Ferry stands out as the region's tax bargain

Ferry County's 0.653% rate is notably lower than all regional neighbors: Garfield (0.610%) is slightly lower, but Grant (0.823%), Douglas (0.786%), and Grays Harbor (0.873%) are all significantly higher. Despite a median home value of $274,500, Ferry residents enjoy some of the region's most affordable property tax rates.

Annual tax on median home: just $1,792

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $274,500 in Ferry County pays approximately $1,792 in annual property taxes. Whether paying with a mortgage ($1,818) or outright ($1,769), Ferry County residents benefit from consistently low effective rates across all ownership scenarios.

Even Ferry homeowners should verify assessments

Even in low-tax counties, property assessments can contain errors that inflate tax bills unnecessarily. Ferry County homeowners are encouraged to review their assessed value and file an appeal if they believe it overestimates their property's true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ferry County

via CostByCounty

Ferry offers rare rental bargain territory

Ferry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is exceptional—well below the national renter burden of roughly 28–30%. At just $703 monthly rent, residents earning a median of $54,650 enjoy one of the most affordable rental markets in the state.

Washington's affordability champion

Ferry County ranks among Washington's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% compared to the state average of 18.8%. This 3.4-percentage-point advantage reflects genuinely low housing costs in a rural, less-developed market.

Significantly cheaper than all peers

Ferry County's $703 rent dramatically undercuts neighboring Douglas ($1,234) and Grant ($1,059) counties, and its $274,500 median home value is the lowest in this regional cluster. This rural county trades urban amenities for some of Washington's most accessible housing.

Minimal housing burden across the board

Both renters ($703/month) and homeowners ($695/month) spend roughly 15% of household income on housing, freeing up income for other needs. This is the lowest burden ratio among the eight counties examined, reflecting Ferry's cost-of-living advantage.

Ferry County for those prioritizing affordability

If housing cost is your primary concern and you can embrace a rural lifestyle, Ferry County offers genuine affordability rarely seen in Washington. Your income stretches furthest here, though job opportunities and services are more limited than in larger counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ferry County

via IncomeByCounty

Ferry lags behind national earnings

Ferry County's median household income of $54,650 falls $20,105 short of the national median of $74,755. This 27% gap reflects the economic challenges many rural Washington communities face compared to the broader U.S. economy.

Among Washington's lower-income counties

Ferry County ranks below Washington's state average of $76,363, with households earning about 28% less than the state median. The county's per capita income of $33,322 is also notably below the state average of $40,628.

Ferry faces income headwinds

Ferry County's $54,650 median income is significantly lower than neighboring Grant County ($71,115) and Garfield County ($62,411). The income gap underscores Ferry's distinct economic challenges in northeastern Washington.

Low housing costs help Ferry families

Ferry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is the lowest among the eight counties studied, providing relief for renters. A median home value of $274,500 remains accessible, though lower incomes require careful budgeting for homeownership.

Small steps build bigger futures

Even modest incomes can generate wealth through disciplined saving and low-cost investment vehicles like index funds or employer retirement plans. Ferry County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring local economic development programs to increase earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ferry County

via CrimeByCounty

Ferry County Reports Exceptional Safety Scores

Ferry County boasts a safety score of 99.1, placing it among the most secure areas in the nation. Its total crime rate of 564.7 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-quarter of the national average.

Surpassing Washington State Safety Averages

With a safety score nearly three points higher than the state average of 96.2, Ferry County is a regional leader in low crime. These numbers come from a single reporting agency, so they reflect specific local data trends.

Remarkably Low Crime Compared to Neighbors

Ferry County's crime rate of 564.7 is far lower than Douglas County's 1,518.9. It remains one of the quietest jurisdictions in the state compared to nearby population centers.

Understanding Ferry County's Crime Profile

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 96.4 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 468.3 incidents per 100,000, which is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 2,127.6.

Maintaining Peace in Rural Washington

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but rural isolation makes home awareness important. Keeping outbuildings locked and maintaining clear sightlines around the home helps preserve this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ferry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in the Highlands

Ferry County's education system is intimate, with only 899 students enrolled across 11 public schools. These schools are spread across five districts, featuring 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools. This decentralized structure ensures that even the most remote residents have access to local learning.

High Investment Despite Academic Challenges

The county invests $10,380 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $9,250. However, the graduation rate stands at 48.5%, falling well below the national average of 87.0%. The overall school score of 39.0 indicates that while funding is present, the county faces unique hurdles in student outcomes.

Districts Serving Rural Communities

Republic School District is the largest in the county, managing four schools for 378 students. Curlew School District and Inchelium School District also play vital roles, serving 249 and 201 students respectively. There are no charter schools available, leaving traditional public districts as the primary educational path.

A True Rural School Experience

Every single school in Ferry County is classified as rural, reflecting the rugged and isolated nature of the area. With an average school size of just 82 students, classrooms are exceptionally small and personalized. The largest facility is Curlew Elem & High School, which serves 216 students from preschool through 12th grade.

Relocate for Personalized Learning Environments

For families seeking a quiet lifestyle and small class sizes, Ferry County offers a unique rural education experience. Homebuyers in Republic or Curlew will find schools where every student is known by name. Consider the local district boundaries as you explore the serene residential options in the highlands.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ferry County

via RiskByCounty

Ferry County's Natural Disaster Risk

Ferry County scores 51.65 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting well below Washington's state average of 70.01. This makes Ferry one of the state's lower-risk counties for natural disasters overall.

Where Ferry Ranks in Washington

Ferry County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Washington for composite disaster hazards. The county's score of 51.65 is significantly below the state average, offering residents notably lower exposure to the full spectrum of natural hazards.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Ferry County has the lowest overall risk score among northeastern Washington counties, outperforming Douglas County (74.08) and Grant County (76.94). The county benefits from lower earthquake exposure (45.13) compared to coastal neighbors, though wildfire risk remains elevated at 97.36.

Your Top Threat: Wildfire Risk

Wildfire represents Ferry County's dominant hazard at 97.36, among the highest in the state, driven by extensive forests and seasonal fire conditions. Flood and earthquake risks are moderate at 52.32 and 45.13 respectively, while tornado exposure remains minimal at 4.36.

Focus on Wildfire Preparedness

Ferry County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space around homes, given the county's extreme fire exposure. Review evacuation routes annually and maintain brush clearance near structures, especially during dry months.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ferry County

via WaterByCounty

Ferry County faces severe compliance challenges

The county receives a Grade F with 61 health violations recorded over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 1682.3 per 100,000 residents is nearly 15 times higher than the Washington state average.

Federal watershed health data is unavailable

Local water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. There are currently no official records regarding impaired water percentages or specific pollutant causes.

Diverse monitoring tracks inorganic compounds

Ten monitoring sites provide 5,573 measurements, offering a solid overview of local water quality. Technicians frequently measure physical traits, inorganics, and metals to track environmental changes.

Kettle River flows significantly above normal

The Kettle River near Laurier currently discharges 8,400 cfs, which is 285% of its long-term mean. These high flows represent a significant surge compared to typical seasonal volumes.

High violation rates require urgent attention

The Grade F compliance status suggests residents should use certified filtration systems and request regular testing from their providers. Watch for potential runoff issues as the Kettle River flows well above its typical levels.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ferry County

via WeatherByCounty

Highland Chills in Ferry County

Ferry County is significantly cooler than the national median with an annual average temperature of 43.8°F. Its mountainous terrain creates a distinct highland climate far removed from warmer southern averages.

Among Washington's Coldest Regions

This is one of Washington’s coldest regions, falling 6.1 degrees below the state average of 49.9°F. While the state average precipitation is 38.5 inches, Ferry remains relatively dry at 18.1 inches.

Colder and Snowier Than Neighbors

Ferry is much colder and snowier than its southern neighbor Franklin, which enjoys a 52.2°F average. Its 52.5 inches of annual snow towers over the totals seen in the Columbia Basin.

Mild Summers and Heavy Snow

Winters are rigorous with a December-February average of 24.9°F and over 52 inches of snow. Summers remain mild at 62.7°F, though the county still sees 18 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Gear Up for Deep Winter

Residents need robust home insulation and reliable heating to withstand the cold 23.6°F January nights. Sturdy winter tires are non-negotiable for navigating the 52.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ferry County

via SoilByCounty

Searching for Soil Identity

Detailed taxonomic and pH data for Ferry County is currently limited in the national record. Local growers typically rely on historical regional surveys to manage the diverse mountain and forest soil profiles found here.

A Variable Physical Landscape

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this region. In these northern highlands, soil workability often depends on the local concentration of glacial till and forest organic layers.

High Potential in the Highlands

Quantitative data for organic matter and available water capacity is not listed for this county. Despite the lack of specific numbers, the region's dense forests suggest a naturally occurring cycle of nutrient replenishment.

Complex Mountain Drainage Patterns

Hydrologic group and drainage class data remain unrecorded for this area. Water movement in Ferry County is primarily driven by the steep topography and the underlying rocky terrain.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b supports cold-tolerant vegetables and hardy perennials that can handle mountain winters. Consider starting a garden with raised beds to better control your soil quality and extend your growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ferry County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growing Conditions in Ferry County

With a difficulty score of 27.3, Ferry County is one of the most challenging places in Washington to grow a lawn. This score sits well below both the state average of 36.9 and the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in hardiness zone 6b must contend with a shorter season and limited resources.

Short Seasons and Moderate Moisture

Annual precipitation of 18.1 inches provides some relief but still lags behind the 30-inch ideal for healthy turf. The low 1547 growing degree days indicate a shorter window for grass to recover from winter dormancy or summer stress. Expect slower growth rates compared to the state's more temperate coastal regions.

Testing Your Unknown Soil Profile

Specific data on soil pH and texture is currently unavailable for this region, making a home soil test essential. Without knowing the clay or sand balance, it is difficult to determine the exact drainage needs for your site. Aim for a target pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your grass can access necessary nutrients.

Conserving Water in Dry Years

The county endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire area currently marked as abnormally dry. Mulching your clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture and provide natural fertilization. Prioritize watering during the early morning hours to keep roots hydrated through dry spells.

Planting for a Brisk Climate

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are reliable choices for the cooler 6b hardiness zone. Plan your planting after the late spring frost on May 30 to avoid damaging tender new shoots. You must have your lawn established by the first fall frost on September 10 to survive the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ferry County's county score?
Ferry County, Washington has a composite county score of 58 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 Ferry County rank among counties in Washington?
Ferry County ranks #3 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 Ferry County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Ferry County is $1,792, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Ferry County a tax score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ferry County?
The median household income in Ferry County, Washington is $54,650 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ferry County earns an income score of 24.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ferry County, Washington a good place to live?
Ferry County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Ferry 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 Ferry County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.