countyscore
54.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.4Health 73.8Property Tax 73.2

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Washington

Exceeding the National Average

Garfield County earns a strong composite score of 54.4, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high baseline for quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

Leading the Way in Washington

At 54.4, Garfield County is well ahead of the Washington state average of 44.1. It represents a high-performing rural option for those looking to stay within the state.

Low Risk and Excellent Health

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 98.4 and a strong health score of 73.8. Residents enjoy a low-tax environment and a median home value of $214,200.

Water Infrastructure and Safety Needs

Despite its health scores, the county faces a very low water score of 3.6 and a safety score of 8.0. These infrastructure and security gaps are the primary areas for local improvement.

A Haven for Health-Conscious Budgeters

Garfield County is ideal for people seeking a low-risk, healthy environment with very affordable housing. It appeals to those who value financial predictability and natural surroundings.

Score breakdown

Tax73.2Cost70.3Safety8Health73.8Schools59.8Income46.2Risk98.4Water3.6Weather44.8
🏛73.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29
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
Washington
44.8
Whitman County
Washington
49.8
Asotin County
Washington
45
Nez Perce County
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40.3
Latah County
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Walla Walla County
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Lewis County
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Wallowa County
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Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield County ranks among nation's lowest

Garfield County's effective tax rate of 0.610% falls well below the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally. At just $1,306 in annual median property taxes, homeowners pay $1,384 less than the national median—a remarkable bargain.

Washington's third-lowest effective tax rate

Garfield County ranks 3rd lowest among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.610%, well below the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $1,306 is the second-lowest among the eight counties analyzed, reflecting both low rates and modest home values of $214,200.

Garfield leads the region in tax affordability

Garfield County's rate of 0.610% is the lowest in the region, beating Ferry County (0.653%), Franklin County (0.763%), and all higher-rate neighbors. With a median home value of just $214,200, Garfield offers the most affordable property tax environment for budget-conscious homeowners.

Lowest annual tax bill: just $1,306

A homeowner with Garfield County's median-valued property of $214,200 pays approximately $1,306 in annual property taxes. However, mortgage-related deductions raise this to $1,757, while outright owners pay only $1,090—the lowest absolute tax in the region.

Even low-rate counties have appeal opportunities

Despite Garfield's already-low rates, overassessed homeowners can still file appeals to reduce their tax burden further. Reviewing your assessment against recent sales of comparable properties can reveal if an appeal might save you money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garfield County

via CostByCounty

Garfield County: ultra-affordable housing rare find

Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is exceptional—nearly half the national renter burden of roughly 28–30%. With monthly rent at just $768 and a median household income of $62,411, residents enjoy some of Washington's lowest housing pressure.

Second-most affordable in Washington

Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks just behind Ferry County as one of Washington's most affordable markets, well below the state average of 18.8%. This rural Palouse County offers genuine escape from state housing inflation.

The bargain of the central/eastern region

Garfield County's $768 rent is the lowest among all eight counties examined, and its $214,200 median home value is the cheapest entry point to homeownership in the region. Rural character and isolation translate directly into accessible housing costs.

Housing barely dents household budgets

Both renters ($768/month) and homeowners ($698/month) spend roughly 15% of household income on housing, the lowest burden ratio among all categories examined. This leaves residents maximum flexibility for savings, education, healthcare, and other priorities.

Garfield for budget-conscious relocators

If you're moving to Washington and affordability is non-negotiable, Garfield County delivers the deepest discounts on both rent and home purchases. Remote work or flexible employment is essential, given limited local job markets, but your housing dollar stretches the furthest here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield falls below national average

Garfield County's median household income of $62,411 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,344. This 17% gap reflects economic constraints common in rural counties, though Garfield's income level remains moderate within Washington state.

Below-average earnings in Washington

Garfield County's $62,411 median income ranks below Washington's state average of $76,363, though it outperforms the lowest-earning rural counties. The county's per capita income of $34,685 is also below the state average of $40,628.

Garfield ranks midway regionally

Garfield County's $62,411 median income falls between Ferry County ($54,650) and Franklin County ($82,755), positioning it as a moderate-income area in southeastern Washington. This places households in a stable but constrained economic position.

Housing is most affordable here

Garfield County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio (14.8%) among the eight counties, making rental housing extremely accessible. A median home value of just $214,200 makes homeownership achievable even for lower-income households.

Leverage low costs to build assets

Garfield County's low housing costs create an opportunity to redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments rather than spending on rent. Consider consulting a financial advisor about using the county's affordability advantage to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

High Violent Crime Affects Garfield's Safety

Garfield County's total crime rate is 2,987.0 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county receives a safety score of 95.3, reflecting some significant local risks.

Garfield County Below State Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 95.3 is lower than Washington's state average of 96.2. This data comes from a single reporting agency, meaning it covers a specific local jurisdiction's activity.

A Unique Profile Among Neighbors

Garfield County's crime rate of 2,987.0 is very similar to Franklin County's 2,983.7. However, it is significantly higher than the 1,757.2 rate found in Jefferson County across the state.

An Unusual Spike in Violent Crime

Garfield reports a violent crime rate of 1,298.7 per 100,000, which is dramatically higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is comparatively lower at 1,688.3 per 100,000.

Focusing on Personal and Home Security

With high violent crime rates reported, situational awareness and home security are critical. Improving outdoor lighting and being active in neighborhood watch programs can help increase local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garfield County

via HealthByCounty

Garfield County's modest health profile

At 77.0 years, Garfield County's life expectancy is slightly below the U.S. average of 77.8 years, while just 15.7% report poor or fair health—better than the national average of 19.1%. The county shows a relatively healthy population profile despite its rural location.

Outperforming Washington's average

Garfield County's 77.0-year life expectancy runs about 1.1 years below Washington's average of 78.1 years, but its 15.7% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the state average. The county ranks in the middle tier of Washington counties for overall health outcomes.

Healthier than nearby peer counties

Garfield County's 15.7% poor/fair health rate is the best among its neighbors, surpassing Grant County (21.9%), Franklin County (24.4%), and Ferry County (21.4%). The county's 77.0-year life expectancy, while modest, still outperforms Grant County (76.8 years).

Good coverage, strong primary care

Garfield County boasts the lowest uninsured rate in its region at 7.0%—below the state average of 9.0%—with solid primary care access at 85 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health services are less abundant at 42 per 100,000, suggesting residents may need to travel for behavioral health support.

Maintain coverage in Garfield County

With only 7% uninsured, Garfield County demonstrates strong coverage rates, but those without insurance should explore the Washington Health Plan Finder to secure protection against costly medical events. Enrollment is straightforward and plans are often available at no upfront cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

Washington’s Most Intimate School District

Garfield County operates one of the smallest school systems in the state, with just 2 public schools serving 351 students. A single school district manages the entire county’s education, consisting of one elementary and one high school. This centralized approach ensures a cohesive educational journey from kindergarten through graduation.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Performance

Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $8,285, the county achieves a remarkable 90.0% graduation rate. This exceeds both the state average of 81.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The resulting school score of 56.3 proves that this small community delivers high-quality outcomes with efficient spending.

Focused Excellence in Pomeroy

The Pomeroy School District is the sole provider of public education in the county, serving all 351 local students. There are no charter or alternative schools, reflecting a unified community commitment to the traditional public system. This single-district model simplifies local governance and keeps the focus on student success.

A Classic Rural Education Experience

Attending school here means being part of a tight-knit rural community where the average school size is 176 students. Pomeroy Elementary is the larger of the two buildings with 206 students, followed by Pomeroy Jr-Sr High with 145. Both schools are located in rural settings, offering a peaceful and safe environment for learning.

Find Home in a High-Performing District

Garfield County is ideal for families who value high graduation rates and a close-knit community. Homes in the Pomeroy area provide direct access to some of the best-performing small schools in Washington. Consider this quiet county if you want your child to benefit from high academic standards in a rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garfield County

via RiskByCounty

Garfield County's Natural Disaster Risk

Garfield County scores just 1.59 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and performing dramatically better than Washington's state average of 70.01. The county represents one of the safest natural disaster environments in the state.

Where Garfield Ranks in Washington

Garfield County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Washington for composite natural disaster hazards, with a score of just 1.59 far below all peers. This exceptional safety status reflects the county's geography, with minimal exposure to earthquakes, floods, and tornado activity.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Garfield County's risk (1.59) is incomparably lower than every neighboring county in southeastern Washington, including Ferry (51.65), Douglas (74.08), and Columbia counties. The county's isolated position in the Wallowa Valley shields it from major seismic and hydrologic hazards.

Minimal Risk Exposure Overall

Garfield County's hazard profile is remarkably benign, with wildfire as the only moderate concern at 69.21. All other risks—flood (10.34), earthquake (18.86), and tornado (2.10)—are well below state and national averages, making natural disasters a minimal planning concern.

Standard Insurance Is Sufficient

Given Garfield County's very low disaster risk, basic homeowners insurance satisfies standard protection needs without specialized flood or earthquake coverage. Residents can focus disaster preparedness efforts on other community safety priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Northwest Interior

Garfield County’s average temperature of 49.8°F sits slightly below the U.S. national median. Its climate balances moderate rainfall with distinct continental seasonal shifts.

Right at the State Average

At 49.8°F, the county sits right at the Washington state average, though its 17.6 inches of rain is less than half the state average of 38.5 inches. It represents the transition from the wet Cascades to the dry interior.

Wetter Than the Basin Floor

Garfield is significantly wetter than Franklin County, receiving nearly double the annual precipitation. However, it sees less snowfall than Douglas County to the northwest, averaging just 8.4 inches.

Hot Summers and Tame Winters

The county experiences 27 days of extreme heat above 90°F during summers that average 66.5°F. Winters are manageable with a 34.4°F average and relatively light snowfall compared to the mountain passes.

Water Conservation and Cooling

Residents should prepare for dry summers by utilizing water-efficient gardening techniques. While snowfall is light at 8.4 inches, the 27 days of extreme heat require functional air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Garfield County are currently unavailable in our dataset. Gardeners in this region typically find soils influenced by the high-elevation loess deposits common to the Inland Northwest.

A Landscape of Silt and Stone

Data regarding the specific sand, silt, and clay percentages is not listed for this county. Most local agricultural lands are characterized by fine-grained windblown deposits that offer good structural support for deep-rooted plants.

Cultivating Natural Fertility

Measurements for organic matter and water capacity are currently missing for this area. Local growers often focus on building soil health through cover crops to protect against the erosion risks common in hilly terrain.

Managing Water on the Slopes

Drainage class and hydrologic group information is not officially recorded for this county. Understanding how water moves across the local topography is essential for preventing soil loss during spring runoff.

Gardening Success in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a provides a versatile climate for growing berries, hardy greens, and grains. Grab a shovel and start a garden that takes advantage of the region's temperate summers and productive history.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battles for Garfield Lawns

Garfield County presents a difficult environment with a score of 29.0, falling well below the state average of 36.9. Located in hardiness zone 7a, this area requires more intensive management than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners must be proactive to keep turf healthy in this challenging landscape.

Variable Precipitation and Summer Heat

The county receives 17.6 inches of rain annually, which is less than half of the state average and well below the 30-inch lawn ideal. With 27 extreme heat days and 2195 growing degree days, grass must endure both heat stress and limited water. Consistent monitoring of soil moisture is necessary to prevent summer dormancy.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

Specific local data for soil pH and texture is currently unavailable, so a professional soil test is highly recommended for new lawns. Most turf thrives in a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which may require amendments depending on your specific site. Understanding your soil's drainage class will help you tailor your irrigation schedule correctly.

Severe Droughts Strain Water Resources

Over the past year, the county faced 40 weeks of drought, with nearly 14% of the area hitting severe levels. All 100% of the county remains abnormally dry, making water conservation a top priority for gardeners. Focus your watering on high-value areas and consider letting secondary zones go dormant during the hottest weeks.

Planning Your Garfield Seed Schedule

Hardy, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass work well in zone 7a. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 2 to take advantage of the spring moisture. Ensure your turf is well-rooted before the first autumn frost hits on October 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Washington has a composite county score of 54.4 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 Garfield County rank among counties in Washington?
Garfield County ranks #8 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 Garfield County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $1,306, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 73.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Washington is $62,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Washington a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 54.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Garfield 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 Garfield 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.