CountyScore

Garfield County

Washington · WA

#1 in Washington
78.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Washington

Garfield County scores well nationally

Garfield County's composite score of 76.9 towers 54% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties. This upper-tier national performance reflects strong fundamentals in measured dimensions.

Washington's most livable county

Garfield County scores 76.9, the highest among all Washington counties in this analysis and well above the state average of 68.1. It leads the state in composite livability as measured here.

Maximum affordability and lowest taxes

Garfield County leads with a tax score of 85.1 (effective rate 0.610%), the lowest in Washington, and cost score of 84.0 with median rent just $768/month. Median home value of $214,200 makes homeownership achievable for nearly every budget.

Income opportunities quite limited

The income score of 24.1 reflects median household income of just $62,411, well below state averages and indicating limited wage-earning potential. This rural county's economic engine remains modest, requiring residents to either accept lower wages or work remotely.

Perfect for affordability seekers

Garfield County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing ultra-low costs above all else. It delivers Washington's most unbeatable tax and housing combination, making it ideal for those with income flexibility.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.1Cost84SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.1Risk98.4WaterComing Soon
🏛85.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡98.4
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 Garfield County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cheyenne County
Colorado
78.3
Median income: $67,768
Cameron Parish
Louisiana
78.3
Median income: $72,500
Garfield County
Montana
78.3
Median income: $61,750
McPherson County
Nebraska
78.3
Median income: $61,316
Floyd County
Virginia
78.3
Median income: $61,401

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.