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Grays Harbor County, Washington — County Report Card

WA

#34 in Washington

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 66Water Quality 53.6Income & Jobs 49.7

County Report Card

About Grays Harbor County, Washington

Below the National Median Mark

Grays Harbor County scores a 36.2, which is notably lower than the 50.0 national median. It ranks among the more challenged counties across the United States in terms of overall balance.

Performance Below Washington Norms

The county's 36.2 score sits below the Washington state average of 44.1. While it offers coastal proximity, it lacks the composite strength of many neighboring counties.

Reliable Water and Mid-Range Incomes

The county performs best in water quality with a score of 53.6 and holds a median household income of $63,539. These factors provide a foundational level of utility and economic support.

High Environmental and Safety Risks

The county faces a critical risk score of 3.0, indicating high vulnerability to natural disasters. A safety score of 17.1 further compounds the livability challenges for local families.

Best for Risk-Tolerant Outdoor Enthusiasts

Grays Harbor County suits those who are comfortable with environmental unpredictability in exchange for coastal access. It appeals to residents who value water resources over urban safety metrics.

2040608010047.326.517.14747.849.7353.666Tax47.3Cost26.5Safety17.1Health47Schools47.8Income49.7Risk3Water53.6Weather6636.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Grays Harbor County DNA

Foverall

How Grays Harbor County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grays Harbor County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (3/100), though Weather & Climate (66/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.3
Cost
26.5-21.5
Safety
17.1-37.9
Health
47
Schools
47.8
Income
49.7
Risk
3-44
Water
53.6
Weather
66+10
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Compare mortgage rates in Grays Harbor County

Whether buying or refinancing in Grays Harbor County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$279,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,018/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$279,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,539/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Grays Harbor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grays Harbor County

via TaxByCounty

Grays Harbor has the region's highest rates

Grays Harbor County's effective tax rate of 0.873% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. At $2,441 in median annual property taxes, homeowners pay above the national median despite a home value near the national average of $281,900.

Washington's most expensive tax county

Grays Harbor County ranks 38th (second-highest) among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.873%, far above the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $2,441 is among the state's highest, driven by the region's most aggressive effective tax rate.

Grays Harbor leads region in tax burden

Grays Harbor County's 0.873% effective rate is the highest among the eight counties analyzed—exceeding even Grant County's 0.823%. Despite a median home value of $279,500, homeowners here face the region's steepest effective tax rates.

Highest regional tax bill: $2,441 annually

A homeowner with Grays Harbor's median-valued property of $279,500 pays approximately $2,441 in annual property taxes. With mortgage deductions, the bill reaches $2,609, while outright owners pay $2,202—amounts higher than most comparable regional counties.

High-tax homeowners especially should appeal

Grays Harbor residents facing the region's highest effective rates should prioritize reviewing their property assessments for potential errors. An appeal challenging an inflated assessment could yield substantial annual savings given the county's elevated tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grays Harbor County

via CostByCounty

Grays Harbor slightly above national comfort zone

Grays Harbor County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% exceeds the national average of roughly 28–30% for renters, though it remains in reasonable territory. With a median household income of $63,539 and $1,018 monthly rent, the county's coastal location carries modest affordability pressure.

Slightly tighter than Washington average

Grays Harbor County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% sits just above Washington's state average of 18.8%, making it a marginally less affordable option than many peers. The coastal location and tourism economy influence both housing costs and wage patterns.

Pricier than inland, cheaper than islands

Grays Harbor's $1,018 rent falls between the inland bargains of Ferry ($703) and the island premiums of Island County ($1,631). Its $279,500 median home value reflects coastal demand without the extreme pricing of wealthier western counties.

Similar burden for renters and owners

Renters pay $1,018 monthly while homeowners face $1,061—nearly identical costs that each consume roughly 19% of household income. This tight alignment suggests Grays Harbor offers balanced affordability regardless of housing choice.

Grays Harbor for coastal-living seekers

If Pacific coast living appeals to you and you can accept slightly higher housing costs, Grays Harbor County offers more accessibility than island or wealthy waterfront counties. Your income needs to stretch a bit further here, but ocean proximity may justify the modest premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grays Harbor County

via IncomeByCounty

Grays Harbor lags national median

Grays Harbor County's median household income of $63,539 falls $11,216 short of the national median of $74,755, a 15% gap. This reflects the economic challenges facing many timber and blue-collar dependent communities in coastal Washington.

Below Washington's state average

Grays Harbor County's $63,539 median income lags Washington's state average of $76,363 by about 17%, ranking it among the lower-income counties statewide. Its per capita income of $33,763 is also below the state average of $40,628.

Grays Harbor faces income pressures

Grays Harbor County's $63,539 median income is slightly above Garfield County ($62,411) but well below Grant County ($71,115) and Island County ($88,358). This positions the county as a lower-tier earner among its regional peers.

Rising housing costs squeeze budgets

Grays Harbor County has the highest rent-to-income ratio (19.2%) among the eight counties, signaling housing affordability pressure for renters. A median home value of $279,500 requires households to allocate significant income toward homeownership costs.

Address housing costs strategically

Grays Harbor households facing elevated housing burdens should explore first-time homebuyer programs and refinancing options to reduce costs. Working with a community development organization or financial advisor can identify local resources to improve long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grays Harbor County

via CrimeByCounty

Grays Harbor Aligns Near National Averages

Grays Harbor County maintains a safety score of 96.5, making it slightly safer than the typical U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 2,233.3 per 100,000 residents is just below the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Washington State Average

The county's total crime rate of 2,233.3 is lower than the Washington state average of 2,377.2. With 10 reporting agencies, these numbers offer a comprehensive view of safety in the region.

Comparing Coastal and Inland Safety

Grays Harbor is safer than Grant County but more active than Island County, which has a much lower rate of 1,068.1. It provides a moderate safety profile compared to its Washington neighbors.

Low Violent Crime in Grays Harbor

The violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to the local rate, sitting at 2,044.3.

Securing Your Coastal Home

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should use smart locks and security lighting. Joining a local community watch can also help keep crime rates lower than the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grays Harbor County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Fragmented and Flexible School System

Grays Harbor County operates 46 public schools across 13 different districts, serving 10,764 total students. The system is diverse, featuring 19 elementary schools, 14 high schools, and 9 'other' configuration schools. Five alternative schools are also available to meet non-traditional student needs.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation

The county's graduation rate is 82.4%, which beats the Washington state average of 81.4%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,170, closely trailing the state average, resulting in a respectable school score of 54.2. Local districts are successfully translating their budgets into graduation success for students.

Aberdeen and Elma Lead the Region

Aberdeen School District is the largest in the county, serving 3,304 students across 13 schools. Elma and Hoquiam school districts are also major players, each serving over 1,600 students. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a strong regional commitment to traditional public education.

Coastal Towns and Rural Classrooms

With 31 schools in town settings and 15 in rural areas, the county offers a distinct coastal town feel. The average school size is 234 students, providing a more intimate learning environment than more urbanized counties. J M Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen is the largest campus, enrolling 916 students.

Coastal Living Near Great Schools

Families looking for a balance of small-town charm and strong graduation rates should explore Grays Harbor. Districts like Aberdeen and Montesano offer competitive secondary programs in a scenic coastal environment. Choosing a home here often means finding a neighborhood where schools are the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grays Harbor County

via RiskByCounty

Grays Harbor County's Natural Disaster Risk

Grays Harbor County scores 96.98 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and far exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01. The county faces some of the highest natural disaster risk in the Pacific Northwest, driven by coastal location and seismic exposure.

Where Grays Harbor Ranks in Washington

Grays Harbor County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Washington for natural disasters, with a score of 96.98 that places it near the top statewide. Only a handful of Washington counties face comparable cumulative hazard exposure.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Grays Harbor County's risk (96.98) significantly exceeds all neighboring counties, including Island (77.99), Jefferson (64.38), and inland peers. The county's coastal position creates exceptional exposure to both earthquake (98.12) and flood (99.00) hazards.

Your Top Threats: Flood and Earthquake

Flood risk reaches near-maximum at 99.00, reflecting the county's estuarine geography, tidal influence, and storm surge vulnerability from Pacific weather systems. Earthquake exposure at 98.12 is among the nation's highest due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, while wildfire risk is relatively modest at 33.91.

Flood and Earthquake Insurance Critical

Grays Harbor County residents must prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, and secure earthquake coverage. Ensure structures are elevated or flood-proofed, and retrofit older homes to seismic standards where feasible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grays Harbor County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate compliance earns a Grade C

Grays Harbor County recorded nine health violations, resulting in a rate of 11.7 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the state average, though some systems still face challenges.

Federal watershed health data is missing

Local water bodies have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. Official reporting on impaired waters or top pollution causes is currently unavailable.

Massive data collection tracks water health

Monitoring is very active here, with 38 sites contributing 59,178 measurements over five years. The data primarily focuses on physical, microbiological, and nutrient characteristic groups.

Chehalis River experiencing low flow levels

The Chehalis River at Porter flows at 1,220 cfs, which is only 30% of its typical long-term mean. This significant reduction in flow indicates potential seasonal scarcity or drought stress.

Prepare for impacts of low streamflow

With the Chehalis River at just 30% of typical flow, residents should be mindful of water conservation and potential concentration of pollutants. Microbiological monitoring is robust here, providing an important safeguard for public health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grays Harbor County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Exceptionally Wet

Grays Harbor County averages 50.6°F, which is cool compared to the national median but typical for a Pacific maritime climate. Its defining feature is the massive 100.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Triple the State Rainfall

While its temperature is near the state average of 49.9°F, its precipitation is nearly triple the Washington average of 38.5 inches. It is one of the wettest environments in the entire United States.

Maritime Mildness Over Snow

It is vastly wetter than inland counties like Grant or Douglas, which receive less than 10% of Grays Harbor's rain. Snow is rare here, with only 0.5 inches annually compared to the heavy drifts found eastward.

Mild Summers and Wet Winters

Summer is exceptionally mild, averaging just 60.2°F with only 3 days of extreme heat. Winters are wet and temperate, staying well above freezing with a 41.4°F average.

Built for the Rain

High-quality rain gear and moisture-resistant building materials are essential to handle over 100 inches of rain. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as temperatures almost never hit the 90°F mark.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grays Harbor County

via SoilByCounty

Maritime Soils of the Coast

Official soil taxonomic and pH data for Grays Harbor County is currently unavailable in the central record. In this high-rainfall coastal environment, soils are typically more acidic than the state average of 6.20.

From Beaches to Forest Floors

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not listed for this county. The physical landscape varies wildly, ranging from sandy coastal dunes to heavy, moisture-retaining forest loams in the interior.

Rich Natural Growth Potential

Quantitative fertility metrics, such as organic matter and water capacity, are not currently available. However, the lush natural vegetation and massive timber growth suggest a high capacity for supporting life.

Water Management in a Wet Climate

Hydrologic group and drainage class data are not recorded for this area. Given the high annual rainfall, local land management focuses on preventing waterlogging and ensuring proper drainage for buildings.

Lush Gardening in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b offers a mild, moist climate perfect for rhododendrons, blueberries, and kale. Take advantage of the long, frost-free season and start your own coastal garden oasis today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grays Harbor County

via LawnByCounty

Temperate and Wet in Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor scores a 40.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain than the average Washington county. Located in hardiness zone 8b, the area benefits from a mild maritime climate that avoids extreme temperature swings. Your biggest challenge here is managing moisture rather than fighting heat.

Abundant Rain and Cool Summers

The county receives a massive 100.3 inches of annual rainfall, more than double the ideal range for lawns. With only 3 extreme heat days per year, grass rarely faces heat stress but may struggle with oversaturation and moss. Efficient drainage is more important here than an irrigation system.

Managing Coastal Soil Drainage

Soil texture and pH data are not currently available for this region, but heavy rainfall often leads to acidic soil. You should test for pH levels, as coastal soils may require lime to stay within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Focus on aerating your lawn to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged during the rainy season.

Rare Dry Spells on the Coast

Drought is infrequent here, with only 26 weeks of mild conditions over the past year and only 7.3% of the county currently dry. Most years, natural rainfall provides more than enough moisture to keep lawns vibrant without supplemental watering. Keep an eye on local conditions during the short dry window in late summer.

Thriving in the Long Maritime Season

Cool-season grasses like Bentgrass and Fine Fescue thrive in the moist 8b climate. The early April 7 frost date marks the start of a very long growing window that lasts until November 7. Start your projects in early spring to take full advantage of the consistent natural moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grays Harbor County's county score?
Grays Harbor County, Washington has a composite county score of 36.2 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 Grays Harbor County rank among counties in Washington?
Grays Harbor County ranks #34 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 Grays Harbor County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Grays Harbor County is $2,441, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Grays Harbor County a tax score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grays Harbor County?
The median household income in Grays Harbor County, Washington is $63,539 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grays Harbor County earns an income score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grays Harbor County, Washington a good place to live?
Grays Harbor County scores 36.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Grays Harbor 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 Grays Harbor 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.