CountyScore

Island County

Washington · WA

#27 in Washington
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Island County, Washington

Island County exceeds national median

Island County's composite score of 62.4 tops the national median of 50.0 by 25%, ranking above average but not exceptional nationally. It represents solid but not outstanding U.S. livability.

Below Washington state average

Island County scores 62.4, notably below Washington's state average of 68.1, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. It underperforms relative to other Washington options.

Highest income and favorable taxes

Island County leads with income score of 41.1 and median household income of $88,358, the highest among these eight counties, plus tax score of 82.5. It offers the best earning potential and strong tax incentives.

High housing costs squeeze affordability

The cost score of 52.7—lowest among peer counties—reflects median home value of $535,300 and median rent of $1,631/month, making housing severely unaffordable despite high incomes. Premium island living extracts a steep price even for high earners.

Best for high-income island lovers

Island County suits affluent professionals and families prioritizing scenic island living and earning potential over affordability. It's Washington's premium option—excellent for those with six-figure incomes seeking Puget Sound lifestyle and access.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.5Cost52.7SafetyComing SoonHealth80.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.1Risk22WaterComing Soon
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡22
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 Island County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390

Deep Dives

Island County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Island County

via TaxByCounty

Island County taxes middle-rate with high values

Island County's effective tax rate of 0.703% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally. Despite a moderate rate, its median property tax of $3,765 ranks highest among the eight counties, driven by a notably elevated median home value of $535,300.

Middle-range rates, premium home values

Island County ranks 13th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.703%, below the state average of 0.761%. However, its median tax of $3,765 is $737 above the state median, reflecting the region's most valuable homes at $535,300.

Lower rate but highest absolute tax bill

Island County's 0.703% effective rate is below Grant (0.823%) and Grays Harbor (0.873%), yet its median tax of $3,765 is the highest in the region. This paradox reflects Island County's substantially higher median home values ($535,300), making it an expensive county despite moderate effective rates.

Highest absolute tax: $3,765 annually

A homeowner with Island County's median-valued property of $535,300 pays approximately $3,765 in annual property taxes. The bill varies little whether paying with mortgage deductions ($3,708) or outright ($3,873), reflecting Island County's affluent real estate market.

High-value properties warrant assessment review

Island County homeowners with valuable properties should carefully verify their assessments, as even small percentage errors on expensive homes translate to large annual tax differences. A formal appeal is particularly worthwhile for high-value properties where errors may cost hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Island County

via CostByCounty

Island County: premium for Puget Sound location

Island County renters spend 22.1% of income on housing, significantly higher than the national average of roughly 28–30% for renters but concentrated in smaller geographic area. With a median household income of $88,358 and $1,631 monthly rent, the county's island geography and Seattle proximity command substantial housing premiums.

Washington's most expensive rental market

Island County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% ranks among the least affordable in Washington, exceeding the state average of 18.8% by 3.3 percentage points. This island location near Seattle drives both strong incomes and premium housing costs.

Steepest rents in the examined region

Island County's $1,631 monthly rent dramatically exceeds all peer counties, including nearby Jefferson ($1,291), and its $535,300 median home value is the highest examined. Island geography and proximity to Puget Sound economic centers create scarcity-driven pricing.

Ownership and renting carry similar weight

Renters pay $1,631 monthly while homeowners face $1,685—remarkably aligned burdens that each consume 22% of household income. This suggests Island County's premium applies equally to both housing tenures, with limited escape for cost-conscious residents.

Island County demands strong household income

If island living and Puget Sound access are non-negotiable, Island County requires household income well above the $88,358 median to maintain affordability. Strong employment in tech, healthcare, and government sectors supports these premium prices; ensure your relocation job offer reflects the higher cost structure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Island County

via IncomeByCounty

Island County far exceeds national average

Island County's median household income of $88,358 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $13,603, representing an 18% premium. This places Island County among the nation's higher-earning communities, reflecting its strong regional economy.

Washington's highest-income county here

Island County ranks as one of Washington's top-earning counties at $88,358, outpacing the state average of $76,363 by 16%. Its per capita income of $46,226 is also the highest among the eight counties and well above the state average of $40,628.

Island County leads regional earnings

Island County's $88,358 median income significantly outpaces all peer counties, including Douglas County ($80,374) and Franklin County ($82,755). This economic strength reflects the county's proximity to Seattle and robust employment opportunities.

High incomes offset high costs

Despite Island County's highest rent-to-income ratio (22.1%) among the eight counties, strong median incomes make housing manageable. A median home value of $535,300 is substantial but attainable for households earning the county median income.

Premium incomes require premium planning

Island County's above-average incomes present an excellent opportunity to accelerate wealth building through tax-advantaged retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to optimize savings strategies and plan for generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Island County

via HealthByCounty

Island County's health excellence

At 80.8 years, Island County residents live 3.0 years above the U.S. average of 77.8 years, and just 13.3% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 19.1%. Island County ranks among the nation's healthiest counties by both lifespan and perceived wellness.

Washington's healthiest county

Island County's 80.8-year life expectancy exceeds Washington's average of 78.1 years by 2.7 years, placing it at the top tier of the state. The 13.3% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than the state average, making Island County a model for health outcomes in Washington.

Leading the coastal health region

Island County's 80.8-year life expectancy and 13.3% poor/fair health rate both outperform nearby Jefferson County (80.1 years, 13.9%) and significantly exceed more distant counties like Grays Harbor (74.6 years) and Ferry County (73.5 years). Island County is the clear health leader in its region.

Excellent coverage and robust services

Island County has a low 6.7% uninsured rate—25% better than the state average of 9.0%—with solid primary care access at 45 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health services are abundant at 328 per 100,000, supporting the county's overall wellness culture.

Keep up excellent coverage

Island County's health success is built partly on strong insurance coverage, with just 6.7% uninsured—well below state average. If you're among the uninsured minority, visit the Washington Health Plan Finder to protect your health and maintain the county's strong outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Island County

via RiskByCounty

Island County's Natural Disaster Risk

Island County scores 77.99 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01. The county's island geography creates focused exposure to seismic and flood hazards despite lower wildfire risk.

Where Island Ranks in Washington

Island County ranks in the mid-to-upper range among Washington's 39 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score of 77.99. The county's risk profile is heavily shaped by its Puget Sound location and proximity to major fault systems.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Island County's risk (77.99) exceeds inland peer Grant County (76.94) but significantly trails coastal Grays Harbor County (96.98). Unlike Grays Harbor, Island County's lower wildfire risk (35.43) reflects marine climate influence, but earthquake exposure (96.28) remains critically high.

Your Top Threats: Earthquake and Flood

Earthquake risk ranks highest at 96.28, reflecting Island County's position adjacent to the Puget Sound and active seismic zones underlying Puget Basin geology. Flood risk at 73.40 reflects island and tidal dynamics, while wildfire exposure remains low at 35.43 due to the maritime climate.

Earthquake and Flood Coverage Essential

Island County residents should secure earthquake insurance immediately and obtain flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program for coastal properties. Retrofit homes to current seismic codes and maintain awareness of tsunami risk in waterfront areas.

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.