CountyScore

Jefferson County

Washington · WA

#13 in Washington
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Washington

Jefferson County tops national average

Jefferson County's composite score of 68.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 37%, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier nationally. It represents above-average livability compared to typical U.S. counties.

Slightly above state middle ground

Jefferson County scores 68.5, just above Washington's state average of 68.1, positioning it at the median among the state's counties. It ranks competitively within Washington's mid-tier livability.

Strong tax benefits and fair costs

Jefferson County offers a tax score of 81.8 with effective rate of 0.726% and cost score of 68.2, with median rent of $1,291/month. Taxes remain favorable, though housing reflects its desirable peninsula location.

Limited income growth prospects

The income score of 29.8 reflects median household income of $71,143, below state averages and indicating constrained earning opportunities. Complete assessment hampered by unavailable safety, health, and school data.

Ideal for nature-oriented professionals

Jefferson County suits remote workers, retirees, and professionals seeking Olympic Peninsula access with reasonable taxes and moderate costs. It balances small-town character with proximity to natural amenities for those prioritizing lifestyle over maximum income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.8Cost68.2SafetyComing SoonHealth78.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.8Risk35.6WaterComing Soon
🏛81.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35.6
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Escambia County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $44,447
Madison County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $83,528
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Morgan County
Colorado
68.2
Median income: $75,407

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County taxes above national average

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 0.726% modestly exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally. Its median property tax of $3,596 sits well above the national median of $2,690, driven by the region's second-highest median home value of $495,100.

Above-average rate, premium home values

Jefferson County ranks 16th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.726%, moderately above the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $3,596 ranks second-highest among the eight counties, reflecting both the rate and exceptionally valuable properties at $495,100.

Second-costliest county despite moderate rate

Jefferson County's 0.726% rate is lower than Grant (0.823%) and Grays Harbor (0.873%), yet its median tax of $3,596 is second only to Island County's $3,765. Like Island County, Jefferson's high taxes reflect premium home values rather than punitive effective rates.

Second-highest regional tax: $3,596 annually

A homeowner with Jefferson County's median-valued property of $495,100 pays approximately $3,596 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-related deductions lower this to $3,380, while outright owners face a higher burden of $3,784.

Expensive properties deserve assessment scrutiny

Jefferson County homeowners with properties valued near $495,000 should verify their assessments carefully, as valuation errors on high-value homes produce substantial tax consequences. Filing an appeal to challenge an inflated assessment is free and may save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County: waterfront premium hits hard

Jefferson County renters spend 21.8% of income on housing, well above the national average of roughly 28–30% and among the highest examined. With a median household income of $71,143 and $1,291 monthly rent, the county's Olympic Peninsula waterfront location commands substantial housing costs.

Second-most expensive rental in Washington

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% ranks among Washington's least affordable markets, exceeded only by Island County's 22.1%. This reflects both limited housing stock on the Olympic Peninsula and strong demand from affluent Seattle-area relocators.

Waterfront pricing steeper than inland peers

Jefferson County's $1,291 rent exceeds most central and eastern Washington counties, and its $495,100 median home value is second only to Island County at $535,300. Olympic Peninsula waterfront geography drives scarcity and pricing premium.

Homeownership offers modest cost relief

Renters pay $1,291 monthly while homeowners face $1,087—a notable $204 advantage that reflects Jefferson's rental scarcity relative to owned inventory. Homeowners enjoy roughly 18% housing burden while renters carry 22%, making ownership more accessible despite higher entry prices.

Jefferson for waterfront relocators with means

If Olympic Peninsula waterfront living justifies premium housing costs, Jefferson County offers access—but your household income needs to exceed the $71,143 median to maintain healthy affordability. Purchasing a home provides better long-term value than renting in this supply-constrained market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson nearly matches national median

Jefferson County's median household income of $71,143 falls just $3,612 short of the national median of $74,755. This near-parity reflects Jefferson's position as a moderate-income county aligned with broader U.S. economic conditions.

Near-average for Washington state

Jefferson County's $71,143 median income sits about 7% below Washington's state average of $76,363, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. However, its per capita income of $49,853 is the second-highest among the eight counties, well above the state average of $40,628.

Jefferson comparable to Grant County

Jefferson County's $71,143 median income nearly mirrors Grant County ($71,115), making them economic peers in the moderate-income tier. Both counties significantly lag Island County ($88,358) but exceed rural counties like Ferry ($54,650).

High home values strain affordability

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% indicates housing affordability pressure, particularly for renters. A median home value of $495,100 represents a substantial commitment relative to median incomes, requiring careful financial planning.

Balance lifestyle with long-term goals

Jefferson County households should prioritize building wealth despite elevated housing costs by maximizing retirement contributions and exploring investment opportunities. A financial advisor can help balance current lifestyle needs with future financial security in this affluent coastal county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County thrives in health metrics

At 80.1 years, Jefferson County residents live 2.3 years above the U.S. average of 77.8 years, and just 13.9% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 19.1%. The county demonstrates strong health outcomes and wellness across its population.

Among Washington's finest health outcomes

Jefferson County's 80.1-year life expectancy exceeds Washington's average of 78.1 years by 2.0 years, and its 13.9% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than the state average. The county ranks in the top tier of Washington counties for overall health performance.

Health leader in the Peninsula region

Jefferson County's 80.1-year life expectancy and 13.9% poor/fair health rate both outpace nearby Grays Harbor County (74.6 years, 18.8%) by significant margins, though Island County slightly edges it out at 80.8 years and 13.3%. Jefferson County solidifies a health-strong corridor on the Olympic Peninsula.

Strong coverage plus excellent provider access

Jefferson County's 7.9% uninsured rate is below the state average of 9.0%, while primary care access is robust at 83 providers per 100,000 residents and mental health services are abundant at 531 per 100,000. The combination of high coverage rates and accessible providers supports the county's excellent health outcomes.

Sustain Jefferson County's health momentum

With strong coverage and excellent outcomes, Jefferson County is a model—but if you're among the 7.9% uninsured, the Washington Health Plan Finder makes enrollment simple. Staying covered ensures you maintain access to the primary and mental health care that contributes to your county's leading health performance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County's Natural Disaster Risk

Jefferson County scores 64.38 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting below Washington's state average of 70.01. The county's lower overall exposure reflects its Olympic Peninsula location and reduced earthquake and flood risks compared to Puget Sound peers.

Where Jefferson Ranks in Washington

Jefferson County ranks in the lower-middle range among Washington's 39 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score of 64.38 below the state average. The county's risk profile is notably safer than most Puget Sound and coastal counties.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Jefferson County's risk (64.38) is significantly lower than nearby Island County (77.99) and Grays Harbor (96.98), making it the safest in its coastal region. However, earthquake exposure at 95.01 remains substantial despite the county's favorable overall ranking.

Your Top Threat: Earthquake Risk

Earthquake risk dominates Jefferson County's hazard profile at 95.01, reflecting proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and Juan de Fuca plate boundary. Flood risk (64.40) is moderate due to coastal and river conditions, while wildfire exposure remains low at 23.51 because of temperate rainforest climate.

Prioritize Earthquake Protection

Jefferson County residents should secure earthquake insurance as the primary disaster coverage and retrofit homes to current seismic standards. Verify flood insurance on properties near rivers and coastal areas, though earthquake preparedness is the higher priority.

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.