countyscore
47.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 82.1Income & Jobs 71.2

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Washington

Near the Middle of National Rankings

Jefferson County achieves a composite score of 48.6, sitting just shy of the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that rivals many successful counties nationwide.

Stronger than the Washington Average

With a score of 48.6, Jefferson County outperforms the Washington state average of 44.1. It is a solid performer within the regional landscape.

Top-Tier Health and Water Quality

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a health score of 82.1. These factors contribute to a high quality of life and general well-being for the population.

Housing Costs and Safety Gaps

High real estate prices lead to a cost score of 18.4, with home values near $495,100. A safety score of 27.5 also indicates room for improvement in community security.

Best for Environmentally Conscious Families

Jefferson County is a great fit for those who value clean water and a healthy lifestyle above all else. It suits established residents who can manage higher housing costs in exchange for natural beauty.

2040608010058.715.827.582.157.371.235.68667.6Tax58.7Cost15.8Safety27.5Health82.1Schools57.3Income71.2Risk35.6Water86Weather67.647.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (15.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.7
Cost
15.8-32.2
Safety
27.5-27.5
Health
82.1+32.099999999999994
Schools
57.3
Income
71.2+20.200000000000003
Risk
35.6-11.399999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
67.6+11.599999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$535,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,522/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$535,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,048/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

54.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
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Red River County
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Nearby counties

Clallam County
Washington
40.1
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Mason County
Washington
40
Island County
Washington
50.9
Grays Harbor County
Washington
36.7
San Juan County
Washington
55.8
Thurston County
Washington
37.6
Snohomish County
Washington
41.6

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Offers High Security

Jefferson County earns a safety score of 97.2, indicating it is safer than most of the country. The total crime rate of 1,757.2 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger Safety Than the Washington Average

Jefferson's safety score of 97.2 sits comfortably above the state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the Washington average of 2,377.2.

Comparing Jefferson to Island and Douglas

Jefferson County's crime rate of 1,757.2 is higher than Island County's 1,068.1. However, it remains a safer option than Franklin County, which reports a rate of 2,983.7.

Violent Crime Remains Low

The violent crime rate is 163.6 per 100,000, which is roughly half the national average. Property crime makes up most of the reports at ,1593.6 per 100,000 residents.

Maintaining a Secure Jefferson County

With property crime as the primary factor, residents should focus on securing homes and outbuildings. Visible security signage and well-lit entryways are effective ways to deter occasional theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Damp Peninsula Life

Jefferson County averages 50.9°F, reflecting a cool maritime climate that sits below the national median. It is a land of extremes, with 52.5 inches of annual rain concentrated in its rainforest regions.

Wetter Than the State Norm

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F and significantly wetter than the 38.5-inch state mean. Most of this moisture falls as rain rather than snow along the Olympic Peninsula.

Rainy Even by Coast Standards

Jefferson receives significantly more rain than Island County but only about half the deluge seen in Grays Harbor. Snow is almost non-existent at 0.6 inches, far less than the totals in Eastern Washington.

Mild Summers and Wet Winters

Summers are cool and pleasant, averaging 61.4°F with only 2 days of extreme heat. Winters are mild and damp, with a January average of 40.9°F keeping frost at bay.

Rain Gear Over Snow Gear

Waterproof gear is a daily necessity for the 52.5 inches of rain, though snow shovels are rarely required. Home heating needs are moderate, and air conditioning is an optional luxury rather than a requirement.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Olympic Peninsula Soil Secrets

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Jefferson County is currently unrecorded in our dataset. Gardeners here typically work with soils shaped by glacial activity and the dense forest history of the Olympic Peninsula.

A Mix of Till and Timber

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is not available for this county. Local landscapes often feature a mix of rocky glacial till on the hills and silty organic deposits in the river valleys.

Hidden Nutrient Potential

Metrics for organic matter and water capacity are not currently listed for Jefferson County. In this region, high rainfall and thick forest cover usually lead to a high accumulation of organic material on the forest floor.

Navigating a High-Rainfall Zone

Official drainage and hydrologic group information is currently missing from the record. In this wet climate, site-specific drainage is a top priority for any construction project or home garden.

Maritime Gardening in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b allows for a wide variety of moisture-loving plants and cool-weather vegetables. Use the mild, temperate climate to your advantage and start cultivating your own Pacific Northwest food forest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Jefferson County's Ideal Coastal Climate

Jefferson County boasts a 48.4 lawn difficulty score, the highest in this group and significantly easier than the state average of 36.9. This score is nearly at the national median of 50.0, reflecting a very hospitable environment in hardiness zone 8b. The mild temperatures and consistent moisture make this a premier spot for turf.

Perfect Precipitation and Cool Summers

With 52.5 inches of annual rain, the county sits within the ideal range for healthy lawns without constant irrigation. Only 2 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn is unlikely to suffer from summer scorch. The climate supports a lush, green landscape with minimal intervention compared to other Washington regions.

Testing for Coastal Soil Health

Local soil pH and texture data are not available, so a custom soil test is your best first step. High rainfall in the Pacific Northwest often leads to more acidic soils, which may require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 pH sweet spot. Proper aeration is recommended to ensure the ample rainfall doesn't lead to soil compaction.

Resilient Against Rare Dry Spells

Only 47.8% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and the region saw just 28 weeks of drought last year. Most years, the natural precipitation cycle is sufficient for established lawns. During unusually dry weeks, a light supplement of water will keep your turf from entering a protective dormancy.

A Long Window for Planting Success

Fine fescues and colonial bentgrass are perfect for the maritime 8b environment. You can begin seeding after the April 11 frost, enjoying a robust growing window that lasts through October 28. This long season allows for multiple opportunities to overseed and thicken your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Washington has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Washington?
Jefferson County ranks #12 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 Jefferson County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $3,818, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Washington is $74,048 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Washington a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.