countyscore
39.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.6Health 94.5Water Quality 71.1

County Report Card

About King County, Washington

A High-Impact Urban Hub

King County earns a composite score of 39.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it is a powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest, high living costs weigh down its overall ranking compared to thousands of counties nationwide.

Falling Short of State Averages

With an overall score of 39.4, King County sits significantly below the Washington state average of 44.1. It struggles to compete with more affordable neighbors despite serving as the state's economic engine.

Elite Incomes and Health Outcomes

King County excels with a near-perfect income score of 98.8, driven by a median household income of $122,148. Residents also benefit from a superior health score of 94.5, reflecting excellent access to care and wellness resources.

Extreme Costs and Environmental Risk

The county faces a critical affordability crisis with a cost score of just 0.9, as median home values soar to $811,200. Additionally, the risk score of 0.3 indicates high vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

This county is ideal for tech professionals and executives who can leverage six-figure salaries to offset massive housing costs. It offers world-class amenities and health services for those who can afford the entry price.

2040608010048.20.82.194.553.898.60.371.167.6Tax48.2Cost0.8Safety2.1Health94.5Schools53.8Income98.6Risk0.3Water71.1Weather67.639.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

King County DNA

Foverall

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

King County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.2
Cost
0.8-47.2
Safety
2.1-52.9
Health
94.5+44.5
Schools
53.8
Income
98.6+47.599999999999994
Risk
0.3-46.7
Water
71.1+13.099999999999994
Weather
67.6+11.599999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in King County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$859,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$2,092/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$859,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$83,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $124,746/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.4

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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Nearby counties

Pierce County
Washington
33.8
Snohomish County
Washington
41.6
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Kittitas County
Washington
41.2
Thurston County
Washington
37.6
Lewis County
Washington
37.9
Yakima County
Washington
30.4
Mason County
Washington
40

Deep Dives

King County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in King County

via TaxByCounty

King County taxes rank in top tier nationally

King County's effective tax rate of 0.836% sits well above the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $6,785 annually—more than 2.5 times the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher home values and steeper tax rates.

Highest tax burden in Washington state

King County leads Washington's 39 counties with the highest effective tax rate at 0.836%, compared to the state average of 0.761%. This 0.075 percentage point difference compounds significantly across the county's expensive real estate market.

Steep taxes compared to Puget Sound peers

King County's 0.836% rate substantially exceeds nearby Kitsap County (0.797%) and Kittitas County (0.708%). Residents here shoulder roughly $2,000 more in annual property taxes than Kitsap County homeowners on comparable properties.

Median home costs $6,785 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $811,200, King County homeowners typically pay $6,785 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes average $6,741, while properties owned outright average $6,900.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many King County homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sales comps, especially in fast-moving markets. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and can reduce your tax burden if your assessed value exceeds current market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in King County

via IncomeByCounty

King County Outearns the Nation

King County's median household income of $122,148 towers 63% above the national median of $74,755, making it one of the wealthiest counties in America. This gap reflects the region's concentration of tech, aerospace, and professional service workers who command premium salaries.

Washington's Income Leader

King County ranks first among all Washington counties with a median income 60% higher than the state average of $76,363. Its per capita income of $71,062 also dwarfs the state average of $40,628, revealing extraordinary earning power.

A Tier Above Regional Peers

King County's $122,148 median income vastly outpaces neighbors Kitsap County ($98,546) and Mason County ($78,359), reflecting Seattle's dominant role in the regional economy. The $23,602 gap between King and Kitsap underscores how concentrated high-wage employment is in King County.

High Income, High Housing Costs

Despite exceptional income, King County residents spend 20% of their earnings on rent—just below the national affordability threshold but reflecting median home values of $811,200. Even high earners here face significant housing cost pressures relative to their income.

Leverage King County's Earning Power

With median household income at $122,148, King County residents have substantial capacity to invest beyond housing and living expenses. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into real estate or index funds, and consulting a financial advisor to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in King County

via CrimeByCounty

Comparing King County to the National Average

King County reports a total crime rate of 4828.8 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a strong safety score of 92.4 out of 100. This data reflects reports from 41 different agencies across the most populous county in the state.

King County Safety Against State Averages

The county's safety score of 92.4 sits below the Washington state average of 96.2. While the state average total crime rate is 2377.2 per 100K, King County's rate is more than double that figure. This puts it among the more active areas for reported incidents in Washington.

Higher Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

King County’s total crime rate of 4828.8 per 100K is much higher than nearby Kitsap County's rate of 3106.2. It also surpasses Kittitas County, which sees only 2257.7 incidents per 100K residents. These figures highlight the unique urban challenges facing the Seattle metropolitan area.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 4361.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 467.1, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. This suggests that residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than physical harm.

Securing Your King County Property

With property crime rates nearly double the national average, home security remains a top priority for King County residents. Investing in smart cameras and improved lighting can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent reporting to local agencies helps authorities allocate resources effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in King County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Marine Climate

King County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.3°F, falling slightly below the national median. The region's temperate marine climate avoids the harsh temperature extremes found in much of the central United States.

Warmer Than the State Average

At 51.3°F, the county is warmer than the Washington state average of 49.9°F. Its 64.2 inches of annual precipitation also far exceeds the statewide average of 38.5 inches.

Drier Than Its Western Neighbors

King County receives 64.2 inches of rain, which is significantly less than the 83.3 inches seen in neighboring Mason County. However, it remains wetter than Kitsap County across the sound, which averages 56.9 inches.

Cool Summers and Damp Winters

The county experiences only 3 extreme heat days per year, with July temperatures averaging a mild 65.0°F. Winter brings 24.7 inches of snowfall and average lows near 40.1°F in January.

Prepare for Persistent Rain

High-quality waterproof gear is essential to handle the 64.2 inches of annual rainfall. While air conditioning is less critical given the few extreme heat days, residents should prepare for occasional winter snow accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in King County

via SoilByCounty

A mosaic awaiting deeper study

Official records for dominant taxonomic orders and pH levels remain unavailable for this specific region. While the state average pH is 6.20, local urban and forest soils likely vary significantly across the county's diverse terrain.

Glacial history shapes the ground

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented in our dataset. Local growers typically encounter a mix of glacial till and outwash that dictates how water moves through their land.

Nutrient potential in the maritime climate

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity is limited for this area. To reach the impressive state organic matter average of 14.85%, King County gardeners often rely on heavy mulching and composting.

Navigating the region's water flow

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data profile. Residents should observe local runoff patterns during the rainy season to understand how their specific plot manages moisture.

Abundant growth in Zone 9a

King County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, enjoying mild winters and a long growing season. This climate supports everything from lush perennial borders to productive vegetable patches in your own backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in King County

via LawnByCounty

High Rainfall Challenges King County Lawns

King County earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.6, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. While the USDA Hardiness Zone 9a indicates mild winters, the regional score is slightly tougher than the Washington state average of 36.9. Gardeners here face persistent moisture and drainage issues that complicate standard turf maintenance.

Abundant Rain Shapes Mowing Routines

With 64.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county far exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This excess moisture, paired with 1,925 growing degree days, promotes rapid but often soggy growth. Mowing schedules must remain flexible to accommodate frequent rain and a limited 3 days of extreme heat per year.

Understanding Local Soil Composition

While specific county-wide soil pH and texture data are limited for this region, local growers typically encounter glacial till. Proper aeration is essential to prevent compaction in these damp conditions. Testing your specific plot for pH is recommended since high rainfall often leads to more acidic soil over time.

Managing Surprising Summer Dry Spells

Despite high annual rain, King County endured 42 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Currently, 59.0% of the area is classified as abnormally dry, requiring smart irrigation during the summer months. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems.

Start Your King County Lawn

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues thrive in Zone 9a and handle the county's damp, cool climate effectively. Aim to seed or sod following the last spring frost on April 3rd for the best results. Active growth continues until the first fall frost arrives around November 10th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King County's county score?
King County, Washington has a composite county score of 39.1 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 King County rank among counties in Washington?
King County ranks #24 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 King County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in King County is $7,114, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns King County a tax score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in King County?
The median household income in King County, Washington is $124,746 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. King County earns an income score of 98.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is King County, Washington a good place to live?
King County scores 39.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Washington. The best way to evaluate King 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 King 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.