countyscore
39.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.8Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax50Cost0.9Safety2.1Health94.5Schools53.8Income98.8Risk0.3Water71.1Weather67.6
🏛50
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Kittitas County
Washington
41.8
Thurston County
Washington
37.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
Yakima County
Washington
30.4
Mason County
Washington
40.1

Deep Dives

King County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in King County

via CostByCounty

King County rents hit national highs

At 20.0%, King County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average by more than 6 percentage points, reflecting the region's status as one of America's most expensive housing markets. Renters here spend roughly $2,035 monthly—nearly 3 times the national median rent of $700—while earning a robust median household income of $122,148.

Most expensive county in Washington

King County's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, exceeding Washington's 18.8% average. The county's median rent of $2,035 dwarfs the state average of $1,202, making it the clear affordability outlier across Washington's 39 counties.

Seattle metro runs pricey

King County's $2,035 median rent far outpaces nearby Kitsap County ($1,741) and Snohomish County's regional peer rates. Despite higher absolute income levels, King residents allocate a larger percentage of earnings to housing than most Washington neighbors.

Where King County dollars go

Renters spend 20.0% of income on housing, while homeowners dedicate 24.7% to mortgage costs ($2,514/month on $122,148 income). The median home value of $811,200 reflects one of the nation's hottest real estate markets.

Weighing Seattle-area affordability

If King County's housing costs concern you, nearby counties like Kitsap or Pierce offer lower rents while maintaining regional job access. A move 30–50 miles east to Kittitas or north to Snohomish County could cut housing expenses significantly without sacrificing Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in King County

via HealthByCounty

King County lives longest in the nation

At 81.1 years, King County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by roughly 5 years and sits nearly 3 years above Washington's state average of 78.1 years. Only 11.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below national trends. This longevity reflects strong healthcare access and economic resources concentrated in the county's urban core.

Washington's health leader by a wide margin

King County ranks at the top of Washington's 39 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. Its 5.7% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the state, compared to Washington's 9.0% average. This advantage stems from high concentrations of employers offering health benefits and advanced medical infrastructure.

Outpaces Pierce and Snohomish on every metric

King County's 81.1-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Kitsap County (79.5 years) and more distant neighbors. With 119 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, King has nearly double the availability of smaller counties like Klickitat (56 per 100K). Mental health provider density of 638 per 100K reflects major medical centers and urban concentration.

Healthcare access defines daily life here

Only 5.7% of King County residents lack health insurance, meaning the vast majority have routine access to preventive care and specialists. The county's 119 primary care providers per 100,000 residents mean most people can find a doctor within their network, and 638 mental health providers per 100K support behavioral health needs. This density of providers translates to shorter wait times and better continuity of care.

Already covered? Stay current and plan ahead

King County's low uninsured rate shows that most residents have found coverage options. If you're among the 5.7% without insurance, or if your coverage is changing, visit Washington's health insurance marketplace or contact a local enrollment specialist to explore plans that fit your needs and budget. Staying covered protects your health and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in King County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Public Schools

King County manages an expansive infrastructure of 537 public schools serving over 277,000 students. The system includes 298 elementary schools and 117 high schools spread across 28 distinct districts. This robust network forms the backbone of the state's largest educational community.

Strong Results and Competitive Spending

The county achieves an 84.6% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average of 81.4% but trailing the national 87% benchmark. Local per-pupil spending reaches $9,759, surpassing the Washington average of $9,250. This investment yields a school score of 56.6, consistently outperforming the state median.

Diverse Districts and Charter Options

Seattle School District leads the region with 51,238 students across 109 schools, followed closely by Lake Washington's 30,991 students. While traditional districts dominate, seven charter schools operate here, representing roughly 1.3% of the total school landscape. These options provide families with varied pathways within the public system.

Suburban and Urban Learning Hubs

Schools here offer a mix of 266 suburban and 241 urban settings with an average size of 538 students. Large campuses like Tahoma Senior High, serving 2,790 students, contrast with smaller rural and town schools. The environment ranges from high-density city classrooms to sprawling suburban campuses.

Locating Your Home Near Top Schools

With school scores consistently above the state average, King County remains a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Prospective residents should explore neighborhoods near high-performing hubs like Issaquah or Redmond to secure proximity to top-tier campuses. School quality remains a central driver of long-term property value in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in King County

via RiskByCounty

King County faces very high disaster risk

King County's composite risk score of 99.68 places it in the "Very High" category, significantly above the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure to multiple major hazards, particularly earthquakes and flooding that threaten the region's dense population and critical infrastructure.

Riskiest county in Washington state

With a score of 99.68, King County ranks as Washington's most hazard-prone county, far exceeding the state average of 70.01. This distinction reflects the region's position on the Cascade volcanic arc and proximity to major fault systems and flood-prone waterways.

King County significantly outpaces neighbors

King County's risk score of 99.68 dwarfs nearby Kitsap County (92.30) and Mason County (85.34), making it a clear outlier in the Puget Sound region. The difference is driven largely by King County's extreme earthquake risk (99.90) and severe flood vulnerability affecting millions of residents.

Earthquakes and floods dominate King's risks

King County faces nearly certain earthquake exposure (99.90 risk score) due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and local fault systems, plus major flood risks (99.46) from the Green, White, and Cedar Rivers affecting low-lying communities. Wildfires (79.45) also threaten suburban areas during dry seasons, though they rank below seismic and hydrologic hazards.

Essential coverage for King County homes

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquakes or floods, making separate earthquake and flood policies critical for King County residents. Consult a local insurance agent about coverage limits that reflect your home's location—especially if you're near rivers, on soft soils, or in older structures vulnerable to seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 39.5 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 $6,785, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns King County a tax score of 50/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in King County?
The median household income in King County, Washington is $122,148 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. King County earns an income score of 98.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is King County, Washington a good place to live?
King County scores 39.5/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.