CountyScore

King County

Washington · WA

#39 in Washington
56.6
County Score

County Report Card

About King County, Washington

King County exceeds national livability median

King County scores 53.7 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This puts King County in the 61st percentile nationally, meaning it outperforms about six in ten U.S. counties overall.

Trailing Washington's strongest performers

King County ranks below Washington's state average of 68.1, indicating room for improvement compared to the state's best counties. Despite this, King County remains a competitive livability choice within its state.

Tax advantages and strong earning potential

King County shines with a tax score of 78.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.836%, plus a median household income of $122,148—well above typical earnings nationwide. These economic strengths reflect the county's role as home to major employers and affluent communities.

Housing affordability remains the sticking point

King County's cost score of just 32.5 reflects a median home value of $811,200 and monthly rent averaging $2,035—among the highest in the nation. This housing crunch significantly limits livability for middle-income families, despite the county's strong income levels.

Best for high earners seeking urban advantage

King County suits affluent professionals and established families who can afford premium housing in exchange for robust job markets and tax efficiency. Those prioritizing affordability should look elsewhere in Washington state.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.7Cost32.5SafetyComing SoonHealth83.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome63.1Risk0.3WaterComing Soon
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡0.3
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 King County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Palm Beach County
Florida
56.6
Median income: $81,115
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
56.6
Median income: $92,859
Franklin County
Ohio
56.6
Median income: $73,795
Todd County
South Dakota
56.6
Median income: $39,148
Johnson County
Texas
56.6
Median income: $81,826

Deep Dives

King County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.