countyscore
40.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.9Health 86Weather & Climate 70.5

County Report Card

About Kitsap County, Washington

Steady Performance Near National Median

Kitsap County posts a composite score of 40.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. Its strong local economy helps it remain competitive, though it faces similar cost pressures as other coastal areas.

Trailing the Washington Average

The county's 40.1 composite score sits roughly four points below the state average of 44.1. While it offers a distinct maritime identity, its overall livability metric is dampened by safety and cost concerns.

Strong Salaries and Robust Health

Kitsap boasts an impressive income score of 94.9, with a median household income nearing $100,000. It also provides high-quality living conditions reflected in its 86.0 health score.

Safety and Risk Barriers

Safety is a notable concern with a score of 7.0, and environmental risk factors contribute to a low risk score of 7.7. Median rents of $1,741 also place significant pressure on lower-income households.

Ideal for Established Commuters

Kitsap County suits ferry-riding professionals and military families who value high household earnings and strong health services. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those prioritizing income potential over absolute safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax53.6Cost3.7Safety7Health86Schools52.3Income94.9Risk7.7Water67.5Weather70.5
🏛53.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.7
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

Island County
Washington
50.7
Mason County
Washington
40.1
Jefferson County
Washington
48.6
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7
King County
Washington
39.5
Pierce County
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33.7
Thurston County
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San Juan County
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55.5

Deep Dives

Kitsap County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kitsap County

via TaxByCounty

Kitsap taxes exceed national median significantly

Kitsap County's effective tax rate of 0.797% surpasses the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $4,030 is 50% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest tax rate in Washington

Kitsap County ranks second among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.797%, just behind King County's 0.836%. This pushes residents above the statewide average of 0.761%.

Higher taxes than rural Washington counties

Kitsap County's 0.797% rate exceeds nearby Kittitas County (0.708%) and Mason County (0.751%) significantly. The Puget Sound location commands premium rates reflecting higher property values and urban service demands.

Median tax reaches $4,030 annually

Kitsap County's median home value of $505,700 translates to an annual tax bill of $4,030. Mortgaged properties average $3,978, while mortgage-free homes average $4,185.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Many Kitsap County homeowners discover their assessed values exceed market reality, especially after property sales data updates. A simple appeal can reduce your effective tax burden with no filing fee required.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kitsap County

via CostByCounty

Kitsap stretches income on rent

Kitsap County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average, making it a tight squeeze for renters. At $1,741 monthly, median rent is more than double the national median, though incomes of $98,546 help offset the burden compared to lower-earning regions.

Among Washington's less affordable

Kitsap's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above the state average of 18.8%, placing the county in the upper tier of affordability challenges across Washington. The median rent of $1,741 significantly exceeds the state average of $1,202, reflecting the Puget Sound region's sustained demand.

Gateway to Puget Sound pricing

Kitsap's $1,741 rent sits between King County's pricey $2,035 and more rural counties to the east, making it a middle ground in the Seattle metro. Housing costs are notably higher than Pierce or Thurston counties, reflecting its proximity to Bremerton's waterfront appeal and military base economy.

Rent and mortgage split evenly

Renters spend 21.2% of the $98,546 median income on housing, while homeowners dedicate 21.9% to mortgage costs of $1,802. The median home value of $505,700 remains accessible compared to King County but costly relative to inland Washington.

Consider Kitsap as Seattle alternative

Kitsap offers reasonable proximity to Seattle jobs with meaningful rent savings—nearly $300 monthly less than King County. If you're seeking Puget Sound access without peak-market pricing, Kitsap's ferry connections and smaller-city appeal make it a strategic relocation choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kitsap County

via IncomeByCounty

Kitsap Earns Well Above National Average

Kitsap County's median household income of $98,546 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 32%, reflecting a strong military presence and skilled trades employment. This positions Kitsap among the nation's better-earning counties despite its mid-size population.

Kitsap Ranks Second in Washington

Kitsap County ranks second among Washington counties with a median income 29% above the state average of $76,363. Only King County outpaces Kitsap's earning power, making it the state's second-strongest income market.

Regional Economic Hub

Kitsap's $98,546 median income significantly surpasses rural neighbors like Kittitas ($69,928) and Klickitat ($70,400) counties by roughly $27,000–$28,000. This premium reflects Kitsap's naval and industrial base, particularly the Puget Sound region's economic strength.

Balanced Housing and Income

Kitsap residents spend 21.2% of median income on rent—slightly above the national affordability norm—while median home values of $505,700 remain more accessible than King County. The income-to-housing ratio suggests manageable affordability for most households.

Build Wealth on Kitsap's Strong Base

With a $98,546 median household income, Kitsap residents have solid capacity to save and invest beyond essentials. Explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts, emergency savings, and long-term investment strategies to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kitsap County

via CrimeByCounty

Kitsap County Surpasses National Crime Averages

Kitsap County reports 3106.2 total crimes per 100K, which is higher than the national rate of 2,385.5. However, it maintains a high safety score of 95.1 out of 100. Five reporting agencies contributed to these 2022 statistics.

Kitsap Near Washington's Average Safety Score

Kitsap's safety score of 95.1 is very close to the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 3106.2 per 100K is higher than the state average of 2377.2. This suggests a slightly higher frequency of incidents compared to many other Washington counties.

A Safer Alternative to King County

While Kitsap County's 3106.2 crime rate is above the state average, it is significantly lower than King County's 4828.8. It faces higher rates than rural Mason County, which sits at 1999.9. This places Kitsap in the middle of the pack for the Puget Sound region.

Property Incidents Outpace Violent Crimes

The county sees 2764.2 property crimes per 100K residents, which makes up about 89% of all reported incidents. Violent crime is lower, with 342.0 per 100K, staying just under the national average of 369.8. Practical safety focuses largely on preventing theft and trespassing.

Vigilance Against Property Crime in Kitsap

High property crime rates suggest that Kitsap residents should prioritize locking doors and securing outbuildings. Since property crimes happen far more often than violent ones, simple deterrents like motion-activated lights are effective. Community watch programs can help monitor neighborhood safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kitsap County

via HealthByCounty

Kitsap's health outcomes lag national average

Life expectancy in Kitsap County reaches 79.5 years, about 2.5 years below the U.S. average and trailing Washington state by 1.4 years. One in eight residents (13.1%) report poor or fair health, signaling mid-range challenges compared to national patterns. These figures reflect a mixed healthcare landscape with pockets of strength and areas needing investment.

Kitsap ranks middle-of-pack in Washington

With 79.5 years of life expectancy, Kitsap falls in the middle tier of Washington counties, behind King but competitive with Kittitas and Klickitat. The county's 7.1% uninsured rate beats Washington's 9.0% average, suggesting reasonable insurance coverage despite moderate health outcomes. This gap between coverage and health indicators points to barriers beyond insurance alone.

Mixed picture compared to regional peers

Kitsap's 79.5-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Klickitat (79.4) but trails King County (81.1) by nearly two years. Primary care availability at 67 per 100K falls between urban-dense King and rural counties, while mental health providers at 488 per 100K provide moderate access. The county's geography—mixing naval bases, urban centers, and rural areas—creates uneven healthcare distribution.

Coverage exists, but care access varies by location

Kitsap's 7.1% uninsured rate means most residents have some form of insurance, but the county's 67 primary care providers per 100,000 means appointments can involve waiting or travel. Mental health support at 488 providers per 100K offers reasonable coverage, though demand remains high. Geography matters—urban Bremerton offers better access than more rural areas of the county.

Secure coverage and find local providers now

If you're among Kitsap's 7.1% uninsured residents, or if your job-based coverage is changing, explore Washington's health insurance options to close the gap. Once covered, use your plan's provider directory to locate primary care and mental health services near you—planning ahead reduces barriers to care. A covered resident is better positioned to manage health proactively.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kitsap County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Sound

Kitsap County operates 77 public schools across eight school districts, serving a total student population of 34,461. The landscape is primarily composed of 42 elementary schools and 16 high schools. This infrastructure supports a diverse mix of naval families and local residents.

Outperforming State Standards

Kitsap's 84.3% graduation rate sits comfortably above the state average of 81.4%. The county invests $9,511 per pupil, which is higher than the state mean but lower than the national $13,000 average. Its composite school score of 55.9 indicates performance levels above the state median of 53.9.

Leading Districts and Specialized Schools

Central Kitsap School District is the largest provider, educating 11,206 students across 19 schools. South Kitsap follows with 9,196 students, while one charter school adds diversity to the county's educational offerings. These districts maintain a strong focus on secondary education through large high school campuses.

Suburban Focus and Varied Locales

Most students attend one of the 35 suburban or 26 city schools, where the average enrollment is 453 students. South Kitsap High School stands out as the largest facility with 2,389 students, creating a large-campus atmosphere. In contrast, 16 rural schools provide smaller-scale learning environments for more remote residents.

Coastal Living and Academic Success

Families looking for strong public education will find Kitsap County's graduation rates and performance scores highly attractive. Exploring homes near Central Kitsap or Bainbridge Island allows buyers to prioritize school quality in their real estate search. Proximity to these well-funded districts offers a significant benefit for growing households.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kitsap County

via RiskByCounty

Kitsap County carries relatively moderate risk

Kitsap County's composite risk score of 92.30 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average but lower than many high-hazard regions. The county's risk is concentrated in earthquake exposure and coastal flooding, not evenly distributed across all disaster types.

Above average risk for Washington state

Kitsap County scores 92.30 against Washington's state average of 70.01, ranking it in the upper tier of county risk statewide. The gap reflects significant seismic hazard from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and fault systems affecting this Puget Sound peninsula.

Kitsap sits between risk extremes

Kitsap County's score of 92.30 exceeds Mason County (85.34) to the south but falls short of King County's extreme 99.68 to the east. This places Kitsap as a moderate-to-high risk zone within the greater Puget Sound region.

Earthquakes and flooding threaten Kitsap

Kitsap County faces severe earthquake risk (98.66) from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and local faults, plus notable flood exposure (79.40) along Puget Sound and river valleys. Wildfire risk (39.85) is relatively low compared to eastern Washington, and tornadoes (23.66) are uncommon.

Earthquake and flood coverage essential

Kitsap County residents should prioritize earthquake and flood insurance, as standard policies exclude both hazards. Waterfront and riverside homeowners face particular flooding risk, while all structures in Kitsap need seismic readiness—securing water heaters, bracing foundations, and maintaining earthquake insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kitsap County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures Near National Medians

Kitsap County's average temperature of 52.3°F aligns closely with many temperate regions across the country. It offers a stable climate that lacks the volatile swings seen in more continental zones.

One of Washington's Warmer Spots

The county's 52.3°F average temperature makes it warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. It also receives 56.9 inches of rain, placing it well above the 38.5-inch state average for precipitation.

Warmer and Drier Than King County

Kitsap averages 52.3°F, making it a full degree warmer on average than King County to the east. It is also drier than King, receiving about 7 fewer inches of annual rainfall.

Mild Winters with Minimal Snow

Winter is exceptionally mild here, with only 3.0 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 41.1°F. Summers are comfortable, featuring just 4 days per year where temperatures reach 90°F or higher.

Focus on Rain Protection

With only 3 inches of snow, heavy winter equipment is rarely necessary. Residents should instead prioritize home drainage and rain gear to manage the 56.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kitsap County

via SoilByCounty

Mysteries beneath the Peninsula

Comprehensive data on taxonomic orders and pH levels is currently unavailable for Kitsap County. For context, the national median pH is 6.5, but local maritime conditions often create more acidic environments.

The texture of the Sound

We lack specific data on the sand, silt, and clay composition for this area. Despite the missing numbers, the physical landscape suggests a heritage of glacial deposits common to the Puget Sound.

Building fertility near the coast

Official organic matter percentages and water capacity figures are not yet recorded here. Local practitioners strive to match the high state average of 14.85% organic matter to maximize their harvest potential.

Managing moisture in Kitsap

Drainage classifications and hydrologic groups are missing from the current records. Understanding your local slope and proximity to the water is essential for successful site planning and building.

Thriving in a temperate 9a

With a Hardiness Zone of 9a, Kitsap County offers a gentle environment for a wide array of plants. Start a garden today to take advantage of the mild air and the region's natural growing power.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kitsap County

via LawnByCounty

Kitsap Offers More Manageable Conditions

Kitsap County scores a 47.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easier places in Washington to keep a lawn green. This score sits well above the state average of 36.9 and nears the national median of 50.0. The mild 9a hardiness zone provides a long, temperate window for turf health.

Temperate Maritime Growth Cycles

The county receives 56.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal 50-inch threshold but manageable. With 2,058 growing degree days and only 4 extreme heat days, grass grows steadily without the stress of scorching summer sun. This climate supports a robust and predictable mowing schedule.

Preparing Your Foundation

Comprehensive soil data for pH and drainage is not currently available for this area. However, the high annual rainfall suggests homeowners should monitor for nutrient leaching and acidic conditions. Adding organic matter can help balance drainage for the local 9a climate.

Consistent Moisture Reliability

Kitsap County is currently drought-free, with 0% of the area facing abnormally dry conditions. While it saw 28 weeks in drought over the last year, it remains more resilient than many neighboring counties. Maintaining a regular watering schedule during the peak of summer is usually sufficient for success.

Lush Lawns on the Peninsula

Fine fescues and bentgrasses are excellent choices for the Kitsap Peninsula's maritime environment. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on March 29th to maximize the growing season. Your lawn typically stays active until the first frost hits around November 14th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kitsap County's county score?
Kitsap County, Washington has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Kitsap County rank among counties in Washington?
Kitsap County ranks #22 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 Kitsap County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Kitsap County is $4,030, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Kitsap County a tax score of 53.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kitsap County?
The median household income in Kitsap County, Washington is $98,546 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kitsap County earns an income score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kitsap County, Washington a good place to live?
Kitsap County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Kitsap 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 Kitsap County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.