countyscore
41.8
County Score
Health 75.3Water Quality 66.4Income & Jobs 66.2

County Report Card

About Kittitas County, Washington

Moderate Standing in the Heartland

Kittitas County achieves a composite score of 41.8, which remains below the national median of 50.0. It offers a bridge between the high-cost coast and the more rural interior of the country.

Approaching State Average Livability

With a score of 41.8, Kittitas is closing in on the Washington state average of 44.1. It performs better than its more urban neighbors in the Puget Sound by offering a slightly lower tax burden.

Tax Efficiency and Healthy Living

The county scores well in tax favorability at 62.3, aided by an effective tax rate of just 0.708%. Its health score of 75.3 suggests a population that benefits from an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Housing Affordability and Safety

Affordability is a growing hurdle, evidenced by a cost score of 11.2 and a median home value of $459,900. Safety also presents room for improvement with a dimension score of 16.8.

Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Kittitas County is a strong match for individuals who prioritize wellness and lower tax rates over urban safety metrics. It is particularly appealing to those who work in higher-income sectors but prefer a more rugged environment.

2040608010062.311.216.875.356.466.210.966.444.8Tax62.3Cost11.2Safety16.8Health75.3Schools56.4Income66.2Risk10.9Water66.4Weather44.841.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Kittitas County DNA

Foverall

How Kittitas County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kittitas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (75.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (16.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.3+10.299999999999997
Cost
11.2-36.8
Safety
16.8-38.2
Health
75.3+25.299999999999997
Schools
56.4
Income
66.2+15.200000000000003
Risk
10.9-36.1
Water
66.4+8.400000000000006
Weather
44.8-11.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Kittitas County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$459,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,253/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$459,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,928/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.5

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

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Warren County
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Georgetown County
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Nearby counties

Yakima County
Washington
30.4
Chelan County
Washington
42
King County
Washington
39.5
Grant County
Washington
32.8
Douglas County
Washington
45.1
Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2

Deep Dives

Kittitas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kittitas County

via TaxByCounty

Kittitas taxes below national average

Kittitas County's effective tax rate of 0.708% sits below the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. Homeowners pay a median of $3,255 annually—well above the national median of $2,690—due to higher local home values rather than aggressive rates.

Mid-range tax rate in Washington

Kittitas County ranks 20th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.708%, below the statewide average of 0.761%. This positioning reflects moderate tax pressure relative to Puget Sound neighbors.

Lower rates than King, Kitsap counties

Kittitas County's 0.708% rate substantially undercuts King County (0.836%) and Kitsap County (0.797%), though it trails rural counties like Klickitat (0.618%) and Lincoln (0.595%). The county balances moderate rates with strong property values.

Median annual tax is $3,255

With a median home value of $459,900, Kittitas County residents typically pay $3,255 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes average $3,293, while mortgage-free properties average $3,201.

Review your assessment during valuation cycles

Even in relatively moderately-taxed counties, overassessment happens when market values shift unexpectedly. Kittitas County homeowners should compare their assessed value against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if justified.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kittitas County

via CostByCounty

Kittitas rents strain modest incomes

With a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio, Kittitas County exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average despite lower incomes of $69,928. Renters spend $1,253 monthly—far above the national median—making housing affordability a genuine challenge for most households.

Cascades county faces affordability crunch

Kittitas ranks among Washington's more strained counties with a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 18.8%. The median rent of $1,253 is particularly burdensome given the county's median income of $69,928, the lowest among this peer group.

Stuck between city and countryside

Kittitas's $1,253 rent is higher than rural Okanogan ($868) or Klickitat ($1,119) yet below Puget Sound counties, reflecting its mountain-town character and Seattle commute appeal. Neighboring Yakima County offers comparable housing costs but more job diversity.

High burden on lower income

Renters dedicate 21.5% of the $69,928 median income to housing, while homeowners spend 25.4% on mortgage costs of $1,483. The median home value of $459,900 is steep for a county where incomes lag state and national levels.

Kittitas offers Cascades living

Despite affordability pressures, Kittitas offers mountain recreation and regional growth potential if you're willing to stretch your housing budget. Consider pairing relocation with remote work or Puget Sound commute opportunities to justify the cost premium over flatter, further-east alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kittitas County

via IncomeByCounty

Kittitas Below National Income Standard

Kittitas County's median household income of $69,928 falls 6.4% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning U.S. counties. Agricultural and service-sector employment dominates the county's economic base.

Middle of Washington's Income Pack

Kittitas County ranks in the middle tier of Washington counties at $69,928 median income, about 8% below the state average of $76,363. Per capita income of $41,356 slightly exceeds the state average of $40,628, suggesting unequal wealth distribution.

Below King and Kitsap, Ahead of Rural Counties

Kittitas's $69,928 income trails Kitsap County ($98,546) by nearly $29,000 but edges slightly above Klickitat ($70,400) and Lewis ($69,690) counties. The county sits in Washington's lower-middle income band, closer to rural neighbors than urban centers.

Tight Housing-to-Income Ratio

Kittitas residents allocate 21.5% of median income to rent—above the 20% affordability threshold—while median home values of $459,900 stretch household budgets. Housing costs consume a significant share of family earnings here.

Strategic Saving Builds Long-Term Security

With median household income at $69,928, every dollar saved matters; prioritize an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses first. Then explore employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds to grow wealth despite moderate starting income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kittitas County

via CrimeByCounty

Kittitas County Safer Than National Average

Kittitas County reports a total crime rate of 2257.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a safety score of 96.4 out of 100. Five agencies report data for this central Washington region.

Surpassing the State Safety Benchmark

The county's safety score of 96.4 is slightly higher than the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 2257.7 is also lower than the statewide average of 2377.2. This indicates that Kittitas is generally safer than many urban counterparts in Washington.

Safe Comparison to Neighboring Counties

Kittitas County is notably safer than King County, which has a crime rate more than double its own. It also performs better than Kitsap County's rate of 3106.2. Its profile remains much safer than the high-density areas to the west.

Violent Crime Trends Lower Locally

Violent crime in Kittitas stands at 200.3 per 100K, significantly lower than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of reports at 2057.4 per 100K. These numbers suggest that physical safety is relatively high for residents.

Securing Your Kittitas County Home

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should secure vehicles and home entry points. Even though Kittitas is safer than the state average, maintaining basic security habits like porch lighting helps keep rates low. Awareness of your surroundings remains your best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kittitas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Educational Framework

Kittitas County maintains 20 public schools managed by six school districts for its 5,204 students. The system features seven elementary and six high schools, creating a streamlined pathway from early learning to graduation. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

Kittitas shines with an 87.2% graduation rate, beating both the state average and the national 87% benchmark. This success comes despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $8,899, which is below the state average. The county's school score of 56.2 reflects high efficiency and strong academic outcomes.

Ellensburg Leads the Local Region

The Ellensburg School District is the primary educator, serving 3,238 students across eight schools. Cle Elum-Roslyn and Kittitas School Districts manage the remaining student population with four schools each. These districts emphasize community-based learning without the presence of alternative charter models.

Small-Town Feel and Rural Learning

Education here is defined by 11 town-based and nine rural schools with a modest average size of 289 students. Ellensburg High School is the largest campus in the county, hosting 938 students. This smaller scale ensures that most students experience a tight-knit, personalized academic environment.

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

With graduation rates exceeding the national average, Kittitas County is a hidden gem for families seeking high-performing schools. Moving to areas like Ellensburg ensures access to the county's most robust educational resources. High school performance is a key factor to consider when evaluating homes in this growing region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kittitas County

via RiskByCounty

Kittitas County manages relatively moderate risk

Kittitas County's composite risk score of 89.12 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average but not extreme. The score reflects a unique hazard mix: catastrophic wildfire risk paired with significant earthquake and flood threats.

Mid-range risk profile for Washington

Kittitas County scores 89.12 against Washington's average of 70.01, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated score is driven primarily by wildfire exposure in this transition zone between Puget Sound and the drier interior.

Kittitas shares risk with surrounding counties

Kittitas County (89.12) sits between Lewis County (89.69) to the southwest and Okanogan County (89.19) to the north, forming a band of elevated wildfire and earthquake risk across central Washington. All three counties face similar seismic threats and water-related hazards.

Wildfire, earthquake, and flood threats

Kittitas County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.68), the highest among its major hazards, affecting thousands of homes in forested and semi-arid zones. Earthquakes (93.86) and flooding (74.78) pose secondary but serious threats, while tornadoes (7.41) are rare.

Wildfire, earthquake, and flood preparation

Kittitas County residents must combine wildfire defensibility with earthquake and flood insurance: clear vegetation from home perimeters, install metal roofing if possible, and secure separate earthquake and flood policies. Properties near waterways or in forest-interface zones face compounded risks requiring comprehensive coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kittitas County

via WaterByCounty

Reliable Tap Water Standards in Kittitas

Kittitas County earns a Grade B with only one health violation recorded over the last five years. At 2.8 violations per 100K, the county performs far better than the state average of 113.4.

Assessments Not Yet Reported for Local Watersheds

Water bodies in this county are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. There is no official percentage of impaired water bodies reported for the current cycle.

Targeted Monitoring at Key Local Sites

Monitoring is limited to 8 sites which have recorded 1,741 measurements over the last five years. These efforts primarily track physical, inorganic, and metallic characteristics across the county.

Yakima River Shows Strong Seasonal Flow

The Yakima River at Umtanum shows high activity with a current discharge of 3,120 cfs, or 129% of its typical mean. This increased flow serves a large drainage area of 1,594 square miles.

Monitor Turbidity During High Flow

Above-average streamflow in the Yakima River can increase turbidity in source water. Residents should monitor local utility updates, especially since monitoring site density remains relatively low.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kittitas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Continental Influence

With an average annual temperature of 46.4°F, Kittitas County is significantly cooler than the national median. The area experiences more distinct temperature shifts than coastal regions.

Cooler and Drier Than Average

The county's 46.4°F average temperature sits below the Washington state average of 49.9°F. Its 31.4 inches of precipitation also falls short of the 38.5-inch statewide mark.

Contrasting With the Coast

Kittitas sees 16 extreme heat days, far more than the 3 days recorded in neighboring King County. It also receives less than half the rainfall found in the Puget Sound region.

Hot Summers and Cold Winters

January temperatures drop to an average of 29.0°F, while July reaches a warm 65.9°F average. Although annual snowfall data is currently unavailable, the county faces 16 days of extreme heat every year.

Equip for Seasonal Extremes

Residents need reliable heating systems to handle winter averages of 30.2°F. Cooling solutions are also important for the 16 days of extreme heat that occur during the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kittitas County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse soils of the Cascades

Formal taxonomic data and pH levels are currently unlisted for this inland county. While the state average pH is 6.20, the local transition from mountain peaks to valley floors creates highly variable soil identities.

The mix of the valley

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not available in our current records. This composition determines how well the ground holds together and breathes under the Eastern Washington sun.

Assessing the growing potential

There is limited data on the organic matter and water capacity for these soils. Growers here must carefully manage their inputs to compete with the robust state soil score average of 58.1.

Water movement across the rainshadow

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain undocumented for Kittitas County. Observing how snowmelt and irrigation interact with your land provides the best insight into its natural hydrology.

Gearing up for Zone 7a

Kittitas falls into Hardiness Zone 7a, requiring plants that can withstand colder winter temperatures. Focus on hardy perennials and short-season crops to make the most of the unique high-desert climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kittitas County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Dryness in Kittitas County

Maintaining a lawn in Kittitas County is moderately difficult, evidenced by a score of 39.2. This score is slightly better than the Washington state average but trails the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 7a, growers must contend with colder winters and significantly drier summers.

Optimal Rain but High Heat

The county averages 31.4 inches of precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. However, 16 extreme heat days and 1,748 growing degree days mean water evaporates quickly. Mowing should be adjusted during hot spells to avoid stressing the grass.

Soil Considerations for Zone 7a

Specific soil metrics such as clay content and pH are not available for this county in the current dataset. Because this is a transition zone between wet and dry climates, local soil can vary significantly from valley to hillside. A professional soil test is the best way to determine if you need lime or sulfur amendments.

Persistent Drought Constraints

Kittitas County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This chronic dryness requires a strict focus on water conservation and efficient irrigation. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain precious moisture in the soil.

Building a Resilient Grass Base

Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are top choices for the climate and 7a hardiness zone of Kittitas. Wait until after the last spring frost on May 9th to begin seeding or laying sod. The growing window is shorter than the coast, with the first fall frost arriving by October 6th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kittitas County's county score?
Kittitas County, Washington has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Kittitas County rank among counties in Washington?
Kittitas County ranks #19 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 Kittitas County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Kittitas County is $3,255, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Kittitas County a tax score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kittitas County?
The median household income in Kittitas County, Washington is $69,928 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kittitas County earns an income score of 66.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kittitas County, Washington a good place to live?
Kittitas County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Kittitas 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 Kittitas County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.