countyscore
52.7
County Score
Property Tax 72.3Income & Jobs 67.5Health 63.2

County Report Card

About Klickitat County, Washington

Surpassing the National Median

Klickitat County stands out with a composite score of 52.7, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more competitive counties in the Pacific Northwest on a national scale.

A Leader in Washington State

Klickitat outperforms the Washington average of 44.1 by over eight points. Its blend of lower taxes and decent safety ratings makes it a hidden gem within the state's geography.

Low Taxes and Strong Safety

The county shines with a tax score of 72.3, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.618%. It also provides a secure environment for residents, earning a safety score of 61.6.

Environmental Risk and Water Quality

Despite its strengths, the county faces a risk score of 26.1 and a water quality score of 53.5. These environmental metrics are the primary areas where the county lags behind its other high scores.

Best for Value-Seeking Families

This county is a premier choice for families looking to maximize their income through low taxes while living in a safe community. It offers a rare combination of security and financial efficiency for Washington residents.

Score breakdown

Tax72.3Cost25Safety61.6Health63.2Schools51.7Income67.5Risk26.1Water53.5Weather43.4
🏛72.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.4
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

Sherman County
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55.3
Gilliam County
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44.9
Wasco County
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32.3
Hood River County
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Skamania County
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Morrow County
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Yakima County
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Benton County
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Deep Dives

Klickitat County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Klickitat County

via TaxByCounty

Klickitat offers lowest tax rates regionally

Klickitat County's effective tax rate of 0.618% sits well below the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 25th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,401 is nearly on par with the national median of $2,690, despite lower rates.

Second-lowest tax rate in Washington

Klickitat County ranks 38th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.618%, just above Lincoln County's 0.595%. This positions the county significantly below the statewide average of 0.761%.

Most tax-friendly in regional peer group

Klickitat County's 0.618% rate undercuts all surrounding counties including Lewis (0.712%), Mason (0.751%), and Kittitas (0.708%). Rural location and lower service demands translate into genuine tax relief.

Median tax stays under $2,500 yearly

Klickitat County's median home value of $388,700 produces an annual tax bill of just $2,401. Mortgaged properties average $2,519, while mortgage-free homes average $2,255.

Still worth appealing if overvalued

Low rates don't eliminate overassessment; even in Klickitat County, homeowners sometimes carry assessed values above market reality. Filing a free appeal protects your savings and ensures fair valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Klickitat County

via CostByCounty

Klickitat stays near national balance

Klickitat County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio hovers just above the national average, a rare sweet spot among Washington's pricier counties. At $1,119 monthly rent and $70,400 median income, the county offers reasonable affordability relative to national standards.

Below-average rents, solid income

Klickitat's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Washington's 18.8% average, making it one of the state's more balanced housing markets. The median rent of $1,119 is notably lower than the state average of $1,202, a rarity east of the Cascades.

Gorge gateway holds affordability

Klickitat's $1,119 rent is significantly lower than western counties but higher than rural Okanogan ($868), positioning it as a moderate-cost gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. Lewis County offers slightly cheaper rents, but Klickitat maintains better income-to-cost alignment.

Mortgages outpace rent burden

Renters spend 19.1% of $70,400 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate just 17.1% to mortgage costs of $1,008. The median home value of $388,700 is among the state's most reasonable, balancing affordability with property values.

Affordable Gorge living awaits

Klickitat punches above its weight for housing affordability while offering outdoor lifestyle and small-town charm. If you work remotely or seek outdoor recreation without coastal crowds, Klickitat delivers reasonable rents and modest home prices relative to Washington's average.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Klickitat County

via IncomeByCounty

Klickitat Slightly Exceeds National Average

Klickitat County's median household income of $70,400 edges 5.9% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting its rural character and agriculture-based economy. Despite modest income, the county maintains reasonable cost-of-living advantages.

Below-Average Income for Washington

Klickitat County ranks toward the lower end of Washington counties at $70,400 median income, approximately 8% below the state average of $76,363. Its per capita income of $42,193 exceeds the state average of $40,628, indicating relatively even income distribution.

Similar to Other Rural Washington Counties

Klickitat's $70,400 income closely matches Kittitas ($69,928) and Lewis ($69,690) counties but lags significantly behind Kitsap ($98,546). The county clusters with Washington's rural income tier rather than urban or suburban markets.

Affordable Housing Market

Klickitat residents spend just 19.1% of median income on rent—well below the 20% affordability threshold—with median home values of $388,700. Housing remains one of the county's economic strengths relative to household earnings.

Leverage Low Housing Costs

Klickitat's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio creates room to invest; direct savings from lower housing costs into retirement accounts and diverse investments. Even modest regular contributions compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Klickitat County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Klickitat County

Klickitat County boasts a total crime rate of just 886.0 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a very high safety score of 98.6. Data from four reporting agencies confirms this as one of the safest areas in the country.

One of Washington's Safest Counties

Klickitat’s safety score of 98.6 significantly exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate is roughly one-third of the state's average rate of 2377.2. This makes it a standout performer for public safety in Washington.

Lower Crime Rates Than Surrounding Areas

With a crime rate of 886.0, Klickitat is much safer than neighboring Lewis County at 2885.3. It also has lower crime frequency than Mason County's 1999.9. Residents here enjoy some of the lowest crime figures in the entire region.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is only 17.5 per 100K, compared to a national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 868.5 per 100K, less than half the national average. These statistics translate to a very low risk for the average resident.

Maintaining Safety in Klickitat County

While crime is exceptionally low, basic property maintenance and lighting are still recommended. Keeping doors locked and being a vigilant neighbor helps maintain this county's peaceful reputation. Community connection is often the strongest deterrent in rural settings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Klickitat County

via HealthByCounty

Klickitat struggles with health and uninsurance

At 79.4 years, Klickitat's life expectancy is about 2.6 years below the U.S. average and 1.3 years below Washington's state mean. Nearly 19% of residents report poor or fair health—well above national patterns—and 9.7% lack insurance, exceeding both state and national averages. These trends point to economic stress, healthcare access barriers, and lifestyle risk factors.

Among Washington's healthiest challenges

Klickitat ranks in the lower half of Washington's 39 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. Its 9.7% uninsured rate exceeds Washington's 9.0% average, while 18.8% poor/fair health rates reflect chronic conditions and limited preventive care. Only 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve the population, straining access.

Faces steeper challenges than adjacent counties

Klickitat's 79.4-year life expectancy matches Kitsap but trails Kittitas (79.8) and significantly lags King (81.1). With 56 primary care providers per 100K, it has fewer than Kittitas (51) and far fewer than urban centers. Mental health provider density at 191 per 100K ranks among the state's lowest, leaving behavioral health needs underserved.

Healthcare access is a daily struggle for many

Klickitat's 9.7% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage, facing financial barriers to routine care and prescriptions. The county's 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means long waits or travel to neighboring areas, and 191 mental health providers per 100K leaves gaps in behavioral health support. Rural isolation compounds these challenges.

Insurance opens doors to care and stability

If you're among Klickitat's 9.7% uninsured residents, health coverage is crucial and within reach—visit Washington's health insurance marketplace to explore subsidized options based on your income. Coverage removes barriers to preventive care, prescription medicines, and mental health support, improving both your health and financial security. Don't let cost concerns prevent enrollment—subsidies often make coverage affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Klickitat County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Columbia Gorge

Klickitat County supports 4,962 students across 22 public schools and 10 distinct districts. The infrastructure includes seven elementary and six high schools, primarily serving rural communities. This decentralized system ensures that even remote areas have dedicated local school access.

Solid Performance and High Investment

The county reports a graduation rate of 83.2%, outperforming the Washington state average of 81.4%. Per-pupil spending is notable at $9,851, which is significantly higher than the state average of $9,250. This higher investment helps maintain a school score of 56.1, placing it above state norms.

Goldendale and Virtual Options

Goldendale School District is the largest, serving 2,976 students across five schools. A significant portion of this enrollment comes from the Washington Connections Academy, a virtual school serving 2,115 students. White Salmon Valley School District also plays a major role, managing five schools for over 1,100 students.

Primarily Rural Classroom Settings

Klickitat's landscape is heavily rural, with 16 of its 22 schools located in country settings. Excluding the large virtual academy, average school sizes are small, often around 226 students per campus. This provides a quiet, intimate learning environment typical of the Pacific Northwest's town-and-country lifestyle.

Rural Roots with Academic Strength

Klickitat County offers a unique blend of high per-pupil spending and solid academic scores for rural-seeking families. Buyers should consider the White Salmon and Goldendale areas for the best access to local physical campuses. These districts offer strong graduation rates that exceed state averages, making them a smart choice for long-term investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Klickitat County

via RiskByCounty

Klickitat County carries relatively low risk

Klickitat County's composite risk score of 73.89 ranks in the "Relatively Low" category, slightly above the national average. The county's risk is concentrated in wildfires and earthquakes, with minimal tornado and hurricane exposure.

Below-average risk for Washington state

Klickitat County scores 73.89 against Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it slightly above the midline for state hazard exposure. This makes it one of Washington's lower-risk counties despite significant wildfire and earthquake threats.

Klickitat sits among state's safer counties

Klickitat County (73.89) ranks lower than all its neighboring high-risk counties, including Kittitas (89.12), Lewis (89.69), and Okanogan (89.19). It represents a relative haven in south-central Washington's hazard landscape.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate hazards

Klickitat County faces severe wildfire risk (98.41) across its semi-arid, forested terrain, plus moderate earthquake exposure (78.37) from regional fault systems. Flooding (66.60) presents a secondary concern along river valleys, while tornadoes (6.30) are negligible.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance critical

Klickitat County residents should prioritize wildfire defensibility and earthquake insurance, securing their homes against these two dominant hazards. Flood insurance is advisable for river-adjacent properties, and all homeowners should ensure adequate coverage for seismic events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Klickitat County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temps and High Variability

Klickitat County's 48.3°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. The climate is characterized by relatively low precipitation compared to the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

Washington's Dry Interior Climate

The county receives only 19.3 inches of precipitation, which is roughly half of the 38.5-inch state average. Its annual temperature of 48.3°F is slightly lower than the state mean.

Drier and Snowier Than Lewis

Klickitat receives only 19.3 inches of rain, while neighboring Lewis County gets 53.2 inches. However, Klickitat sees much more snow, averaging 40.8 inches compared to Lewis's 12.9 inches.

Abundant Snow and Summer Heat

The county faces 24 extreme heat days a year, with July averages reaching 67.8°F. Winter is demanding, with 40.8 inches of annual snowfall and January temperatures averaging 31.9°F.

Snow Tires and AC Required

Sturdy snow removal equipment is vital for the 40.8-inch annual snowfall. Homeowners should also ensure air conditioning units are serviced to handle the 24 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Klickitat County

via SoilByCounty

Columbia River Gorge profiles

Specific taxonomic orders and pH values are not currently listed for Klickitat County. Local soils must bridge the gap between the national median pH of 6.5 and the state average of 6.20.

Textures of the dry side

We do not have precise sand, silt, and clay percentages for this region at this time. These ratios are critical for determining if the soil drains too quickly or stays too wet for specific crops.

Seeking nutrient balance

Data for organic matter and available water capacity is missing from the current county profile. Local farmers often use soil testing to see how they compare to the high state organic average of 14.85%.

Hydrology along the cliffs

Drainage classifications and hydrologic groups are not formally documented here. Understanding these factors is vital for anyone planning large-scale irrigation or building near the gorge's steep terrain.

Abundant sunshine in Zone 7b

Klickitat County sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, which is perfect for heat-loving plants and resilient orchard fruits. Dig in and start your garden to take advantage of the region's famous sun and wind.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Klickitat County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Conditions Test Klickitat Growers

Klickitat County presents a lawn difficulty score of 38.4, slightly outperforming the state average of 36.9. Despite this, the national score of 50.0 remains far off due to the arid environment. Hardiness Zone 7b offers a warmer baseline, but water access remains the primary hurdle.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

Annual precipitation is low at just 19.3 inches, falling well below the 30-inch ideal for lawns. Coupled with 24 extreme heat days per year, grass faces significant thermal stress. With 1,998 growing degree days, the heat accelerates growth only if sufficient supplemental water is provided.

Strategic Soil Management

Data regarding specific soil textures and pH levels is unavailable for Klickitat County. In this drier climate, focusing on increasing organic matter is vital for improving water retention in the soil. Adding a top-dressing of compost can help protect roots from the 24 days of 90°F+ temperatures.

Addressing Total County Dryness

Currently, 100% of the county is under abnormally dry conditions, following 25 weeks of drought over the last year. Efficient drip irrigation or smart sprinklers are essential tools for maintaining turf here. To conserve water, consider allowing your lawn to go dormant during the hottest parts of summer.

Tough Turf for a Warm Zone

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue are recommended for the 7b hardiness zone and dry climate of Klickitat. Seeding should occur after the final spring frost on May 19th for optimal establishment. You have until October 9th before the first fall frost brings the growing season to a close.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Klickitat County's county score?
Klickitat County, Washington has a composite county score of 52.7 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 Klickitat County rank among counties in Washington?
Klickitat County ranks #9 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 Klickitat County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Klickitat County is $2,401, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Klickitat County a tax score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Klickitat County?
The median household income in Klickitat County, Washington is $70,400 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Klickitat County earns an income score of 67.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Klickitat County, Washington a good place to live?
Klickitat County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Klickitat 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 Klickitat 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.