countyscore
37.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 65.6Property Tax 61.8Weather & Climate 59.8

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Washington

Struggling to Meet National Benchmarks

Lewis County earns a composite score of 37.2, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. High safety and environmental risks are the primary factors dragging down its national standing.

Below the Washington State Average

With a score of 37.2, Lewis County ranks significantly lower than the Washington average of 44.1. It finds it difficult to match the health and safety outcomes of neighboring regions.

Resilient Incomes and Tax Benefits

Lewis County shows strength in income with a score of 65.6 and a tax score of 61.8. An effective tax rate of 0.712% helps residents keep more of their $69,690 median household income.

Critical Safety and Risk Scores

Safety is a major challenge with a score of 9.0, paired with a low risk score of 10.3. Improving community security and hazard mitigation are essential for boosting future livability.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Renters

Lewis County is best for those who need more affordable housing options, such as the $1,044 median rent. It appeals to residents who prioritize lower taxes and decent incomes over high safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax61.8Cost21.1Safety9Health52.2Schools47.3Income65.6Risk10.3Water49.9Weather59.8
🏛61.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.8
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

Thurston County
Washington
37.7
Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Cowlitz County
Washington
36
Columbia County
Oregon
43
Wahkiakum County
Washington
69.1
Skamania County
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57.8
Clark County
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38.2
King County
Washington
39.5

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis County taxes near national average

Lewis County's effective tax rate of 0.712% tracks closely with the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it squarely at the 50th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,433 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate property values in a rural setting.

Mid-range tax burden in Washington

Lewis County ranks 21st among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.712%, slightly below the statewide average of 0.761%. This suggests balanced tax pressure relative to state peers.

Moderate rates among Southwest Washington

Lewis County's 0.712% rate mirrors Kittitas County (0.708%) and sits above Klickitat (0.618%) but below Mason County (0.751%). The county occupies the middle ground in the region's tax landscape.

Median home tax bill reaches $2,433

Lewis County's median home value of $341,500 translates to an annual tax bill of $2,433. Mortgaged properties average $2,488, while mortgage-free homes average $2,338.

Appeal protects your property value investment

Lewis County homeowners should verify their assessed values against comparable recent sales, as overassessment can quietly inflate tax burdens year after year. A property tax appeal is free and may recover thousands in unnecessary tax payments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis County aligns with national norms

At 18.0%, Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio sits below both the national average and Washington's state average, representing solid affordability. Renters pay $1,044 monthly against a $69,690 median income, making this south-central county accessible for most households.

Among Washington's best-aligned markets

Lewis County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio falls below Washington's 18.8% average, placing it in the state's more affordable tier. At $1,044 monthly rent—significantly under the state average of $1,202—Lewis offers genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability.

Pierce County's affordable counterpart

Lewis County's $1,044 rent undercuts most neighbors, rivaling only rural Okanogan for affordability among this region. Thurston County to the north offers comparable prices but with stronger job markets; Lewis compensates with lower overall costs of living.

Balanced housing across tenure

Renters allocate just 18.0% of $69,690 income to housing, while homeowners spend 21.0% on mortgage costs of $1,221. The median home value of $341,500 is the lowest among western Washington counties, making ownership accessible.

Lewis County rewards smart relocators

Lewis County delivers exceptional affordability if you're willing to embrace a smaller-town lifestyle south of Olympia. The combination of sub-state-average rents, reasonable home values, and lower overall living costs makes Lewis an underrated option for budget-conscious Pacific Northwest movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis County Below the National Median

Lewis County's median household income of $69,690 trails the national median of $74,755 by 6.8%, reflecting a manufacturing and timber-dependent economy. Per capita income of $33,972 lags the national per capita by 28%, suggesting concentrated wealth among fewer households.

Washington's Lower-Income Counties

Lewis County ranks among Washington's lower-earning counties at $69,690 median income, about 9% below the state average of $76,363. Its per capita income of $33,972 falls significantly below the state per capita of $40,628, marking economic constraints.

Similar Income to Rural Neighbors

Lewis County's $69,690 income closely mirrors Kittitas ($69,928) and Klickitat ($70,400) but substantially trails Kitsap ($98,546) and Mason ($78,359). The county belongs squarely in Washington's rural income cluster.

Most Affordable Housing in Region

Lewis County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at just 18%, with median home values of $341,500. Housing affordability is a bright spot, though median income constrains overall purchasing power.

Build Wealth on a Budget

With median income at $69,690 and affordable housing, Lewis County residents can redirect savings into long-term wealth building. Start with an emergency fund, then leverage low-cost investment options like employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs to accelerate financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County Crime Exceeds National Average

Lewis County has a total crime rate of 2885.3 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a respectable safety score of 95.4. Seven reporting agencies track these statistics across the county.

Safety Score Consistent With State Average

The county's safety score of 95.4 is slightly below the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 2885.3 is higher than the state average of 2377.2. This indicates that Lewis County sees more property and violent incidents than many other parts of the state.

Higher Crime Frequency Than Nearby Counties

Lewis County’s 2885.3 crime rate is higher than Mason County’s 1999.9. However, it is significantly safer than King County, which reports a rate of 4828.8. It represents a middle ground between urban centers and more rural neighbors.

Violent Crime Lower Than National Norms

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 217.8 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of the statistics at 2667.5 per 100K. Residents should prioritize protecting their belongings over fears of physical violence.

Protecting Your Assets in Lewis County

Because property crime is the primary concern, visible security measures like cameras can be highly effective. High-quality locks and motion sensors are recommended to discourage theft. Staying informed through local reporting helps residents stay ahead of local trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis County faces severe life expectancy gap

Life expectancy in Lewis County stands at just 75.6 years—more than 5 years below the U.S. average and 2.5 years below Washington state's mean of 78.1 years. Nearly one in five residents (18.9%) report poor or fair health, indicating widespread chronic disease and early mortality. This gap reflects longstanding economic challenges, healthcare barriers, and lifestyle risk factors concentrated in rural areas.

Among Washington's most challenged counties

Lewis County ranks in the bottom fifth of Washington's 39 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. Its 9.0% uninsured rate matches the state average, yet health outcomes remain poor, suggesting insurance alone doesn't overcome barriers to care. With just 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county struggles with provider shortages and geographic isolation.

Lags peers and faces unique rural health crisis

Lewis County's 75.6-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region, trailing Klickitat (79.4) by nearly 4 years and King County (81.1) by 5.5 years. Primary care availability at 46 per 100K is among the state's lowest, yet mental health providers at 649 per 100K suggest concentrated services in specific towns. The mismatch between primary and mental health provider density reflects uneven resource distribution.

Limited care options breed health crises

Although Lewis County's 9.0% uninsured rate meets the state average, the county's 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create severe access bottlenecks—patients often travel 30+ miles to find available appointments. Mental health support at 649 per 100K is concentrated in Centralia and Chehalis, leaving rural residents isolated. Geographic distance and provider shortages force many to delay care or use emergency rooms.

Get covered and advocate for local care access

If you're among Lewis County's 9.0% uninsured, health coverage is your first step—enroll through Washington's marketplace to secure preventive and emergency care access. Once covered, work with your provider to manage chronic conditions before they worsen, and connect with telehealth options that bridge geographic gaps. Your health advocacy also matters: push for expanded rural primary care services in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Rural School System

Lewis County manages 43 public schools across 13 districts, serving a total of 12,289 students. High schools are particularly numerous here, with 19 campuses serving the region's older students. The county's education system is distributed across many small, local districts rather than a single large entity.

Steady Growth in Student Success

The county maintains an 82.8% graduation rate, which is slightly better than the Washington state average. Spending sits at $9,019 per pupil, trailing the state average but maintaining a competitive school score of 54.1. This indicates that local schools are performing efficiently within their budget constraints.

Centralia and Chehalis Lead the Way

Centralia and Chehalis are the heavy hitters, serving 3,440 and 3,012 students respectively. Together, these two districts represent over half of the county's total enrollment across 17 schools. No charter schools currently operate in Lewis County, keeping the focus on traditional public districts.

Rural Tradition and Mid-Sized Schools

With 28 rural and 15 town schools, the average enrollment per school is 307 students. Centralia High School is the largest in the county with 986 students, while many other campuses are significantly smaller. This creates a balance between traditional town high schools and very small rural primary schools.

Family-Focused Living in Lewis County

Lewis County provides a stable educational environment with graduation rates that consistently beat the state average. Families should look toward the Chehalis and Centralia corridors for the widest variety of school levels and extracurriculars. Real estate value in these hubs is bolstered by the presence of the county's largest and most resource-rich districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County faces relatively moderate risk

Lewis County's composite risk score of 89.69 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The score reflects significant exposure to flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires concentrated in specific geographic zones.

Above average risk across Washington

Lewis County scores 89.69 against Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it among the state's higher-hazard regions. The elevated score is driven primarily by extreme flood vulnerability and substantial earthquake exposure.

Lewis County sits in high-risk band

Lewis County (89.69) exceeds nearby Mason County (85.34) and Kittitas County (89.12), ranking it among south-central Washington's most hazard-exposed counties. The difference reflects Lewis's pronounced flood risk from the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers.

Flooding and earthquakes lead threats

Lewis County faces extreme flood risk (90.90), affecting communities along the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers with seasonal and storm surge dangers. Earthquakes (97.33) pose a secondary but severe threat across the entire county, while wildfires (76.69) affect forested areas.

Flood and earthquake coverage essential

Lewis County residents should obtain flood insurance immediately, especially those near rivers or in low-lying areas—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Pair this with earthquake insurance to cover seismic damage, and ensure your home's foundation is secured against ground shaking.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Temperate Profile

Lewis County's 51.2°F average temperature is very close to national medians. It experiences a balanced mix of mild temperatures and significant annual rainfall.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county is slightly warmer than the 49.9°F state average. Its 53.2 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the Washington average of 38.5 inches.

Moderate Compared to Coastal Neighbors

Lewis County's 53.2 inches of rain is heavy, but it is much drier than Mason County's 83.3 inches. It also sees more extreme heat than King County, with 12 days versus King's 3.

Consistent Rain and Mild Snow

Winters feature a January average of 39.1°F and 12.9 inches of snowfall. Summers are pleasant with a 65.5°F July average, though 12 days usually exceed 90°F.

Manage Moisture and Moderate Heat

With 53.2 inches of rain, moisture control in homes is a top priority for residents. Preparing for 12 days of extreme heat also makes basic cooling systems a wise investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Foundations of the southwest

Detailed taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Lewis County. For reference, the national median pH is 6.5, while Washington's state average is a slightly more acidic 6.20.

Soil structure in the valleys

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for this area. This mix is a primary factor in how easily a gardener can work the earth and how well it supports plant roots.

The potential of the land

Organic matter and available water capacity figures remain unrecorded for this county. Without these metrics, locals rely on the state's healthy soil score average of 58.1 as a general performance benchmark.

Understanding regional drainage

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available in our dataset. Knowing these classifications helps determine whether the ground is suitable for specific septic systems or heavy agricultural use.

Growing strong in Zone 8a

Lewis County belongs to Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a diverse range of cool-weather crops and temperate fruits. The reliable rainfall and moderate temperatures make this an ideal place to start your own homestead.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Growth in Lewis County

Lewis County holds a lawn difficulty score of 39.8, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average of 36.9. While it falls short of the national 50.0 benchmark, the 8a hardiness zone provides a stable environment for most cool-season grasses. It offers a fair balance of rain and temperature compared to its neighbors.

Abundant Moisture and Steady Growth

The county receives 53.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the ideal 50-inch threshold. Lawns benefit from 1,944 growing degree days and experience a moderate 12 days of extreme heat. This combination results in a consistent growing season that requires frequent mowing in spring and fall.

Foundational Soil Needs

There is currently no specific soil pH or drainage data available for Lewis County in this record. Given the 53.2 inches of rain, gardeners should watch for signs of moss and poor drainage in heavy clay areas. Regular aeration can help air and nutrients reach the root zone during the wet seasons.

Summer Dryness Requires Attention

Lewis County experienced 41 weeks in drought over the past year, and 35.9% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. While it is wetter than eastern counties, summer irrigation is still necessary to prevent turf stress. Practice deep watering twice a week to build deeper, drought-resistant roots.

Planning Your Lewis County Lawn

Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass blends perform well in the 8a climate of Lewis County. Start your planting projects after the last spring frost on April 22nd to ensure steady growth. The first fall frost typically arrives on October 25th, ending the primary maintenance window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, Washington has a composite county score of 37.2 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 Lewis County rank among counties in Washington?
Lewis County ranks #30 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 Lewis County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $2,433, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, Washington is $69,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, Washington a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis 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.