CountyScore

Lewis County

Washington · WA

#19 in Washington
64.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Washington

Lewis County performs well above national norm

Lewis County scores 69.9 out of 100, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 86th percentile nationally. This strong performance places Lewis County among the better counties for livability across the United States.

Slightly above Washington's competitive standard

Lewis County scores 69.9 against Washington's state average of 68.1, placing it modestly above the state median. It represents solid, above-average livability within Washington's competitive county ranking.

Outstanding tax rates and housing affordability

Lewis County achieves a tax score of 82.2 with a 0.712% effective tax rate and a cost score of 70.9, featuring median home values of $341,500 and monthly rent at just $1,044. These low costs make it highly accessible to working families.

Limited income growth opportunities locally

Lewis County's income score of 28.9 reflects a median household income of $69,690, which is below state averages and may limit earning potential. Data gaps in health, schools, and safety create an incomplete livability picture.

Ideal for cost-conscious families seeking stability

Lewis County appeals to families and workers who value affordable housing and favorable taxes over maximum career earnings or urban amenities. It delivers genuine value for those with stable employment seeking sustainable community living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.2Cost70.9SafetyComing SoonHealth69.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.9Risk10.3WaterComing Soon
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.3
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 Lewis County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Amador County
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64.7
Median income: $81,526
Colusa County
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64.7
Median income: $75,149
Mono County
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64.7
Median income: $86,953
Bartow County
Georgia
64.7
Median income: $79,431
Clinton County
Iowa
64.7
Median income: $65,177

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.