countyscore
60.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 75Schools 74

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Washington

Elite Standing Across the Nation

Lincoln County boasts an impressive composite score of 60.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. Its high performance in essential services makes it one of the top-tier counties in the country.

Setting the State Standard

At 60.9, Lincoln County crushes the Washington state average of 44.1. It is a standout performer, offering a quality of life that few other counties in the state can match.

Top-Tier Schools and Water Quality

Lincoln County excels with a water score of 86.0 and a school score of 74.0. Residents also benefit from a very low 0.595% effective tax rate, the lowest among its peers.

Safety and Risk Management

While strong overall, the county has a safety score of 44.0 and a risk score of 45.1. These are respectable numbers but represent the only areas where the county is not in the elite percentile.

The Choice for Young Families

This county is a haven for families who value high-quality education and clean environmental resources. With low taxes and great schools, it provides a superior foundation for raising children.

Score breakdown

Tax75Cost52.3Safety44Health68.3Schools74Income69.3Risk45.1Water86Weather39.5
🏛75
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.1
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

Ferry County
Washington
58
Stevens County
Washington
55.1
Spokane County
Washington
36.8
Douglas County
Washington
45.1
Adams County
Washington
37.4
Grant County
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32.8
Okanogan County
Washington
45.9
Pend Oreille County
Washington
54.7

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County offers lowest tax rates statewide

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.595% stands well below the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $1,621 is 40% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low rates and modest property values.

Lowest-taxed county in Washington

Lincoln County ranks 39th and last among Washington's counties with an effective rate of 0.595%, significantly undercutting the statewide average of 0.761%. Rural Eastern Washington location drives both lower taxes and lower property values.

Most favorable rates in Eastern Washington

Lincoln County's 0.595% rate is the lowest regionally, beating Klickitat (0.618%), Lewis (0.712%), and Okanogan (0.772%). The county provides genuine tax relief for owners of modest rural properties.

Median annual tax stays under $1,650

Lincoln County's median home value of $272,300 produces an annual tax bill of just $1,621. Mortgaged properties average $1,785, while mortgage-free homes average $1,429.

Even low-tax counties see overassessments

Rural properties in Lincoln County can still be overassessed, especially in years when comparable sales data lags. A simple appeal ensures your assessed value reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County's affordability gem

Lincoln County boasts a 14.7% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest of any county analyzed and well below both the national average and Washington state average. At just $872 monthly rent on a $71,227 income, Lincoln offers genuine affordability rarely found in modern America.

Washington's most affordable rental market

Lincoln County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is the state's best, significantly undercutting Washington's 18.8% average. The median rent of $872 is the lowest in this region and 27% below the state average, making Lincoln a rare affordability oasis.

Rural leader in housing value

Lincoln's $872 rent trails only Okanogan County ($868) but with a superior income-to-cost ratio thanks to slightly higher earnings. Among all analyzed counties, Lincoln delivers the most balanced housing affordability relative to income.

Lowest housing burden statewide

Renters spend just 14.7% of $71,227 income on housing—a remarkably low burden—while homeowners dedicate 13.0% to mortgage costs of $773. The median home value of $272,300 is the state's lowest, enabling broad-based homeownership access.

Lincoln County's affordability advantage

Lincoln County is Washington's hidden affordability champion, with rents 57% below King County and the state's most balanced housing-to-income ratios. If remote work or relocation for cost-of-living relief is your goal, Lincoln's wheat-belt economy and genuine affordability make it a compelling choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County Below U.S. Income Median

Lincoln County's median household income of $71,227 falls 4.8% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting its rural agricultural and small-business base. The county represents typical rural America in earnings terms.

Lower-Middle Income for Washington

Lincoln County ranks in Washington's lower tier at $71,227 median income, about 7% below the state average of $76,363. Per capita income of $38,719 trails the state per capita of $40,628, yet the county's earnings distribution appears relatively balanced.

Comparable to Region's Rural Counties

Lincoln's $71,227 income slightly exceeds Klickitat ($70,400) and Lewis ($69,690) but trails Kittitas ($69,928) marginally. The county sits comfortably within Washington's rural income band, distinct from metropolitan and suburban markets.

Best Rent-to-Income Ratio

Lincoln County residents spend only 14.7% of median income on rent—the lowest ratio among these eight counties—with median home values of $272,300. Housing is exceptionally affordable relative to earnings, freeing money for other needs.

Maximize Housing Savings Advantage

Lincoln County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio creates substantial room to invest; direct the housing cost difference into dedicated savings accounts and retirement vehicles. Even modest additional savings compound powerfully over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County is Safer Than Average

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 1259.5 per 100K, nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. It currently holds a safety score of 98.0 out of 100. Three reporting agencies provide these statistics for the county.

Lincoln Surpasses Washington State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.0 is significantly higher than the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 1259.5 is also well below the state average of 2377.2. This marks Lincoln as a consistently safe place to reside in Washington.

A Very Safe Choice Among Neighbors

Lincoln County’s crime rate of 1259.5 is much lower than nearby Kittitas County's 2257.7. It is slightly higher than Okanogan County's 1126.7, but still extremely low. Residents benefit from a far safer environment than the state's urban hubs.

Low Violent Crime Risk for Residents

The violent crime rate in Lincoln is 181.2 per 100K, roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 1078.3 per 100K. These figures suggest that crimes against persons and property are both infrequent.

Practical Home Security in Lincoln County

While crime rates are low, basic home security remains a wise investment for peace of mind. Keeping outbuildings locked and maintaining visibility around the property can prevent opportunistic theft. Strong community ties further enhance the safety of this rural area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln's life expectancy near national average

Lincoln County residents live an average of 79.4 years, slightly below the U.S. average but on par with Washington state at 78.1 years when accounting for variation. Yet 18.6% report poor or fair health—a significant share exceeding national norms—indicating chronic disease burden despite moderate longevity. This gap reveals that years lived don't guarantee years lived well.

Mid-tier county with healthcare access gaps

Lincoln ranks in Washington's middle tier for life expectancy at 79.4 years, but its 18.6% poor/fair health rate and 7.9% uninsured rate reflect rural challenges. Provider density is critical: with only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the state's lowest—care access is severely constrained. Mental health support at 153 per 100K is sparse.

Provider shortage more severe than similar counties

Lincoln's 79.4-year life expectancy matches Klickitat's, but its primary care density of 27 per 100K is the lowest in its peer group—less than half Klickitat's 56. Mental health providers at 153 per 100K are sparse compared to all neighbors, making behavioral health nearly inaccessible. Lincoln's extreme rural isolation (population ~10,000) makes recruiting providers exceptionally difficult.

Extreme provider shortage defines healthcare reality

Lincoln's 7.9% uninsured rate is favorable, but the county's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents a crisis—the lowest in the region—meaning most residents travel 45+ minutes to basic care. Mental health services at 153 per 100K are virtually nonexistent for many communities within the county. Rural geography and low population density create a tragic mismatch: people need care but providers can't sustain practices.

Coverage matters even more in remote areas

Lincoln County residents should prioritize health insurance enrollment—at 7.9% uninsured, you may know someone without coverage who should act now through Washington's marketplace. Once covered, telehealth becomes your lifeline for specialists and mental health support when local providers aren't available. Insurance removes financial barriers and enables remote care access critical in rural areas.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Academic Impact

Lincoln County operates 19 public schools for a small population of 2,182 students across eight districts. The system is unique for having nine high schools but zero dedicated middle schools, often combining grades in single buildings. This structure supports a very low student-to-district ratio across the county.

Leading the State in Graduation

Lincoln County boasts an impressive 91.7% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 81.4% and the national 87% average. The county invests $9,834 per pupil, well above the state average of $9,250. Its composite school score of 60.5 is among the highest in the region, reflecting exceptional performance.

Davenport and Reardan-Edwall Excellence

Reardan-Edwall and Davenport are the primary districts, serving 671 and 615 students respectively. These two districts manage eight of the county's 19 schools and drive much of the area's academic success. All education here is delivered through traditional public schools, as no charters currently exist.

Entirely Rural and Intimate Classrooms

Every single school in Lincoln County is classified as rural, with an incredibly small average size of 128 students. Reardan Middle-Senior High is the largest campus, yet it only hosts 323 students. This environment offers an ultra-personalized education where every student is well-known by staff.

A Top Choice for High Graduation

For families prioritizing academic results, Lincoln County's 91.7% graduation rate makes it one of the best choices in Washington. Searching for homes in Davenport or Reardan allows residents to benefit from these high-performing, intimate school settings. The exceptional school scores here are a major draw for discerning homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County carries relatively low risk

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 54.90 ranks in the "Relatively Low" category, below the national average. Despite significant wildfire exposure, the county's overall hazard profile is among the least concerning in Washington state.

Lowest risk county in Washington

Lincoln County scores 54.90 against Washington's state average of 70.01, making it the state's safest county by composite risk measure. This low score reflects moderate earthquake and flood exposure paired with fewer tornado threats.

Lincoln leads neighboring counties in safety

Lincoln County (54.90) dramatically outperforms nearby Okanogan County (89.19) and Kittitas County (89.12) in overall safety rankings. This makes Lincoln County a relative haven in north-central Washington's hazard landscape.

Wildfire dominates Lincoln's hazards

Lincoln County faces extreme wildfire risk (96.66) across its semi-arid rangeland and forested zones, far exceeding other hazards. Earthquakes (63.01) and flooding (49.97) present moderate secondary concerns, while tornadoes (7.63) are rare.

Wildfire preparedness and insurance key

Lincoln County residents should prioritize wildfire defensibility—clearing brush, maintaining roof maintenance, and creating defensible space around homes. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage, so ensure your coverage reflects your home's replacement cost and location relative to wildland-urban interface zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Dry Inland Climate

Lincoln County's 46.5°F average annual temperature is much colder than the national median. It is one of the drier regions in the country, receiving very little annual rainfall.

Among Washington's Driest Counties

The county receives just 12.6 inches of precipitation, less than a third of the 38.5-inch state average. Its 46.5°F temperature is also well below the state average of 49.9°F.

Extreme Heat Compared to Kittitas

Lincoln County experiences 24 extreme heat days, surpassing the 16 days found in Kittitas County. It is also significantly drier than any of its neighbors to the west.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 27.4°F and 22.6 inches of snow. Summers bring 24 days over 90°F, despite a relatively mild July average of 67.4°F.

Plan for High Heat

Residents must prepare for 24 days of extreme heat with efficient cooling systems. The 22.6 inches of snow and sub-freezing winter averages also require robust home heating and insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols define the plains

Lincoln County features an average pH of 6.38, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. This taxonomic profile is dominated by Mollisols, which are world-renowned for their agricultural productivity and health.

The perfect silt loam balance

The soil is a heavy silt loam, composed of 50.3% silt, 24.4% sand, and 10.9% clay. This specific texture provides excellent workability for farming while maintaining enough structure to prevent erosion.

Solid organic foundations

The organic matter content is 5.90%, nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. While the water capacity of 0.163 in/in is below the state average, the overall soil score of 69.5 far exceeds the state's 58.1.

Steady drainage for the Palouse

These soils are classified as well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for moderate water infiltration, making the land exceptionally stable for both farming and construction projects.

Reliable harvests in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b supports robust wheat production and hardy garden vegetables. With a soil score that beats the state average by over 10 points, this is a premier location to cultivate your own food.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln County's Semi-Arid Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 40.1, Lincoln County is slightly easier for lawn care than the Washington average of 36.9. However, the 6b hardiness zone brings cold winters that are much harsher than the coastal regions. Success here requires a specific focus on cold-hardy and drought-tolerant turf varieties.

Scant Rain and High Summer Heat

Lincoln receives only 12.6 inches of rain annually, far below the ideal 30-50 inch range for traditional lawns. The 24 extreme heat days and 1,883 growing degree days create a high demand for supplemental irrigation. Without extra water, lawns will quickly enter dormancy during the hot summer months.

Superior Soil for Turf Growth

The county features excellent silt loam soil with a near-perfect pH of 6.38, falling right in the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. This well-drained soil contains 24.4% sand and 10.9% clay, providing a great structure for root development. You likely won't need major pH adjustments to get your grass started.

Widespread Dryness Demands Efficiency

Currently, 100% of Lincoln County is experiencing abnormally dry conditions after 39 weeks of drought this past year. Water conservation is paramount, making smart irrigation systems a valuable investment for homeowners. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation loss during those 24 high-heat days.

Navigating a Shorter Growing Season

Choose hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to survive the 6b winters. The growing window is tight, beginning after the last frost on June 1st and ending with the first frost on September 22. Early fall is often the best time to seed here to allow roots to establish before the freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Washington has a composite county score of 60.9 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Washington?
Lincoln County ranks #2 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 Lincoln County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,621, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 75/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Washington is $71,227 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Washington a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 60.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.