countyscore
40.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 82Weather & Climate 65.5Water Quality 62.2

County Report Card

About Mason County, Washington

Modest Ranking on National Scale

Mason County scores 40.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it performs well in income generation, other livability factors keep it in the lower half of national rankings.

Behind the State Average Curve

With a 40.1 composite score, Mason County sits below the 44.1 Washington state average. It struggles to provide the same level of school and safety infrastructure found in higher-scoring counties.

High Income Potential and Pure Water

Mason County stands out with an income score of 82.0 and a solid water quality score of 62.2. A median household income of $78,359 provides a strong base for local residents.

Housing Costs and Hazard Risks

The county faces a low cost score of 14.2 and a risk score of 14.7. These figures indicate that housing is relatively expensive compared to the local infrastructure's resilience.

Best for Middle-Income Earners

Mason County is a good fit for workers who can tap into the strong regional income stream while enjoying reliable water quality. It suits those who are comfortable with a rural-fringe lifestyle and can navigate a tighter housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax57.6Cost14.2Safety22.1Health56.6Schools48.2Income82Risk14.7Water62.2Weather65.5
🏛57.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Jefferson County
Washington
48.6
Grays Harbor County
Washington
36.2
Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Island County
Washington
50.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
King County
Washington
39.5

Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason County taxes above national median

Mason County's effective tax rate of 0.751% surpasses the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,833 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting slightly elevated rates on moderately valued rural property.

Above-average taxes in Washington

Mason County ranks 9th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.751%, sitting just below the statewide average of 0.761%. The county imposes higher tax pressure than most rural peers.

Higher rates than most Southwest neighbors

Mason County's 0.751% rate exceeds Klickitat (0.618%), Lewis (0.712%), and Kittitas (0.708%), though it trails Kitsap County (0.797%). Regional position reflects above-average public service demands.

Median annual tax reaches $2,833

With a median home value of $377,400, Mason County homeowners typically pay $2,833 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged and mortgage-free properties average nearly identical amounts at $2,834 and $2,830.

Challenge overvalued assessments promptly

Mason County homeowners should monitor their assessed values against recent comparable sales, as overassessment in above-average-tax counties compounds quickly. Filing an appeal costs nothing and directly reduces your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mason County

via CostByCounty

Mason County balances affordability

At 18.4%, Mason County's rent-to-income ratio sits below both the national average and Washington's state average of 18.8%, marking it as reasonably affordable. Renters pay $1,205 monthly—close to the state median—against a $78,359 income, the highest in this rural tier.

Below-state-average affordability pressure

Mason County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio edges below Washington's 18.8% average, positioning it among the state's more balanced housing markets. The median rent of $1,205 is notably close to the state average of $1,202, reflecting mainstream Puget Sound regional pricing.

Thurston region affordability anchor

Mason's $1,205 rent sits between Kitsap County's costlier rates and more rural neighbors to the south and east. The county offers Puget Sound access with marginally lower costs than Seattle-area counties while maintaining reasonable income levels for the region.

Modest housing burden balanced

Renters dedicate 18.4% of the $78,359 median income to housing, while homeowners spend 20.4% on mortgage costs of $1,330. The median home value of $377,400 is moderate for western Washington, supporting both rental and ownership pathways.

Mason: Suburban calm, coastal access

Mason County offers a balanced lifestyle with Puget Sound proximity, reasonable rents, and slightly higher incomes than rural peers. If you're seeking small-town character with urban access without King County's affordability crunch, Mason provides an underrated relocation opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason County Exceeds National Benchmark

Mason County's median household income of $78,359 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 4.8%, reflecting its position as a suburban economic outpost. Timber, manufacturing, and port-related employment anchor the local economy.

Mid-Tier Income for Washington State

Mason County ranks in Washington's middle tier at $78,359 median income, about 2.6% above the state average of $76,363. Per capita income of $38,685 slightly trails the state per capita of $40,628, suggesting moderate wealth concentration.

Strong Regional Position

Mason's $78,359 income stands well above rural neighbors Kittitas ($69,928), Klickitat ($70,400), and Lewis ($69,690) by $8,000–$9,000, but trails Kitsap County ($98,546) by about $20,000. The county bridges Washington's rural-suburban economic divide.

Reasonable Housing Affordability

Mason residents spend 18.4% of median income on rent—below the affordability threshold—with median home values of $377,400. Income and housing costs align reasonably, supporting family financial stability.

Invest Mason's Strong Position

With median household income at $78,359 and favorable housing costs, Mason County residents have solid capacity to invest and save. Establish consistent contributions to retirement plans and diversified investments to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Mason County Outperforms National Safety Scores

Mason County has a total crime rate of 1999.9 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 96.8. Data is reported by two agencies within the county.

Safer Than the Washington State Average

Mason's safety score of 96.8 is slightly higher than the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 1999.9 is also notably lower than the state's average of 2377.2. This indicates a safer environment than many neighboring counties.

Fewer Crimes Than Urban Neighbors

Mason County is significantly safer than Kitsap County, which has a rate of 3106.2. It also sees far fewer incidents than the high-density King County. This makes Mason a quieter alternative in the western Washington region.

Violent and Property Crime Below Average

The violent crime rate of 234.7 is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1765.2 per 100K, which is also well below national levels. These figures point to a relatively low-risk environment for most residents.

Protecting Your Home in Mason County

Maintaining basic security like deadbolts and exterior lighting is effective for Mason's lower crime environment. Property crime remains the most likely issue, so securing tools and equipment is recommended. Regular communication with neighbors can further boost safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mason County

via HealthByCounty

Mason County struggles with early mortality

Life expectancy in Mason County reaches only 76.6 years—nearly 5 years below the U.S. average and 1.5 years below Washington's state mean of 78.1 years. One in six residents (17.4%) report poor or fair health, and 10.4% lack health insurance, both figures exceeding national and state benchmarks. These trends point to economic hardship, limited healthcare access, and lifestyle risk factors.

Lower health outcomes signal deeper crises

Mason County ranks in the bottom third of Washington's 39 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. Its 10.4% uninsured rate exceeds Washington's 9.0% average by 1.4 percentage points, and just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create severe access constraints. The combination of uninsurance and provider shortage creates a double barrier.

Among the state's most healthcare-challenged counties

Mason's 76.6-year life expectancy trails Klickitat (79.4) and Kittitas (79.8) by roughly 3 years, and Kitsap (79.5) by nearly 3 years. Primary care availability at 27 per 100K matches Lincoln County as the state's lowest. Mental health providers at 279 per 100K offer minimal support given the county's health challenges and uninsured population.

Uninsurance and provider scarcity compound suffering

Mason's 10.4% uninsured rate—higher than state average—means roughly 1 in 10 residents face financial barriers to routine and emergency care. The county's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is critically low, forcing long waits or referrals outside the county. Mental health support at 279 per 100K is limited, leaving behavioral health largely unaddressed for many residents.

Insurance is urgent and more affordable than you think

If you're among Mason County's 10.4% uninsured, health coverage is critical—visit Washington's health insurance marketplace now to explore subsidized plans; most low-income residents qualify for significant discounts. Coverage removes barriers to preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health support, protecting both your health and finances. Once insured, establish a primary care relationship even if it requires travel.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mason County

via SchoolsByCounty

Developing the Next Generation

Mason County features 26 public schools serving 8,573 students across seven districts. The system includes 10 elementary and eight high schools, providing a comprehensive education path. The county balances a mix of town-based centers and remote rural schoolhouses.

Meeting State Graduation Standards

Mason County achieves an 83.2% graduation rate, which sits above the Washington state average of 81.4%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,068, slightly trailing the state's $9,250 average investment. The resulting school score of 54.4 remains slightly above the state median of 53.9.

Shelton and North Mason Districts

The Shelton School District is the largest, managing 10 schools and 4,540 students. North Mason School District serves another 2,309 students across eight schools. These traditional districts provide the vast majority of local education, as there are no charter schools in the county.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

The county is split between 14 town schools and 12 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 357 students. Shelton High School is the most prominent facility, serving 1,473 students and acting as a central community hub. This mix offers families a choice between larger town campuses and smaller country schools.

Strong Community Schools in Mason

Mason County's above-average graduation rates make it a solid choice for families looking for a stable educational environment. Homes near Shelton or Belfair provide the closest access to the county's largest districts and secondary schools. Investing in property here means joining a community that prioritizes steady academic growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mason County

via RiskByCounty

Mason County faces relatively moderate risk

Mason County's composite risk score of 85.34 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The score reflects significant earthquake exposure paired with notable flood and wildfire threats.

Above average risk for Washington state

Mason County scores 85.34 against Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it in the upper half of state county risk rankings. This elevated score is primarily driven by severe earthquake hazard affecting the entire county.

Mason sits below King, above inland peers

Mason County (85.34) falls significantly below nearby King County (99.68) and Kitsap County (92.30) but exceeds distant Klickitat County (73.89). Its position reflects Hood Canal and Puget Sound proximity with associated seismic risks.

Earthquakes and flooding threaten Mason

Mason County faces severe earthquake risk (97.20) from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and local faults, plus notable flood exposure (79.29) along Puget Sound and river valleys. Wildfire risk (44.05) is moderate, concentrated in eastern forested areas.

Earthquake and flood insurance vital

Mason County residents should secure both earthquake and flood insurance, as standard policies exclude both hazards. Waterfront and riverside properties face particular risk; ensure your coverage reflects potential earthquake damage to older structures and flood loss in low-lying neighborhoods.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

A Very Wet Marine Climate

Mason County's 51.3°F average temperature is typical for the region, but its precipitation is extreme by national standards. The county is defined by its high moisture and moderate temperatures.

Double the State Average Rainfall

The county receives a staggering 83.3 inches of precipitation annually, more than double the state average of 38.5 inches. Its 51.3°F temperature is slightly warmer than the state mean.

The Rain Capital of the Region

Mason's 83.3 inches of rain dwarfs King County's 64.2 inches and Kitsap's 56.9 inches. However, it stays very similar in temperature to its Puget Sound neighbors.

Rainy Winters and Mild Summers

Snow is rare here, with only 3.2 inches falling annually. Summers are very comfortable with a July average of 64.7°F and only 6 days of extreme heat per year.

Invest in Quality Rain Gear

With 83.3 inches of rain, residents should prioritize roof maintenance and high-end waterproof clothing. Air conditioning is rarely a necessity given the consistent marine cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

Characterizing the canal soils

Taxonomic orders and average pH values are not currently documented for Mason County. Most soils in this part of Washington trend toward the acidic state average of 6.20.

The texture of the timberland

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are not yet available for this region. These components dictate whether your ground feels gritty or smooth and how much air it can hold for plant roots.

Nurturing the forest floor

Data for organic matter and available water capacity is missing from current records. Achieving the state average soil score of 58.1 requires careful attention to nutrient management in this rainy environment.

Managing the maritime runoff

Drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not formally listed for Mason County. Local builders must often perform custom site assessments to account for the region's high seasonal rainfall and varied slopes.

Vibrant growth in Zone 8b

The 8b Hardiness Zone provides a long, mild growing season perfect for berries and cool-season greens. Embrace the maritime influence and start your garden in this lush, productive corner of the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Rain in Mason County

Mason County scores a 40.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly more manageable than the state average of 36.9. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the county enjoys very mild winters, though it is far from the national median of 50.0. The primary challenge here is not the cold, but the sheer volume of water.

Washington's Rain Capital for Turf

At 83.3 inches of annual precipitation, Mason County is one of the wettest environments in the state. This is nearly double the ideal 50-inch maximum for lawns, leading to saturated soils and high moss risk. With only 6 heat days and 1,836 growing degree days, grass stays cool and damp most of the year.

Dealing with Saturated Ground

Specific soil metrics like pH and clay content are not available for Mason County. In an 83-inch rainfall environment, soil drainage is the most critical factor for lawn health. Homeowners should prioritize professional aeration and potentially install French drains to prevent turf from drowning in standing water.

Brief Summer Breaks from Rain

Despite the massive annual rainfall, 36.8% of the county is currently abnormally dry. The region saw 27 weeks of drought last year, which can be a shock to lawns accustomed to constant moisture. During these rare dry spells, light irrigation may be needed to maintain color and health.

Lush Greenery in Zone 8b

Bentgrass and fine fescues are well-suited for the high-moisture, low-heat climate of Mason County. Plan your planting after the final spring frost on April 23rd for the best results. The long growing season extends until the first frost on October 20th, providing plenty of time for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, Washington has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Mason County rank among counties in Washington?
Mason County ranks #23 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 Mason County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $2,833, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, Washington is $78,359 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 82/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, Washington a good place to live?
Mason County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason 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.