CountyScore

Mason County

Washington · WA

#24 in Washington
64
County Score

County Report Card

About Mason County, Washington

Mason County exceeds national livability baseline

Mason County scores 67.9 out of 100, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 80th percentile nationally. This solid performance positions Mason among America's better counties for overall livability.

Right at Washington's state average

Mason County scores 67.9, essentially matching Washington's state average of 68.1 and reflecting typical livability standards across the state. It represents a mainstream choice within Washington's competitive landscape.

Balanced tax rates and moderate housing costs

Mason County offers a tax score of 81.2 with a 0.751% effective tax rate and a cost score of 66.2, with median home values around $377,400 and rent at $1,205 monthly. This balance provides reasonable affordability without sacrificing access.

Below-average incomes limit earning potential

Mason County's income score of 34.5 reflects a median household income of $78,359, trailing stronger economic centers in the state and nation. Health, school, and safety data remain unavailable for a complete assessment.

Good fit for working families seeking balance

Mason County suits working families and young professionals seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate taxes with access to a stable community. It delivers typical livability value for those balancing economic pragmatism with community roots.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.2Cost66.2SafetyComing SoonHealth70SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.5Risk14.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡14.7
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 Mason County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Crisp County
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Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.