countyscore
45.9
County Score
Property Tax 55.5Schools 52.9Safety 50.1

County Report Card

About Okanogan County, Washington

Approaching National Livability Medians

Okanogan County earns a composite score of 45.9, putting it just a few points shy of the 50.0 national median. It offers a balanced profile compared to many other rural Western counties.

Outperforming the State Average

Okanogan's score of 45.9 is notably higher than the Washington state average of 44.1. This makes it a competitive rural alternative to the more congested coastal counties.

Exceptional Housing Value and Safety

The county is remarkably affordable with a cost score of 48.3 and median rents at just $868. It also offers a secure environment with a safety score of 50.1, which is higher than many neighbors.

Health and Environmental Risks

Health outcomes are a concern with a score of 32.8, alongside a low risk score of 10.8. Access to medical services and environmental hazards remain the primary obstacles for residents.

Ideal for Retirees and Renters

This county is perfect for those on fixed incomes or young people looking for the lowest possible rents in Washington. It offers a safe, affordable lifestyle for those who are less reliant on local healthcare systems.

Score breakdown

Tax55.5Cost48.3Safety50.1Health32.8Schools52.9Income40Risk10.8Water49.7Weather38.8
🏛55.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28
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

Douglas County
Washington
45.1
Chelan County
Washington
42
Ferry County
Washington
58
Lincoln County
Washington
60.9
Grant County
Washington
32.8
Stevens County
Washington
55.1
Skagit County
Washington
37.3
Kittitas County
Washington
41.8

Deep Dives

Okanogan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Okanogan County

via TaxByCounty

Okanogan taxes slightly above national median

Okanogan County's effective tax rate of 0.772% moderately exceeds the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,194 is actually 18% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values in a rural Eastern Washington setting.

Above-average tax rate in Washington

Okanogan County ranks 6th among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.772%, just above the statewide average of 0.761%. The county applies steeper rates than most Eastern Washington peers.

Highest-taxed in Eastern Washington peer group

Okanogan County's 0.772% rate exceeds Lincoln (0.595%), Klickitat (0.618%), and Lewis (0.712%), making it the highest-taxed county in its rural region. Moderate rates still produce lower absolute tax bills due to modest property values.

Median tax bill is $2,194 yearly

Okanogan County's median home value of $284,200 produces an annual tax bill of $2,194. Mortgaged properties average $2,353, while mortgage-free homes average $1,974.

Review assessments to catch overvaluation

Okanogan County homeowners should verify their assessed values match recent comparable sales, especially in volatile rural markets. A property tax appeal can eliminate overassessment and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Okanogan County

via CostByCounty

Okanogan punches above weight affordably

At 17.3%, Okanogan County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the national average and Washington's state average of 18.8%. Despite the lowest median income of this cohort at $60,293, renters pay just $868 monthly—making Okanogan genuinely affordable on modest earnings.

Eastern Washington's affordability leader

Okanogan's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Washington's best, bettered only by rural Lincoln County and significantly below the state average. The median rent of $868 is the state's second-lowest, reflecting the county's remote location and modest economic base.

Cheaper than all western peers

Okanogan's $868 rent is lowest or tied-lowest among all analyzed counties, with only Lincoln undercutting it slightly. The county's affordability shines brightest when compared to all western Washington markets, offering genuine cost-of-living relief.

Lowest income, best ratio

Renters spend just 17.3% of the $60,293 median income on housing, while homeowners dedicate 16.6% to mortgage costs of $838. The median home value of $284,200 is low, enabling homeownership even for the county's lowest earners.

Okanogan offers true affordability

Okanogan County delivers Washington's most dramatic cost-of-living savings, with rents 57% below King County and mortgages that stay under 17% of income. If remote work flexibility or early retirement is your goal, Okanogan's apple-country charm and genuine affordability make relocation math undeniable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Okanogan County

via IncomeByCounty

Okanogan's Income Lags Nation

Okanogan County's median household income of $60,293 falls 19.4% below the national median of $74,755, ranking among America's lower-earning counties. Agriculture, timber, and tourism constitute the economic foundation.

Washington's Lowest-Income County

Okanogan County ranks last among these eight Washington counties at $60,293 median income, about 21% below the state average of $76,363. Per capita income of $31,905 significantly trails the state per capita of $40,628, indicating severe income constraints.

Significantly Below Regional Peers

Okanogan's $60,293 income trails all comparison counties, falling $9,400 below Lewis County ($69,690), the next-lowest earner. The gap widens dramatically against Kitsap ($98,546), revealing Okanogan's isolation from Washington's high-wage centers.

Low Costs, Limited Income

Okanogan residents allocate just 17.3% of median income to rent with median home values of $284,200—among the state's most affordable housing. Despite favorable costs, the county's low absolute income limits household economic options.

Build Wealth From Limited Resources

Okanogan's median income of $60,293 requires disciplined financial planning; prioritize eliminating high-interest debt before investing. Leverage affordable housing to maximize savings, explore career development opportunities, and pursue employer retirement plans consistently.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Okanogan County

via CrimeByCounty

Okanogan County Boasts High Safety Scores

Okanogan County’s total crime rate of 1126.7 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It holds an excellent safety score of 98.2. Five reporting agencies contribute to this high-performing safety data.

Exceeding the State’s Safety Performance

With a safety score of 98.2, Okanogan far exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. Its total crime rate of 1126.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 2377.2. It is one of the safest counties in the state.

Safest Profile in the Central Region

Okanogan is safer than Kittitas County, which reports a crime rate of 2257.7. It also has fewer reported incidents than Lincoln County's 1259.5. This makes it a leader in public safety among its regional peers.

Very Low Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime in Okanogan is extremely low at 99.2 per 100K, compared to the 369.8 national average. Property crime is also minimal at 1027.5 per 100K. For residents, this means both physical and property risks are notably low.

Maintaining a Secure Home in Okanogan

Even in very safe areas, securing property helps maintain low crime statistics. Simple deterrents like locking gates and using motion-activated lights are often sufficient. Reporting any suspicious activity helps local agencies maintain this county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Okanogan County

via HealthByCounty

Okanogan faces state's bleakest health picture

Life expectancy in Okanogan County stands at just 76.0 years—the lowest in Washington and over 5 years below the U.S. average. Nearly one in four residents (22.4%) report poor or fair health, and 15.7% lack health insurance—both among the worst figures in the nation. These intersecting crises reveal profound economic hardship, healthcare collapse, and early mortality driven by preventable causes.

Okanogan ranks dead last in Washington health

Okanogan County's 76.0-year life expectancy is the lowest in Washington state, 2.1 years below the state average. Its 15.7% uninsured rate is nearly double Washington's 9.0% average—among the nation's highest uninsured rates. With 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, availability sounds reasonable on paper, but concentrated geography and cost barriers leave many without access.

Crisis-level health disparities vs. peers

Okanogan's 76.0-year life expectancy trails Klickitat (79.4) by 3.4 years and King County (81.1) by 5.1 years. Its 15.7% uninsured rate is more than 50% higher than any neighboring county, pointing to unique economic and population challenges. Primary care density at 82 per 100K appears adequate, but rural distribution and cost barriers prevent actual access for uninsured residents.

Uninsurance crisis blocks access despite providers

Okanogan's 15.7% uninsured rate—the state's highest—means roughly 1 in 6 residents lack coverage and face catastrophic costs for any medical care. Even with 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, uninsured patients avoid seeking care until conditions become emergencies, driving worse outcomes. Mental health providers at 357 per 100K remain inaccessible to those without insurance or income.

Coverage is your path to health and survival

If you're among Okanogan County's 15.7% uninsured, enrolling in health coverage today could save your life—go to Washington's health insurance marketplace immediately to explore free or low-cost plans based on your income. Coverage removes financial barriers to preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health support, breaking the cycle of emergency-only care. Financial hardship doesn't disqualify you; subsidies often make coverage free or near-free.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Okanogan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in Washington's Largest County

Okanogan County manages 35 public schools for 11,504 students across nine school districts. The network is heavy on secondary education, featuring 16 high schools to serve its vast geographic area. This system provides critical local hubs for students in some of the state's most remote regions.

Solid Graduation Rates on a Budget

Okanogan reports a strong 86.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 81.4%. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,802, which is lower than both state and national averages. The county's school score of 55.5 demonstrates effective educational delivery despite tighter funding.

Omak and the Virtual Frontier

Omak School District is the largest with 5,834 students, driven largely by its three Washington Virtual Academy schools. These virtual programs account for over 4,000 students, representing a major share of the county's total enrollment. Traditional districts like Tonasket and Okanogan also serve significant local populations.

Remote Rural and Town Schools

Outside of the virtual programs, schools here are mostly rural (21) or in small towns (14) with an average size of 338. Omak High School's virtual wing is massive, but physical campuses like Tonasket Elementary remain community fixtures. The learning environment is defined by the county's rugged, expansive geography.

Diverse Choices in Okanogan County

Families in Okanogan County benefit from graduation rates that nearly reach national benchmarks. The availability of robust virtual academies and traditional local schools offers unparalleled flexibility for homebuyers. Searching for homes near Omak or Tonasket provides the best balance of community and high-performing school access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Okanogan County

via RiskByCounty

Okanogan County carries relatively moderate risk

Okanogan County's composite risk score of 89.19 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The score reflects a significant hazard mix centered on wildfires and flooding, with notable earthquake exposure.

Above average risk across Washington

Okanogan County scores 89.19 against Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it among the state's higher-risk regions. This elevation is driven by extreme wildfire vulnerability across the county's expansive interior forests.

Okanogan shares risk with regional peers

Okanogan County (89.19) ranks similarly to Kittitas County (89.12) and Lewis County (89.69), forming a band of elevated hazard exposure across north-central and central Washington. All three counties face severe wildfire and earthquake threats.

Wildfire and flooding lead Okanogan's risks

Okanogan County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.30) affecting vast forested areas, plus severe flood exposure (89.12) from the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers. Earthquakes (86.23) pose a secondary hazard across the entire county, while tornadoes (6.65) are extremely rare.

Wildfire, flood, and earthquake coverage

Okanogan County residents should combine robust wildfire defensibility with comprehensive insurance: clear vegetation around homes, maintain gutters, and secure flood and earthquake policies to cover these dominant hazards. Properties near rivers or in forest zones face compounded risks requiring full coverage review.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Okanogan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Land of Cold Extremes

Okanogan County's 48.1°F average temperature is below the national median. It experiences some of the most dramatic seasonal shifts in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington's Snow and Heat Leader

The county averages 91.3 inches of snow, far exceeding the state norm. It is also cooler than the state average temperature of 49.9°F and drier than the 38.5-inch precipitation average.

Vastly More Snow Than Klickitat

Okanogan receives 91.3 inches of snow, more than double the 40.8 inches seen in Klickitat County. It also records 31 extreme heat days, the highest in this regional group.

Intense Heat and Heavy Snow

July is hot with a 71.2°F average and 31 days of extreme heat. Winters are severe, featuring a January average of 25.8°F and over 91 inches of annual snowfall.

Equip for All Four Seasons

Heavy-duty snow blowers and winter tires are essential for the 91.3 inches of snow. High-capacity cooling systems are also required to manage the 31 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Okanogan County

via SoilByCounty

Vast landscapes, varied soils

Taxonomic data and official pH levels remain unlisted for this massive northern county. While we lack specific data, Washington's state average pH of 6.20 serves as a useful benchmark for local soil testing.

A blend of mountain and valley

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for Okanogan County. This mix is essential for determining how much water the land can hold and how easily roots can penetrate the subsoil.

Cultivating the high country

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing from our current dataset. Farmers in this region work hard to build soil health, aiming for the productivity seen in the state's average score of 58.1.

Water patterns in the north

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not formally documented here. Because this region spans from river valleys to high mountains, water behavior changes drastically across the county line.

Hardy gardening in Zone 6b

Zone 6b requires plants that can handle cold winters and dry summers. This environment is world-famous for apples and pears, so consider planting your own orchard trees to take advantage of the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Okanogan County

via LawnByCounty

Toughest Lawn Conditions in the State

Okanogan County is the most challenging area in this group, with a lawn difficulty score of just 28.0. This is well below both the state average of 36.9 and the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this 6b zone face a combination of harsh winters and extreme summer heat.

Extreme Heat and Arid Cycles

With 31 days of extreme heat and only 16.6 inches of rain, the climate is naturally hostile to traditional turf. However, 2,416 growing degree days—the highest in this set—mean that grass can grow rapidly if given enough water. Managing irrigation is a full-time job during the long, hot summer.

Soil Data for Okanogan County

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this county. In such an arid and high-heat environment, focusing on soil health is the only way to sustain a lawn. Adding thick layers of organic compost can help the ground retain what little moisture falls during the year.

A Year of Constant Drought

Okanogan County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, with 85.7% of the area currently abnormally dry. This persistent water shortage makes traditional lush lawns very difficult to maintain sustainably. Many residents find success by utilizing drought-tolerant native grasses instead of standard turf.

Timing the Okanogan Growing Season

Buffalograss or heat-resistant Tall Fescues are the best bets for surviving the 31 days of extreme heat in Zone 6b. Wait until the frost risk passes on April 30th before you begin your spring seeding. Be prepared for the season to end fairly quickly when the first frost arrives on October 7th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Okanogan County's county score?
Okanogan County, Washington has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Okanogan County rank among counties in Washington?
Okanogan County ranks #13 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 Okanogan County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Okanogan County is $2,194, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Okanogan County a tax score of 55.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Okanogan County?
The median household income in Okanogan County, Washington is $60,293 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Okanogan County earns an income score of 40/100 on CountyScore.
Is Okanogan County, Washington a good place to live?
Okanogan County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Okanogan 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 Okanogan 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.