CountyScore

Pacific County

Washington · WA

#17 in Washington
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Pacific County, Washington

Pacific County outpaces national average

Pacific County's composite score of 71.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 44% advantage over the national average reflects a county that delivers solid livability across measured dimensions.

Above average in Washington state

Pacific County ranks above Washington's state average composite score of 68.1, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 39 counties. The county's 71.8 score signals stronger-than-typical livability for the Pacific Northwest region.

Tax and affordability drive livability

Pacific County excels in cost of living with a 78.2 affordability score and a competitive tax score of 79.2, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.821%. Median home values of $274,000 and gross rent at $962/month make this county notably accessible compared to regional alternatives.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's income score of 24.1 represents its primary constraint, with a median household income of $62,350 trailing state averages. Data on safety, health, schools, risk, and water quality remain limited, preventing a complete livability picture.

Ideal for budget-conscious relocators

Pacific County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over high incomes and urban amenities. Those seeking a quieter Pacific Northwest lifestyle with manageable housing costs will find this county compelling.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.2Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.1Risk7.3WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.3
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 Pacific County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clinch County
Georgia
65.7
Median income: $55,549
Jo Daviess County
Illinois
65.7
Median income: $74,954
Porter County
Indiana
65.7
Median income: $85,828
Osage County
Kansas
65.7
Median income: $70,216
Kenton County
Kentucky
65.7
Median income: $79,421

Deep Dives

Pacific County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pacific County

via TaxByCounty

Pacific County taxes above US median

Pacific County's effective tax rate of 0.821% exceeds the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $2,250, modestly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the region.

Above-average rate for Washington

At 0.821%, Pacific County's effective rate ranks above Washington's state average of 0.761%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 39 counties. The county's median tax of $2,250 is notably lower than the state median of $3,028.

Higher than nearby Pend Oreille

Pacific County's 0.821% rate exceeds Pend Oreille County's 0.665% but lags Skagit County's 0.824%. Property taxes here average $2,250, making the county relatively affordable compared to more urbanized regional neighbors.

Expect $2,250 on median home

On Pacific County's median home value of $274,000, you'll pay approximately $2,250 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly higher at $2,497 due to escrow requirements.

Challenge your assessment today

Many Pacific County homeowners are overassessed, and the county allows regular assessment appeals. A professional review could lower your property's assessed value and reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pacific County

via CostByCounty

Pacific County's Housing Affordability

At 18.5%, Pacific County's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly identical to the national median, meaning renters here spend roughly the same share of earnings on housing as Americans nationwide. With a median household income of $62,350—about 17% below the national average of $74,755—Pacific County offers modest housing costs that roughly track with lower regional incomes.

More Affordable Than Most Washington

Pacific County ranks among Washington's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% that beats the state average of 18.8%. Median rent of $962/month falls $240 below the state median of $1,202, making it a relative bargain in a state where housing costs have surged.

Pacific County vs. Regional Peers

Pacific County's $962 median rent undercuts nearby Pierce County ($1,722) by 44%, though Pierce households earn 55% more annually. Against Skamania County to the south, Pacific sits in the middle: Skamania's rent runs $62 higher, but with a $27,735 income advantage, the math favors Skamania renters.

Where Your Income Goes

Pacific County renters spend 18.5% of income on rent ($962/month), while homeowners dedicate 12.1% to mortgage and owner costs ($843/month). The median home value of $274,000 remains one of the state's lowest, keeping both rental and ownership within reach for working families.

Consider Pacific for Value

If you're weighing relocation, Pacific County offers genuine affordability: your rent dollar stretches further here than in most Washington counties, and home ownership remains achievable without a six-figure income. Compare these costs to higher-income counties like Snohomish or Pierce to see how much your monthly budget could improve.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pacific County

via IncomeByCounty

Pacific County lags national income levels

Pacific County's median household income of $62,350 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 16.6%. While below the national average, the county ranks among roughly 1,200 U.S. counties in the lower-middle income tier, reflecting its rural character and smaller wage-earning base.

Below-average earnings in Washington

Pacific County ranks 28th out of 39 Washington counties by median household income, falling short of the state average of $76,363. The $13,013 gap underscores income disparities across Washington's urban-rural divide.

Similar income to regional peers

Pacific County's $62,350 median income closely mirrors nearby Pend Oreille County ($63,750) but trails Skagit County ($85,474) and Snohomish County ($107,982). The county earns more than Spokane County ($73,513), reflecting regional variation in job markets and industry mix.

Rent remains manageable for most

At 18.5%, Pacific County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting housing costs are sustainable for median earners. However, the median home value of $274,000 represents 4.4 years of median income, making homeownership a longer-term financial commitment.

Build financial security now

Pacific County residents earning the median $62,350 should prioritize establishing an emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans to build long-term wealth. With housing costs manageable, channeling savings into diversified investments positions households for greater financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pacific County

via HealthByCounty

Pacific County lags behind national health

At 76.1 years, Pacific County's life expectancy falls 2.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.5 years. Nearly 19% of residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.9%, signaling higher chronic disease burden in this Southwest Washington community.

Below average among Washington counties

Pacific County ranks in the lower half statewide for life expectancy, trailing Washington's 78.1-year average by 2 years. The county's 18.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds most peer counties in the state, reflecting persistent health challenges.

Struggles compared to regional peers

Neighboring Thurston and Lewis counties both outperform Pacific on life expectancy metrics. Pacific's primary care provider density of 21 per 100,000 is less than half the regional average, creating real barriers to preventive and routine care access.

Insurance gaps and provider scarcity

Nearly 10% of Pacific County residents lack health insurance, slightly above Washington's 9% state average. With only 21 primary care doctors per 100,000 people, residents often face long waits and travel times for basic medical services.

Get health coverage that fits your life

If you're among the 1 in 10 uninsured Pacific County residents, now's the time to explore your options. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment assistant to find a plan that works for your family and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pacific County

via RiskByCounty

Pacific County's moderate disaster risk

Pacific County scores 92.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively moderate risk category nationally. This means Pacific residents face more frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's risk profile reflects significant earthquake and flood threats concentrated in specific geographic areas.

Third-riskiest county in Washington

Among Washington's 39 counties, Pacific ranks third for overall disaster risk, trailing only Pierce and Snohomish counties. This elevated ranking is driven primarily by a 95.13 earthquake risk score—among the highest in the state—combined with substantial flood risk at 75.00. Most Washington counties score between 28 and 50 on the composite scale, making Pacific's 92.75 notably high.

Riskier than most Puget Sound neighbors

Pacific County's 92.75 score exceeds nearby Thurston County's risk level and is comparable to Skagit County (88.77), though both counties face different hazard mixes. Pacific's earthquake risk (95.13) is substantially higher than Skamania County's (87.09), reflecting its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. However, Pacific's wildfire risk (27.70) is much lower than mountain counties like Skamania (93.92).

Earthquakes and floods dominate here

Earthquake risk at 95.13 is Pacific County's defining threat, reflecting the region's location atop the Cascadia Subduction Zone where a major quake could trigger widespread damage and tsunami risk along coastal areas. Flood risk scores 75.00, particularly acute in river valleys and communities near the Willapa Hills and Chehalis River watershed. Tornado risk remains minimal at 7.25, so preparation should focus on seismic and flood resilience rather than storm shelters.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Pacific County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies and covers damage from ground shaking and liquefaction. Flood insurance is equally critical—standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, and nearly three-quarters of Pacific County's risk score reflects flood exposure. Review your property's flood zone status at FEMA's flood maps and consider retrofitting your home's foundation for seismic resilience.

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.