Pend Oreille County's composite score of 75.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by livability. This 50% advantage reflects exceptional performance across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Washington's strongest performer
Pend Oreille County ranks among Washington's top counties with a composite score of 75.3, well above the state average of 68.1. The county stands out as one of the state's most livable destinations.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and rock-bottom housing costs
Pend Oreille County delivers the state's best tax environment with an 83.6 tax score and effective rate of just 0.665%, plus exceptional affordability with an 81.6 cost score. At $786/month for median rent and $307,800 for median home value, this county offers unmatched accessibility.
4 / 5
Income levels remain below state average
The county's income score of 25.0 with median household income of $63,750 lags behind Washington's profile. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for affordable, low-tax living
Pend Oreille County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a quiet setting. Those willing to trade higher incomes for exceptional value and Northern Idaho charm will thrive here.
Pend Oreille County's composite score of 75.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by livability. This 50% advantage reflects exceptional performance across measured dimensions.
Washington's strongest performer
Pend Oreille County ranks among Washington's top counties with a composite score of 75.3, well above the state average of 68.1. The county stands out as one of the state's most livable destinations.
Lowest taxes and rock-bottom housing costs
Pend Oreille County delivers the state's best tax environment with an 83.6 tax score and effective rate of just 0.665%, plus exceptional affordability with an 81.6 cost score. At $786/month for median rent and $307,800 for median home value, this county offers unmatched accessibility.
Income levels remain below state average
The county's income score of 25.0 with median household income of $63,750 lags behind Washington's profile. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
Perfect for affordable, low-tax living
Pend Oreille County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a quiet setting. Those willing to trade higher incomes for exceptional value and Northern Idaho charm will thrive here.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pend Oreille County's effective tax rate of 0.665% sits significantly below the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 28th percentile. The median property tax of $2,048 is also well below the national median of $2,690.
Washington's most tax-friendly county
Pend Oreille has the lowest effective tax rate among Washington's counties at 0.665%, well below the state average of 0.761%. The county's median property tax of $2,048 is less than 68% of the state median.
Lowest taxes in the region
Pend Oreille's 0.665% rate is the lowest among neighboring northeast Washington counties, significantly undercutting Spokane County's 0.863% and Pacific County's 0.821%. This advantage makes the county attractive for property owners prioritizing tax burden.
Just $2,048 on median home
On Pend Oreille's median home value of $307,800, you'll pay approximately $2,048 annually in property taxes. Interestingly, both mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners pay nearly identical amounts around $2,050.
Even in low-tax counties, appeals help
Pend Oreille homeowners should still pursue assessment appeals if they believe valuations are inflated. Even modest reductions compound significantly over the years of homeownership.
Pend Oreille County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national average by 4 percentage points. With median rent at just $786/month and household income of $63,750, residents here enjoy exceptional housing affordability compared to most American counties.
Washington's Affordability Leader
Pend Oreille boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.8%, significantly outperforming Washington's 18.8% average. At $786/month, median rent runs $416 below the state median, making it the most affordable rental market in Washington.
Pend Oreille's Unmatched Value
Pend Oreille's $786 rent beats every comparable county: it's $176 cheaper than Pacific County and nearly $650 below neighboring Spokane County. Despite a modest income base of $63,750, residents keep more earnings in their pockets than anywhere else in the region.
The Affordability Formula
Renters in Pend Oreille spend just 14.8% of income on rent, the lowest burden in Washington and well below the state average of 18.8%. Homeowners fare even better at 15.7% for owner costs, with a median home value of $307,800 that's remarkably accessible.
Pend Oreille: Affordability Meets Community
If housing costs dominate your relocation decision, Pend Oreille is where your paycheck stretches furthest in Washington—renters and buyers alike get genuine breathing room. Relocating here could free up thousands annually compared to Pierce, Snohomish, or San Juan counties.
Pend Oreille County's median household income of $63,750 falls 14.7% short of the national median of $74,755. The county occupies a lower-middle income position nationally, typical for rural Pacific Northwest communities with limited urban employment centers.
Mid-range income ranking statewide
Pend Oreille County ranks 27th among Washington's 39 counties by median household income, trailing the state average of $76,363 by $12,613. The gap reflects the county's reliance on natural resource industries and smaller wage opportunities.
Competitive with nearby rural counties
Pend Oreille County's $63,750 income edges slightly ahead of Pacific County ($62,350) but lags Spokane County ($73,513) and significantly trails Snohomish ($107,982) and Skagit ($85,474) counties. Income diversity reflects each region's economic base.
Strong housing affordability here
Pend Oreille County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among the eight counties at 14.8%, signaling excellent housing affordability for renters. With a median home value of $307,800, homeownership requires roughly 4.8 years of median household income—achievable for disciplined savers.
Low housing costs fuel savings
Pend Oreille County residents benefit from affordable housing, freeing up income for savings, investments, and wealth-building. Starting a retirement plan early and automating contributions can help households maximize the financial advantage their low cost of living provides.
Pend Oreille's life expectancy significantly trails nation
At 72.9 years, Pend Oreille County residents live nearly 5.6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.5 years—one of the steepest gaps in the state. The county's 16.5% poor/fair health rate sits just below the national average, but masks deeper mortality challenges.
Washington's shortest life expectancy
Pend Oreille ranks last among Washington counties for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 78.1 years by 5.2 years. This 30-year gap between the state's healthiest and least healthy counties demands focused attention and resources.
Significantly behind neighboring Idaho counties
Compared to adjacent Idaho counties and even rural Washington neighbors like Skagit and Snohomish, Pend Oreille's life expectancy gap is stark. The county's 58 primary care providers per 100,000 provide moderate access, but other factors—including poverty and substance use—drive the health disparities.
Lower uninsured rate masks deeper barriers
At 7.7%, Pend Oreille's uninsured rate is actually below state average, yet residents still face severe health challenges. Limited mental health provider availability and geographic isolation compound the difficulty of accessing timely, quality care.
Ensure you're covered for health emergencies
Even if you're insured, review your coverage to confirm it meets your family's needs. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit WA.Healthcare.gov to find affordable plans or verify your current coverage.
Pend Oreille County scores just 28.02 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the very low risk category nationally. This northeastern county faces significantly less frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. Its remote location and terrain create a relatively favorable disaster risk profile compared to western Washington communities.
One of Washington's safest counties
Pend Oreille ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Washington, with a 28.02 score that places it in the bottom tier alongside San Juan County (35.37) and Skamania County (49.68). The county's low rating reflects minimal tornado (5.92) and earthquake (27.67) risks, though wildfire exposure is notable at 76.88. Most of Washington's most-developed Puget Sound counties score above 85, making Pend Oreille's profile unusually protective.
Safer than most of eastern Washington
Pend Oreille's 28.02 score is substantially lower than Spokane County (89.98) to its south and similar to remote San Juan County (35.37). The county's wildfire risk (76.88) is higher than its earthquake risk (27.67), contrasting with western Washington counties where seismic threats dominate. Ferry County and Stevens County, Pend Oreille's other neighbors, share similarly low composite scores.
Wildfire is the primary concern
Wildfire risk at 76.88 is Pend Oreille County's most significant threat, reflecting the extensive forests covering this region and seasonal fire season patterns common to the northern Rockies. Flood risk (54.33) is moderate and primarily affects communities near the Pend Oreille River and smaller creek systems. Earthquake (27.67) and tornado (5.92) risks are minimal, so wildfire preparedness should be the household priority.
Wildfire insurance and defensible space
Pend Oreille homeowners should ensure their standard homeowners policies include adequate wildfire coverage and understand any exclusions related to forest fire damage. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees and brush within 30 feet of structures, and use fire-resistant roofing and siding materials. Review evacuation routes and sign up for local emergency alerts during fire season, typically June through October.