countyscore
33.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.5Health 74.1Weather & Climate 61.1

County Report Card

About Pierce County, Washington

Pierce County trails national livability standards

With a composite score of 33.7, Pierce County sits well below the national median of 50.0. High costs and safety concerns drive this lower-than-average ranking.

Falling behind the Washington state average

The county's score of 33.7 is significantly lower than the Washington state average of 44.1. It struggles to compete with state peers due to extreme cost-of-living pressures.

High incomes and robust healthcare access

Pierce County shines with an income score of 94.5 and a health score of 74.1. The median household income is a strong $96,632, supporting a well-resourced medical infrastructure.

Critical issues in safety and affordability

The county faces major challenges with a safety score of 1.8 and a cost score of 3.1. These numbers reflect high crime rates and median gross rents of $1,722 that strain many budgets.

A hub for high-earning urban professionals

This county best suits high-income individuals who can navigate high housing costs and safety risks to access top-tier health services. It is a high-stakes environment for those focused on career growth.

Score breakdown

Tax42.4Cost3.1Safety1.8Health74.1Schools46.2Income94.5Risk1.5Water57.1Weather61.1
🏛42.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.7
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

King County
Washington
39.5
Thurston County
Washington
37.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
Mason County
Washington
40.1
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Yakima County
Washington
30.4
Kittitas County
Washington
41.8
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pierce County

via TaxByCounty

Pierce County's rates rank high

Pierce County's effective tax rate of 0.940% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $4,555 is 69% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest in Washington state

Pierce County's 0.940% effective rate is second only to Snohomish County among Washington's counties, well above the state average of 0.761%. The median property tax of $4,555 is the highest in the state.

Highest taxes in Puget Sound region

Pierce County's 0.940% rate far exceeds neighboring Pacific County (0.821%) and Skamania County (0.715%), reflecting the Seattle metro area's robust tax base. Only Snohomish County rivals Pierce's tax burden in the region.

Pay $4,555 on median home

Pierce County's median home value of $484,400 generates approximately $4,555 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.940% rate. Both mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners face similar annual obligations around $4,500–$4,600.

Assessment appeals save real money

Many Pierce County homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments, and formal appeals can reduce your tax burden significantly. Given the high median tax here, even a 5% reduction yields $225+ in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pierce County

via CostByCounty

Pierce County's Premium Affordability Test

Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% exceeds the national average by 5 percentage points, signaling a tighter housing squeeze for renters. Though median household income of $96,632 ranks 29% above the national average, rent of $1,722/month still consumes a larger share of earnings than most American counties.

Above State Average Affordability Strain

Pierce County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite strong incomes. Median rent of $1,722/month exceeds the state median by $520, reflecting the Puget Sound region's competitive housing market.

Pierce's High-Income, High-Cost Reality

Pierce County residents earn substantially more than Pacific County ($96,632 vs. $62,350), yet pay 79% more in rent ($1,722 vs. $962). Only Snohomish County exceeds Pierce's rent costs and affordability strain, making both Puget Sound counties the state's priciest rental markets.

Income Meets Housing Reality

Pierce County renters dedicate 21.4% of income to rent, while homeowners spend 24.3% on mortgage and owner costs—both elevated for the state. The median home value of $484,400 demands strong incomes to purchase, though the county's $96,632 median household income provides more capacity than most.

Pierce: Premium Location, Premium Cost

Pierce County offers urban and suburban amenities with strong job markets, but anticipate higher housing costs than most Washington counties. If you're relocating, compare Pierce's rent and affordability strain against more rural or eastern Washington options like Pend Oreille or Skamania to assess your budget priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pierce County

via IncomeByCounty

Pierce County ranks well nationally

Pierce County's median household income of $96,632 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 29.2%, placing the county among America's top 25% of counties by income. The robust earnings reflect Pierce's urban density, diverse employment, and proximity to Tacoma.

Second-highest income in Washington

Pierce County ranks 2nd among Washington's 39 counties by median household income, surpassed only by Snohomish County's $107,982. The $20,269 advantage over the state average of $76,363 demonstrates the county's economic strength and wage competitiveness.

Leads region in household earnings

Pierce County's $96,632 median income outpaces all neighboring counties, including Snohomish ($107,982), Skagit ($85,474), Skamania ($90,085), and Pacific ($62,350). Only Snohomish County edges ahead, reflecting the Puget Sound's concentration of high-wage jobs.

Higher income, higher housing costs

Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% remains within affordability limits, though it's the highest among the eight counties studied. The median home value of $484,400 represents 5 years of median income—requiring substantial down payments and mortgage commitments.

Leverage high income strategically

Pierce County residents earning the median $96,632 should capitalize on above-average income by maximizing retirement contributions and building investment portfolios. With housing costs consuming a fifth of income, strategic saving can accelerate wealth accumulation and long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pierce County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates Challenge Pierce County

Pierce County faces a total crime rate of 5,103.1 per 100,000, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. These figures result in a safety score of 91.9, indicating significant public safety challenges for the region.

Pierce Falls Below Washington Safety Average

The county's safety score of 91.9 is notably lower than the Washington state average of 96.2. Eighteen reporting agencies work to manage crime levels that exceed the state’s typical total crime rate of 2,377.2.

Highest Crime Profile in the Region

Pierce County's crime rate of 5,103.1 is substantially higher than that of neighboring Snohomish County. Its urban density and transit corridors contribute to a more active crime landscape than its surrounding rural neighbors.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Stats

Violent crime in Pierce County is 677.5 per 100,000, nearly twice the national average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 4,425.6, meaning residents face much higher risks of theft and burglary compared to state norms.

Prioritizing Home and Neighborhood Security

High property crime rates make alarm systems and doorbell cameras essential investments for Pierce County residents. Locking vehicles and removing all valuables from sight can significantly reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pierce County

via HealthByCounty

Pierce County near national health standards

At 77.4 years, Pierce County's life expectancy sits just 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.5 years. With 16.6% reporting poor or fair health—slightly below the national rate of 17.9%—this Puget Sound region shows stronger health outcomes than many peers.

Slightly below state average but solid regionally

Pierce County's 77.4-year life expectancy trails Washington's 78.1-year average by just 0.7 years, placing it in the middle of statewide rankings. As Washington's second-largest county, Pierce's health profile reflects the diversity of a major urban-suburban region anchored by Tacoma.

Performs well against surrounding counties

Pierce's health metrics are competitive with neighbors King and Thurston counties, though both rank slightly higher. With 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Pierce offers solid access compared to rural western Washington peers.

Strong insurance coverage, good provider density

Only 6.6% of Pierce County residents lack health insurance—below the state average of 9%—and the county boasts 604 mental health providers per 100,000, well above the state norm. This combination means most residents can access both physical and behavioral health services.

Verify your coverage works for you

Even with high coverage rates, reviewing your plan ensures you're prepared for what healthcare actually costs. Check your policy details at Healthcare.gov or call your insurance provider to understand your deductible and out-of-pocket limits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pierce County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban and Suburban System

Pierce County operates a vast educational network of 282 schools across 19 districts, serving 136,629 students. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 153 elementary schools currently in operation.

Competitive Graduation in a Large System

The county achieves an 83.1% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 81.4%. While per-pupil spending of $8,706 is lower than both state and national medians, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 53.6.

Tacoma and Bethel Lead the Way

Tacoma School District is the largest with 28,311 students, followed closely by Puyallup and Bethel. Charter schools represent a tiny fraction of the market, with only two schools serving less than 1% of the total student population.

Large Campuses and Suburban Life

Most students attend large suburban or city schools, with an average enrollment of 510 students per campus. Graham Kapowsin High is the county's largest with 2,011 students, illustrating the scale of these major educational hubs.

Find a Home in Top-Tier Districts

With 19 districts to choose from, Pierce County offers a wide variety of educational environments for every family. Contact a local agent to explore homes near high-performing schools in Puyallup, Tacoma, or Bethel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pierce County

via RiskByCounty

Pierce County faces relatively high risks

Pierce County scores 98.54 on the composite risk scale, far exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01 and placing it in the relatively high risk category nationally. This means Pierce residents face more frequent and severe natural hazards than most American counties. The county's dense population and geography create compounded disaster exposure across multiple hazard types.

Second-highest disaster risk in Washington

Pierce County ranks second statewide for overall disaster risk, trailing only Snohomish County (97.87) and ahead of Pacific County (92.75). Pierce's highest scores are earthquake (99.55), flood (96.22), and wildfire (76.78), reflecting major vulnerabilities across three critical hazard types. Only two Washington counties score above 95, making Pierce's profile exceptionally risky by state standards.

Riskiest in the greater Puget Sound

Pierce County's 98.54 score is slightly higher than neighboring Snohomish County (97.87) and substantially higher than Thurston County (approximately 60-65 range). Both Pierce and Snohomish share similar earthquake (99+ range) and flood (95+) profiles due to their Puget Sound proximity and Cascadia Subduction Zone exposure. Pierce's tornado risk (41.22) is also higher than Thurston's, reflecting broader storm exposure in the southern Sound region.

Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes converge

Earthquake risk dominates at 99.55—Pierce County sits directly above the Cascadia Subduction Zone, making a major seismic event the county's most catastrophic potential threat. Flood risk (96.22) affects river valleys and low-lying urban areas, while tornado risk (41.22) is surprisingly significant for a western Washington county, exceeding many Midwest communities. Together, these three hazards create a complex insurance and preparedness challenge for homeowners.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy required

Pierce County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance, which is separate from standard homeowners policies, and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if in a mapped flood zone. Review your property's location relative to tsunami hazard zones and evacuation routes—Mount Rainier's lahars also threaten some communities in the county's eastern regions. Consider a home safety audit addressing seismic bracing, flood barriers, and storm-resistant upgrades.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pierce County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Beneath the Peak

Pierce County averages 48.3°F annually, trailing the national median temperature. Its annual precipitation of 61.1 inches reflects the influence of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound, creating a moist, temperate environment.

Colder than Average for Western Washington

The county's 48.3°F annual average is lower than the Washington state average of 49.9°F, largely due to high-elevation terrain. Its 61.1 inches of rain significantly exceeds the state average of 38.5 inches.

Wetter and Snowier than Nearby Snohomish

Pierce County sees 38.3 inches of annual snow, vastly outstripping Snohomish County’s 3.6 inches. This disparity is driven by the county's varied topography, which catches significantly more moisture than its northern neighbors.

Consistent Rains and Rare Heat

Summers are very mild with a July average of 62.3°F and only 2 days of extreme heat over 90°F. However, winters bring significant moisture and an average of 38.3 inches of snow, particularly in the foothills.

Gear Up for Variable Winter Weather

With only 2 days of extreme heat, air conditioning is often optional, but high-quality rain shells are a daily necessity. Homeowners should prepare for potential snow events and ensure drainage systems can handle over 60 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pierce County

via SoilByCounty

Pierce County Soil Identity

Taxonomic data and pH levels for Pierce County are not currently available in this dataset. Without these numbers, we cannot measure the soil against the national median pH of 6.5. Local variations near Mount Rainier likely create diverse and unique soil chemistry.

A Mystery of Texture

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay is currently unrecorded for this county. This composition determines the 'feel' of your soil and how much effort it takes to work the land. Many Puget Sound soils feature glacial till, which presents unique challenges for drainage.

Organic Matter and Potential

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing, preventing a direct comparison to the state average of 14.85%. Washington's high average organic matter usually suggests very productive ground. Local gardeners should prioritize soil health to maximize their growing potential.

Water and Infrastructure

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unlisted for Pierce County. Knowing your drainage class is essential for avoiding basement flooding and ensuring healthy crop roots. Conduct a simple pit test to see how water behaves on your property.

Abundance in Zone 8b

Pierce County resides in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a temperate environment for many plants. This zone is ideal for berries, leafy greens, and a wide variety of ornamental shrubs. Grab some seeds and join the local gardening community this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pierce County

via LawnByCounty

Pierce County's High-Maintenance Turf

Pierce County is a challenging place for lawns, with a difficulty score of 35.7 that falls below both the national and state averages. Residents in this USDA Hardiness Zone 8b area enjoy mild winters but must work harder to keep grass healthy. The combination of high moisture and variable drought makes for a demanding maintenance schedule.

Consistent Rain and Low Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 61.1 inches, which is significantly higher than the national ideal of 50 inches. Despite the rain, the area only sees 2 extreme heat days a year, keeping evaporation low. This means your mowing schedule will be dictated more by rapid growth from 1,560 growing degree days than by heat-induced stress.

Working with Northwest Soil

Detailed soil texture data is unavailable, but the region's high rainfall often leads to heavy, slow-draining conditions. You should prioritize aeration to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and suffocating grass roots. Adding a thin layer of sand or organic topdressing can help improve the drainage profile over time.

Adapting to Long Dry Spells

The county spent 42 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, nearly 43% of the area remains abnormally dry. Even with high annual rainfall, summer droughts can quickly brown a lawn that isn't properly conditioned. Smart irrigation controllers can help you navigate these dry periods without wasting water.

Timing Your Puget Sound Lawn

Fine fescues and colonial bentgrass thrive in this temperate, maritime climate. You have a long growing season that typically starts after the April 11 frost and lasts until mid-November. Fall is the ideal time to seed, as the soil remains warm while the autumn rains take over the watering duties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pierce County's county score?
Pierce County, Washington has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Pierce County rank among counties in Washington?
Pierce County ranks #37 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 Pierce County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Pierce County is $4,555, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 42.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, Washington is $96,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 94.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, Washington a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Pierce 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 Pierce County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.