countyscore
33.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.6Health 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.

2040608010042.73.21.874.146.294.61.557.161.1Tax42.7Cost3.2Safety1.8Health74.1Schools46.2Income94.6Risk1.5Water57.1Weather61.133.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Pierce County DNA

Foverall

How Pierce County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Pierce County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (1.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.7-9.299999999999997
Cost
3.2-44.8
Safety
1.8-53.2
Health
74.1+24.099999999999994
Schools
46.2
Income
94.6+43.599999999999994
Risk
1.5-45.5
Water
57.1
Weather
61.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Pierce County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$526,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,806/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$526,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$72,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $99,564/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Macon County
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Median income: $62,666
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Hendry County
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Median income: $56,393
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Lafayette Parish
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Clinton County
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Median income: $88,210
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Muskegon County
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Cherokee County
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Median income: $61,261
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Volusia County
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Median income: $70,044
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Jefferson County
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Median income: $69,866
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Nearby counties

King County
Washington
39.1
Thurston County
Washington
37.6
Lewis County
Washington
37.9
Mason County
Washington
40
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Yakima County
Washington
30.4
Kittitas County
Washington
41.2
Snohomish County
Washington
41.6

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 33.8 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 $4,770, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, Washington is $99,564 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 94.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, Washington a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 33.8/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.