countyscore
55.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.4Property Tax 80.6Health 79.7

County Report Card

About San Juan County, Washington

A national leader in island livability

San Juan County earns a high composite score of 55.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a unique combination of wealth and low tax burdens.

Among the most livable counties in Washington

The county's 55.4 score far exceeds the Washington state average of 44.1. It is one of the premier destinations in the Pacific Northwest for those who can afford the entry price.

Exceptional tax climate and community health

The tax score of 78.0 is driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.569%. Residents also enjoy a health score of 79.7 and a strong income score of 87.5.

Severe water scarcity and housing costs

A critical water score of 4.1 signals significant resource challenges on the islands. Furthermore, the cost score of 8.7 reflects a median home value of $726,500, creating a high barrier to entry.

Perfect for wealthy residents and retirees

This county is a haven for high-net-worth individuals who value low taxes and community health over resource ease. It is best for those who can afford luxury housing and manage island water limitations.

2040608010080.68.768.579.748.286.464.74.168.6Tax80.6Cost8.7Safety68.5Health79.7Schools48.2Income86.4Risk64.7Water4.1Weather68.655.8/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

San Juan County DNA

Foverall

How San Juan County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

San Juan County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (86.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.6+28.599999999999994
Cost
8.7-39.3
Safety
68.5+13.5
Health
79.7+29.700000000000003
Schools
48.2
Income
86.4+35.400000000000006
Risk
64.7+17.700000000000003
Water
4.1-53.9
Weather
68.6+12.599999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in San Juan County

Whether buying or refinancing in San Juan County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$799,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,512/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$799,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum9.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,800/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.8

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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Graham County
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Nearby counties

Island County
Washington
50.9
Whatcom County
Washington
37.8
Skagit County
Washington
37.5
Clallam County
Washington
40.1
Jefferson County
Washington
47.9
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Snohomish County
Washington
41.6
Mason County
Washington
40

Deep Dives

San Juan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in San Juan County

via TaxByCounty

San Juan has lowest rate nationally

San Juan County's effective tax rate of 0.569% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, well below the national median of 0.750%. Despite high home values, the median property tax of $4,131 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to lower rate.

Washington's lowest effective rate

San Juan County has the lowest effective tax rate in Washington at 0.569%, compared to the state average of 0.761%. The county's median property tax of $4,131 reflects its sky-high median home value of $726,500 rather than the tax rate.

Island premium homes, island discounts

San Juan County's 0.569% rate is dramatically lower than neighboring Skagit County (0.824%) and Snohomish County (0.794%), reflecting the islands' unique tax structure. Wealthy island homeowners benefit from both high property values and unusually low rates.

Premium homes, moderate tax bills

San Juan County's median home value of $726,500 would generate roughly $4,131 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.569% rate. Non-mortgaged homeowners pay about $4,453 while mortgaged owners pay $3,916.

Even wealthy homeowners should appeal

San Juan County homeowners, regardless of home value, should review assessments for accuracy and file appeals when warranted. The low rate means small assessment errors cost proportionally less, but over decades they add up.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Juan County

via IncomeByCounty

San Juan County far exceeds U.S. median

San Juan County's median household income of $83,682 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 11.9%, placing the county in the top 30% nationally. The strength stems from a mix of tourism, professional services, and affluent retirees in island communities.

Upper-middle rank among Washington counties

San Juan County ranks 7th among Washington's 39 counties, exceeding the state average of $76,363 by $7,319. The island location attracts higher earners and seasonal wealth, boosting aggregate household income.

Strong income, islands command premium

San Juan County's $83,682 income trails Snohomish ($107,982) and Pierce ($96,632) but exceeds Skagit ($85,474), Skamania ($90,085), and rural counties. Yet San Juan's per capita income of $63,173 ranks highest—reflecting wealth concentration and part-time employment patterns.

High housing costs strain affordability

San Juan County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% is manageable, but the median home value of $726,500 represents nearly 8.7 years of median income—the highest ratio among the eight counties. Island geography and limited housing supply drive premium property costs.

Plan for island living expenses

San Juan County residents earning $83,682 must account for steep housing costs when building wealth plans. Exploring second-home investments on the mainland or diversifying into non-real-estate assets can balance portfolio risk while enjoying island living.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Juan County

via CrimeByCounty

San Juan County Ranks Among the Safest

San Juan County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.8, driven by a very low total crime rate of 738.9 per 100,000. This rate is nearly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leading Safety Score in Washington

With a safety score of 98.8, San Juan County far exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. Data from its single reporting agency shows a crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average of 2,377.2.

Island Living Offers Enhanced Security

San Juan County’s isolated geography contributes to a crime rate of 738.9, which is much lower than mainland neighbors like Skagit County. This unique environment creates one of the most secure counties in the Pacific Northwest.

Minimal Violent Crime on the Islands

Violent crime is extremely low at just 38.9 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 700.0, though residents should note these figures come from a single reporting agency.

Maintaining Peace in San Juan

Even in high-safety areas, basic precautions like locking doors and windows are recommended. Residents should stay involved with community alerts to maintain the county's reputation as a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Juan County

via WeatherByCounty

The Gentle Climate of the Islands

San Juan County averages 50.8°F annually, remaining cooler than the national median. Located in a rain shadow, it receives only 23.8 inches of annual precipitation, making it much drier than most coastal regions.

Warmer and Drier than the Mainland

The county's 50.8°F average annual temperature is slightly higher than the state average of 49.9°F. Its 23.8 inches of rain is remarkably low compared to the Washington average of 38.5 inches.

Drier Skies Compared to Skagit County

While Skagit County receives 57.9 inches of rain, the San Juan Islands receive less than half that amount. The surrounding waters insulate the islands, keeping winters milder than the nearby mainland.

Zero Extreme Heat and Mild Winters

The county records zero days of extreme heat over 90°F, with July temperatures averaging 61.5°F. Winters are similarly gentle, with a January average of 41.5°F and only 5.8 inches of annual snow.

Focus on Water Conservation and Light Layers

Air conditioning is virtually unnecessary here given the total lack of extreme heat days. Instead, residents should plan for water conservation during dry summers and keep light layers ready for the consistently mild, maritime air.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Juan County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Island Soils

San Juan County features quite acidic soil with an average pH of 5.16. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.20. Such acidity typically requires lime amendments for traditional vegetable gardening.

A Gritty Sandy Blend

The soil is dominated by 49.8% sand, balanced by 34.5% silt and a low 9.5% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability and prevents the heavy compaction often seen in clay-rich areas. It offers a light, manageable texture for island farmers.

Incredible Organic Richness

This county boasts a massive 49.87% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 14.85%. This richness translates to an available water capacity of 0.324 in/in, which is much higher than the state average of 0.194. Your plants will have excellent access to both nutrients and moisture.

Managing the Island's Water

While official drainage classes are not listed, the nearly 50% sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This is excellent for preventing root rot but means the soil can dry out quickly in the summer. Careful irrigation management is necessary during the drier months.

Island Bounty in Zone 9a

The mild Zone 9a climate and high organic content make San Juan a gardener's dream. Acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, and camellias will thrive in this natural soil environment. Start your island garden and enjoy the benefits of this unique soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Juan County

via LawnByCounty

Island Living and Lawn Ease

San Juan County is one of the easiest places in Washington to grow a lawn, scoring 43.5 on the difficulty scale. Its USDA Hardiness Zone 9a classification ensures very mild winters, allowing for year-round root activity. While easier than the state average of 36.9, it still requires more effort than the national median of 50.0.

The Rain Shadow Effect

Located in a rain shadow, the county receives just 23.8 inches of rain annually, which is below the 30-inch ideal for turf. However, with 0 extreme heat days and only 1,493 growing degree days, the grass never faces the scorching temperatures found inland. You will need to water regularly, but you won't have to fight heat-related diseases.

Acidic and Sandy Island Soils

The soil here is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16, well below the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range. It is also very sandy at 49.8%, which means water and nutrients drain away much faster than in clay-heavy soils. You will likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and use slow-release fertilizers to prevent runoff.

Managing Water on the Islands

San Juan County experienced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, though only 1.7% of the area is currently dry. Because the sandy soil drains so quickly, even short dry spells can stress your grass. Collecting rainwater or using greywater systems can be effective ways to maintain your lawn without straining limited island aquifers.

Seeding in the Mildest Climate

The extremely long growing season runs from late March until late November, giving you plenty of time to establish new turf. Fine fescues are highly recommended for their ability to tolerate the sandy, acidic soil conditions found across the islands. For best results, seed in early April when the spring rains provide consistent, gentle moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Juan County's county score?
San Juan County, Washington has a composite county score of 55.8 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 San Juan County rank among counties in Washington?
San Juan County ranks #6 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 San Juan County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in San Juan County is $4,253, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns San Juan County a tax score of 80.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Juan County?
The median household income in San Juan County, Washington is $84,800 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Juan County earns an income score of 86.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Juan County, Washington a good place to live?
San Juan County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Washington. The best way to evaluate San Juan 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 San Juan 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.