CountyScore

San Juan County

Washington · WA

#10 in Washington
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About San Juan County, Washington

San Juan County meets national standards

San Juan County's composite score of 67.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 34%, indicating above-average livability. The county positions itself solidly in the upper echelon of American counties.

Just slightly below state average

San Juan County scores 67.0, nearly matching Washington's state average of 68.1 and ranking in the state's competitive middle-to-upper tier. The county holds its own among Washington's 39 counties.

Exceptional tax environment offshore

San Juan County's tax score of 86.3 with an effective rate of just 0.569% stands out as the state's most favorable tax position. A median household income of $83,682 provides solid financial footing for island living.

Island living commands premium housing

The county's cost score of 59.7 reflects the geographic realities of island life, with median home values at $726,500 and gross rent at $1,413/month. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable for a fuller picture.

Ideal for affluent seekers of island life

San Juan County suits affluent professionals and retirees who prize tax efficiency, scenic island living, and a tight-knit community over affordability. Those with solid incomes seeking escape from urban intensity will find San Juan compelling.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.3Cost59.7SafetyComing SoonHealth83SchoolsComing SoonIncome38Risk64.7WaterComing Soon
🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.7
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 San Juan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Union County
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Warren County
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Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

San Juan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in San Juan County

via CostByCounty

San Juan County's Coastal Premium

San Juan County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% exceeds the national average, reflecting its island location and constrained housing supply. With a median household income of $83,682 and rent at $1,413/month, the county demands a larger income share for housing than most American counties.

Above-Average Housing Costs Statewide

San Juan County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% average, placing it among the state's pricier rental markets. At $1,413/month, median rent runs $211 above the state median, a premium driven by island geography and limited developable land.

San Juan's Island Price Premium

San Juan County's median rent of $1,413 exceeds nearby Skagit County ($1,439) by just $26, but the counties' home values tell a starkly different story: San Juan's median home price of $726,500 towers 49% above Skagit's $486,200. The island premium is unmistakable in ownership costs.

Renting vs. Buying on the Islands

San Juan County renters spend 20.3% of income on rent ($1,413/month), while owners dedicate 21.5% to mortgage and costs ($1,499/month). The median home value of $726,500 is the state's highest, making island ownership an expensive proposition despite strong median incomes.

San Juan: Island Living at a Premium

San Juan County offers island charm and outdoor recreation, but budget accordingly: housing costs consume a larger income share than most Washington counties. If island life appeals but affordability matters, compare San Juan's costs against Pend Oreille or Skamania before committing to relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in San Juan County

via HealthByCounty

San Juan County leads nation on longevity

At 87.4 years, San Juan County residents live nearly 9 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.5 years—among the highest life expectancies in America. Only 13.5% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among all Washington counties and well below national norms.

Washington's healthiest county by far

San Juan County ranks first statewide for life expectancy, exceeding Washington's 78.1-year average by 9.3 years—a gap nearly as wide as the entire state range. This island community's exceptional health outcomes suggest unique demographic, economic, and lifestyle factors at work.

Outpaces all regional and national comparisons

San Juan's 87.4-year life expectancy towers above neighboring Skagit (78.5 years) and even exceeds most affluent U.S. counties. The county's 65 primary care providers and 447 mental health providers per 100,000 deliver robust care for its island population.

Unique access profile for island community

Despite exceptional longevity, San Juan County's 9.9% uninsured rate matches Pacific County's, suggesting some residents still lack coverage. Island geography creates distinct care logistics, yet the community achieves stunning health outcomes that merit national study.

Maintain coverage for island health security

Island residents face unique healthcare logistics; having solid insurance ensures seamless access to mainland specialists when needed. Visit Healthcare.gov today to review your coverage and confirm you're protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Juan County

via RiskByCounty

San Juan County has very low disaster risk

San Juan County scores 35.37 on the composite risk scale, well below Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the very low risk category nationally. This island county faces less frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. Its marine location and relatively protected geography create a favorable disaster risk profile compared to mainland Washington communities.

Among Washington's safest counties

San Juan County ranks in the bottom tier for disaster risk statewide, with a 35.37 score comparable to Pend Oreille County (28.02) and Skamania County (49.68). The county's low scores reflect minimal tornado (4.42) and wildfire (41.32) risks, though earthquake risk is higher at 89.44 due to regional tectonics. San Juan is one of only three Washington counties scoring below 40 on the composite scale.

Island safety with seismic considerations

San Juan County's 35.37 score is lower than neighboring Skagit County (88.77) on the mainland and comparable to remote Pend Oreille County (28.02). San Juan's earthquake risk (89.44) is high relative to its overall score, reflecting the same Cascadia Subduction Zone exposure as western Washington counties despite lower composite risk. Wildfire and tornado risks in San Juan are dramatically lower than mainland neighbors due to marine climate and isolation.

Earthquakes and flooding top the list

Earthquake risk (89.44) is San Juan County's most significant threat, with the Cascadia Subduction Zone affecting the islands despite their protected island location. Flood risk (58.40) is moderate and primarily affects low-lying areas and marine infrastructure during storm surge events. Tornado (4.42) and wildfire (41.32) risks are minimal for island communities, making seismic preparedness the clear priority.

Earthquake insurance and storm preparedness

San Juan County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Ensure your property is built or retrofitted to modern seismic standards, particularly if you own older structures or waterfront property vulnerable to tsunami hazards. While wildfire risk is low, review emergency evacuation plans for island communities, where ferry access may be limited during major events.

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.