countyscore
37.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.9Health 73.4Weather & Climate 68.4

County Report Card

About Skagit County, Washington

Skagit County below the national median

Skagit County's composite score of 37.3 is lower than the national median of 50.0. The score is dampened by low safety metrics and high housing costs.

Trailing the Washington state average score

The county's score of 37.3 sits below the Washington state average of 44.1. While it offers high incomes, it struggles with livability compared to other regions in the state.

Strong income levels and healthcare quality

With an income score of 88.9 and a health score of 73.4, the county provides strong financial and medical resources. The median household income is a robust $85,474.

Major concerns in safety and risk

The safety score of 5.9 and risk score of 11.2 indicate vulnerabilities to crime and natural disasters. Housing affordability is also a challenge, with a cost score of only 7.1.

Suited for health-focused, high-income earners

This county is a fit for professionals who prioritize access to medical services and competitive salaries. It requires residents to accept higher environmental risks and housing expenses.

Score breakdown

Tax51.1Cost7.1Safety5.9Health73.4Schools47.8Income88.9Risk11.2Water65.3Weather68.4
🏛51.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.6
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

Whatcom County
Washington
38
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7
Island County
Washington
50.7
San Juan County
Washington
55.5
Kitsap County
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Chelan County
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King County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Skagit County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Skagit County

via TaxByCounty

Skagit County taxes above median

Skagit County's effective tax rate of 0.824% exceeds the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $4,008 is 49% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Above Washington state average

Skagit County's 0.824% effective rate ranks above Washington's 0.761% state average, placing it in the upper third of counties. The median property tax of $4,008 exceeds the state median of $3,028 by 32%.

Mid-range taxes for Puget Sound

Skagit County's 0.824% rate falls between San Juan County's 0.569% and Snohomish County's 0.794%, reflecting its position as an agricultural-suburban hybrid. Property taxes of $4,008 are lower than Pierce County but higher than Pend Oreille.

Expect $4,008 annually

On Skagit County's median home value of $486,200, you'll pay approximately $4,008 in property taxes yearly. Both mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners face similar bills in the $3,980–$4,055 range.

Challenge your assessment value

Skagit County homeowners should review their assessments regularly, as overvaluation is common. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Skagit County

via CostByCounty

Skagit County's Moderate Affordability Squeeze

Skagit County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% exceeds the national average by 4 percentage points, indicating tighter housing affordability than most American counties. With median household income of $85,474 and rent at $1,439/month, Skagit sits in the upper-middle range for housing cost burden nationally.

Above Washington's State Average

Skagit County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it among the less affordable regional markets. Median rent of $1,439/month exceeds the state median by $237, reflecting Puget Sound-adjacent housing pressures.

Skagit Between Rural and Metro

Skagit County's $1,439 rent falls squarely between rural Pend Oreille ($786) and urban Pierce County ($1,722), while median home values of $486,200 match Pierce's closely. Skagit offers a middle path: stronger affordability than Snohomish or San Juan, but less extreme values than pure rural counties.

Housing Takes Its Share

Skagit County renters spend 20.2% of income on rent, while owners dedicate 22.9% to mortgage and costs—both elevated for the state. The median home value of $486,200 reflects solid regional demand, placing ownership within reach for households earning the county's median income.

Skagit: Middle Ground in Puget Sound

Skagit County provides a bridge between rural affordability and urban opportunity, though housing costs run above state averages. Relocators balancing job access and affordability might find Skagit appealing compared to Pierce or Snohomish, but Skamania or Pend Oreille offer stronger housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Skagit County

via IncomeByCounty

Skagit County income beats U.S. average

Skagit County's median household income of $85,474 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 14.4%, positioning the county in the top 35% nationally. Agricultural heritage and proximity to Puget Sound job markets support above-average earnings.

Strong performance statewide

Skagit County ranks 6th among Washington's 39 counties by median household income, exceeding the state average of $76,363 by $9,111. The county's diversified economy—spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and services—sustains competitive wages.

Mid-tier among high-income neighbors

Skagit County's $85,474 income ranks above Skamania ($90,085) and Pacific ($62,350) but trails Snohomish ($107,982), Pierce ($96,632), and San Juan ($83,682). The modest gap reflects Skagit's role as a bridge between rural and urban Washington economies.

Manageable housing costs

Skagit County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% signals solid affordability for renters, while the median home value of $486,200 represents 5.7 years of median income. Housing remains accessible compared to Puget Sound hotspots.

Build on agricultural roots

Skagit County residents earning the median $85,474 benefit from reasonable housing costs and stable local employment. Investing in small-business ownership, education, or diversified retirement accounts can amplify wealth over time in this growing region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Skagit County

via CrimeByCounty

Skagit County Crime Above National Average

Skagit County reports a total crime rate of 3,264.6 per 100,000, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. The county’s safety score is 94.8, reflecting a moderate level of risk for the area.

Skagit Trails Washington’s Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 94.8 is lower than the Washington state average of 96.2. Law enforcement across five agencies manages a crime rate that is higher than the state average of 2,377.2.

Comparing Skagit to Its Neighbors

Skagit County’s crime rate of 3,264.6 is significantly higher than that of neighboring Snohomish County. While safer than Pierce or Spokane, Skagit faces more frequent property crime reports than many other counties in the region.

Property Crime Drives Skagit Stats

Violent crime in Skagit County is relatively low at 190.0 per 100,000, well below the national average. However, property crime is high at 3,074.6, making it the primary driver of the county's overall crime rate.

Focusing on Theft Prevention and Security

Because property crime is the main concern in Skagit County, residents should invest in high-quality locks and home security systems. Joining a neighborhood watch program can also help deter theft and improve overall community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Skagit County

via HealthByCounty

Skagit County exceeds national life expectancy

At 78.5 years, Skagit County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 78.5 years, matching the national standard. Just 15.4% report poor or fair health—notably better than the U.S. rate of 17.9%—reflecting a healthier-than-average population.

Solidly above Washington state average

Skagit County's 78.5-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Washington's 78.1-year average, ranking it in the upper half statewide. The county's strong health outcomes place it among the state's best, driven by its agricultural foundation and established community health networks.

Outperforms most regional peers

Skagit ranks above neighboring Snohomish (79.3 years) when accounting for health quality metrics, and significantly outpaces rural counties like Pacific. With 82 primary care providers per 100,000 and 568 mental health providers, Skagit delivers above-average healthcare access for its size.

Below-average uninsured rate, strong provider access

At 8.5%, Skagit's uninsured rate sits below Washington's 9% state average, and the county's 82 primary care providers per 100,000 offer excellent access to routine care. Most residents can secure timely appointments with doctors and mental health specialists.

Keep your health coverage solid and current

With strong provider networks in place, having insurance ensures you maximize Skagit's healthcare resources. Check your plan's details at Healthcare.gov or call your provider to confirm preventive care and specialist coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Skagit County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Growing School Network

Skagit County supports 18,577 students across 54 public schools and seven districts. The system includes 24 elementary schools and 17 high schools, reflecting a broad commitment to student progression.

High Per-Pupil Spending Efforts

Skagit County invests $10,180 per pupil, outspending the state average by nearly $1,000. While the 77.6% graduation rate is currently below the state average, the county matches the state average school score of 53.9.

Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley Leads

Mount Vernon School District is the largest, educating 6,545 students across 14 schools. Sedro-Woolley and Burlington-Edison are also major players, though no charter schools currently operate within the county limits.

A Mix of City and Country

The county offers a diverse locale mix, with 16 schools in city settings and 11 in rural areas. Mount Vernon High is the largest school with 1,977 students, while the average school size across the county remains moderate at 364.

Make a Move to Skagit Schools

Whether you prefer an urban campus or a rural schoolhouse, Skagit County provides a wealth of educational options. Explore the local housing market to find a community that fits your family's academic needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Skagit County

via RiskByCounty

Skagit County faces moderate disaster risk

Skagit County scores 88.77 on the composite risk scale, well above Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively moderate risk category nationally. This means Skagit residents face more frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's agricultural base and proximity to the Puget Sound create multiple interconnected disaster threats.

Fourth-riskiest county in Washington

Skagit County ranks fourth statewide for overall disaster risk, behind Pierce (98.54), Snohomish (97.87), and Pacific (92.75) counties. Skagit's highest scores are earthquake (96.98) and flood (91.40), reflecting major vulnerabilities concentrated in these two hazard types. The county's 88.77 composite score places it in the upper tier of Washington risk rankings, above nearly 80% of the state's counties.

Higher risk than southern Puget Sound

Skagit County's 88.77 score exceeds Snohomish County's by a small margin (97.87 vs 88.77) when considering similar hazard profiles, though Snohomish ranks slightly higher overall. Compared to San Juan County (35.37) to the north, Skagit faces dramatically more earthquake and flood exposure due to its mainland location and river systems. Whatcom County to the north shares similar flood and earthquake vulnerabilities, making the Puget Sound corridor consistently high-risk.

Floods and earthquakes threaten communities

Flood risk at 91.40 is Skagit County's most acute hazard, affecting the Skagit River valley where agricultural areas and communities face recurring inundation during winter storms and spring snowmelt. Earthquake risk (96.98) ranks among the state's highest, reflecting the county's position over the Cascadia Subduction Zone and proximity to multiple fault systems. Tornado risk remains minimal at 11.16, so emergency preparedness should focus on seismic resilience and flood mitigation rather than severe weather sheltering.

Flood and earthquake coverage mandatory

Skagit County homeowners must obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly if located in the mapped floodplain of the Skagit River or tributary systems. Earthquake insurance is equally essential, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage—the county's 96.98 earthquake risk is among Washington's highest. Retrofit your home's foundation for seismic stability and elevate utilities above projected flood levels if in a flood-prone area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Skagit County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Pacific Northwest Profile

Skagit County’s 51.2°F annual average temperature is close to the national median. It receives 57.9 inches of annual precipitation, characterizing it as a classic wet, temperate environment.

Warmer than the Washington State Average

Skagit County is slightly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. Its rainfall of 57.9 inches significantly exceeds the state mean of 38.5 inches, fueled by its position between the Sound and the Cascades.

More Precipitation than Snohomish County

Skagit receives 57.9 inches of rain annually, topping Snohomish County’s 54.1 inches. It also sees more winter accumulation, with 11.0 inches of snow compared to just 3.6 inches in Snohomish.

Cool Summers and Steady Winter Rain

July temperatures average 64.1°F with only 2 days of extreme heat per year. Winters remain above freezing on average, though the county still sees 11.0 inches of snow during the colder months.

Ready the Rain Boots and Garden Plugs

The low frequency of extreme heat makes heavy HVAC cooling a low priority for many. Residents should instead invest in high-quality waterproof gear and plan landscaping around the nearly 60 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Skagit County

via SoilByCounty

Agricultural Hub Soil Data

Specific pH levels and taxonomic orders are currently missing from our Skagit County data. We cannot yet compare local acidity to the national median of 6.5. This region is famous for its tulip fields, suggesting a highly productive underlying chemistry.

Texture of the Valley

The percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not listed for this county. These ratios are what make the Skagit Valley so fertile and famous for diverse crop production. Local farmers generally value the silty deposits found throughout the delta.

Organic Potential and Water

Without current data on organic matter, we can't measure it against the high state average of 14.85%. Available water capacity is also unlisted, which is a key factor in irrigation planning. The valley's agricultural success implies a high level of natural fertility.

Water Flow in the Delta

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not included in this dataset. In delta regions, managing the water table is often more important than the soil texture itself. Check local flood maps and drainage district reports for your specific area.

Growing Success in Zone 8b

Skagit County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, supporting everything from flower bulbs to brassicas. The climate allows for a very productive year-round garden with proper planning. Get your hands in the dirt and see why this is one of the world's premier growing regions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Skagit County

via LawnByCounty

Farming Roots and Green Lawns

Skagit County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.6, outperforming the state average but trailing the national benchmark. This Zone 8b region offers a stable environment for cool-season grasses to flourish. Most residents find the climate predictable, though the heavy rainfall requires proactive management.

Abundant Moisture, Minimal Heat

With 57.9 inches of rain per year, the county stays well-hydrated compared to the 30-50 inch national ideal. Only 2 days of extreme heat occur annually, paired with 1,834 growing degree days. This translates to a vigorous growing season where the main task is keeping up with the mowing as the grass surges in spring.

Maintaining Rich Skagit Soils

While specific county data for pH and texture is unavailable, the Skagit Valley is known for fertile, alluvial soils. These soils often have high organic matter but can suffer from poor drainage during the peak 57-inch rainfall months. Regularly core aerating your lawn will help maintain the oxygen levels necessary for deep root systems.

Preparing for Dry Summers

Skagit County faced 42 weeks of drought last year, and 40.4% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Despite the high annual rainfall total, the summer months can be surprisingly parched. Implementing a mulch-mowing routine is a great way to retain moisture and recycle nutrients during these dry stretches.

Maximize the Skagit Growing Season

The window for growth is wide, opening after the March 27 frost and staying open until early November. Perennial ryegrass is a popular choice here because it establishes quickly and thrives in the temperate coastal air. Plan your major seeding or renovation projects for September to take advantage of the warm soil and returning rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skagit County's county score?
Skagit County, Washington has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Skagit County rank among counties in Washington?
Skagit County ranks #29 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 Skagit County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Skagit County is $4,008, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Skagit County a tax score of 51.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Skagit County?
The median household income in Skagit County, Washington is $85,474 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Skagit County earns an income score of 88.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Skagit County, Washington a good place to live?
Skagit County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Skagit 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 Skagit 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.