countyscore
57.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 92Health 82.5Safety 70.9

County Report Card

About Skamania County, Washington

One of the nation's high-scoring counties

Skamania County boasts an impressive composite score of 57.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it among the top tier of counties for overall quality of life.

A standout leader in Washington state

The 57.7 score is significantly higher than the Washington state average of 44.1. It represents one of the most balanced and desirable locations within the state's borders.

Exceptional health, safety, and income

The county excels across the board with an income score of 92.0, a health score of 82.5, and a safety score of 70.9. These figures reflect a prosperous, secure, and healthy population.

Limited housing affordability for newcomers

The cost score of 19.4 is the county's lowest metric, as home values reach a median of $472,600. While other factors are strong, finding budget-friendly housing remains a hurdle.

The ultimate choice for active families

Skamania is ideal for families seeking safety and high health outcomes in a scenic environment. It offers a rare combination of high incomes and low crime for those who can afford the real estate.

Score breakdown

Tax61.5Cost19.4Safety70.9Health82.5Schools55.1Income92Risk50.3Water54Weather53.5
🏛61.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
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

Hood River County
Oregon
48.2
Multnomah County
Oregon
44.4
Clark County
Washington
38.2
Clackamas County
Oregon
36.5
Cowlitz County
Washington
36
Wasco County
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32.3
Klickitat County
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52.7
Columbia County
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43

Deep Dives

Skamania County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Skamania County

via TaxByCounty

Skamania rates slightly above median

Skamania County's effective tax rate of 0.715% slightly trails the national median of 0.750%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,380 is 26% above the national median of $2,690.

Moderate rates for Washington

Skamania County's 0.715% effective rate is slightly below Washington's state average of 0.761%, offering moderate tax relief. The median property tax of $3,380 is 11% above the state median of $3,028.

Lower than Puget Sound peers

Skamania County's 0.715% rate is lower than most Puget Sound neighbors, trailing Pierce County (0.940%), Snohomish County (0.794%), and Skagit County (0.824%). This advantage reflects the county's more rural character compared to Seattle-area counties.

Annual tax of $3,380

On Skamania County's median home value of $472,600, you'll pay approximately $3,380 in annual property taxes. Non-mortgaged homeowners pay $3,228 while mortgaged owners pay $3,525.

Assessment reviews benefit all owners

Skamania County homeowners should assess whether their property valuations align with comparable sales in the area. Overassessed properties are common, and appeals are a straightforward way to correct errors.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Skamania County

via CostByCounty

Skamania County's Exceptional Affordability

Skamania County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national average by nearly 5 percentage points. With median household income of $90,085 and rent at just $1,024/month, Skamania delivers genuine housing affordability while maintaining above-average incomes.

Washington's Second-Most Affordable

Skamania County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Pend Oreille in Washington, significantly beating the state average of 18.8%. At $1,024/month, median rent remains $178 below the state median, making Skamania one of the state's top affordability destinations.

Skamania's Unbeaten Value Proposition

Skamania County's $1,024 rent is $62 higher than Pend Oreille but undercuts Spokane ($1,200) and crushes Pierce ($1,722) and Snohomish ($1,866). With a strong median income of $90,085, Skamania residents enjoy both low costs and solid earning power.

The Best Housing Math in Washington

Skamania County renters spend just 13.6% of income on rent—the lowest affordability burden in the state—while owners dedicate 17.8% to mortgage costs. The median home value of $472,600 requires strong income but remains more accessible than San Juan's $726,500.

Skamania: Affordability Meets Strong Income

Skamania County offers Washington's second-best housing affordability paired with above-average incomes—a rare combination for relocators seeking both value and earning potential. If you're moving within Washington, Skamania competes directly with Pend Oreille for the state's best housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Skamania County

via IncomeByCounty

Skamania County beats national median

Skamania County's median household income of $90,085 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 20.5%, placing the county in the top 25% nationally. The county benefits from tourism, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Portland-Vancouver job markets.

Top-tier income rank in Washington

Skamania County ranks 5th among Washington's 39 counties by median household income, outpacing the state average of $76,363 by $13,722. Strong tourism infrastructure and cross-border employment opportunities fuel above-average earnings.

Strong regional income standing

Skamania County's $90,085 income ranks behind Snohomish ($107,982), Pierce ($96,632), and Skagit ($85,474), but exceeds Pend Oreille ($63,750) and Pacific ($62,350). The position reflects Skamania's natural amenities and strategic location.

Excellent housing affordability

Skamania County boasts the second-lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.6%, indicating exceptional affordability for renters. With a median home value of $472,600, homeownership requires roughly 5.2 years of median income—favorable compared to peer counties.

Combine income and affordability

Skamania County residents enjoy both above-average income and notably low rent costs, creating an ideal environment for wealth accumulation. Maximizing retirement contributions and investment accounts can transform this cost advantage into long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Skamania County

via CrimeByCounty

Skamania County Boasts Elite Safety Levels

Skamania County features an exceptional safety score of 98.9, supported by a total crime rate of only 693.2 per 100,000. This rate is roughly 70% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Washington

Skamania’s safety score of 98.9 is one of the highest in Washington, far exceeding the state average of 96.2. The county's crime rate of 693.2 is a fraction of the state average of 2,377.2.

A Safe Harbor in the Columbia Gorge

Skamania County's crime rate of 693.2 is significantly lower than that of more urbanized counties in the region. Its rural character and single reporting agency contribute to its status as a very secure community.

Very Low Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is sparse at 66.0 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 627.2. These figures are well below both state and national averages, though they reflect data from only one agency.

Preserving Skamania’s High Safety Standards

Maintaining the county’s safety requires ongoing community awareness and basic home security measures. Reporting suspicious activity to the local sheriff helps preserve the peace and security of this rural area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Skamania County

via HealthByCounty

Skamania County leads nation on life expectancy

At 82.5 years, Skamania County residents live 4 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.5 years. With only 16.2% reporting poor or fair health, this small Columbia River county outpaces most American regions on longevity and health status.

Among Washington's healthiest counties

Skamania's 82.5-year life expectancy ranks in the state's top tier, exceeding Washington's 78.1-year average by 4.4 years. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 16.2% places it well above average statewide.

Outpaces surrounding Southwest Washington

Skamania's health outcomes significantly exceed neighboring Pacific County (76.1 years) and rival those of affluent western Washington communities. Primary care provider data is limited, but the county's strong health metrics suggest adequate access to care.

Good insurance coverage despite provider gaps

Only 6.8% of Skamania residents lack health insurance—well below the state average of 9%—ensuring most have coverage. While primary care provider numbers are unavailable, the county offers 174 mental health providers per 100,000, though this is below state norms.

Secure coverage that covers your care

If you're among Skamania's uninsured, finding coverage is essential to maintaining the county's strong health trajectory. Visit Healthcare.gov or call a local navigator to explore plans that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Skamania County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schools in the Columbia Gorge

Skamania County hosts 12 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 1,541 students. The landscape is entirely rural, featuring six elementary schools and three high schools that serve the local gorge communities.

Superior Graduation Rates and Funding

The county achieves an impressive 84.0% graduation rate, beating the Washington state average of 81.4%. This success is supported by high per-pupil spending of $10,545 and a strong composite school score of 58.0.

Stevenson-Carson and Washougal Presence

The Stevenson-Carson School District is a primary local provider with 843 students, while the larger Washougal district also serves parts of the county. Families will find a traditional educational landscape with no charter schools present.

Small Campuses in the Great Outdoors

Every school here is rural, with an average enrollment of just 140 students. Cape Horn Skye Elementary is the county's largest campus with 286 students, offering a tight-knit environment where every teacher knows their students.

Find Your Home in the Gorge

Skamania County combines breathtaking natural beauty with school performance that exceeds state averages. Look for a home here to give your children a high-quality education in a stunning rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Skamania County

via RiskByCounty

Skamania County has relatively low risk

Skamania County scores 49.68 on the composite risk scale, below Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively low risk category nationally. This means Skamania residents face less frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's forest-dominated geography and remote location create a more favorable disaster profile than densely populated regions.

One of Washington's safer counties

Skamania County ranks in the lower-risk half of Washington counties, with a 49.68 score placing it above Pend Oreille (28.02) and San Juan (35.37) but well below Puget Sound counties. The county's composite score reflects a stark contrast between its very high wildfire risk (93.92) and moderate earthquake risk (87.09), with low flood (49.78) and tornado (5.63) exposure. Most of Skamania's risk is concentrated in a single hazard type rather than distributed across multiple threats.

Wildfire dominates relative to peers

Skamania County's 49.68 score is lower than eastern Washington counties like Spokane (89.98) but shares similar wildfire exposure—Skamania's wildfire risk (93.92) is comparable to Spokane's (96.56). Unlike Spokane, Skamania's earthquake risk (87.09) is notably lower, reflecting its distance from the most active seismic zones. Clark County to the west faces more balanced multi-hazard exposure, while Skamania's risk is heavily weighted toward forest fire threats.

Wildfire is overwhelming primary threat

Wildfire risk dominates at 93.92, making Skamania County one of Washington's most fire-prone regions due to extensive forestlands and seasonal drought conditions typical of the rain shadow east of the Cascades. Earthquake risk (87.09) is moderate and primarily threatens older structures and infrastructure, while flood (49.78) and tornado (5.63) risks are minimal. Community preparedness must prioritize fire season readiness and defensible space around homes and structures.

Wildfire insurance and forest management

Skamania County homeowners should ensure earthquake insurance coverage in addition to standard homeowners policies with adequate wildfire protection, as the county's 93.92 wildfire risk exceeds most Washington communities. Create and maintain defensible space extending 30 feet from your home, removing dead trees, dense brush, and ladder fuels that accelerate fire spread. Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and exterior cladding, and clear roof gutters regularly to prevent ember accumulation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Skamania County

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rain in the Columbia Gorge

Skamania County averages 50.6°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. It is one of the wettest places in the country, receiving a staggering 95.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Surpassing State Rainfall Benchmarks

The county's 95.8 inches of rain is nearly 2.5 times the Washington state average of 38.5 inches. While temperatures average 50.6°F, slightly above the state mean, the moisture level is the defining characteristic.

Wetter than even Pacific County

Skamania County out-rains coastal Pacific County by about an inch annually, totaling 95.8 inches. It also sees much more snow (25.8 inches) and heat (17 extreme days) than its coastal counterparts.

A Volatile Mix of Rain, Snow, and Heat

This county experiences 17 days of extreme heat over 90°F alongside a January average of 37.3°F. The winter months deliver a mix of heavy rain and 25.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for High Moisture and Summer Heat

Homeowners must prioritize roof integrity and drainage to handle nearly 100 inches of rain. Unlike coastal counties, Skamania’s 17 extreme heat days make cooling systems a wise investment for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Skamania County

via SoilByCounty

Gorge Soils and Identity

Current data for pH and taxonomic classification in Skamania County is unavailable. We are unable to compare local levels to the state average pH of 6.20. The rugged terrain of the Columbia River Gorge likely creates diverse, localized soil types.

Composition of the Highlands

Sand, silt, and clay ratios are not currently recorded for this county. These components dictate how well your soil drains and how effectively it stores nutrients for your plants. Mountainous regions like this often have thin, rocky soils that require extra care.

Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter and water capacity data are missing, so we cannot compare them to the state average of 14.85%. High organic matter is usually essential for plant health in forest-dominated counties. Adding mulch and compost can significantly improve local soil performance.

Hydrology in the Gorge

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available for Skamania County. Understanding how water moves through your landscape is vital on sloped terrain to prevent erosion. Observe your property during heavy rain to identify natural drainage paths.

Planting in Zone 8a

Skamania County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, offering a generous window for many fruits and vegetables. The climate is particularly well-suited for berries and hardy perennials that can handle the Gorge winds. It is a great time to start planning your mountain-side garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Skamania County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Conditions in Skamania

Skamania County is one of the toughest places for lawns, with a low difficulty score of 31.6. It is significantly more challenging than the state average of 36.9 due to its volatile climate and rugged terrain. In USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you must prepare for both heavy mountain rains and significant summer heat.

High Rainfall and Heat Extremes

This county endures a massive 95.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly double the ideal lawn amount. Unlike its coastal peers, it also faces 17 extreme heat days and 1,967 growing degree days. This combination of saturation and heat creates a high risk for fungal diseases in standard turfgrass.

Managing Saturated Soil

Specific soil data is limited, but the heavy rainfall typically results in highly leached, acidic soils that lack essential nutrients. Good drainage is your top priority to prevent root rot during the long, wet winter months. Adding organic compost can help bridge the gap between the wet and dry seasons by improving soil structure.

Drought in a Rainforest Climate

Nearly 95% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 37 weeks of drought last year. The transition from 95 inches of rain to dry summer heat can be a shock to traditional lawns. Focus on drought-tolerant grass varieties that can handle the 17 days of intense 90-degree heat.

Navigating the Skamania Frosts

Tall fescues are recommended here for their deep roots and ability to handle the seasonal heat better than other cool-season grasses. Your growing window starts after April 29 and runs until the first frost on October 22. Seeding in early May allows you to use the last of the spring rains to establish your lawn before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skamania County's county score?
Skamania County, Washington has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Skamania County rank among counties in Washington?
Skamania County ranks #4 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 Skamania County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Skamania County is $3,380, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Skamania County a tax score of 61.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Skamania County?
The median household income in Skamania County, Washington is $90,085 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Skamania County earns an income score of 92/100 on CountyScore.
Is Skamania County, Washington a good place to live?
Skamania County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Skamania 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 Skamania 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.