countyscore
58
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.1Health 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.

204060801006418.870.982.555.192.150.35453.5Tax64Cost18.8Safety70.9Health82.5Schools55.1Income92.1Risk50.3Water54Weather53.558/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Skamania County DNA

Foverall

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

Skamania County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Income (92.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (18.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64+12
Cost
18.8-29.2
Safety
70.9+15.900000000000006
Health
82.5+32.5
Schools
55.1
Income
92.1+41.099999999999994
Risk
50.3
Water
54
Weather
53.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Skamania County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$529,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,068/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$529,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,265/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

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
Compare Skamania County with Marion County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Belmont County
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Nearby counties

Hood River County
Oregon
49
Multnomah County
Oregon
44.1
Clark County
Washington
38.1
Clackamas County
Oregon
36.5
Cowlitz County
Washington
35.6
Wasco County
Oregon
33.3
Klickitat County
Washington
52.3
Columbia County
Oregon
42.5

Deep Dives

Skamania County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 58 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 $3,532, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Skamania County a tax score of 64/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Skamania County?
The median household income in Skamania County, Washington is $93,265 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Skamania County earns an income score of 92.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Skamania County, Washington a good place to live?
Skamania County scores 58/100 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.
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.