countyscore
41.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 97Water Quality 86Health 83.5

County Report Card

About Snohomish County, Washington

Snohomish County sits below national median

A composite score of 41.6 places Snohomish County below the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a divide between high earning potential and extreme housing costs.

Slightly behind the Washington state average

At 41.6, the county trails the state average of 44.1 by a small margin. While it is a major economic hub, cost and environmental risks impact its relative ranking.

Elite income levels and clean water

The county features a near-perfect income score of 97.0 and a strong water score of 86.0. Median household income reaches $107,982, among the highest in the region.

Extreme housing costs and environmental risk

The cost score of 1.9 is nearly the lowest possible, driven by $1,866 median rents. A risk score of 2.1 also indicates high vulnerability to regional natural hazards.

A powerhouse for tech and industry workers

This county is best for high-earning professionals who value job proximity and high-quality infrastructure. Residents must be prepared for steep living expenses and environmental concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax53.8Cost1.9Safety15.6Health83.5Schools54.1Income97Risk2.1Water86Weather64.5
🏛53.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
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

Skagit County
Washington
37.3
Island County
Washington
50.7
King County
Washington
39.5
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
Whatcom County
Washington
38
Chelan County
Washington
42
San Juan County
Washington
55.5
Pierce County
Washington
33.7

Deep Dives

Snohomish County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Snohomish County

via TaxByCounty

Snohomish has highest rate nationwide

Snohomish County's effective tax rate of 0.794% exceeds the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $5,121 is 90% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting its wealthy suburban character.

Highest rate in Washington state

Snohomish County has the highest effective tax rate in Washington at 0.794%, surpassing the state average of 0.761%. The median property tax of $5,121 is the highest statewide, reflecting high home values and strong tax rates.

Premium taxes in Seattle suburbs

Snohomish County's 0.794% rate rivals Pierce County (0.940%) and exceeds all other neighbors including Skagit County (0.824%) and San Juan County (0.569%). The median property tax of $5,121 reflects Seattle metro affluence and demand.

Highest bills at $5,121 median

Snohomish County's median home value of $644,600 generates approximately $5,121 in annual property taxes at the 0.794% rate. Both mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners face similar annual obligations around $5,000–$5,200.

Appeal now, save thousands

Snohomish County homeowners face the state's highest tax bills and should regularly challenge assessments. A successful appeal reducing your assessment by just 10% saves over $500 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Snohomish County

via CostByCounty

Snohomish County's Premium Housing Market

Snohomish County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds the national average by nearly 5 percentage points, reflecting one of the nation's tightest rental markets. Despite strong median household income of $107,982—the state's highest—renters still spend a larger share of earnings on housing than typical American households.

Washington's Highest-Income, Highest-Cost County

Snohomish County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% average, making it one of the state's least affordable despite the highest median income at $107,982. Median rent of $1,866/month towers $664 above the state median, the highest rental cost in Washington.

Snohomish's Puget Sound Premium

Snohomish County's $1,866 median rent exceeds even Pierce County ($1,722) by $144, while median home values of $644,600 reflect the strongest regional demand. Only San Juan County ($726,500) exceeds Snohomish's home prices, making both the state's priciest markets.

High Income, Higher Housing Costs

Snohomish County renters dedicate 20.7% of income to rent ($1,866/month), while owners spend 24.4% on mortgage and owner costs—the highest affordability strain in the state. The median home value of $644,600 demands substantial income, though the county's $107,982 median provides the capacity to bear it.

Snohomish: Premium Location, Premium Prices

Snohomish County offers strong job markets and urban amenities, but come prepared for the state's highest housing costs and affordability strain. Relocators prioritizing value should compare Snohomish against Skamania, Pend Oreille, or Spokane to see how far your income can stretch.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Snohomish County

via IncomeByCounty

Snohomish County ranks among U.S. richest

Snohomish County's median household income of $107,982 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 44.5%, placing the county in the top 10% of U.S. counties. The region's concentration of aerospace, technology, and professional services drives exceptional earnings.

Highest income county in Washington

Snohomish County ranks 1st among Washington's 39 counties by median household income, outpacing the state average of $76,363 by $31,619. The county's proximity to Seattle tech hubs and Boeing's Everett facilities anchors sustained wage leadership.

Clear income leader regionally

Snohomish County's $107,982 income substantially exceeds all peers, including Pierce ($96,632), Skagit ($85,474), San Juan ($83,682), and rural neighbors. Only Pierce County approaches Snohomish's earnings level, reflecting the Puget Sound's dual prosperity centers.

High income meets high housing costs

Snohomish County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% remains affordable, though median home values of $644,600 represent 6 years of median income. Strong earnings offset elevated housing costs, making homeownership achievable for median earners.

Maximize wealth at high-income level

Snohomish County residents earning the median $107,982 should aggressively fund retirement accounts, diversify investments, and consider real estate diversification beyond primary residence. High income and relative affordability create exceptional wealth-building potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Snohomish County

via CrimeByCounty

Snohomish County Aligns With National Trends

Snohomish County's total crime rate of 2,338.7 per 100,000 is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.3, indicating a stable environment for residents.

Matching the Washington State Average

The county's safety score of 96.3 slightly exceeds the Washington state average of 96.2. With 21 reporting agencies, Snohomish manages a high volume of activity while keeping crime rates near the state average of 2,377.2.

Safer Than Neighboring Pierce County

Snohomish County is considerably safer than Pierce County, which has a much higher crime rate. Its rate of 2,338.7 per 100,000 offers a more balanced safety profile than many other heavily populated Western Washington counties.

Comparing Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime in Snohomish stands at 215.4 per 100,000, lower than the national 369.8. Property crime is 2,123.3, which is very close to the national average of 2,015.7.

Staying Safe in Snohomish County

Homeowners should focus on securing packages and vehicles to deter property crime. Using smart lighting and home alarm systems can provide an extra layer of protection in this densely populated region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Snohomish County

via HealthByCounty

Snohomish County exceeds national health standards

At 79.3 years, Snohomish County residents live nearly 0.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.5 years. With only 14.8% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national rate of 17.9%—this Puget Sound region shows strong overall health status.

Above-average health outcomes statewide

Snohomish County's 79.3-year life expectancy ranks in the state's upper tier, exceeding Washington's 78.1-year average by 1.2 years. The county's low poor/fair health rate places it among the state's healthier regions.

Competes with affluent regional counties

Snohomish's health metrics rival those of neighboring King County and exceed most Washington peers. With 53 primary care providers and 463 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers solid healthcare infrastructure for its rapidly growing population.

Strong insurance coverage and provider access

Only 6.7% of Snohomish County residents lack health insurance—among the lowest rates in the state at nearly 2 points below average. The county's 463 mental health providers per 100,000 deliver robust behavioral health services across the region.

Review your coverage to stay protected

With high coverage rates across Snohomish, now's the time to ensure your plan fits your actual healthcare needs. Visit Healthcare.gov to compare plans or verify your current coverage includes your doctors and preferred providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Snohomish County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive, Modern School System

Snohomish County manages a significant infrastructure of 225 schools across 16 districts, serving 117,278 students. This includes 115 elementary schools and 54 high schools, making it one of the state's largest educational hubs.

Excellent Outcomes and High Scores

The county's 84.5% graduation rate exceeds the state average of 81.4%, and its 56.9 composite school score is among the region's best. Spending is efficient at $9,889 per pupil, which remains above the Washington state average.

Edmonds and Northshore Lead Enrollment

Northshore and Edmonds school districts each serve over 20,000 students, acting as the county's primary academic engines. Despite the system's size, there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Suburban Success on a Large Scale

With 164 schools in suburban locales, the county feels like a series of interconnected residential communities. Schools are generally large, averaging 536 students, with Kamiak High leading the county at 2,250 students.

Join a Top-Performing Community

Snohomish County is a premier destination for families who prioritize graduation rates and school quality. Explore local listings to find a home in one of the many high-achieving suburban school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Snohomish County

via RiskByCounty

Snohomish County's disaster risk is relatively high

Snohomish County scores 97.87 on the composite risk scale, far exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01 and placing it in the relatively high risk category nationally. This means Snohomish residents face more frequent and severe natural hazards than most American counties. The county's large population and geography create compounded disaster exposure across multiple interconnected hazard types.

Highest-risk county in Washington

Snohomish County ranks first statewide for overall disaster risk, with a 97.87 score that exceeds Pierce County (98.54) and Pacific County (92.75). Snohomish's scores are exceptional across three hazard types: earthquake (99.33), flood (95.74), and tornado (38.80), creating a uniquely complex risk environment. Only Snohomish and Pierce counties exceed 97 on Washington's composite risk scale.

Most hazardous Puget Sound location

Snohomish County's 97.87 score is slightly higher than Pierce County (98.54) despite nearly identical earthquake and flood profiles, reflecting Snohomish's slightly higher tornado risk (38.80 vs Pierce's 41.22). Both counties share similar geographic exposure to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and river systems, making them Washington's two riskiest metropolitan areas. Neighboring San Juan County (35.37) faces dramatically less overall hazard exposure due to its island location.

Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes prevail

Earthquake risk (99.33) is Snohomish County's dominant threat, with the Cascadia Subduction Zone directly beneath the county creating potential for catastrophic ground shaking and tsunami hazards. Flood risk (95.74) affects river valleys, Puget Sound lowlands, and urban stormwater systems, particularly during winter storms and spring snowmelt. Tornado risk (38.80) is surprisingly significant for western Washington, exceeding many Midwest communities and requiring storm preparedness alongside seismic and flood measures.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance essential

Snohomish County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance (separate from standard policies) and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if in a mapped flood zone—the county's 95.74 flood risk makes this mandatory. Review your property's tsunami hazard zone and establish multiple evacuation routes, as seismic events could trigger coastal inundation. Consider reinforcing your home's seismic stability through foundation bolting and soft-story retrofits, and establish a basement safe room for tornado warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Snohomish County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Consistently Moist

Snohomish County maintains an average annual temperature of 50.6°F, sitting just below the national median. With 54.1 inches of annual precipitation, the climate is characterized by frequent cloud cover and rain.

Slightly Warmer than the Washington Average

The 50.6°F annual average is slightly higher than the state's 49.9°F mean. Its 54.1 inches of rain puts it well above the state average of 38.5 inches, typical for the Puget Sound region.

Drier and Less Snowy than Pierce County

Snohomish County is significantly less snowy than Pierce County, receiving only 3.6 inches of snow compared to 38.3 inches. It also sees slightly less annual rainfall than its southern neighbor.

Mild Summers with Minimal Snowfall

July temperatures average 64.1°F with only 5 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are mild but wet, with January averages around 39.1°F and very little frozen precipitation.

Focus on Reliable Rain Gear

With only 5 days of extreme heat, cooling is less critical than moisture management. Residents should prioritize high-quality rain shells and ensure home gutters are clear to handle the consistent annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Snohomish County

via SoilByCounty

Snohomish County Soil Traits

We currently lack specific data on the pH and taxonomic order of soils in Snohomish County. This prevents a comparison with the national median pH of 6.5. Knowing your pH is the first step toward balancing soil for a healthy lawn or garden.

Texture and Management

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in our current dataset for this region. This mix is what determines whether your soil is light and airy or heavy and prone to puddling. Most gardeners in the Puget Sound region deal with a mix of glacial soils.

Organic Matter Benchmarks

Data for organic matter and water capacity is unavailable, making it impossible to compare against the state average of 14.85%. High organic matter is a hallmark of Washington's most fertile agricultural lands. Improving your soil's organic content will always lead to better plant yields.

Drainage and Development

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted for Snohomish County. For homeowners and builders, knowing these classes is essential for managing runoff and preventing erosion. Test your soil's drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water.

Garden Potential in Zone 8b

With a Hardiness Zone of 8b, Snohomish County offers a fantastic climate for diverse gardening. You can grow a wide range of produce from summer tomatoes to winter greens. Now is the perfect time to start a small plot and enjoy the local harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Snohomish County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care in Snohomish

Snohomish County offers a lawn difficulty score of 40.8, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average. Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, the county enjoys moderate temperatures that are generally friendly to turf. It remains more challenging than the national average, primarily due to the wet climate.

Wet Winters and Mild Summers

The county receives 54.1 inches of rain annually, just above the ideal range for lawns. With only 5 extreme heat days and 1,762 growing degree days, the climate is well-suited for steady grass growth without much risk of scorching. You will likely spend more time managing moss and weeds than repairing heat damage.

Building a Better Soil Base

While specific county-wide soil stats are not available, the typical glacial till in this region can be heavy and prone to compaction. Aerating once or twice a year is essential to allow air and water to reach the roots through the frequent rains. Adding organic matter will help stabilize the soil and provide a better nutrient base for your grass.

Handling the Summer Dryness

Despite the rainy reputation, Snohomish County spent 42 weeks in drought over the last year, and 62.2% of it is currently dry. This extended dryness means that even established lawns will need supplemental water to avoid going dormant in late summer. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets about one inch of water per week during these dry spells.

Seeding for the North Sound

Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue blends are excellent choices for the local climate and 8b hardiness. The best time to start is after the April 16 frost or during the prime window in September before the October 25 frost. Fall seeding is particularly effective here, as the soil is warm enough for fast germination before the winter rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snohomish County's county score?
Snohomish County, Washington has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Snohomish County rank among counties in Washington?
Snohomish County ranks #20 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 Snohomish County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Snohomish County is $5,121, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Snohomish County a tax score of 53.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Snohomish County?
The median household income in Snohomish County, Washington is $107,982 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Snohomish County earns an income score of 97/100 on CountyScore.
Is Snohomish County, Washington a good place to live?
Snohomish County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Snohomish 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 Snohomish County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.