CountyScore

Snohomish County

Washington · WA

#37 in Washington
57.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Snohomish County, Washington

Snohomish County beats national average

Snohomish County's composite score of 57.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 14%, placing it in the upper half of American counties. The advantage reflects strong earnings potential and reasonable tax burdens despite housing costs.

Below Washington's state average

Snohomish County scores 57.0, falling below Washington's state average of 68.1 and ranking in the middle-to-lower tier of the state's counties. The gap reflects the county's transformation into an affluent Seattle suburb.

Highest incomes in the survey

Snohomish County leads with an income score of 53.9 and median household income of $107,982, reflecting its role as a high-earning Seattle-area satellite. The 79.9 tax score maintains competitive tax rates despite suburban prosperity.

Severe housing affordability crisis

Snohomish County's cost score of 40.5 represents its critical weakness, with median home values of $644,600 and gross rent at $1,866/month—among the nation's highest. Health, safety, education, and environmental data remain incomplete.

For Seattle-area high earners only

Snohomish County suits affluent professionals and executives earning six figures who prioritize Seattle-area employment and are willing to pay premium housing prices. Those without substantial income should look elsewhere in Washington.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.9Cost40.5SafetyComing SoonHealth78SchoolsComing SoonIncome53.9Risk2.1WaterComing Soon
🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.1
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 Snohomish County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Plymouth County
Massachusetts
57.6
Median income: $109,698
Montgomery County
Ohio
57.6
Median income: $64,403
Liberty County
Texas
57.6
Median income: $64,773
San Joaquin County
California
57.7
Median income: $88,531
Dougherty County
Georgia
57.7
Median income: $46,784

Deep Dives

Snohomish County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.