countyscore
55.1
County Score
Soil Quality 74.5Safety 72Property Tax 68

County Report Card

About Stevens County, Washington

Outperforming the National Median

Stevens County earns a composite score of 55.1, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

A Leader in the Evergreen State

The county's overall score of 55.1 significantly outpaces the Washington state average of 44.1. This strong performance makes it one of the more competitive options for residents within the state.

Safe Streets and Low Tax Burdens

Residents enjoy high marks for safety with a dimension score of 72.0 and a favorable tax score of 68.0. The effective tax rate sits at a low 0.654%, helping families keep more of their $67,405 median income.

Room for Educational and Environmental Growth

The school score of 33.6 and risk score of 39.7 represent the county's primary areas for improvement. Environmental factors like water quality also trail behind, scoring just 40.7 out of 100.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

This county is best suited for individuals or families who prioritize safety and financial efficiency over top-tier public school ratings. With rent averaging only $864, it offers a high degree of physical and fiscal security.

204060801006844.37265.333.66039.740.734.5Tax68Cost44.3Safety72Health65.3Schools33.6Income60Risk39.7Water40.7Weather34.555.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Stevens County DNA

Foverall

How Stevens County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Stevens County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (72/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (34.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68+16
Cost
44.3
Safety
72+17
Health
65.3+15.299999999999997
Schools
33.6-20.4
Income
60+9
Risk
39.7
Water
40.7-17.299999999999997
Weather
34.5-21.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$308,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$864/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$308,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,405/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.1

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
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Nearby counties

Ferry County
Washington
58
Pend Oreille County
Washington
54.7
Lincoln County
Washington
60.9
Spokane County
Washington
36.8
Bonner County
Idaho
50.6
Boundary County
Idaho
56.6
Kootenai County
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Okanogan County
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45.9

Deep Dives

Stevens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stevens County

via TaxByCounty

Stevens County taxes rank low nationally

Stevens County's effective tax rate of 0.654% sits well below the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $2,016 annually on a median $308,000 home—significantly less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among Washington's lowest tax rates

Stevens County ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in Washington, with an effective rate of 0.654% compared to the state average of 0.761%. At $2,016 in median property taxes, Stevens County residents pay roughly 33% less than the state median of $3,028.

Lower taxes than neighboring Spokane region

Stevens County's 0.654% rate undercuts nearby Whitman County (0.794%) and Yakima County (0.818%) substantially. This positions Stevens as one of the region's most tax-friendly counties for homeowners.

What you'll pay on a Stevens County home

On a median home valued at $308,000, Stevens County residents pay roughly $2,016 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest, that figure rises to $2,227 annually.

Many homeowners could save through appeals

Even in low-tax Stevens County, assessments sometimes exceed actual market value. Homeowners who believe their property is overassessed can file an appeal with the county assessor—a process that takes minutes and often results in lower taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stevens County

via CostByCounty

Stevens County: Affordable by National Standards

Stevens County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend significantly less of their earnings on housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $67,405 and median rent of $864/month, Stevens County offers relief compared to the national median income of $74,755.

Most Affordable in Washington

Stevens County ranks among Washington's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% well below the state average of 18.8%. At $864/month, the median rent runs $338 cheaper than the state average of $1,202, a significant advantage for budget-conscious renters.

Beats Rural and Urban Peers

Stevens County rents are dramatically lower than neighboring Spokane-area markets and substantially undercut other eastern Washington counties like Yakima ($1,068/month) and Walla Walla ($1,113/month). For renters, Stevens County offers the most aggressive pricing in its region.

Housing Costs at a Glance

Renters in Stevens County allocate 15.4% of their income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 16.1% on mortgage costs (based on median owner costs of $904/month). The county's $308,000 median home value also undercuts most regional competitors, making both rental and ownership accessible.

Consider Stevens County

If affordability is your priority, Stevens County delivers the lowest housing burden in Washington state without sacrificing community amenities. Compare these numbers against your current market—chances are, your housing dollar stretches further here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stevens County

via IncomeByCounty

Stevens County earns below the U.S. average

Median household income in Stevens County is $67,405, trailing the national median of $74,755 by about $7,350. This places Stevens County in the lower-middle income band compared to U.S. counties overall.

Among Washington's 39 counties, Stevens ranks lower-middle

Stevens County's median household income of $67,405 falls below Washington's state average of $76,363, putting it in the bottom third of state counties. Per capita income of $35,577 also trails the state average of $40,628.

Stevens outpaces rural eastern Washington neighbors

Stevens County earns more than Whitman County ($52,893) and Wahkiakum County ($57,091), but less than Walla Walla County ($72,212). Among its region, Stevens holds a middle position despite being an economically modest county.

Housing costs are manageable here

Stevens County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is the lowest among these seven counties, meaning housing costs consume just over one paycheck per month. At $308,000, the median home value is also the lowest in this group, making homeownership relatively attainable.

Build wealth with lower housing costs

With housing costs eating up less than 16% of household income, Stevens County residents have more room to save and invest than their neighbors. Consider directing the difference toward retirement accounts or emergency savings to grow long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stevens County

via CrimeByCounty

Stevens County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Stevens County reports a total crime rate of 667.1 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Surpassing Washington State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.9 significantly outperforms the Washington state average of 96.2. With a total crime rate far below the state average of 2,377.2, Stevens County stands as a regional leader in public security.

Low Crime Rates Compared to Regional Peers

Stevens County maintains a remarkably low profile with only 667.1 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is substantially lower than most urbanized Washington counties, reflecting the calm nature of its rural landscape.

Low Violent Crime Defines County Safety

Violent crime in Stevens County is just 77.0 per 100,000, which is less than a quarter of the national violent crime rate. Property crime accounts for 590.1 incidents per 100,000, remaining well below national and state benchmarks.

Maintaining Safety in Your Stevens County Home

Even with such low crime rates, staying proactive ensures your property remains secure. Simple steps like installing outdoor lighting and checking locks help preserve the high level of safety the county currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Stevens County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Rural Classrooms

Stevens County manages 41 public schools across 13 distinct districts, serving a total of 7,692 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 14 high schools to support its wide-reaching community.

Investing in Student Success Milestones

The county's 74.9% graduation rate trails the Washington state average of 81.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local per-pupil spending sits at $8,028, which remains below the state average of $9,250 and the national median of $13,000.

Colville and Nine Mile Falls Lead Enrollment

The Colville School District is the county's largest, supporting 1,685 students across six schools. Nine Mile Falls School District follows closely with 1,435 students, while no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Small-Town Feel in Rural Settings

With 31 of 41 schools located in rural areas, the average school size is a cozy 192 students. While Columbia Virtual Academy enrolls 801 students, most families experience the intimate atmosphere of smaller local campuses.

Find Your Home in Stevens County

Prospective homeowners often prioritize proximity to local schools when exploring this scenic region. Researching district performance can help you find the perfect community to grow your roots.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stevens County

via RiskByCounty

Stevens County's disaster risk profile

Stevens County scores 60.34 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and well below Washington's state average of 70.01. This means residents face fewer multi-hazard threats than most of the country, though certain risks still warrant preparation and awareness.

Among Washington's safest counties

Stevens County ranks relatively favorably within Washington, sitting below the state average for overall disaster risk. Its composite score of 60.34 reflects a quieter hazard environment compared to counties in western Washington and along the Columbia River.

Compared to neighboring counties

Stevens County's risk profile (60.34) mirrors Walla Walla County's (60.37) but significantly outpaces Whitman County to the south (39.76). Neighboring counties in the interior Pacific Northwest generally share Stevens's relatively moderate risk levels compared to western Washington's higher exposures.

Wildfire and flood pose greatest threats

Wildfire risk dominates Stevens County's hazard landscape at 96.47—among the highest in the state—driven by extensive forests and summer drought conditions. Flood risk reaches 68.61, reflecting the county's river systems and spring snowmelt patterns, while earthquake and tornado risks remain comparatively low.

Prepare for wildfire and water damage

Homeowners in Stevens County should prioritize wildfire insurance and ensure their properties meet defensible space standards, especially in forested areas. Consider flood insurance if you're near river valleys, and maintain emergency supplies and evacuation plans during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Stevens County

via WaterByCounty

Stevens County Faces Critical Water Compliance Issues

Stevens County receives a failing Grade F for drinking water compliance after recording 9 health violations over five years. Despite this low grade, the county's violation rate of 31.2 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Washington state average of 113.4.

Local Watershed Assessments Currently Pending

Federal assessments for local water bodies under Clean Water Act Section 303(d) are not yet available for this county. Local officials have not yet submitted impairment data to the EPA ATTAINS database for the current reporting cycle.

Broad Inorganics and Metals Monitoring Underway

Environmental agencies maintain 58 monitoring sites across the county, logging 17,087 measurements over the last five years. These efforts focus heavily on inorganics, metals, and radiochemical characteristics to ensure long-term safety.

Columbia River Flows Surge Above Normal

The Columbia River at the International Boundary currently flows at 149,000 cfs, which is 151% of its long-term mean. This significantly high discharge indicates a robust seasonal volume compared to historical averages.

Monitor Your Taps Amid Compliance Gaps

Residents should remain vigilant about water filtration and testing due to the county's Grade F compliance status. While streamflow is high, these regulatory violations suggest that localized source water protections require closer attention.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stevens County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Inland Climates in Stevens County

Stevens County averages 47.2°F annually, sitting well below the national median of approximately 53°F. This inland region experiences a temperate climate that is significantly cooler than much of the continental United States.

Below the Washington Temperature Average

The county's annual average of 47.2°F is nearly three degrees cooler than the Washington state average of 49.9°F. This makes it one of the chillier regions in the state's northern tier.

Drier and Snowier than Coastal Neighbors

With 20.5 inches of annual precipitation, Stevens is much drier than coastal counties like Whatcom. However, its 45.0 inches of annual snowfall far exceeds the state's lower-elevation neighbors.

Harsh Winters and Spiking Summer Heat

The county faces 35 extreme heat days above 90°F annually despite a modest July average of 68.7°F. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging 27.1°F and heavy seasonal snow.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Spikes

Residents need high-performance heating and snow removal equipment to manage the 45-inch annual snowfall. Cooling systems are also necessary to navigate the five weeks of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stevens County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Stevens County

Stevens County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.82, notably lower than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile reflects the county's timbered landscape and sits below the Washington state average pH of 6.20.

Low-Clay Soil for Easy Workability

The soil composition contains 29.7% sand, 35.2% silt, and a very low 7.3% clay content. This mix provides easy workability for tools but requires careful moisture management since it lacks the water-holding power of clay-heavy soils.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This county excels in fertility with a massive 22.24% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 14.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.190 in/in remains competitive with the state benchmark of 0.194 in/in, indicating high growth potential.

High-Quality Agricultural Potential

While specific drainage class data is limited, the overall soil score of 74.5 indicates high agricultural quality compared to the state average of 58.1. These soils offer a robust foundation for diverse land use despite missing specific hydrologic classification.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6b

Stevens County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, making it ideal for cold-hardy perennials and root vegetables. Use the rich organic matter to your advantage and start a productive garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stevens County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Conditions in Stevens County

Stevens County earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.5, indicating a more challenging environment than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6b region requires proactive management to maintain healthy turf compared to the state average score of 36.9.

Managing Low Rainfall and High Heat

With only 20.5 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive significantly less water than the 30-50 inches considered ideal. Homeowners must also manage 35 extreme heat days per year, which is nearly double the Washington state average of 18 days.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Amendments

The local soil pH of 5.82 is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, often requiring lime applications to balance acidity. With a low clay content of 7.3%, adding organic matter is essential to improve moisture retention in these sandy soils.

Defending Lawns Against Persistent Dry Spells

The county faced 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems that can survive these prolonged dry periods.

Establishing Roots in Zone 6b

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are the most reliable choices for the local frost-to-frost window from May 8 to October 1. Seeding in early fall allows roots to establish before the ground freezes, giving your lawn the best chance for spring success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stevens County's county score?
Stevens County, Washington has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Stevens County rank among counties in Washington?
Stevens County ranks #6 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 Stevens County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Stevens County is $2,016, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Stevens County a tax score of 68/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stevens County?
The median household income in Stevens County, Washington is $67,405 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stevens County earns an income score of 60/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stevens County, Washington a good place to live?
Stevens County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Stevens 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 Stevens County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.