Stevens County's composite score of 74.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 48% advantage over the typical American county reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Above-average for Washington
Stevens ranks above Washington's state average composite score of 68.1, marking it as one of the more livable counties in the state. The 6.3-point advantage signals that residents here enjoy better-than-typical conditions across the measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax and housing advantages shine
Stevens excels with a tax score of 83.9 and a cost score of 79.1, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.654% and median home values of $308,000. These low barriers to entry make Stevens particularly attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees seeking financial breathing room.
4 / 5
Income levels need attention
The income score of 27.4 reveals a significant gap, with median household income at $67,405—well below state and national trends. Health, safety, school, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting our full picture of quality of life here.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious settlers
Stevens County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high earning potential. The strong fundamentals on taxes and housing costs outweigh the modest income profile for those seeking financial stability and lower living expenses.
Stevens County's composite score of 74.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 48% advantage over the typical American county reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
Above-average for Washington
Stevens ranks above Washington's state average composite score of 68.1, marking it as one of the more livable counties in the state. The 6.3-point advantage signals that residents here enjoy better-than-typical conditions across the measured dimensions.
Tax and housing advantages shine
Stevens excels with a tax score of 83.9 and a cost score of 79.1, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.654% and median home values of $308,000. These low barriers to entry make Stevens particularly attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees seeking financial breathing room.
Income levels need attention
The income score of 27.4 reveals a significant gap, with median household income at $67,405—well below state and national trends. Health, safety, school, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting our full picture of quality of life here.
Best for cost-conscious settlers
Stevens County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high earning potential. The strong fundamentals on taxes and housing costs outweigh the modest income profile for those seeking financial stability and lower living expenses.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 76.9 years, Stevens County residents live about 2.4 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. The county's 17.4% poor or fair health rate matches the national average, suggesting comparable chronic disease burden across the population.
Below-average health outcomes in Washington
Stevens County's life expectancy of 76.9 years ranks below Washington's 78.1-year average, placing it in the lower half of the state's health rankings. The county's uninsured rate of 7.8% beats the state average of 9.0%, indicating slightly better insurance coverage.
Healthier than Yakima, less healthy than Whatcom
Stevens County's 76.9-year life expectancy falls between Yakima County (75.0 years) and Whatcom County (79.6 years), showing moderate health outcomes for the region. Its primary care provider rate of 70 per 100,000 is below Walla Walla's 101 per 100,000, suggesting potential access challenges.
Mental health services outpace primary care access
Stevens County has 481 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—a strong resource for behavioral health—but only 70 primary care physicians per 100,000, below the regional average. With 7.8% of residents uninsured, most of the population has coverage, but finding a routine care appointment may require travel or patience.
Explore coverage options for Stevens County
Even though Stevens County's uninsured rate is better than state average, 7.8% of residents still lack coverage. Check Healthcare.gov or Washington's health insurance marketplace to see what plans are available—enrollment periods happen yearly and special circumstances may qualify you anytime.
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.