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.

Score breakdown

Tax68Cost44.3Safety72Health65.3Schools33.6Income60Risk39.7Water40.7Weather34.5
🏛68
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.5
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

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58
Pend Oreille County
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54.7
Lincoln County
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60.9
Spokane County
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Bonner County
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Deep Dives

Stevens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Stevens County

via HealthByCounty

Stevens County trails national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.