Wahkiakum County's composite score of 73.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, putting it in the upper quartile of American counties. The nearly 48% advantage reflects genuine strength in tax efficiency and housing costs.
2 / 5
Above Washington's state average
Wahkiakum's score of 73.7 surpasses Washington's state average of 68.1 by 5.6 points, ranking it among the more livable counties in the state. This edge reflects the county's particular strengths in keeping residents' costs manageable.
3 / 5
Tax and affordability standouts
Wahkiakum shines with a tax score of 85.3 (the lowest effective rate at 0.605%) and a cost score of 78.3, with median home values at $344,500 and rent averaging $1,086 monthly. This combination creates one of the Pacific Northwest's most cost-efficient living environments.
4 / 5
Income opportunities are limited
The income score of 20.7 signals constrained earning potential, with median household income at just $57,091. Limited data on health, safety, schools, and environmental factors means a complete livability picture remains incomplete.
5 / 5
Ideal for frugal lifestyles
Wahkiakum suits retirees, remote workers, and families who prioritize minimal living costs over high local income opportunities. The exceptional tax and housing affordability make it an excellent choice for those seeking financial security with a modest income base.
Wahkiakum County's composite score of 73.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, putting it in the upper quartile of American counties. The nearly 48% advantage reflects genuine strength in tax efficiency and housing costs.
Above Washington's state average
Wahkiakum's score of 73.7 surpasses Washington's state average of 68.1 by 5.6 points, ranking it among the more livable counties in the state. This edge reflects the county's particular strengths in keeping residents' costs manageable.
Tax and affordability standouts
Wahkiakum shines with a tax score of 85.3 (the lowest effective rate at 0.605%) and a cost score of 78.3, with median home values at $344,500 and rent averaging $1,086 monthly. This combination creates one of the Pacific Northwest's most cost-efficient living environments.
Income opportunities are limited
The income score of 20.7 signals constrained earning potential, with median household income at just $57,091. Limited data on health, safety, schools, and environmental factors means a complete livability picture remains incomplete.
Ideal for frugal lifestyles
Wahkiakum suits retirees, remote workers, and families who prioritize minimal living costs over high local income opportunities. The exceptional tax and housing affordability make it an excellent choice for those seeking financial security with a modest income base.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Wahkiakum County's effective tax rate of 0.605% ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties. At $2,084 annually, median property taxes here fall well short of the national median of $2,690.
Washington's lowest-taxed county
Wahkiakum County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Washington at 0.605%, nearly 0.16 percentage points below the state average of 0.761%. Residents pay just $2,084 in median property taxes compared to the state median of $3,028.
Significantly cheaper than Pacific County
Wahkiakum County's 0.605% rate positions it as an exceptional value in southwestern Washington, with notably lower taxes than neighboring Cowlitz and Pacific counties. This makes Wahkiakum one of the region's most affordable property tax environments.
What you'll pay on a Wahkiakum County home
On a median home valued at $344,500, Wahkiakum County residents pay approximately $2,084 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest included, annual obligations rise to $2,331.
Still worth checking your assessment
Even in a low-tax county like Wahkiakum, some homeowners may face inflated assessments. Verifying your property's valuation against comparable sales is a simple step that could yield additional savings.
Wahkiakum County carries the most severe affordability challenge among these seven counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.8%—far exceeding the national average. The median household income of $57,091 struggles against median rent of $1,086/month, a structural mismatch.
Worst Affordability in Washington
Wahkiakum County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% represents the highest burden statewide, significantly worse than Washington's 18.8% average. This rural coastal county combines low incomes with rents approaching state medians—a squeeze felt acutely by renters.
Rent Disconnect From Income
Wahkiakum County renters pay $1,086/month—nearly double Stevens County ($864/month)—while earning less than most comparables. The county's geographic isolation and limited economic diversification drive this rent-income mismatch.
Stretched Renters, Affordable Ownership
Renters allocate 22.8% of income to housing, making Wahkiakum one of Washington's toughest markets for tenants. Homeowners fare better at 14.4% of income ($682/month), with median home values of $344,500 offering surprising equity access.
Evaluate Before Moving Here
Wahkiakum's affordability pressures hit renters hardest—if you're considering relocation, weigh whether Wahkiakum's natural amenities offset its limited income opportunities and rental costs. For homeowners with capital, the story improves considerably.
Median household income in Wahkiakum County is $57,091, nearly $18,000 below the national median of $74,755. This 24% gap places Wahkiakum among the lower-income counties nationally.
Wahkiakum ranks near the bottom statewide
Wahkiakum County's median household income of $57,091 falls well below Washington's state average of $76,363, positioning it in the lowest quartile of state counties. Per capita income of $32,879 lags the state average by nearly $8,000.
Wahkiakum is the second-poorest in this group
Only Whitman County ($52,893) earns less than Wahkiakum County's $57,091 median household income. Wahkiakum trails Stevens County by $10,314 and Yakima County by nearly $11,000.
Housing costs squeeze Wahkiakum households
Wahkiakum County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% is the second-highest in this group, meaning housing costs consume nearly 23% of median household income. Combined with lower earning power, this creates affordability pressure for residents.
Prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction
With higher rent burdens and lower incomes, Wahkiakum residents should focus on building a three-to-six-month emergency fund before aggressive investing. Once housing costs are stabilized, even small monthly contributions to a retirement account compound significantly over time.
At 79.7 years, Wahkiakum County residents live about half a year longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years—a meaningful advantage. However, the county's 17.2% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average, suggesting some residents experience significant chronic health challenges despite overall longevity.
Highest life expectancy in Washington
Wahkiakum County's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks at the top of Washington's counties, surpassing the state average of 78.1 years by 1.6 years. Its uninsured rate of 9.3% slightly exceeds the state average, indicating slightly lower insurance penetration than the broader population.
Outstanding longevity, limited provider data
Wahkiakum County's 79.7-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties, including Whatcom (79.6 years) and Whitman (78.1 years). Data on primary care providers is unavailable, making it difficult to assess routine care access, though 273 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests adequate behavioral health resources.
Strong mental health resources, uncertain primary care
Wahkiakum County provides 273 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting solid behavioral health services, but primary care provider data is unavailable—a gap that may reflect the county's rural nature. With 9.3% of residents uninsured, residents should actively verify coverage to access available care.
Ensure coverage in Wahkiakum County
Nearly one in 11 Wahkiakum County residents lack health insurance, above the state average. Visit Healthcare.gov or Washington's health insurance marketplace to explore options and secure coverage for you and your family.
Wahkiakum County scores just 19.27 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below Washington's state average of 70.01. This remote, sparsely populated county experiences some of the lowest comprehensive hazard exposure in the nation.
Washington's safest county
Wahkiakum County ranks as one of Washington's least hazard-exposed counties, with a composite score of 19.27 that trails nearly every other county in the state. Its favorable position reflects limited wildfire exposure, minimal tornado activity, and geographic isolation from major seismic zones.
Far safer than surrounding regions
Wahkiakum County's risk score of 19.27 stands out dramatically lower than neighboring Pacific County and other southwest Washington counties. Even low-risk Whitman County (39.76) faces nearly double Wahkiakum's composite exposure.
Earthquake and flood are modest concerns
Earthquake risk reaches 75.19 in Wahkiakum County, reflecting its location on the outer edge of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, but overall remains manageable. Flood risk of 70.40 stems primarily from the Cowlitz River and coastal proximity, posing occasional but not severe threats.
Standard coverage typically sufficient here
Wahkiakum County's low overall risk means homeowners may need less extensive specialty coverage than other Washington counties. Still, those near the Cowlitz River or coastal areas should carry flood insurance, and basic earthquake coverage remains prudent for any Pacific Northwest resident.