countyscore
69.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 84.5Safety 81.2

County Report Card

About Wahkiakum County, Washington

A National Leader in Quality of Life

Wahkiakum County boasts a stellar composite score of 69.1, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top-tier counties nationwide for its unique balance of safety and services.

Washington's Rural Gold Standard

At 69.1, this county's score is 25 points higher than the Washington state average of 44.1. It provides an exceptionally high standard of living that few other counties in the state can match.

Elite Schools and Environmental Purity

The county achieves remarkable scores in water quality at 86.0 and school quality at 84.5. Safety is also a major highlight, with a score of 81.2 and a low effective tax rate of 0.605%.

Economic Opportunity is Limited

The primary challenge is an income score of 30.6, reflecting a median household income of $57,091. Finding high-paying local employment may be difficult compared to the state's urban centers.

The Ultimate Family Sanctuary

Wahkiakum is perfect for families or retirees who value top-performing schools and pristine natural environments. It is a rare find where high safety and low taxes meet exceptional public services.

Score breakdown

Tax73.7Cost46.9Safety81.2Health68.7Schools84.5Income30.6Risk80.8Water86Weather70.1
🏛73.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.4
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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Mineral County
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Nearby counties

Clatsop County
Oregon
37.4
Pacific County
Washington
45.7
Columbia County
Oregon
43
Cowlitz County
Washington
36
Washington County
Oregon
41.2
Clark County
Washington
38.2
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
Thurston County
Washington
37.7

Deep Dives

Wahkiakum County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wahkiakum County

via TaxByCounty

Wahkiakum County offers tax relief nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wahkiakum County

via CostByCounty

Wahkiakum County: Highest Rent Burden

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wahkiakum County

via IncomeByCounty

Wahkiakum County lags the national income average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wahkiakum County

via CrimeByCounty

Stellar Safety Scores Along the Columbia River

Wahkiakum County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.3, one of the highest in the nation. Its total crime rate of 446.8 per 100,000 is over five times lower than the national average.

Leading Washington in Public Safety

The county easily surpasses the state safety average of 96.2 and the state crime rate of 2,377.2. Because data comes from a single reporting agency, residents should interpret these extremely low numbers with cautious optimism.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighbors

Wahkiakum’s crime rate of 446.8 per 100,000 is exceptionally low for the region. It remains one of the most peaceful pockets of Washington, far quieter than its more populated neighbors.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Incidents

The violent crime rate stands at just 44.7 per 100,000, roughly eight times lower than the national average. Property crime also remains low at 402.1 per 100,000, suggesting a very low risk for local households.

Preserving Peace in Wahkiakum County

Living in one of the state's safest areas offers peace of mind, but community awareness is still key. Maintaining visibility around your property and knowing your neighbors are the best ways to keep crime rates at these historic lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wahkiakum County

via HealthByCounty

Wahkiakum County leads U.S. on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wahkiakum County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in a Single District

Wahkiakum County operates just two public schools within a single school district, serving 431 total students. This small-scale infrastructure includes one elementary/middle campus and one high school.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Investment

The county achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Investment is also high, with per-pupil spending at $9,388, which is above the Washington state average.

A Unified Wahkiakum School District

The Wahkiakum School District manages all education in the county with zero charter schools in operation. This centralized approach ensures a consistent experience for all 431 students from kindergarten through graduation.

The Quintessential Rural Education Experience

Both schools are located in rural settings, fostering a close-knit environment where the average school size is 216 students. Julius A. Wendt Elementary is the largest campus, providing a home for 271 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Great Schools

For families seeking high graduation rates and a small-town atmosphere, Wahkiakum offers a unique opportunity. The high-performing local schools are a major draw for those looking for a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wahkiakum County

via RiskByCounty

Wahkiakum County has minimal disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wahkiakum County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Rainfall on the Pacific Coast

While specific temperature averages are unavailable, Wahkiakum County is defined by its 79.8 inches of annual precipitation. This is more than double the national average, marking it as one of the wettest regions in the country.

Dripping Past the Washington Average

The county’s 79.8 inches of annual rain is over twice the Washington state average of 38.5 inches. This extreme moisture levels the county among the top tier of the state's wettest locales.

Soaking Wet Compared to Neighbors

Wahkiakum receives nearly 30 inches more rain annually than nearby Thurston County. Despite the rain, it sees very little snow, averaging only 3.2 inches per year.

Mild Winters and Damp Summers

Specific seasonal temperature data is limited, but the low 3.2-inch snowfall suggests a very mild winter cycle. The primary seasonal variation is the intensity of the nearly 80 inches of rainfall.

Prioritize Drainage and Waterproofing

Residents must invest in professional-grade waterproof clothing and ensure home drainage systems can handle 79.8 inches of rain. Snow tires are rarely needed, but hydroplaning resistance is a year-round priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wahkiakum County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Influences on Soil Chemistry

Wahkiakum County lacks specific soil pH and taxonomic records in the current survey. Given its location in the rainy coastal corridor, the soil likely mirrors the state average pH of 6.20, which is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 baseline.

Riverine Composition and Texture

Comprehensive data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this territory. Growers in the area typically manage the heavier, moisture-rich textures characteristic of the lower Columbia River landscape.

Biomass and Regional Fertility

We lack specific local figures for organic matter, but the region's high rainfall supports significant biomass. This generally hints at fertility levels that meet or exceed the state organic matter average of 14.85%.

Navigating High-Moisture Environments

Drainage and hydrologic data are currently unrecorded for this specific coastal county. Professional site assessments are recommended to navigate the high-moisture conditions typical of the local riverfront and hill lands.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b provides Wahkiakum gardeners with a gentle, frost-free climate for much of the year. This environment is ideal for cool-weather crops like kale and peas, as well as flowering rhododendrons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wahkiakum County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Extreme Moisture Challenges

Wahkiakum County presents a significant challenge for traditional lawn care with a difficulty score of 19.4. This score sits far below both the national median and the Washington state average of 36.9 due to extreme coastal conditions.

Double the State Average Rainfall

An incredible 79.8 inches of annual precipitation nearly doubles the state average, creating a constant battle with saturated roots. While specific heat data is unavailable, managing this excessive moisture is the primary hurdle for any local landscape.

Preventing Soil Compaction and Leaching

Specific soil metrics are not available for this region, but heavy rainfall often leads to rapid nutrient leaching and potential drainage issues. Regular aeration is usually necessary to prevent soil compaction in these persistently damp coastal conditions.

Resilience During Unexpected Dry Windows

Despite the high rainfall, the area spent 29 weeks in drought over the last year, proving that even wet climates face dry periods. Focus on maintaining healthy soil structure to help your grass survive these unexpected intervals without rainfall.

Choosing Moisture-Tolerant Turf Varieties

In Zone 8b, moisture-tolerant cool-season grasses like bentgrass or rough bluegrass are the most reliable choices for local landscapes. Since frost dates are not strictly defined, monitor local temperature trends to time your seeding for periods of moderate moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wahkiakum County's county score?
Wahkiakum County, Washington has a composite county score of 69.1 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 Wahkiakum County rank among counties in Washington?
Wahkiakum County ranks #1 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 Wahkiakum County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Wahkiakum County is $2,084, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Wahkiakum County a tax score of 73.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wahkiakum County?
The median household income in Wahkiakum County, Washington is $57,091 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wahkiakum County earns an income score of 30.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wahkiakum County, Washington a good place to live?
Wahkiakum County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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