Whitman County's composite score of 68.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The 38% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in tax structure and housing affordability despite modest income levels.
2 / 5
Fractionally above state average
Whitman's score of 68.9 slightly edges Washington's state average of 68.1, marking it as a solid performer among the state's counties. This near-parity places it in the upper half of Washington's livability rankings.
3 / 5
Low costs and moderate taxes
Whitman excels with a cost score of 73.3 and tax score of 79.9, reflecting median home values at $323,300 and an effective tax rate of 0.794%. Monthly rent averaging just $1,002 makes it one of the state's most affordable housing markets.
4 / 5
Income opportunities are constrained
The income score of 17.9 is among the state's lowest, with median household income at $52,893. Data limitations on health, safety, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete assessment of livability dimensions.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-minded scholars
Whitman County suits students, academic professionals, and families prioritizing low living costs and manageable taxes over high earning potential. Its affordability and moderate tax burden make it ideal for those seeking financial flexibility on modest incomes.
Whitman County's composite score of 68.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The 38% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in tax structure and housing affordability despite modest income levels.
Fractionally above state average
Whitman's score of 68.9 slightly edges Washington's state average of 68.1, marking it as a solid performer among the state's counties. This near-parity places it in the upper half of Washington's livability rankings.
Low costs and moderate taxes
Whitman excels with a cost score of 73.3 and tax score of 79.9, reflecting median home values at $323,300 and an effective tax rate of 0.794%. Monthly rent averaging just $1,002 makes it one of the state's most affordable housing markets.
Income opportunities are constrained
The income score of 17.9 is among the state's lowest, with median household income at $52,893. Data limitations on health, safety, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete assessment of livability dimensions.
Perfect for budget-minded scholars
Whitman County suits students, academic professionals, and families prioritizing low living costs and manageable taxes over high earning potential. Its affordability and moderate tax burden make it ideal for those seeking financial flexibility on modest incomes.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Whitman County's effective tax rate of 0.794% sits slightly below the national median of 0.85%. At $2,566 annually, median property taxes fall short of the national median of $2,690 despite a slightly above-average home value of $323,300.
Moderate-tax county in Washington
Whitman County's 0.794% effective rate sits just above Washington's state average of 0.761%. Residents pay $2,566 in median property taxes, nearly $500 below the state median of $3,028.
Lower taxes than surrounding eastern counties
Whitman County's 0.794% rate beats Yakima (0.818%) and sits well below Walla Walla (0.901%). Its position makes Whitman an attractive option for homeowners across eastern Washington.
What you'll pay on a Whitman County home
On a median home valued at $323,300, Whitman County residents pay approximately $2,566 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest, annual obligations rise to $2,759.
Check if your assessment is fair
Whitman County homeowners concerned about property values should compare their assessments to recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. An appeal is free and can identify overvaluations that inflate your annual tax bill.
Whitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% significantly exceeds the national average, with a median household income of $52,893 supporting median rent of $1,002/month. The county combines the lowest incomes with above-average rental costs.
Severe Affordability Challenge
Whitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% ranks among Washington's worst, substantially above the state average of 18.8%. This rural college county struggles to reconcile student-impacted demographics with limited local earning capacity.
Lowest Income, Moderate Rents
Whitman County combines the lowest median household income ($52,893) among these seven counties with rents ($1,002/month) that exceed rural peers like Stevens ($864/month) and Yakima ($1,068/month). The income-to-rent gap creates acute pressures.
Tight Margins for Renters
Renters dedicate 22.7% of income to housing, the highest proportion in this county set, while homeowners allocate 25.3% ($1,114/month)—the most severe ownership burden across all comparables. The $323,300 median home value reflects a college-town market.
Whitman: Limited Affordability Options
Whitman County's combination of low incomes and moderate rents creates genuine affordability challenges—this market suits only those with external income support or strong job prospects tied to the university. Carefully evaluate your earning potential before relocating here.
Median household income in Whitman County is $52,893, placing it nearly 29% below the national median of $74,755. This significant gap ranks Whitman among lower-income counties in the United States.
Whitman ranks at the bottom statewide
Whitman County's median household income of $52,893 trails Washington's state average of $76,363 by over $23,000, making it the lowest-earning county among the seven examined. Per capita income of $31,884 also represents the lowest in this group.
Whitman is the lowest-earning county here
Whitman County's median income of $52,893 is the lowest in this seven-county comparison, falling behind even Wahkiakum County ($57,091) and Yakima County ($68,015). It lags Thurston County's $93,985 by over $41,000.
Housing costs strain Whitman's lower incomes
Whitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% ranks among the highest in this group, meaning nearly 23% of median household income goes to housing. Combined with the county's lowest earning power, this creates significant affordability challenges.
Start small and focus on financial security first
Whitman County residents facing tight budgets should prioritize building a small emergency fund ($500–$1,000) before investing. Once basic financial security is established, even modest contributions to an employer 401(k) or IRA begin compounding toward long-term wealth.
At 78.1 years, Whitman County residents live about 1.2 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years but exactly match Washington's state average. The county's 18.6% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average, suggesting higher chronic disease burden despite average longevity.
Middle-range health outcomes in Washington
Whitman County's life expectancy of 78.1 years ties Washington's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of county rankings. Its 6.7% uninsured rate significantly beats the state average of 9.0%, indicating strong insurance penetration across the population.
Average life expectancy, modest provider access
Whitman County's 78.1-year life expectancy matches the state baseline, placing it between Walla Walla (77.7 years) and Whatcom (79.6 years). Its 69 primary care providers per 100,000 falls below regional peers like Walla Walla (101) and Whatcom (94), suggesting potential access constraints.
Excellent coverage, limited specialist resources
Whitman County stands out with just 6.7% uninsured—among the best in Washington—but offers only 69 primary care and 198 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest mental health capacity in the region. Residents with coverage can access care, though some may need to travel for specialized services.
Keep coverage active in Whitman County
Whitman County's strong coverage rate of 93.3% insured shows what's possible, but 6.7% still lack protection. Visit Healthcare.gov or Washington's marketplace to ensure you have continuous coverage and can access care when needed.
Whitman County scores 39.76 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and standing substantially below Washington's state average of 70.01. This Pullman-anchored county ranks among the nation's safest regions for multi-hazard exposure.
One of Washington's safest counties
Whitman County ranks favorably within Washington's disaster risk spectrum, with a composite score of 39.76 that places it among the state's lowest-exposure counties. Its interior Palouse position provides natural protection from many regional hazards.
Significantly safer than Stevens County
Whitman County's risk score of 39.76 is notably lower than Stevens County (60.34) and Walla Walla County (60.37) to the east and south. It maintains some of the lowest hazard exposure across eastern Washington.
Wildfire and flood pose modest threats
Wildfire risk of 68.26 represents Whitman County's primary hazard, driven by grasslands and periodic drought, though it remains moderate compared to eastern counties. Flood risk of 58.84 affects areas near the Snake River and tributary valleys during spring runoff.
Standard insurance typically adequate
Whitman County's low overall risk means homeowners generally need less specialized coverage than residents elsewhere in Washington. However, those in flood-prone valleys should verify flood insurance, and wildfire clearance remains prudent in open grassland areas.