countyscore
49.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 79Health 70.1

County Report Card

About Whitman County, Washington

Right at the National Median

Whitman County scores 49.8, nearly identical to the national median of 50.0. This suggests a balanced quality of life that reflects the broad middle of the American experience.

Outpacing the Washington Average

With a 49.8 composite score, Whitman County performs better than the Washington state average of 44.1. It stands out as one of the more stable and high-performing counties in Eastern Washington.

Pure Water and Strong Schools

The county earns an impressive 86.0 for water quality and a solid 70.1 for health. Education is also a highlight, with a school score of 61.2 supporting the community's families.

Lower Average Household Incomes

Whitman faces economic challenges with an income score of only 20.5 and a median income of $52,893. While homes are cheaper at $323,300, the lower wages can make saving difficult.

Ideal for Students and Families

This county is a great fit for families who prioritize education and environmental quality over high salary potential. It offers a clean, stable environment where rent remains manageable at $1,002.

Score breakdown

Tax53.9Cost25.3Safety48.2Health70.1Schools61.2Income20.5Risk60.3Water86Weather42.6
🏛53.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.5
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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Deep Dives

Whitman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Whitman County

via TaxByCounty

Whitman County taxes near national levels

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Whitman County

via CostByCounty

Whitman County Faces Affordability Squeeze

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Whitman County

via IncomeByCounty

Whitman County falls well below national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Whitman County

via CrimeByCounty

Whitman County Remains Safer than Average

Whitman County’s total crime rate of 1,162.5 per 100,000 is about half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of crime earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.2.

Outperforming the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.2, Whitman County is safer than the average Washington county score of 96.2. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the state average of 2,377.2.

A Secure Hub in the Palouse

Whitman County maintains a safe environment even with several reporting agencies tracking its college towns and rural stretches. Its crime rate of 1,162.5 is very low compared to the more urbanized counties in Washington.

Violent Crime Is Infrequent Here

The violent crime rate of 116.7 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime, at 1,045.8, is also significantly lower than the national rate of 2,015.7.

Smart Security for Whitman County Residents

The low crime rates here reflect a safe community, but residents should still practice basic property security. Keeping entryways well-lit and securing bicycles or outdoor equipment can help maintain these positive trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Whitman County

via HealthByCounty

Whitman County matches state life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Whitman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Academic Impact

Whitman County manages 28 public schools across 14 different districts, serving a total of 4,715 students. The landscape features 13 elementary schools and 8 high schools, often serving as community anchors.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Whitman County excels with an 88.1% graduation rate, beating both the state average and the national benchmark. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,438, which is well above the state average.

Pullman School District Drives Enrollment

Pullman School District is the county's largest by far, serving 2,740 students across 6 schools. The county also includes one charter school, offering an alternative educational path for local families.

Intimate Rural and Town Learning

With 19 of 28 schools in rural areas, the average school size is just 168 students. Pullman High School is the largest campus with 896 students, while many other schools offer much smaller, personalized environments.

Relocate to High-Performing Whitman Districts

Families seeking top-tier graduation rates and smaller class sizes find great value in Whitman County. Consider exploring homes in the Pullman area to take advantage of the county's leading educational outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Whitman County

via RiskByCounty

Whitman County has low comprehensive risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Whitman County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder Continental Weather in Whitman

Whitman County averages 48.9°F annually, making it notably cooler than the national median. This region features a continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal shifts.

Chillier than the Washington Average

At 48.9°F, Whitman County sits a full degree below the Washington state average of 49.9°F. Its inland location removes the moderating effects of the Pacific Ocean.

Wetter and Snowier than Yakima

Whitman receives 17.7 inches of precipitation and 25.6 inches of snow annually. This makes it significantly wetter and snowier than Yakima County’s 8.1 inches of rain.

Hot Summers and Freezing Januarys

The county experiences 27 extreme heat days annually, yet January temperatures average a cold 32.0°F. Summer averages hover at 65.9°F, providing a break between the seasonal extremes.

Insulate for the Winter Chill

Robust home insulation is necessary to combat the 32.7°F winter average and 25.6 inches of snow. Residents should also maintain AC units to handle the month of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Whitman County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols of the Palouse

Whitman County features Mollisols, a highly productive soil order with a neutral pH of 6.50. This perfectly matches the national median pH, making it one of the most chemically balanced soil profiles in Washington.

The Ideal Silt Loam Mix

The soil is a classic silt loam, containing 57.6% silt and 14.6% clay. This high-silt composition creates excellent nutrient retention, while the 19.9% sand content ensures the soil remains workable for farming.

Solid Organic Foundation

The 6.42% organic matter is significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%, though it sits below the state average of 14.85%. An available water capacity of 0.183 in/in supports the county's famous dryland wheat production.

Well-Drained Agricultural Land

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for efficient water movement and minimal runoff, which is ideal for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

High-Scoring Zone 6b

Whitman County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b and boasts a superior soil score of 79.0. This is a premier location to plant a resilient vegetable garden or establish hardy cereal crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Whitman County

via LawnByCounty

Hospitable Growing Conditions in the Palouse

Whitman County scores a 42.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more hospitable areas in the state for grass. This Zone 6b rating places it significantly higher than the Washington state average of 36.9.

Low Rain but Productive Growing Days

Annual precipitation of 17.7 inches is low, requiring supplemental watering to meet the 30-50 inch national ideal. However, 2,110 growing degree days create a highly productive environment for traditional turfgrass varieties.

Ideal Silt Loam Soil Base

The local silt loam soil is nearly perfect with a pH of 6.5, sitting right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. This well-drained foundation, featuring 14.6% clay, provides an excellent base for deep root development and efficient nutrient uptake.

Managing Severe Seasonal Drought

Despite the good soil, 21.1% of the county currently faces severe drought, with 40 drought weeks recorded over the last year. Focus on deep-root irrigation strategies to capitalize on the soil's naturally good drainage and moisture storage capacity.

Seeding for the Short Growing Season

Kentucky bluegrass and hard fescues are the best fit for this climate and its May 6 to September 29 growing season. Early spring seeding is recommended to take advantage of the remaining soil moisture before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whitman County's county score?
Whitman County, Washington has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Whitman County rank among counties in Washington?
Whitman County ranks #11 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 Whitman County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Whitman County is $2,566, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Whitman County a tax score of 53.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Whitman County?
The median household income in Whitman County, Washington is $52,893 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Whitman County earns an income score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Whitman County, Washington a good place to live?
Whitman County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Whitman 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 Whitman County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.