Adams
Washington

What stands out

Three things set Adams County apart from the other 3,142 counties: high-school completion is among the lowest in America (71%), winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-2.6 on the USDA scale), and rainfall is in the bottom 3% of American counties (11 inches a year). Within Washington it ranks 1st of 39 counties for high-school completion, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Adams County, Washington. 20,557 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -279).

Washington has no income tax on wages but since 2022 taxes long-term capital gains above $278,000 at 7% and above $1,000,000 at 9%, and it has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption starting in 2025. Sales tax is high, over 10% in Seattle. Home prices in King County are among the highest in the country. The state does not tax retirement income of any kind.

Money

The typical household here brings in $63,105 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,291. Unemployment runs 5.1%, higher than 91% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Washington has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $310K, pricier than 71% of American counties, about 3.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $916 a month. Property tax is 0.90% of home value, roughly $1,953 a year on that median home, higher than 53% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 86% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.1 years, longer than 76% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 4.4 per 10,000 people. 14.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.57 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 79% of American counties. 71% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 31 points. 64% of eligible voters turned out. Under Washington law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 64 and lows near 40, colder than 65% of American counties. About 11 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 40 out of 100, safer than 60% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 123 Mbps down, slower than 81% of American counties. There are 10 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.