Benton
Washington

What stands out

Three things set Benton County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-2.6 on the USDA scale), rainfall is in the bottom 2% of American counties (9 inches a year), and the median household income is in the top 9% of American counties ($83,778). Within Washington it ranks 27th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Benton County, Washington. 207,560 people live here with you. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,435).

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 $83,778 a year, higher than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $70,807. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 90% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $451K, pricier than 90% of American counties, about 3.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,181 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $2,779 a year on that median home, lower than 54% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 70% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 23 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.8 years, longer than 83% of American counties. There are 528 active physicians in the county, about 25.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 67% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% 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 55°F, highs near 66 and lows near 44, colder than 53% of American counties. About 9 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 87 out of 100, riskier than 87% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 258 Mbps down, faster than 78% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 10 breweries.