Columbia
Washington

What stands out

What stands out about Columbia County: winter sunshine is in the bottom 2% of American counties (-2.4 on the USDA scale), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 4% of American counties (4 of 100). Within Washington it ranks 39th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Columbia County, Washington. 3,980 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +59).

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 $68,825 a year, higher than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $67,059. Unemployment runs 5.5%, higher than 93% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $269K, pricier than 62% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $876 a month. Property tax is 0.90% of home value, roughly $2,058 a year on that median home, higher than 53% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 54% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.1 years, longer than 53% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 7.5 per 10,000 people. 9.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.25 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 86% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 31 points. 78% 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 50°F, highs near 61 and lows near 40, colder than 74% of American counties. About 24 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 4 out of 100, safer than 96% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 224 Mbps down, faster than 61% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.