Garfield
Washington

What stands out

Three things set Garfield County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), unemployment is in the top 2% of American counties (7.0%), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 2% of American counties (-2.4 on the USDA scale). Within Washington it ranks 1st of 39 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Garfield County, Washington. 2,310 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +12).

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 $57,958 a year, lower than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,868. Unemployment runs 7.0%, higher than 98% of American counties. 16% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $253K, pricier than 57% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $763 a month. Property tax is 0.71% of home value, roughly $1,344 a year on that median home, lower than 65% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 56% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 4.3 per 10,000 people. 7.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.26 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 70% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 31 points. 86% 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 51°F, highs near 62 and lows near 41, colder than 71% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 126 Mbps down, slower than 80% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.