Jefferson
Washington

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-3.1 on the USDA scale), rainfall is among the wettest in America (95 inches a year), and high-school completion is among the highest in America (97%). Within Washington it ranks 7th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Washington. 33,006 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +396).

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 $64,796 a year, higher than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,601. Unemployment runs 5.6%, higher than 94% of American counties. 19% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $605K, pricier than 96% of American counties, about 5.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,101 a month. Property tax is 0.76% of home value, roughly $3,419 a year on that median home, lower than 59% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 42 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 80.3 years, longer than 92% of American counties. There are 83 active physicians in the county, about 25.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 7.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 72 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 91% 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 47°F, highs near 55 and lows near 39, colder than 84% of American counties. About 95 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 61 out of 100, riskier than 61% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 145 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 1 National Park Service site.