Lincoln
Washington

What stands out

Against every county in America, Lincoln County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-2.4 on the USDA scale), rainfall is in the bottom 3% of American counties (12 inches a year), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Washington it ranks 35th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Lincoln County, Washington. 11,036 people live here with you. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +170).

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 $68,172 a year, higher than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,315. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $325K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $709 a month. Property tax is 0.69% of home value, roughly $1,595 a year on that median home, lower than 67% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 58% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.8 years, longer than 90% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 5.4 per 10,000 people. 7.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 58% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 27 points. 84% 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 49°F, highs near 62 and lows near 37, colder than 77% of American counties. About 12 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 38 out of 100, safer than 62% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 74 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.