Mason
Washington

What stands out

Three things set Mason County apart from the other 3,142 counties: rainfall is among the wettest in America (79 inches a year), winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-2.6 on the USDA scale), and the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (53 per 100,000). Within Washington it ranks 6th of 39 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Mason County, Washington. 66,053 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +266).

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 $74,388 a year, higher than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,899. Unemployment runs 6.3%, higher than 97% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 32 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $456K, pricier than 91% of American counties, about 3.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,081 a month. Property tax is 0.79% of home value, roughly $2,670 a year on that median home, lower than 57% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 53 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.7 years, longer than 71% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 7.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 9.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.51 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 95% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 74% 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 60 and lows near 41, colder than 73% of American counties. About 79 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 85 out of 100, riskier than 85% of American counties; the county has had 32 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 176 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.