Whitman
Washington

What stands out

What stands out about Whitman County: homeownership is among the lowest in America (45%), winter sunshine is in the bottom 2% of American counties (-2.4 on the USDA scale), and high-school completion is in the top 4% of American counties (96%). Within Washington it ranks 1st of 39 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Whitman County, Washington. 47,141 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +84).

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 $49,345 a year, lower than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $64,512. Unemployment runs 4.7%, higher than 84% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $331K, pricier than 76% of American counties, about 3.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,012 a month. Property tax is 0.85% of home value, roughly $2,549 a year on that median home, lower than 51% of American counties. 45% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 51% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 78.9 years, longer than 84% of American counties. There are 78 active physicians in the county, about 16.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.31 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 76% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 55 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% 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 52°F, highs near 63 and lows near 41, colder than 66% of American counties. About 17 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 24 out of 100, safer than 76% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 187 Mbps down, slower than 56% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.