Best counties to live in Washington

Ilyaunfois // Wikimedia Commons

Best counties to live in Washington

What makes a particular county the best? Oftentimes, it's a good mix of opportunities for fun outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Throw in some historical sites, good schools, job opportunities, and affordable housing, and the county will most likely have happy residents.

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Washington using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks counties by a variety of factors including: public schools, educational attainment, cost of living, and housing.

Many counties on the list are experiencing growth due to their job opportunities, education, or home values. Others are adored for their historic or well-designed value, or devotion to cultural opportunities. Keep reading to see if your county made the list.

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Jennifer Gottwald // Wikicommons

#14. Chelan County

- Population: 76,229
- Median home value: $292,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $909 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $58,795

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Adbar // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Jefferson County

- Population: 31,285
- Median home value: $338,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $932 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $55,127

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SounderBruce // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Snohomish County

- Population: 798,808
- Median home value: $403,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,438 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $86,691

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Nick Kelly / Faithlife Corporation

#11. Whatcom County

- Population: 220,821
- Median home value: $345,700 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,060 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $62,984

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Steve Morgan // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Clark County

- Population: 473,252
- Median home value: $327,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,261 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $75,253

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Joe Mabel // Wikicommons

#9. Thurston County

- Population: 279,711
- Median home value: $287,900 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $72,003

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Ron Reiring // Wikicommons

#8. Spokane County

- Population: 505,505
- Median home value: $224,800 (62% own)
- Median rent: $913 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $56,904

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Squarestate7 // Wikicommons

#7. Walla Walla County

- Population: 60,365
- Median home value: $224,800 (65% own)
- Median rent: $926 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $57,858

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Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Island County

- Population: 82,866
- Median home value: $358,800 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $68,604

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formulanone // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Benton County

- Population: 197,518
- Median home value: $235,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $974 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $69,023

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Dcoetzee // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Kitsap County

- Population: 265,882
- Median home value: $329,900 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,249 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $75,411

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Jelson25 // Wikimedia Commons

#3. San Juan County

- Population: 16,788
- Median home value: $488,800 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,000 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $63,622

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Ilyaunfois // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Whitman County

- Population: 49,231
- Median home value: $217,600 (44% own)
- Median rent: $814 (56% rent)
- Median household income: $42,745

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kan_khampanya // Shutterstock

#1. King County

- Population: 2,195,502
- Median home value: $549,200 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,606 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $94,974

Best counties to live in Washington