Washington
Washington ranks #22 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 64.0/100 and a B grade. Its strongest category is Health (88/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (35/100).
How Does Washington Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Washington
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Redmond | A+ | 74.3 | 80,275 | $172,979 | 68.3 | 113 |
| 14 | Bellevue | A+ | 69.1 | 151,579 | $158,253 | 152 | 113 |
| 23 | Kirkland | A+ | 68.4 | 91,190 | $144,080 | 107.8 | 113 |
| 28 | Sammamish | A+ | 67.8 | 65,126 | $238,750 | 131.2 | 113 |
| 189 | Renton | A | 60.7 | 104,505 | $100,237 | 117.6 | 113 |
| 207 | Seattle | B+ | 60.0 | 755,081 | $120,608 | 786.2 | 113 |
| 337 | Federal Way | B+ | 56.9 | 97,689 | $81,997 | 86.1 | 113 |
| 385 | Pasco | B | 55.8 | 81,415 | $84,337 | 133.9 | — |
| 402 | Marysville | B | 55.3 | 72,922 | $85,708 | 397.1 | 113 |
| 407 | Everett | B | 55.2 | 111,147 | $74,276 | 178.9 | 113 |
| 429 | Kent | B | 54.7 | 133,381 | $85,982 | — | 113 |
| 462 | South Hill | B | 53.9 | 67,851 | $114,928 | — | — |
| 544 | Spokane Valley | C+ | 52.2 | 108,232 | $74,787 | — | 101 |
| 545 | Auburn | C+ | 52.2 | 84,887 | $92,824 | 602.8 | 113 |
| 594 | Bellingham | C+ | 51.0 | 94,712 | $54,867 | 329.6 | 104.1 |
| 657 | Kennewick | C | 49.4 | 85,155 | $65,796 | — | 99 |
| 667 | Vancouver | C | 49.1 | 196,441 | $80,618 | 665.3 | 106.6 |
| 742 | Spokane | C | 47.1 | 229,451 | $65,016 | 721.4 | 101 |
| 756 | Yakima | C | 46.8 | 96,739 | $61,776 | 467.4 | 98 |
| 769 | Tacoma | C | 46.3 | 222,932 | $89,107 | 1242.6 | 113 |
Best Cities in Washington for...
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Washington Rankings Overview
Washington earns an overall grade of B with a composite score of 64 out of 100, ranking #22 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Health (88/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (35/100).
Economy & Employment in Washington
With an unemployment rate of 4.9% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Washington performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $90,325, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Washington
Washington's violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Washington
Washington ranks #7 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #22 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Washington is 79.2 years, and the high school graduation rate is 82%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Washington
Washington's total tax burden is 8.61% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. Washington has no state income tax. The effective property tax rate is 0.88% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.51%.
Housing & Affordability in Washington
The median home price in Washington is $630,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 109 (where 100 equals the national average), placing it among the more expensive states. The price-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
Environment in Washington
Washington has a median air quality index of 28 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 74% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, one of the highest rates in the country. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 41.5 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Washington
Washington's population growth rate is +1% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +0.3 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 89.8% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Washington
The top-ranked cities in Washington based on our composite scoring are Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Washington's overall ranking?
Washington ranks #22 out of 50 states with a composite score of 64/100 and a grade of B.
Is Washington a good place to live?
Washington ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 64/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Washington?
The violent crime rate in Washington is 372 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Washington's economy compare?
Washington's median household income is $90,325 with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Washington?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Washington are Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland.
How does Washington rank for families?
Washington ranks #26 of 50 states for families with a score of 63/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Washington rank for retirees?
Washington ranks #14 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 70.7/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Washington rank for remote workers?
Washington ranks #26 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 55.5/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.