Washington
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Washington vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Washington
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renton | A+ | 64.7 | 106,785 | $103,936 | 463 | 112 |
| 2 | Everett | A | 63.7 | 110,629 | $77,153 | 376 | 121 |
| 3 | Kirkland | B+ | 63.1 | 92,175 | $80,513 | 311 | 114 |
| 4 | Bellevue | B | 62.7 | 151,854 | $92,638 | 310 | 131 |
| 5 | Redmond | B | 61.9 | 73,256 | $88,353 | 457 | 116 |
| 6 | Spokane | C+ | 60.7 | 228,989 | $107,373 | 327 | 126 |
| 7 | Seattle | C | 60.1 | 737,015 | $73,686 | 472 | 121 |
| 8 | Tacoma | C | 58.9 | 219,346 | $81,176 | 387 | 99 |
| 9 | Vancouver | D | 58.4 | 190,915 | $80,479 | 348 | 130 |
| 10 | Olympia | F | 57.9 | 55,605 | $76,118 | 458 | 102 |
More West States
Washington Rankings Overview
Washington earns an overall grade of B+ with a composite score of 61.4 out of 100, ranking #18 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Health (88/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (47/100).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Washington's overall ranking?
Washington ranks #18 out of 50 states with a composite score of 61.4/100 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 61.4/100. 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 Renton, Everett, and Kirkland.