Cowlitz County
WA · Pop. 111,539 · Suburban County
Cowlitz County sits in Washington across 1,141 square miles, home to 111,539 people at 97.8 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, grasses, haylage. The median home price is $367,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.81%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F and average winter lows of 35°F. Annual rainfall averages 48 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Peacehealth St. John Medical Center is 13.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 219-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.81% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Annual rainfall of 48 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A median home price of $367,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Cowlitz County, WA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 44/100
- Median home price
- $367k
- Property tax
- 0.81%
- Growing season
- 219 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 48"
- Broadband
- 85.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Peacehealth St. John Medical Center, 13.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cowlitz County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cowlitz County?
- Cowlitz County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F, and average winter lows of 35°F. The established crops are hay, grasses, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $367,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.81%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Peacehealth St. John Medical Center is 13.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Washington Resources
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More counties in Washington
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The closest counties to Cowlitz County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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