Jefferson County
WA · Pop. 33,313 · Rural County
Jefferson County, Washington covers 1,804 square miles with a population of 33,313 and a density of 18.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, beans. A median home price of $495,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.73% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 207-day growing season, average summer highs of 72°F and average winter lows of 32.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Olympic Memorial Hospital is 27.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 24.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 207-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.73% holds annual carrying costs down.
- At 18.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 55.9 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- A median home price of $495,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 24.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Olympic Memorial Hospital, is 27.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Jefferson County, WA is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 32/100
- Median home price
- $495k
- Property tax
- 0.73%
- Growing season
- 207 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.9"
- Broadband
- 24.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Olympic Memorial Hospital, 27.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 207-day growing season, average summer highs of 72°F, and average winter lows of 32.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, beans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $495,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.73%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 24.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Olympic Memorial Hospital is 27.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Washington Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Washington
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The closest counties to Jefferson 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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