Walla Walla County
WA · Pop. 62,102 · Suburban County
Walla Walla County is a suburban county in Washington, spanning 1,270 square miles with 62,102 residents at a density of 48.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, peas. The median home price is $376,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.9%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 212-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.4°F and average winter lows of 30.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 20.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Providence St. Mary Medical Center is 14.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.9% 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 212-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.9% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 95.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, peas means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low poverty rate of 11.7% signals a relatively stable local economy.
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.
- Annual rainfall of just 20.9 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $376,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
At a glance
Walla Walla County, WA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $376k
- Property tax
- 0.9%
- Growing season
- 212 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 20.9"
- Broadband
- 95.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Providence St. Mary Medical Center, 14.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Walla Walla County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Walla Walla County?
- Walla Walla County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 212-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.4°F, and average winter lows of 30.2°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, peas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $376,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.9%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Providence St. Mary Medical Center is 14.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Washington Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Washington
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The closest counties to Walla Walla 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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