Skip to content
Submit

Whitman County

WA · Pop. 47,042 · Rural County

40/100Homestead Score

Whitman County sits in Washington across 2,159 square miles, home to 47,042 people at 21.8 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, chickpeas, hay. A median home price of $323,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.79% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 127-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F and average winter lows of 26.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Whitman Hospital and Medical Center is 7.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.79%
Growing Season: 127 days
Broadband: 79.5%
Density: 21.8/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.79% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 7.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, chickpeas, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • At 21.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.9% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • A 127-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 17.3 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • Broadband reaches only 79.5% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 23.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.

At a glance

Whitman County, WA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
40/100
Median home price
$323k
Property tax
0.79%
Growing season
127 days (zone 7a)
Annual rainfall
17.3"
Broadband
79.5%
Nearest hospital
Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, 7.9 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.79%
Median Household Income$52,893
Poverty Rate23.7%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$323K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season127 days
Annual Rainfall17.3 inches
Avg Summer High82.6°F
Avg Winter Low26.2°F
Top CropsWheat, Chickpeas, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10
Wildfire7/10
Tornado2/10
Flood6/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalWhitman Hospital and Medical Center (7.9 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage79.5%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.9%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Whitman County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Whitman County?
Whitman County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 127-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F, and average winter lows of 26.2°F. The established crops are wheat, chickpeas, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $323,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.79%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 79.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Whitman Hospital and Medical Center is 7.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.

Explore Washington Resources

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

LandWatch

Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.

Browse Land Listings

Lands of America

The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.

Search Rural Properties

AcreTrader

Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.

Explore Farmland Investments

More counties in Washington

All Washington counties

Nearby counties

The closest counties to Whitman 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.