Columbia County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Growing average taxable income in Columbia County, Washington, from $47,112.72 in 2013 to $75,499.46 in 2021 hints at economic growth, attracting investors and residents despite increased tax liability. Median home values surged from $154,800 in 2015 to $229,600 in 2022, outpacing national growth but lagging behind the state average. Notably, a spike in residential energy tax credits in 2019 and... Read more
Columbia County Market Trends
Median home values in Columbia County, Washington have grown from $154,800 in 2015 to $229,600 in 2022, outperforming the national median yet still trailing behind the state's average, which soared to $473,400. Unique 2019 spikes in residential energy tax credits, averaging $3500.00, stand out against otherwise stable values, offering insight into the impact of energy efficiency on property... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Columbia County, Washington Over the Last 8 Years
Over the past eight years, median home values in Columbia County, Washington have seen steady growth from $154,800 in 2015 to $229,600 in 2022. Compared to the national median, which rose from $125,500 to $179,400 within the same period, Columbia County's increase appears robust. However, the county still lags behind the state of Washington, where the median value has climbed significantly from $259,500 in 2015 to $473,400 in 2022. This trend suggests that Columbia County could offer relatively affordable investment opportunities within Washington, potentially attracting those looking for lower entry costs compared to more expensive state averages.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 7 Years
Columbia County, Washington has seen notable fluctuations in residential energy tax credits per tax return over the past seven years. The peak in 2019 with an average of $3500.00 stands out sharply against other years, suggesting a unique event or policy shift. Typically, the credits hover between $200.00 and $450.00, indicating a general stability outside the 2019 anomaly. Investors and real estate agents might find these trends significant when assessing the impact of energy-efficient upgrades on property valuations and market attractiveness. Insurance agents and appraisers could also consider these data points when estimating the potential for claims or renovations linked to energy efficiency improvements in the community.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade in Columbia County, Washington, average real estate taxes per tax return have shown particularly notable fluctuations. From $2,335.48 in 2012, the figure exhibited a mild upward trend with occasional dips, spiking dramatically to $3,837.50 by 2018 and peaking at $4,171.43 in 2020 before slightly declining to $3,616.67 in 2021. These variations may signal underlying economic factors and shifts in property valuations that could be relevant for potential investors, property developers, and local real estate agents seeking to understand the evolving fiscal landscape.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, the percentage of farm tax returns in Columbia County, Washington has shown a gradual decline from 8.47% in 2012 to 6.72% in 2021. Farm tax returns indicate the number of tax filings that identify as farm-related, reflecting agricultural activity and economic health within the region. This downward trend suggests a potential decrease in local agricultural business, which could influence property values, investment opportunities, and community development for those considering a move or investment in the area.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 5 Years in Columbia County
In Columbia County, Washington, over the last five years, principal residences have consistently dominated the mortgage market, with a noticeable peak in 2021 at 301 mortgages and a drop to 214 in 2022. Investment properties have seen modest yet stable numbers, ranging between 6 and 13 mortgages per year. Second residences have remained minimal, peaking at just 8 mortgages in 2020. These shifts could indicate changing housing demands and economic conditions in the county. For investors and real estate agents, understanding these trends helps gauge market stability and potential returns. For those considering moving to the area, evaluating primary residence trends might provide insight into neighborhood growth or possible saturation points. Appraisers and insurance agents might find these fluctuations useful for assessing risk and property value changes.
Economic Outlook
In Columbia County, Washington, average taxable income per tax return has increased from around $47,112.72 in 2013 to about $75,499.46 in 2021. This could signal economic growth, making the county potentially more attractive to investors, real estate agents, and prospective residents. However, the rise in average total tax liability, from approximately $6,843.55 in 2012 to $10,750.34 by 2021, may reflect higher property values or shifting tax policies. All these factors could influence real... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Columbia County, WA over the last 9 years
Over the past nine years, the average taxable income per tax return in Columbia County, Washington has seen a notable upward trend, growing from around $47,112.72 in 2013 to about $75,499.46 in 2021. This increase in average taxable income could be indicative of economic growth in the area, potentially making it an attractive option for investors, real estate agents, and those looking to move to a region with rising income levels. Such financial upward momentum may also affect property values, insurance rates, and overall market dynamics in Columbia County.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Columbia County, Washington has seen a notable upward trend in the average total tax liability per tax return. Starting at approximately $6,843.55 in 2012, the liability rose to $10,750.34 by 2021. This represents a significant increase in tax burdens, potentially echoing economic growth, increasing property values, or shifts in tax policy. This trend is especially relevant for investors, potential residents, and real estate professionals who may need to factor in higher taxes when making financial decisions in the area.
Cost of Living in Columbia County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,286 | $1,536 | $1,600 | $1,733 | $1,039 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,286 | $1,255 | $1,239 | $1,733 | $1,209 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,286 | $1,255 | $1,380 | $1,733 | $855 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,286 | $1,025 | $1,020 | $1,733 | $991 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,057 | $1,027 | $1,161 | $1,509 | $739 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,057 | $767 | $800 | $1,509 | $732 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,057 | $812 | $941 | $781 | $664 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,057 | $524 | $580 | $781 | $574 |
| 2 adults | $803 | $652 | $721 | $0 | $526 |
| 1 adult | $707 | $356 | $361 | $0 | $452 |
Safety trends & Data
Property crime trends in Columbia County, Washington, fluctuated considerably over the last five years. Burglary incidents jumped sharply to 6 in 2022, while larceny-theft also saw a spike with 7 reported cases. Motor vehicle theft and vandalism have stayed low but consistent, indicating that although property crimes are present, they are relatively manageable. This nuanced crime data could provide valuable insights for potential investors, property developers, and real estate professionals... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Columbia County, WA Over the Last 5 Years
Property crime in Columbia County, Washington, over the last five years shows a notable fluctuation, with burglary and larceny-theft being the most common offenses. Interestingly, burglary rose sharply in 2022 to 6 reported incidents, mirroring a similar spike in larceny-theft with 7. Motor vehicle theft and vandalism have remained relatively low but consistent, suggesting that while property crimes persist, they remain manageable. This nuanced crime data can offer valuable insights for potential investors, property developers, and real estate professionals regarding the security landscape of Columbia County.
Demographics
Columbia County, Washington shows an almost equal gender split with the adult population slightly skewed towards females. The residents have diverse educational backgrounds, with a significant chunk having attended some college without attaining a degree. The age distribution highlights a community with a substantial number of adults nearing retirement age. Racially, the county is predominantly White with modest representations from other racial groups, making it a relatively homogeneous area.... Read more
Race Distribution in Columbia County, Washington (2022)
Educational Attainment in Columbia County, Washington (2022)
Age Distribution in Columbia County, Washington
Citizen Population in Columbia County, Washington (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Columbia County, Washington's strong conservative lean in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, where approximately 70% of votes likely went to the Republican party, could indicate a community heavily influenced by conservative values. This political climate might have downstream effects on local policies, potentially impacting everything from school board decisions to property taxes, elements that are crucial for real estate investors to... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Columbia County, Washington displayed a marked preference for the Republican party in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, with roughly 70% of votes possibly favoring them. The Democratic party captured around 27% of the vote, while Libertarians garnered just over 2%. Green party and other candidates combined for perhaps 0.9%. This distribution might suggest a strong conservative inclination in this region during this particular election cycle.
70.30% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
26.77% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
2.04% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.20% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.68% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Columbia County, Washington's student-to-teacher ratio has fluctuated over the past nine years, peaking at 13 in 2021 before settling around 11. These figures, often below the national average of 14, hint at smaller class sizes which may attract families seeking individualized attention for their kids. Real estate investors and agents might see this as a stable demand indicator for housing, while appraisers and insurance agents could find these educational trends pertinent when assessing... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Columbia County, Washington over the last 9 years
Columbia County, Washington has seen a fluctuating student-to-teacher ratio over the past nine years, moving from a low of 9 students per teacher in 2017 to a higher peak of 13 in 2021 before stabilizing around 11 in 2022 and 2023. These variations, often below the national average of 14 students per teacher, can indicate smaller class sizes, which could be appealing for families prioritizing individualized attention for their children. For potential investors, real estate agents, and those planning to build or buy property in the area, this trend might suggest a stable demand for housing within the county, as smaller class sizes can be a notable draw for young families. Moreover, appraisers and insurance agents might consider these shifts when assessing property values and risks, as educational factors often play a significant role in the desirability of a location.
