Cowlitz County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Cowlitz County, Washington has witnessed a remarkable increase in median home values, soaring from $175,300 in 2015 to $332,200 in 2022, suggesting potential investment opportunities despite values lagging behind the state average of $473,400. This real estate appreciation might be driven by a robust local economic base, as evidenced by a rise in taxable income from $51,462.09 in 2013 to... Read more
Cowlitz County Market Trends
Over the past eight years, median home values in Cowlitz County, Washington have skyrocketed from $175,300 in 2015 to $332,200 in 2022, a pace that outstrips national trends. This rapid appreciation hints at emerging investment opportunities despite the market still trailing behind the state's average of $473,400. The average residential energy tax credit per tax return in the county saw notable... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Cowlitz County, Washington Over the Last 8 Years
Over the past eight years, median home values in Cowlitz County, Washington have roughly doubled, jumping from $175,300 in 2015 to $332,200 in 2022. This growth significantly surpasses the national trend, where median home values went from $125,500 to $179,400 over the same period. Interestingly, while Cowlitz County's housing market still lags behind Washington's state average, which reached $473,400 in 2022, the county's rapid appreciation could suggest emerging investment opportunities. With such a dramatic rise, potential buyers and investors might want to keep a close eye on Cowlitz County as a previously more affordable market that's catching up quickly.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 9 Years
In Cowlitz County, Washington, the average residential energy tax credit per tax return has seen some notable fluctuations over the past nine years, with a significant spike in 2018 averaging $4,135.71. This volatility may reflect varying levels of investment in energy-efficient upgrades or shifting policy incentives. For investors and builders, understanding these trends could help predict potential cost savings on energy-efficient homes. For appraisers and insurance agents, it points to a potential increase in home value due to energy efficiency improvements. Real estate agents and residents might consider these changes when evaluating the long-term benefits of investing in energy efficiency.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Cowlitz County, Washington, has experienced a notable rise in average real estate taxes per tax return. Starting from $2,791.39 in 2012, this figure steadily increased to $4,843.20 by 2021. There were sharper upticks from 2017 to 2020, with an especially significant jump in 2018 to $4,296.25. This trend could reflect rising property values, increased municipal budgets, or shifting tax policies, impacting potential investors and residents alike.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
In Cowlitz County, Washington, the percentage of farm tax returns has generally been on a subtle decline over the past decade, starting from roughly 0.96% in 2012 and tapering off to about 0.74% by 2021. Farm tax returns essentially reflect the income and activity associated with agricultural operations and can serve as a barometer for the viability and economic health of farming in the area. This downward trend could be indicative of a shift away from agriculture towards other industries or a consolidation of farming operations, making it a valuable metric for investors, prospective residents, and developers to understand the evolving economic landscape of the county.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 5 Years in Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County, Washington, has seen fluctuating mortgage counts by occupancy type over the past five years, with Principal Residences consistently leading the charge, peaking in 2020 at around 11,945. Investment Properties have experienced more modest changes, reaching their highest in 2021 at 589, while Second Residences have remained relatively minimal. These shifts in mortgage types matter because they reveal investor interest and residential stability, both crucial indicators for appraisers and real estate agents. Increased mortgages for Principal Residences suggest a growing, stable population, which can attract more businesses and services, while fluctuations in Investment Property loans could signal varying investor confidence. This dynamic landscape influences decisions for those planning to invest, construct, or provide services in the area.
Economic Outlook
Cowlitz County, Washington has seen a notable increase in taxable income, jumping from $51,462.09 in 2013 to $78,189.34 in 2021, indicating a robust economic base that could attract real estate investors and new businesses. The rise in state and local income taxes from $4,888.72 in 2012 to $9,448.72 in 2021 suggests increasing financial obligations for residents, which might affect investment decisions and property valuations. The county's total tax liability per tax return also climbed from... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Cowlitz County, WA over the last 9 years
The taxable income in Cowlitz County, Washington has generally increased over the past nine years, with a notable rise from $51,462.09 in 2013 to $78,189.34 in 2021. This upward trend suggests a growing economic base, making the area potentially attractive for real estate investment and new businesses. However, the significant jump between 2020 and 2021, from $67,352.76 to $78,189.34, might indicate a post-pandemic economic rebound or other factors contributing to increased earnings. This could impact property values, insurance premiums, and appraisal benchmarks, warranting close attention from stakeholders.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Cowlitz County, Washington has seen a significant upward trend in state and local income taxes per tax return, with values rising from around $4,888.72 in 2012 to approximately $9,448.72 in 2021. This escalation, particularly the sharp spikes observed in 2018 and 2020, suggests a growing financial burden on residents, which could impact decisions for potential investors, property developers, and real estate agents evaluating the area. Appraisers and insurance agents might also find these tax trends useful for understanding the economic climate and adjusting their valuations and rates accordingly.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Cowlitz County, Washington has seen a notable increase in average total tax liability per tax return over the last decade, moving from $7,197.26 in 2012 to $10,735.33 in 2021. This upward trend, peaking most significantly in 2020 and 2021, may suggest rising incomes, inflation, or changes in tax policy affecting local residents. Investors, appraisers, and real estate agents might find these figures compelling, as they potentially reflect the economic growth and changing financial landscape of the county. The marked increase in 2020 could indicate unique economic conditions arising from the pandemic, warranting possible consideration for those interested in the local market dynamics.
Cost of Living in Cowlitz County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,595 | $1,524 | $1,923 | $1,828 | $1,237 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,595 | $1,245 | $1,484 | $1,828 | $1,395 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,595 | $1,245 | $1,661 | $1,828 | $1,020 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,595 | $1,017 | $1,223 | $1,828 | $1,169 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,122 | $1,019 | $1,400 | $1,624 | $794 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,122 | $761 | $961 | $1,624 | $813 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,122 | $806 | $1,139 | $960 | $738 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,122 | $520 | $700 | $960 | $625 |
| 2 adults | $891 | $647 | $877 | $0 | $553 |
| 1 adult | $750 | $353 | $439 | $0 | $453 |
Safety trends & Data
In Cowlitz County, Washington, property crime trends over the past five years highlight notable spikes in larceny-theft and burglary, with larceny-theft peaking at 668.00 in 2018 and still relatively high at 527.00 in 2022. Burglary incidents rose significantly from a low of 28.00 in 2019 to 121.00 by 2022. Motor vehicle theft also showed peaks in 2022 at 31.00, while vandalism displayed stable rates. These trends provide valuable insights for investors, real estate pros, and residents as... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Cowlitz County, WA Over the Last 5 Years
Over the past five years in Cowlitz County, Washington, property crime trends reveal fluctuations with notable spikes in larceny-theft and burglary. The highest incident rates are seen in larceny-theft, peaking at 668.00 in 2018 and maintaining relatively high levels through 2022 at 527.00. Burglary showed a significant variation, with a low in 2019 at 28.00, but increasing to 121.00 by 2022. Vandalism and motor vehicle theft have remained somewhat stable, though peaks in motor vehicle theft were observed in 2022 at 31.00. The diverse trends offer critical insights for investors, real estate professionals, and residents considering the dynamics of property-related crimes, potentially impacting property values, insurance premiums, and community safety considerations.
Demographics
Cowlitz County, Washington has a nearly equal gender distribution among its adult population, slightly skewing female. The area shows an educational profile where a significant portion has completed high school, but fewer have advanced degrees, which might affect the local job market and economic opportunities. Age-wise, there's a balanced distribution with a notable number of individuals aged 55 and above, suggesting potential demand for age-related services and amenities. Racial diversity is... Read more
Race Distribution in Cowlitz County, Washington (2022)
Educational Attainment in Cowlitz County, Washington (2022)
Age Distribution in Cowlitz County, Washington
Citizen Population in Cowlitz County, Washington (2022)
Political Trends & Data
In Cowlitz County, Washington, a strong Republican presence is visible with 57.1% of the 2020 vote share, though Democrats claim a significant 39.7%. Libertarians managed 2.1%, while minor parties collectively made up just over 1%. This political landscape suggests a predominantly Republican base with still considerable Democratic... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In Cowlitz County, Washington, the 2020 election data hints at a strong Republican presence with 57.1% of the vote share, followed by Democrats at 39.7%. Libertarians captured a modest 2.1%, while the Green Party and other minor parties collectively garnered just over 1%. These figures suggest the county leans Republican but maintains a notable level of Democratic support.
57.11% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
39.71% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
2.11% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.40% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.67% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Over the past nine years, Cowlitz County, Washington has consistently had a student-to-teacher ratio notably higher than the national average of 14 students per teacher. Ratios fluctuated from a low of approximately 18 in 2015 to a high of nearly 22 in multiple years. These figures suggest potential challenges in individualized student attention, impacting educational outcomes and possibly making the county less attractive for families prioritizing education quality. For investors, builders,... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Cowlitz County, Washington over the last 9 years
Over the past nine years, Cowlitz County, Washington has consistently had a student-to-teacher ratio notably higher than the national average of fourteen students per teacher. Ratios fluctuated from a low of approximately eighteen in 2015 to a high of nearly twenty-two in multiple years. These figures suggest potential challenges in individualized student attention, which could impact educational outcomes and make the county less attractive for families prioritizing education quality. For investors, builders, and real estate agents, these trends could influence decisions, as areas with lower student-to-teacher ratios often appeal more to young families looking to settle down.
