Washington
Washington

Northwest Best

From tech startups to stunning scenery, Washington gives residents countless opportunities to build their ideal life.

Washington / Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

We’re sorry, Carnation, Washington isn’t on our site.

See Other Washington Cities

Washington

Approximately 60 percent of Washington residents live in the Seattle metro area. But there are smaller cities throughout the state that hold unique appeal and charm. Washington is a leading agricultural state along with industries such as aircraft, computer software, telecommunications and lumber, and residents enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational choices like Mount Rainier National Park and the Puget Sound. Top universities include Washington, Washington State and Eastern Washington. Thinking of moving to this gorgeous West Coast state? Read on to learn more about working and living in Washington.

Quick Facts About Washington

Median Household Income
$153,003
Average Property Tax
$3074.02
State Population
8,007,926
Sales Tax Rate
0.0650%
Median Monthly Rent
$1,695

Cities in Washington on Livability.com

Experiences & Adventures in Washington

Equestrian bronze statue of General George Washington in the Boston Public Garden surrounded by green trees.

From Sea to Shining Sea: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating America’s 250

Gear up for July 4, 2026! Discover the ultimate guide to celebrating America's 250th birthday, featuring historic 13 colonies sites, the Civil Rights Trail and new museum openings.

Photo of a cabin in Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge after sunset.

Where to Stay at America’s 25 Best National Parks: Lodges, Hotels and Airbnbs

Planning a national park getaway? Book one of these charming lodges, hotels and Airbnbs for your next park visit.

Image of huge sequoia trees at the Redwood National and State Park in California. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10 UNESCO Sites in the U.S. to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are once-in-a-lifetime spots that should be added to your bucket list immediately.

Food Scenes in Washington

Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey

5 Unexpected Regions in the US Producing Great Whiskey

Move over, Tennessee and Kentucky. These states are producing some of the most exciting whiskey in the country right now.

Ditch ordinary dining! Embark on a culinary adventure with these five one-of-a-kind dining experiences in unexpected locations across the US.

5 One-of-a-Kind Dining Experiences in Seriously Cool Places

A shipping container food court. A cozy restaurant in a hollowed-out airplane. The best beer and burger you’ll ever have … in a laundromat?!

Women shopping at Moore's Produce Booth at the North Carolina State Farmers Market in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Official Food of Each State in the U.S

Eat your way through America the beautiful with our guide to the official food of each state.

Washington: Where to Live Now

Colorado Springs CO

Top 25 Best Places to Live Out West

These 25 cities out West all have something special.

Mount Rainier over Tacoma, Washington waterfront during alpenglow sunset evening.

Best Places To Live in Washington

Breathtaking coastal scenery, an earthy vibe and a thriving tech scene are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to Washington state.

Puyallup, WA

9 Reasons to Move to Puyallup and Sumner, WA

Find out why remote workers and job seekers are flocking to this haven just south of Seattle.

Washington: Love Where You Live

Italy is hosting the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics

Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.

The Cities That Raised Football Players

The journey to the big game started in some unexpected places for these football stars.

Beautiful landscapes of Mt rainier in Summer stock photo

The 12 Greatest Things About Living in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest gives us Aplets & Cotlets, Sunbreaks, the Seahawks and so much more. Here are 12 reasons why residents love the PNW.

Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.

Newsletter Sign Up