Homesteading in Washington
Explore 39 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Washington.
Washington uses a Prior Appropriation water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and requires a carry permit. The effective property tax rate is 0.87%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Prior Appropriation
Prior appropriation doctrine. Surface and groundwater use requires a permit from the Department of Ecology, with a domestic well exemption up to 5,000 gallons per day.
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code § 90.03.010 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
Washington State Building Code applies statewide, based on IRC for residential. Local jurisdictions may not reduce minimum standards.
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code § 19.27.031
Gun Laws
Open Carry: Yes
Constitutional Carry: No
Semiautomatic rifle purchase requires enhanced background check and waiting period. Concealed pistol license required for concealed carry. Open carry generally legal.
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.070; Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.090
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects agricultural activities from nuisance lawsuits if consistent with good agricultural practices and existing prior to surrounding nonagricultural uses. Two-year operation requirement.
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code § 7.48.300 et seq.
Counties in Washington
39 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | 20,557 | $216,900 | $1,953 | 60 | Very Low |
| Asotin County | 22,370 | $266,400 | $2,195 | 63 | Very Low |
| Benton County | 207,560 | $338,700 | $2,779 | 63 | Relatively Moderate |
| Chelan County | 79,076 | $412,300 | $3,082 | 57 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clallam County | 77,333 | $353,600 | $2,684 | 56 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clark County | 504,091 | $453,200 | $3,910 | 65 | Relatively Moderate |
| Columbia County | 3,980 | $229,600 | $2,058 | 63 | Very Low |
| Cowlitz County | 110,621 | $332,200 | $2,821 | 63 | Relatively Moderate |
| Douglas County | 43,189 | $366,800 | $2,967 | 58 | Relatively Low |
| Ferry County | 7,260 | $252,700 | $1,703 | 55 | Relatively Low |
| Franklin County | 96,692 | $308,700 | $2,558 | 62 | Relatively Low |
| Garfield County | 2,310 | $190,000 | $1,344 | 62 | Very Low |
| Grant County | 99,145 | $244,500 | $2,194 | 59 | Relatively Low |
| Grays Harbor County | 75,672 | $249,900 | $2,241 | 60 | Relatively High |
| Island County | 86,510 | $480,800 | $3,556 | 56 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 33,006 | $449,300 | $3,419 | 57 | Relatively Low |
| King County | 2,254,371 | $761,500 | $6,476 | 59 | Very High |
| Kitsap County | 275,411 | $463,000 | $3,841 | 58 | Relatively Moderate |
| Kittitas County | 44,424 | $417,600 | $2,914 | 60 | Relatively Moderate |
| Klickitat County | 22,798 | $352,500 | $2,229 | 65 | Relatively Low |
| Lewis County | 82,663 | $306,600 | $2,336 | 62 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lincoln County | 11,036 | $232,500 | $1,595 | 58 | Relatively Low |
| Mason County | 66,053 | $340,300 | $2,670 | 59 | Relatively Moderate |
| Okanogan County | 42,336 | $251,100 | $1,972 | 55 | Relatively Moderate |
| Pacific County | 23,396 | $252,100 | $2,185 | 62 | Relatively Moderate |
| Pend Oreille County | 13,570 | $288,200 | $1,901 | 55 | Very Low |
| Pierce County | 918,993 | $444,600 | $4,361 | 60 | Relatively High |
| San Juan County | 18,001 | $673,700 | $3,974 | 55 | Very Low |
| Skagit County | 129,480 | $444,300 | $3,821 | 55 | Relatively Moderate |
| Skamania County | 12,118 | $443,000 | $3,263 | 64 | Relatively Low |
| Snohomish County | 828,337 | $592,800 | $4,883 | 56 | Relatively High |
| Spokane County | 538,711 | $331,600 | $2,974 | 58 | Relatively Moderate |
| Stevens County | 46,774 | $277,300 | $1,921 | 55 | Relatively Low |
| Thurston County | 294,272 | $411,700 | $3,802 | 61 | Relatively High |
| Wahkiakum County | 4,476 | $319,100 | $1,989 | 63 | Very Low |
| Walla Walla County | 62,150 | $331,600 | $3,033 | 63 | Relatively Low |
| Whatcom County | 226,523 | $475,000 | $3,523 | 54 | Relatively Moderate |
| Whitman County | 47,141 | $298,500 | $2,549 | 61 | Very Low |
| Yakima County | 256,143 | $254,700 | $2,144 | 62 | Relatively Moderate |
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