RANK #934 / 1001 NAT · #19 / 21 WA · POP 77,813
1YR FORECAST: -0.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
Clallam County, situated on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is known for its diverse natural landscape, bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The county seat, Port Angeles, is the largest city, while Sequim is notable for its comparatively sunny climate. Commuting within the county is primarily done by private vehicle, though Clallam Transit provides bus services connecting towns like Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. The region offers extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking in Olympic National Park, exploring the Dungeness Spit, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Life in Clallam County often appeals to those seeking access to natural amenities, with many retirees drawn to areas like Sequim. The economy, historically tied to natural resources like timber and fishing, has seen growth in the service sector, including tourism. Government, healthcare, and hospitality are significant employers. Recent economic development efforts include a $4.2 million grant to advance indigenous forestry resource industrial development in Port Angeles and support for local businesses and childcare services.
Clallam County is one of 78 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -0.0% runs above the profile's typical -0.8%.
See all 78 Western Premium Correction counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 23.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Clallam County scores just 6/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #934 of 1001 counties. Job growth at -1.0% and median household income of $70,370 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Clallam County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $421,800 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.17 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,152/month on average.
Population and employment in Clallam County are both close to flat — population +0.3% YoY and jobs -1.0%. Home values shifted -0.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.22% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Clallam County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.