RANK #726 / 996 · POP 504,091 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.1%
Clark County, Washington, often called the "Cradle of Pacific Northwest History," is distinguished by its direct access to the Columbia River and its proximity to the Cascade Mountains. Vancouver, the county seat, sits just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, making it a commuter hub with C-TRAN offering express bus services to downtown Portland. The community offers a blend of urban and rural settings, with towns like Camas known for its schools and Ridgefield for its natural beauty and wildlife refuge. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with numerous parks, trails like the Salmon Creek Greenway, and water features such as Lacamas Lake and the Columbia River supporting hiking, biking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Life in Clark County appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance of natural amenities and urban access. The county's public schools are generally rated above average, with districts like Camas and Ridgefield noted for their educational offerings. The economy is diverse, with healthcare, professional services, retail, and manufacturing as primary sectors. Clark County has seen consistent population growth, partly due to its appealing quality of life and the absence of a state income tax in Washington, which attracts residents from neighboring Oregon.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 8.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Warehouse and Distribution Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Bridge Point Vancouver 600 Warehouse
Bridge Industrial
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Clark County has a Boom Town Index score of 27/100, ranking #726 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $90,115, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Clark County is $453,200 with median rent at $1,572/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1988, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed -0.6% in the past 12 months.