Medical Lake, #1 on this list · Hallett House · Photo: Jon Roanhaus · CC BY-SA 4.0

Washington rankings · 2026

Best small towns in Washington

Q: What is the best small town in Washington?

Among 152 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, Medical Lake (Spokane County) ranks first, with an A+; walkability (A) and hazard risk (A) are its strongest grades; cost of living (B−) is its lowest. Medina and Clyde Hill follow.

Medical Lake ranks first of Washington’s 152 graded small towns (2,500–9,999 residents), with an A+: walkability (A) and hazard risk (A) are its strongest grades; cost of living (B−) is its lowest. 17 of the 152 (11%) grade A− or better nationally, against 25% of U.S. towns.

The overall grade, sorted: cost of living, safety, schools, health, jobs & income, walkability and hazard risk, from Census, FBI, state, CDC, EPA and FEMA data. How grades work

Medical Lake

Spokane County · 4,964 people

A⁺

Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living B⁻

B⁻Cost–SafetyASchoolsA⁻HealthB⁺JobsAWalkAHazards

Medina

King County · 2,974 people

Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

D⁻CostB⁺SafetyA⁺SchoolsA⁺HealthA⁺JobsAWalkC⁺Hazards

Clyde Hill

King County · 3,161 people

Strongest: health A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

D⁻CostA⁻SafetyA⁺SchoolsA⁺HealthAJobsA⁺WalkCHazards

Where they are: Four of the top 10 are in King County.

All 152 small towns

Overall score, highest first. The score (0–100) blends the seven livability grades and sets the order; the letter places that score among every U.S. town of 2,500+, and A+ is the top 5%, so neighbors on the list often share a letter. Each town links to its page, where the grade sheet shows every subject. The rank is the town’s place among all 285 Washington towns.

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152 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.

#TownScoreGradeWhat drives it

2Medical LakeSpokane County · 4,964 people73.1top 2.9%A⁺Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living B⁻

3MedinaKing County · 2,974 people70.5top 6.0%AStrongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

4Clyde HillKing County · 3,161 people70.3top 6.3%AStrongest: health A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

7DuvallKing County · 9,440 people69.3top 7.9%AStrongest: health A⁺, safety A⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

12Black DiamondKing County · 6,978 people68.1top 10.0%AStrongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C

14Clearviewunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,254 people67.7top 10.8%AStrongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

16Wollochetunincorporated, Pierce County · 6,689 people67.3top 11.8%AStrongest: jobs & income A⁺, schools A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

26Meadowdaleunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,009 people64.1top 18.9%A⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

27Fairchild AFBunincorporated, Spokane County · 2,931 people63.8top 19.7%A⁻Strongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

29Chicounincorporated, Kitsap County · 3,336 people63.7top 19.9%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, health A·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

30Larch Wayunincorporated, Snohomish County · 4,424 people63.7top 19.9%A⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D

31LeavenworthChelan County · 3,373 people63.5top 20.3%A⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

32Mirrormontunincorporated, King County · 4,019 people62.9top 21.8%A⁻Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

34Chain Lakeunincorporated, Snohomish County · 4,950 people62.8top 22.1%A⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

35Town and Countryunincorporated, Spokane County · 4,890 people62.7top 22.2%A⁻Strongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

36ColvilleStevens County · 5,116 people62.6top 22.3%A⁻Strongest: hazard risk A⁺, safety A·lowest: jobs & income D

38CashmereChelan County · 3,326 people62.0top 23.9%A⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools A·lowest: hazard risk D

41Hockinsonunincorporated, Clark County · 6,150 people61.4top 25.6%B⁺Strongest: schools A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D

42Tracytonunincorporated, Kitsap County · 6,137 people61.2top 26.3%B⁺Strongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

43Country Homesunincorporated, Spokane County · 6,198 people60.9top 27.1%B⁺Strongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

44Esperanceunincorporated, Snohomish County · 4,189 people60.9top 27.2%B⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health A·lowest: cost of living D

46BrierSnohomish County · 6,597 people60.6top 27.7%B⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D

48Hobartunincorporated, King County · 6,552 people60.4top 28.3%B⁺Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

50Fobes Hillunincorporated, Snohomish County · 2,569 people60.4top 28.4%B⁺Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

51DuPontPierce County · 9,778 people60.3top 28.7%B⁺Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

53North BendKing County · 8,758 people60.1top 29.2%B⁺Strongest: health A⁺, schools A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

55MoxeeYakima County · 4,765 people59.7top 30.2%B⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, safety A⁻·lowest: walkability C⁻

58Indianolaunincorporated, Kitsap County · 3,468 people59.4top 30.9%B⁺Strongest: health A⁻, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living C

59White SalmonKlickitat County · 2,655 people59.3top 31.1%B⁺Strongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

60Waunaunincorporated, Pierce County · 4,805 people59.2top 31.4%B⁺Strongest: schools A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

62Manchesterunincorporated, Kitsap County · 5,956 people59.0top 32.0%B⁺Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

65Fox Islandunincorporated, Pierce County · 3,414 people58.2top 34.1%B⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D

66SteilacoomPierce County · 6,648 people58.1top 34.5%B⁺Strongest: walkability A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

68Rosedaleunincorporated, Pierce County · 4,208 people58.1top 34.5%B⁺Strongest: schools A, health A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

70Canterwoodunincorporated, Pierce County · 2,971 people57.9top 34.9%B⁺Strongest: schools A, health A·lowest: cost of living C⁻

71Port Angeles Eastunincorporated, Clallam County · 3,137 people57.8top 35.1%BStrongest: walkability A, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

73Maplewoodunincorporated, Pierce County · 5,803 people57.4top 36.1%BStrongest: schools A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

76Meadunincorporated, Spokane County · 6,893 people57.2top 36.6%BStrongest: schools A, hazard risk A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

79Prairie Heightsunincorporated, Pierce County · 4,998 people56.9top 37.5%BStrongest: schools A⁻, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

80Suquamishunincorporated, Kitsap County · 4,084 people56.9top 37.6%BStrongest: walkability A, schools A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C

83Bethelunincorporated, Kitsap County · 4,394 people56.4top 39.0%BStrongest: health A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

84Tehalehunincorporated, Pierce County · 9,561 people56.3top 39.1%BStrongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

86SultanSnohomish County · 7,230 people56.3top 39.2%BStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

88Parkwoodunincorporated, Kitsap County · 6,873 people56.0top 40.0%BStrongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

89Lake Cassidyunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,292 people56.0top 40.0%BStrongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

90Vashonunincorporated, King County · 9,934 people56.0top 40.2%BStrongest: health A⁺, schools A·lowest: cost of living D

91Bangor Baseunincorporated, Kitsap County · 6,112 people55.9top 40.3%BStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

93EversonWhatcom County · 3,254 people55.6top 41.0%BStrongest: safety A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

94Barbertonunincorporated, Clark County · 8,668 people55.6top 41.1%BStrongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

96Three Lakesunincorporated, Snohomish County · 4,055 people55.3top 41.7%BStrongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: walkability D⁻

97Friday HarborSan Juan County · 2,729 people55.2top 42.2%BStrongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

105Wallerunincorporated, Pierce County · 7,683 people54.3top 44.4%BStrongest: jobs & income A⁻, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

106Brush Prairieunincorporated, Clark County · 2,526 people54.3top 44.5%BStrongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

107Normandy ParkKing County · 6,609 people54.3top 44.6%BStrongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: cost of living D

108High Bridgeunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,196 people54.0top 45.3%B⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

111Lake Shoreunincorporated, Clark County · 6,978 people53.7top 46.0%B⁻Strongest: health A, jobs & income A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

112Bunk Fossunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,627 people53.7top 46.1%B⁻Strongest: health A, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

113Aldertonunincorporated, Pierce County · 2,706 people53.6top 46.4%B⁻Strongest: schools A, health B·lowest: hazard risk D

114Summit Viewunincorporated, Pierce County · 8,480 people53.4top 46.9%B⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

115Lake Holmunincorporated, King County · 3,555 people53.4top 47.0%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁺, health A⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

116Hansvilleunincorporated, Kitsap County · 3,384 people53.4top 47.1%B⁻Strongest: health A⁻, schools A⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

117MontesanoGrays Harbor County · 4,181 people53.4top 47.2%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, schools A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

118EatonvillePierce County · 2,861 people53.3top 47.4%B⁻Strongest: cost of living A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

119Tanglewildeunincorporated, Thurston County · 6,314 people53.2top 47.8%B⁻Strongest: health B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

121FircrestPierce County · 6,959 people53.1top 47.9%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

122OrtingPierce County · 8,884 people53.0top 48.2%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

124Maple Heights-Lake Desireunincorporated, King County · 4,113 people52.8top 48.8%B⁻Strongest: health A⁺, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D⁻

126ConnellFranklin County · 5,080 people52.6top 49.4%B⁻Strongest: cost of living A⁻, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

129Lochsloyunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,029 people52.3bottom 49.6%B⁻Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

130StanwoodSnohomish County · 9,421 people52.0bottom 48.9%B⁻Strongest: health B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

131DaytonColumbia County · 2,538 people52.0bottom 48.8%B⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, cost of living B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

136BuckleyPierce County · 5,688 people51.6bottom 47.8%B⁻Strongest: schools A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

138Summitunincorporated, Pierce County · 8,791 people51.4bottom 47.4%B⁻Strongest: jobs & income B⁺, schools B·lowest: hazard risk C

139Key Centerunincorporated, Pierce County · 3,544 people51.4bottom 47.4%B⁻Strongest: schools A, health B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

140AlgonaKing County · 3,253 people51.2bottom 46.8%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

142Boulevard Parkunincorporated, King County · 4,575 people50.6bottom 45.4%B⁻Strongest: walkability A, schools A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

144ColfaxWhitman County · 2,667 people50.4bottom 44.8%C⁺Strongest: schools A, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

145Sunnyslopeunincorporated, Chelan County · 3,706 people50.4bottom 44.7%C⁺Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: walkability D

146PacificKing County · 7,056 people50.0bottom 43.6%C⁺Strongest: health B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

147East Port Orchardunincorporated, Kitsap County · 4,725 people49.8bottom 43.1%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

150Suncrestunincorporated, Stevens County · 5,345 people49.5bottom 42.3%C⁺Strongest: schools A, health B⁺·lowest: walkability D

151Deer ParkSpokane County · 5,370 people49.2bottom 41.3%C⁺Strongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability A⁻·lowest: jobs & income D

154Granite FallsSnohomish County · 4,686 people48.9bottom 40.6%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A⁻·lowest: schools D

155Warm Beachunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,442 people48.6bottom 39.9%C⁺Strongest: health B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

157ChelanChelan County · 4,494 people48.6bottom 39.6%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D

160Bryantunincorporated, Snohomish County · 2,648 people48.5bottom 39.3%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

163Otis Orchards-East Farmsunincorporated, Spokane County · 5,454 people48.1bottom 38.3%C⁺Strongest: hazard risk A⁻, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: walkability C

164SelahYakima County · 8,678 people48.1bottom 38.2%C⁺Strongest: hazard risk B⁺, safety B·lowest: cost of living D

165Woods Creekunincorporated, Snohomish County · 6,943 people48.0bottom 37.8%C⁺Strongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D

166Clarkston Heights-Vinelandunincorporated, Asotin County · 7,884 people47.8bottom 37.3%C⁺Strongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: walkability D

168North Yelmunincorporated, Thurston County · 2,522 people47.4bottom 36.5%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

169Sudden Valleyunincorporated, Whatcom County · 6,084 people47.4bottom 36.3%C⁺Strongest: health A⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

171College PlaceWalla Walla County · 9,923 people47.3bottom 36.1%C⁺Strongest: walkability A⁺, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living C⁻

172KalamaCowlitz County · 3,165 people47.0bottom 35.4%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income B⁺, health B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

175Sisco Heightsunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,015 people46.9bottom 35.0%C⁺Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, health A⁻·lowest: walkability D⁻

176Finleyunincorporated, Benton County · 5,634 people46.7bottom 34.6%CStrongest: jobs & income B, cost of living B·lowest: hazard risk D

179Marietta-Alderwoodunincorporated, Whatcom County · 3,754 people46.2bottom 33.5%CStrongest: jobs & income B⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

183WardenGrant County · 2,830 people45.7bottom 32.0%CStrongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability A⁻·lowest: jobs & income D

187Midlandunincorporated, Pierce County · 9,050 people45.1bottom 30.4%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

188Arlington Heightsunincorporated, Snohomish County · 2,727 people45.0bottom 30.2%CStrongest: jobs & income B, health B·lowest: walkability D⁻

189Grand Moundunincorporated, Thurston County · 3,287 people45.0bottom 30.1%CStrongest: schools B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

190Ahtanumunincorporated, Yakima County · 3,777 people44.8bottom 29.8%CStrongest: schools B⁺, jobs & income B·lowest: walkability D

192Venersborgunincorporated, Clark County · 4,262 people44.8bottom 29.6%CStrongest: health A⁻, jobs & income B·lowest: walkability D

196Belfairunincorporated, Mason County · 4,557 people44.4bottom 28.7%CStrongest: walkability A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

202EphrataGrant County · 8,834 people43.5bottom 26.7%CStrongest: hazard risk A⁻, walkability B⁺·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

203Longbranchunincorporated, Pierce County · 4,638 people43.5bottom 26.6%CStrongest: schools A, health C⁺·lowest: walkability D⁻

205Lake Goodwinunincorporated, Snohomish County · 5,536 people43.3bottom 26.1%CStrongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: walkability D⁻

206North Fort Lewisunincorporated, Pierce County · 6,337 people42.9bottom 25.3%CStrongest: walkability A, health A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

207WinlockLewis County · 2,640 people42.9bottom 25.1%CStrongest: safety A⁻, walkability B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

208QuincyGrant County · 8,510 people42.6bottom 24.5%C⁻Strongest: hazard risk A, walkability B·lowest: schools C⁻

209Rochesterunincorporated, Thurston County · 5,834 people42.5bottom 24.4%C⁻Strongest: schools B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

210MiltonPierce County · 8,911 people42.4bottom 24.1%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

211La CenterClark County · 4,433 people42.4bottom 24.1%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income A⁻, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

215Gold BarSnohomish County · 2,561 people42.0bottom 23.3%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, walkability B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

217Gleedunincorporated, Yakima County · 2,844 people41.7bottom 22.6%C⁻Strongest: health B, schools B·lowest: walkability C⁻

218McChord AFBunincorporated, Pierce County · 2,999 people41.6bottom 22.4%C⁻Strongest: health A⁻, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D⁻

219Central Parkunincorporated, Grays Harbor County · 3,206 people41.4bottom 22.0%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, health B·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

220Port Ludlowunincorporated, Jefferson County · 2,891 people41.3bottom 21.8%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, health B⁺·lowest: cost of living D⁻

222ProsserBenton County · 6,654 people41.2bottom 21.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, cost of living B⁻·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

224Navy Yard Cityunincorporated, Kitsap County · 2,672 people41.1bottom 21.2%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: schools C⁻

229ElmaGrays Harbor County · 3,534 people40.6bottom 20.2%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

232SequimClallam County · 8,215 people40.3bottom 19.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability A⁺, schools B⁺·lowest: cost of living D

233OmakOkanogan County · 5,185 people39.2bottom 17.5%C⁻Strongest: walkability A, cost of living B⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

238WoodlandCowlitz County · 6,611 people38.7bottom 16.3%C⁻Strongest: jobs & income B, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D

240ZillahYakima County · 3,111 people38.6bottom 16.1%C⁻Strongest: health B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk C⁻

241Clover Creekunincorporated, Pierce County · 7,345 people38.3bottom 15.7%C⁻Strongest: walkability B⁺, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: cost of living C⁻

244GoldendaleKlickitat County · 3,528 people37.7bottom 14.7%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living B·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

246ForksClallam County · 3,488 people37.4bottom 14.3%DStrongest: walkability A⁺, cost of living B⁺·lowest: schools D

247BlaineWhatcom County · 6,475 people37.4bottom 14.2%DStrongest: health B, walkability B⁻·lowest: cost of living D

248Ocean ShoresGrays Harbor County · 7,892 people37.3bottom 14.1%DStrongest: walkability A, safety A⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

249West Clarkston-Highlandunincorporated, Asotin County · 5,444 people37.2bottom 13.8%DStrongest: hazard risk A⁻, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

251Port Hadlock-Irondaleunincorporated, Jefferson County · 3,884 people37.1bottom 13.6%DStrongest: health B⁺, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

252ChewelahStevens County · 2,712 people37.0bottom 13.5%DStrongest: cost of living B⁺, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income D

253Lexingtonunincorporated, Cowlitz County · 4,413 people36.6bottom 12.9%DStrongest: health B, jobs & income B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

256ClarkstonAsotin County · 7,189 people35.6bottom 11.4%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, hazard risk B⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

257GrangerYakima County · 3,831 people34.7bottom 10.2%DStrongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living B⁺·lowest: hazard risk D

259WapatoYakima County · 4,469 people34.2bottom 9.7%DStrongest: cost of living A⁻, walkability B·lowest: health D

263Burbankunincorporated, Walla Walla County · 3,589 people32.5bottom 7.5%DStrongest: jobs & income B⁻, health C⁺·lowest: walkability C⁻

264ChehalisLewis County · 7,764 people32.4bottom 7.3%DStrongest: walkability B⁺, health B⁻·lowest: safety D

265RaymondPacific County · 3,235 people32.0bottom 6.9%DStrongest: walkability B⁻, cost of living C⁺·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

266Benton CityBenton County · 4,019 people31.7bottom 6.6%DStrongest: cost of living B, walkability B⁻·lowest: hazard risk D

267OthelloAdams County · 9,237 people31.4bottom 6.2%DStrongest: walkability A, hazard risk A⁻·lowest: jobs & income C⁻

269Moses Lake Northunincorporated, Grant County · 4,517 people30.6bottom 5.4%DStrongest: hazard risk A⁺, walkability C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D

271Cascade Valleyunincorporated, Grant County · 4,609 people30.1bottom 4.9%D⁻Strongest: hazard risk A, walkability A⁻·lowest: cost of living D

276HoquiamGrays Harbor County · 8,710 people26.7bottom 2.5%D⁻Strongest: walkability A, cost of living C·lowest: hazard risk D⁻

277ToppenishYakima County · 8,635 people26.7bottom 2.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability A⁻, cost of living B·lowest: safety D

279Longview Heightsunincorporated, Cowlitz County · 4,357 people26.3bottom 2.2%D⁻Strongest: health B, schools C⁺·lowest: walkability D⁻

280Canyon Creekunincorporated, Snohomish County · 3,910 people26.1bottom 2.1%D⁻Strongest: health B⁺, cost of living C·lowest: walkability D⁻

281Union GapYakima County · 6,617 people24.4bottom 1.4%D⁻Strongest: walkability B⁻, cost of living C⁺·lowest: safety D⁻

283MattawaGrant County · 3,874 people21.9bottom 0.7%D⁻Strongest: cost of living C⁺, walkability C⁺·lowest: jobs & income D⁻

284Peaceful Valleyunincorporated, Whatcom County · 2,858 people21.7bottom 0.7%D⁻Strongest: health C⁺, cost of living C·lowest: jobs & income D

285Desert Aireunincorporated, Grant County · 2,788 people20.8bottom 0.5%D⁻Strongest: jobs & income C⁺, health C⁺·lowest: walkability D⁻

Method

How this list is made

Each town’s overall grade blends seven livability grades: cost of living (weight 18), safety (18), schools (16), health (14), jobs & income (12), walkability (8) and hazard risk (4). A town needs 2,500+ residents and three of the first four. Letters are national, so an A here means the same as an A in any state; the list is the same towns in the same order, ranked within Washington. Towns without their own FBI figures are graded on the rest and their page says why.

Data years: crime 2023–2025 (FBI), Census ACS 2020–2024, CDC PLACES 2025, state school tests. How grades work

Quick answers

Questions people ask

What is the best small town in Washington?

Among 152 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, Medical Lake (Spokane County) ranks first, with an A+; walkability (A) and hazard risk (A) are its strongest grades; cost of living (B−) is its lowest. Medina and Clyde Hill follow.

How are these towns ranked?

By the overall grade, which blends seven livability grades from public data. The letter is national; the rank is within Washington. The full method is on How grades work.

Why isn’t my town on this list?

The list covers towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents with an overall grade (152 in Washington). 112 smaller places have subject grades only; Larger towns are on the best places to live list. Every town is on the Washington page.

Go deeper

More Washington lists

Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.

All Washington rankings →

Best places to live285 towns · #1 Sammamish Most affordable towns285 towns · #1 Connell Safest towns130 towns · #1 Duvall Towns with the best schools285 towns · #1 Mercer Island Healthiest towns285 towns · #1 Clyde Hill Best towns for jobs & income285 towns · #1 Larch Way Most walkable towns285 towns · #1 Seattle Towns with the lowest natural-hazard risk285 towns · #1 Fairchild AFB Best towns for the outdoors285 towns · #1 Maple Heights-Lake Desire Most historic towns285 towns · #1 Colville Towns with the most civic life152 towns · #1 Friday Harbor Towns with the least snow252 towns · #1 RaymondDescribed, no letters Snowiest towns252 towns · #1 LeavenworthDescribed, no letters Towns with the mildest winters265 towns · #1 Ocean ShoresDescribed, no letters Towns with the hottest summers265 towns · #1 ClarkstonDescribed, no letters Towns with the coolest summers265 towns · #1 Ocean ShoresDescribed, no letters Towns with the highest incomes285 towns · #1 Clyde Hill and MedinaDescribed, no letters Towns with the lowest property taxes272 towns · #1 MattawaDescribed, no letters Fastest-growing towns149 towns · #1 RidgefieldDescribed, no letters Towns with the most-used libraries20 towns · #1 Port TownsendDescribed, no letters

Other states

Best small towns in other states

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