Is West Clarkston-Highland Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Clarkston-Highland
West Clarkston-Highland, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Situated in Asotin County, this census-designated place (CDP) provides a glimpse into a community that values its natural surroundings and a slower pace of life. Its location near the Snake River contributes to its scenic appeal and offers recreational opportunities for residents.
The community is part of the Lewiston, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, placing it within a broader economic and cultural region. While it maintains a distinct identity, its proximity to Lewiston allows for access to a wider range of services and amenities. This balance between local community focus and regional connection is a key characteristic of West Clarkston-Highland.
Is it Safe to Live in West Clarkston-Highland?
West Clarkston-Highland presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying reports on crime rates. The violent crime rate in West Clarkston-Highland is approximately 3.509 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northwest part of the CDP to be the safest area.
CrimeGrade.org assigns West Clarkston-Highland a “C-” grade for violent crime, indicating that its rate is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, ranking it in the 38th percentile for safety. This means it is safer than 38% of cities but less safe than 62% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). In contrast, other sources suggest a more favorable outlook, with one report stating the overall crime rate is 50% below the national average and West Clarkston-Highland has a lower crime rate than 94% of major U.S. cities (according to DoorProfit, citing FBI UCR data). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is reported as 1 in 440 per year (according to DoorProfit).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in West Clarkston-Highland presents a more affordable option compared to the state average. The median home value in West Clarkston-Highland was approximately $282,500 in 2024, which is lower than the Washington state median (according to Vertex AI Search data). Home prices in West Clarkston-Highland are also noted to be 2.0 times below the Washington median (as reported by West Clarkston-Highland Authority).
Rentals are also available, with the average cost of rent being around $1,001 per month (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure is influenced by the real estate values in the area, with about 50.26% of residents owning their homes and 36.19% renting (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of living in West Clarkston-Highland is slightly above the national average, with an index of 102 compared to the national average of 100 (according to AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
The economy of West Clarkston-Highland is supported by several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance employing the most residents, followed by Retail Trade and Manufacturing (as reported by Vertex AI Search). In 2024, the median household income in West Clarkston-Highland was $51,860, a slight decrease from the previous year (according to Vertex AI Search). The unemployment rate was last reported at 2.1% (as reported by West Clarkston-Highland Authority).
Major employers in the broader Clarkston, WA area include large retail chains like Walmart and Costco Wholesale, as well as healthcare providers and educational institutions within Asotin County (as reported by Indeed.com and Asotin County Employment Security Department). Asotin County’s economy has historically been linked to agriculture and mining, with current economic drivers including port activity, food processing, and government administration (as reported by Asotin County Employment Security Department).
Climate and Environment
West Clarkston-Highland experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with mild summers and cold winters. Summers are typically short, hot, and dry, with temperatures often in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, and July being the warmest month with average highs around 87.60°F (as reported by Washington State Wiki). Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, and January being the coldest month with average lows around 28.00°F (as reported by Washington State Wiki).
The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 12 to 15 inches, with rainfall concentrated in the fall and winter months (as reported by USDA Properties). Snowfall averages around 10 to 20 inches per season, often melting quickly due to milder daytime temperatures (as reported by USDA Properties). The region has a semi-arid continental climate, with drier conditions prevailing in spring and summer, which can increase wildfire risks in surrounding areas (as reported by USDA Properties).
Education and Demographics
In terms of education, Highland Elementary School, which serves students from Kindergarten to 6th grade, ranks in the bottom 50% of Washington schools for overall test scores. Math and reading proficiency rates at Highland Elementary are lower than the Washington state average (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics and WA Dept. of Education). The Clarkston School District, which includes Highland Elementary, serves approximately 2,495 students across various grade levels.
The population of West Clarkston-Highland is approximately 5,444 residents, with a median age of 46.5 years (as reported by West Clarkston-Highland Authority). The demographic composition is predominantly White (non-Hispanic), making up about 87.4% of the population, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian residents (as reported by West Clarkston-Highland Authority). In 2024, the foreign-born population was 1.98% of the residents (as reported by Vertex AI Search).