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Radon in Washington: Levels by County and EPA Zones

Updated November 2026 · Data: EPA Map of Radon Zones · Sources

Washington has a mix of radon risk: 7 counties are in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential), 14 in Zone 2 and 18 in Zone 3. Find your county below, then learn how to test your home and what to do if the result is high.

7 of 39counties in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential)
14 of 39counties in Zone 2 (moderate)
18 of 39counties in Zone 3 (low)

Your county’s zone is not your home’s radon level. Homes with high radon are found in every zone. The EPA recommends testing every home, whatever its zone.

Map of EPA radon zones by county

Pierce: EPA radon Zone 3Adams: EPA radon Zone 2Pend Oreille: EPA radon Zone 1King: EPA radon Zone 3Chelan: EPA radon Zone 3Kittitas: EPA radon Zone 2Garfield: EPA radon Zone 2Grant: EPA radon Zone 2Okanogan: EPA radon Zone 1Franklin: EPA radon Zone 2Klickitat: EPA radon Zone 2Clark: EPA radon Zone 1Skagit: EPA radon Zone 3Walla Walla: EPA radon Zone 2Pacific: EPA radon Zone 3Cowlitz: EPA radon Zone 3Wahkiakum: EPA radon Zone 3Lewis: EPA radon Zone 3Clallam: EPA radon Zone 3Grays Harbor: EPA radon Zone 3Jefferson: EPA radon Zone 3Lincoln: EPA radon Zone 2Mason: EPA radon Zone 3San Juan: EPA radon Zone 3Stevens: EPA radon Zone 1Whatcom: EPA radon Zone 3Douglas: EPA radon Zone 2Snohomish: EPA radon Zone 3Thurston: EPA radon Zone 3Columbia: EPA radon Zone 2Yakima: EPA radon Zone 2Benton: EPA radon Zone 2Island: EPA radon Zone 3Spokane: EPA radon Zone 1Whitman: EPA radon Zone 2Ferry: EPA radon Zone 1Skamania: EPA radon Zone 1Asotin: EPA radon Zone 2Kitsap: EPA radon Zone 3
Zone 1 (highest potential)Zone 2Zone 3Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (June 2024 data file). County boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau via us-atlas.

Radon zones by county in Washington

The table lists the EPA radon zone for each of the 39 counties in Washington. The zone shows the predicted average indoor radon screening level for homes in that county.

CountyEPA zonePredicted average indoor level
AdamsZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
AsotinZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
BentonZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
ChelanZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
ClallamZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
ClarkZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
ColumbiaZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
CowlitzZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
DouglasZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
FerryZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
FranklinZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
GarfieldZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
GrantZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
Grays HarborZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
IslandZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
JeffersonZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
KingZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
KitsapZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
KittitasZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
KlickitatZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
LewisZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
LincolnZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
MasonZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
OkanoganZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
PacificZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
Pend OreilleZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
PierceZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
San JuanZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
SkagitZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
SkamaniaZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
SnohomishZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
SpokaneZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
StevensZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
ThurstonZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
WahkiakumZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
Walla WallaZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
WhatcomZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
WhitmanZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
YakimaZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (data file published June 2024).

What the EPA radon zones mean

  • Zone 1 (highest potential): predicted average indoor screening level greater than 4 pCi/L. In Washington: 7 counties (18%).
  • Zone 2 (moderate potential): predicted average between 2 and 4 pCi/L. In Washington: 14 counties (36%).
  • Zone 3 (low potential): predicted average below 2 pCi/L. In Washington: 18 counties (46%).

The EPA built the map from indoor radon measurements, geology, soil permeability and type of house foundation. It was made to help governments and builders target resources, not to decide whether a single home needs testing.

Washington counties with the highest radon potential

7 counties in Washington are in Zone 1: Clark, Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens.

How to test for radon in Washington

Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level. Short-term test kits (2 to 90 days) are sold at hardware stores and online, and some state programs offer kits at low cost; check with the Washington State Department of Health, Radon. Test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, with windows and doors closed, and follow the kit instructions.

  • Do-it-yourself kits: a simple, low-cost first step for your own home.
  • Long-term tests (more than 90 days): give a better picture of your home’s year-round average.
  • Certified professionals: look for certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB), and ask the state program whether Washington requires a state license.
  • Buying or selling a home: ask for a radon test as part of the home inspection.

If your radon level is high

The EPA recommends fixing your home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The most common fix is a radon mitigation system (sub-slab depressurization), which pulls radon from under the foundation and vents it outside, above the roof line.

  • The EPA says most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs; the price depends on the size and design of the home.
  • Get estimates from more than one qualified, certified mitigation contractor. See our radon mitigation cost guide for typical prices.
  • Test again after the system is installed, and retest every few years.

Learn more: safe radon levels · how to test · test kits compared · radon and home sales · radon in well water

Washington radon program

Radon rules and programs in Washington

  • New homes: Washington requires new construction to minimize radon exposure through ventilation and radon-resistant construction requirements.

Contact

The Washington State Department of Health, Radon answers questions from residents about radon testing, results and certified professionals.

Contact details as listed by the state radon program directory. Please confirm on the program’s website before calling.

Frequently asked questions

Is radon a problem in Washington?

7 of Washington’s 39 counties are in EPA Zone 1, where the predicted average indoor radon level is above 4 pCi/L, and 14 are in Zone 2 (2 to 4 pCi/L). High levels can be found in any home, so testing is the only way to know.

Which Washington counties have the highest radon potential?

The 7 counties in EPA Zone 1 have the highest predicted average levels. You can find them in the table above and in the Zone 1 list.

What radon level is safe?

There is no known safe level of radon. The EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Who can I contact about radon in Washington?

The Washington State Department of Health, Radon answers questions about testing, results and certified professionals. Phone: 360-236-3200.

Sources