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Washington: My Home

Washington: Congressional District 3

Washington is among the country’s most climate resilient states, and Congressional District 3 includes several Lowest and Lower Climate Vulnerability risk regions, including: Vancouver, Long Beach, and Camas.

The quality of life here is deeply intertwined with immediate access to stunning natural landscapes; residents regularly enjoy the lush greenery, abundant rain that keeps the region vibrant, and breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and Cascade volcanoes. This fosters an outdoor-centric lifestyle, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports. The pace of life is generally more relaxed than major metropolitan centers, yet still provides convenient access to urban amenities just across the river.

A significant draw to this part of Washington is its favorable economic environment, particularly the absence of a state income tax. This often translates to a higher effective take-home pay, making the overall cost of living more manageable compared to neighboring regions, especially California, even though housing prices have seen steady increases. The economy is robust and increasingly diversified, moving beyond its traditional strongholds in transportation and trade. Key sectors now include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services, providing a competitive job market with a variety of opportunities. Furthermore, public school systems in many of these Washington communities are well-regarded, offering strong educational programs that appeal to families.

Much of this district includes areas designated Lower and Lowest Vulnerability on the US Climate Vulnerability Index.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Vancouver, Clark County

Vancouver Livability Stats:

Suburban/Urban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Biking

Vancouver Homes for Sale and Rent

Living in Vancouver, Washington, offers a compelling blend of Pacific Northwest natural beauty, urban amenities, and a slightly more laid-back vibe than its larger neighbor across the Columbia River, Portland, Oregon. Residents enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, access to numerous parks, and proximity to diverse outdoor activities, from hiking in the Gorge to exploring the coast. The city boasts a revitalized waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and public spaces, alongside a growing downtown core and established suburban neighborhoods.

The city has a vibrant and growing economy, heavily influenced by healthcare (PeaceHealth, Vancouver Clinic, Legacy Health are major employers), technology and manufacturing (including Hewlett-Packard), education, and trade and commerce. Its proximity to Portland's robust job market further expands employment opportunities across a wide array of industries.

The Vancouver Public Schools district is generally well-regarded, earning a "B" grade on Niche.com, with strong programs in academics, arts, and athletics, and several high schools recognized among the top in Washington state. For healthcare, Vancouver offers comprehensive services through major providers like PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. Residents have excellent access to a full spectrum of medical care, including readily available reproductive healthcare options provided by various clinics and organizations like Planned Parenthood in Vancouver. While the cost of living has been rising due to its popularity as a more affordable alternative to Portland, it generally remains less expensive, particularly for housing (median home price is around $450,000-$480,000 as of August 2024, compared to Portland's $550,000-$600,000), and Washington's lack of state income tax is a significant financial benefit.

Vancouver Climate Stats

Clark County, home to Vancouver, has a relatively low overall climate vulnerability. It ranks 27th out of 39 counties in Washington and falls into the 15th national vulnerability percentile for lowest vulnerability.

Key Vulnerabilities

  • Community Baseline

    • Exposures & Risks: This is a major vulnerability, ranking in the 97th national vulnerability percentile and 7th in Washington.

    • Pollution Sources: Vulnerability in this area is also high, ranking in the 89th national vulnerability percentile and 4th in Washington.

    • Minority Status & Language: This ranks in the 95th national vulnerability percentile.

  • Climate Impacts

    • Flooding: Vulnerability to flooding ranks in the 91st national vulnerability percentile and 5th in Washington.

    • Costs of Climate Disasters: This ranks in the 75th national vulnerability percentile and 9th in Washington.

    • Drought: Vulnerability to drought ranks in the 58th national vulnerability percentile.

Areas of Relative Resilience

  • Community Baseline

    • Social & Economic: The county has a low vulnerability to social and economic stressors, ranking in the 51st national vulnerability percentile.

    • Health: Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 24th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Infrastructure: Vulnerability in essential structures and services is very low, ranking in the 4th national vulnerability percentile.

  • Climate Impacts

    • Health: Expected changes in community health from a warming climate show low vulnerability, ranking in the 19th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Social & Economic: The vulnerability related to the social and economic costs of climate change is low, ranking in the 18th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Extreme Events: The vulnerability to historical and projected extreme weather events is low, ranking in the 10th national vulnerability percentile.

Overall climate vulnerability: for Clark County is very low, ranking 27th out of 39 counties in Washington, which places it in the 15th national vulnerability percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Camas, Clark County

Camas Livability Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Small Town Charm

Camas Homes for Sale and Rent

Living in Camas, Washington, offers a tranquil, picturesque small-town atmosphere with the significant benefit of being a quick drive from the urban offerings of Vancouver and Portland. Known for its charming downtown, historic paper mill, and abundant natural beauty, Camas boasts numerous parks, walking trails, and access to Lacamas Lake, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life. The local economy is robust and diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing (including companies like WaferTech and Nlight), and professional, scientific, and technical services (such as Fisher Investments). Its strategic location also allows residents to tap into the larger job markets of Portland and Vancouver.

The community is generally considered affluent, with the Camas School District consistently ranking as highly-rated (earning an 'A' grade from Niche.com) and recognized among the best in Washington state for its academic excellence. For healthcare, residents have access to local clinics and urgent care facilities, and are within close proximity to major medical centers in Vancouver and Portland, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality medical care, including readily available reproductive healthcare options provided by various clinics and organizations like Planned Parenthood in the region. While historically a more conservative area, Camas is experiencing growth and diversification. The cost of living, particularly for housing, is considerably higher than the national average (with a median home price around $656,100 and average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment around $1,623/month as of August 2025), reflecting its desirability as a safe, family-friendly community with excellent schools and natural beauty.

Camas Climate Stats

Clark County, home to Camas, has a relatively low overall climate vulnerability. It ranks 27th out of 39 counties in Washington and falls into the 15th national vulnerability percentile for lowest vulnerability.

Key Vulnerabilities

  • Community Baseline

    • Exposures & Risks: This is a major vulnerability, ranking in the 97th national vulnerability percentile and 7th in Washington.

    • Pollution Sources: Vulnerability in this area is also high, ranking in the 89th national vulnerability percentile and 4th in Washington.

    • Minority Status & Language: This ranks in the 95th national vulnerability percentile.

  • Climate Impacts

    • Flooding: Vulnerability to flooding ranks in the 91st national vulnerability percentile and 5th in Washington.

    • Costs of Climate Disasters: This ranks in the 75th national vulnerability percentile and 9th in Washington.

    • Drought: Vulnerability to drought ranks in the 58th national vulnerability percentile.

Areas of Relative Resilience

  • Community Baseline

    • Social & Economic: The county has a low vulnerability to social and economic stressors, ranking in the 51st national vulnerability percentile.

    • Health: Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 24th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Infrastructure: Vulnerability in essential structures and services is very low, ranking in the 4th national vulnerability percentile.

  • Climate Impacts

    • Health: Expected changes in community health from a warming climate show low vulnerability, ranking in the 19th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Social & Economic: The vulnerability related to the social and economic costs of climate change is low, ranking in the 18th national vulnerability percentile.

    • Extreme Events: The vulnerability to historical and projected extreme weather events is low, ranking in the 10th national vulnerability percentile.

Overall climate vulnerability: for Clark County is very low, ranking 27th out of 39 counties in Washington, which places it in the 15th national vulnerability percentile (lowest vulnerability)

We have put together a comprehensive guide for Washington that includes:

  • Modeling data about climate risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths;

  • Political Context and Competitiveness;

  • Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods;

  • Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diversified economy with growing opportunities;

  • Schools and Education;

  • Civic Engagement Opportunities, including political, community and advocacy organizations.

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Why WA-03 Represents the Future

Washington's 3rd Congressional District embodies the kind of place where you can find some stability in a changing environment.

  • The climate is less vulnerable than much of the country.

  • Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive districts

  • Your voice can influence policy through accessible local government and civic engagement

  • Your life can flourish with affordable living, economic opportunity, and community connection

  • Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need

This isn't just a place to find refuge—it's a place to build the future.