Best Counties in District of Columbia — 2026 Rankings
1 of 1 counties scored across 12 dimensions
1
1 scored
41/100
composite score
41.2/100
41.2—41.2
lowest to highest
State Overview
Understanding County Scores in District of Columbia
DC’s Urban Profile Falls Below National Median
The District of Columbia carries a composite livability score of 41.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. As a singular urban district, its ranking reflects the unique trade-offs found in a high-density, high-opportunity capital city.
Top-Tier Incomes and Health Resources
DC boasts a near-perfect income score of 96.7, signaling some of the highest earning potential in the nation. This economic strength is paired with an impressive health score of 86.4 and a relatively high tax score of 77.0 compared to other major metro areas.
Extreme Costs and High Risk Scores
Affordability remains the District’s greatest hurdle, evidenced by a cost score of just 1.1 out of 100. Furthermore, a low risk score of 2.4 indicates significant exposure to environmental or social vulnerabilities that impact overall safety and stability.
A Single Jurisdictional Snapshot
Because the District of Columbia operates as a single county-equivalent, it stands alone with a composite score of 41.3. This score is anchored by its 96.7 income rating, which distinguishes it from surrounding suburban jurisdictions.
Ideal for Career-Driven High Earners
DC is best suited for ambitious professionals who can maximize the city’s 96.7 income score to overcome its 1.1 affordability rating. It offers an elite health infrastructure for those who prioritize career growth and urban amenities over cost-saving.
All County Rankings in District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions about Counties in District of Columbia
Common questions about county rankings and scores in District of Columbia.
What is the best county in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia is the top-ranked county in District of Columbia with a CountyScore of 41.2/100. It leads the state across the available scoring dimensions, which include Property Tax, Cost of Living, Income & Jobs, Safety, Health, Schools, Disaster Risk, Water Quality, Weather & Climate, Soil Quality, Lawn Care, Farmers Markets.
How many counties are ranked in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has 1 county in total. Of those, 1 has been ranked with a composite score based on available data dimensions. The remaining 0 counties do not yet have enough data for a full score.
What factors determine a county's score?
Each county is scored 0–100 across up to eight data dimensions: Property Tax, Cost of Living, Income & Jobs, Safety, Health, Schools, Disaster Risk, and Water Quality. The composite score is a weighted average of whichever dimensions have data. Currently available dimensions are: Property Tax, Cost of Living, Income & Jobs, Safety, Health, Schools, Disaster Risk, Water Quality, Weather & Climate, Soil Quality, Lawn Care, Farmers Markets. Higher scores are always better — a score of 100 represents the best possible performance for that dimension.
What is the average county score in District of Columbia?
The average composite CountyScore across all ranked counties in District of Columbia is 41/100. The national average is 50/100, so District of Columbia counties score 9 points below the national average.
How does District of Columbia compare to other states?
District of Columbia's average county score of 41/100 is 9 points below the national average of 50/100. You can compare District of Columbia counties to counties in any other state using the county detail pages or the CountyScore compare tool.
Explore County Data by Category
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, 2019–2023 ACS — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.