CountyScore

District of Columbia

District of Columbia · DC

#1 in District of Columbia
57.8
County Score

County Report Card

About District of Columbia, District of Columbia

DC scores above the national livability baseline

With a composite score of 57.8, Washington, D.C. ranks above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability. This score reflects a jurisdiction that offers real advantages in several key quality-of-life dimensions, even as affordability remains a significant headwind.

The sole jurisdiction in its class

As the District of Columbia, this jurisdiction stands alone—there are no peer counties in the same state structure to compare against. Its 57.8 composite score represents the livability profile of the nation's capital, shaped by unique federal governance and economic characteristics.

Tax efficiency and strong health outcomes

D.C. excels in tax burden (score: 86.0), with an effective tax rate of just 0.577%, and boasts a health score of 80.9, reflecting strong healthcare access and outcomes. The median household income of $106,287 is substantially above national norms, providing residents with solid earning potential and financial stability.

Housing costs pose the real obstacle

The cost score of just 34.3 reflects D.C.'s severe housing affordability crisis: median home values reach $724,600 and median gross rent runs $1,900 monthly. These barriers are likely the primary livability constraint for middle-income families and service workers seeking to establish roots in the city.

Best for high-income professionals and established families

D.C. suits affluent professionals, established two-income households, and those prioritizing world-class healthcare, low taxes, and urban amenities over affordability. For renters and home-buyers on moderate budgets, or families seeking a lower cost of living, the District's exceptional housing costs present a significant trade-off against its other livability strengths.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86Cost34.3SafetyComing SoonHealth80.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome52.8Risk2.4WaterComing Soon
🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare District of Columbia with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Stephenson County
Illinois
57.8
Median income: $61,943
Wayne County
Michigan
57.8
Median income: $59,521
Bucks County
Pennsylvania
57.8
Median income: $111,951
Terry County
Texas
57.8
Median income: $45,905
San Joaquin County
California
57.7
Median income: $88,531

Deep Dives

District of Columbia across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in District of Columbia

via TaxByCounty

D.C. taxes rank high nationwide

D.C.'s effective property tax rate of 0.577% sits well above the national median, placing the district in the upper tier of taxing jurisdictions. The median property tax here is $4,180 annually—56% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both a stronger real estate market and steeper tax burden.

D.C. sets the standard alone

As the only jurisdiction in the District of Columbia, D.C. represents both its state average and its own benchmark at 0.577% effective rate. This rate is uniform across all properties in the district, making D.C. a single, unified tax jurisdiction.

D.C. stands apart regionally

D.C. operates as an independent jurisdiction without traditional neighboring counties, but its 0.577% rate reflects a major metropolitan area with higher property values and demand for services. Compared to surrounding suburban jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia, D.C. maintains a competitive effective rate despite having the nation's highest median home values in its class.

Here's what homeowners pay yearly

A homeowner with a median-value property in D.C. ($724,600) pays approximately $4,180 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, the actual tax bill can reach $4,311 when financed through escrow, representing a significant annual cost on one of the nation's priciest real estate markets.

Many D.C. homeowners can appeal

Across the nation, thousands of homeowners are overassessed and successfully reduce their tax burden through appeals—and D.C. homeowners should know this option exists. If you believe your property valuation is too high, contacting D.C.'s Office of the Assessor about an appeal could lower your yearly tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in District of Columbia

via CostByCounty

D.C. Renters Pay More Than Most

District of Columbia renters spend 21.4% of their income on rent, matching the national benchmark but reflecting the capital's steep housing costs. With a median rent of $1,900/month against a median household income of $106,287 annually, D.C. residents earn significantly more than the U.S. average of $74,755—a 42% advantage that helps offset the nation's priciest urban rents.

D.C. Sets the Regional Standard

As the sole county in D.C., the district's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio represents both the state average and the regional baseline for housing affordability. This unique status means D.C. defines housing costs for the entire jurisdiction, with no other counties to compare against within the district's boundaries.

Competing With the Metro Area

D.C.'s $1,900 median rent positions it at the premium end of the greater Washington metro, where surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties range considerably lower. The district's median home value of $724,600 reflects a capital city premium that outpaces most regional neighbors, making D.C. homeownership particularly competitive.

Housing Eats 25% for Owners

Renters in D.C. dedicate 21.4% of income to rent, while homeowners shoulder a steeper 29% of median household income ($2,563/month) toward mortgage and ownership costs. The gap illustrates that while the district attracts high earners with six-figure median incomes, housing—both rented and owned—commands a significant share of local budgets.

Weighing D.C.'s Housing Trade-offs

If you're considering a move to the nation's capital, weigh the 42% income advantage against premium housing costs that mirror those of other major metros. D.C.'s affordability story isn't about cheap rent—it's about whether high earning potential justifies the premium you'll pay to live where power and opportunity concentrate.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in District of Columbia

via IncomeByCounty

D.C. earns 42% above the nation

The District's median household income of $106,287 towers 42% above the national median of $74,755, ranking D.C. among the wealthiest jurisdictions in the country. This disparity reflects D.C.'s concentration of federal workers, educated professionals, and high-earning service sectors that draw talent from across America.

The only county in its class

As the sole jurisdiction in the District of Columbia, D.C.'s median household income of $106,287 sets the state average by definition, making direct county-level comparisons within D.C. impossible. This unique status underscores D.C.'s position as an outlier in regional and national income rankings.

Outearning the Beltway region

D.C.'s $106,287 median household income significantly outpaces neighboring Maryland and Virginia counties, reflecting its role as the economic engine of the Mid-Atlantic region. The concentration of federal employment, lobbying firms, and multinational headquarters in the District creates an income premium unmatched by surrounding suburban areas.

Housing eats 21% of income

Despite strong household incomes, D.C. residents spend 21.4% of their income on rent—within the recommended 30% threshold but rising as the city's median home value reaches $724,600. The gap between high incomes and soaring housing costs means even well-paid workers face affordability pressures in competitive neighborhoods.

D.C. earners: invest your edge

With median household income running $31,532 ahead of the national average, D.C. residents have a unique opportunity to accelerate wealth-building through strategic investing and retirement savings. Financial advisors recommend D.C.'s high-earning households prioritize diversified portfolios and tax-advantaged accounts to protect gains against the District's rising cost of living.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in District of Columbia

via HealthByCounty

D.C. Life Expectancy Meets National Average

The District's life expectancy of 76.5 years matches the national average, meaning residents live about as long as Americans overall. However, 12.8% of D.C. residents report poor or fair health—slightly below the national rate of roughly 13%—suggesting comparable health challenges across the board.

D.C. is the Entire Health Picture

The District functions as both a county and a state, making direct state comparisons inapplicable. With 76.5 years life expectancy and a 3.1% uninsured rate, D.C.'s metrics represent the full scope of the jurisdiction's health outcomes.

D.C. Stands Out for Provider Access

D.C. boasts 129 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the rural national average of 70—reflecting its urban density and health infrastructure concentration. Mental health providers are even more abundant at 723 per 100,000, indicating robust behavioral health capacity for those seeking care.

Nearly Everyone in D.C. Has Coverage

Just 3.1% of D.C. residents lack health insurance, among the lowest uninsured rates in the nation and a sign of strong coverage initiatives. With nearly 130 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents and over 700 mental health providers per 100,000, most Washingtonians who are insured have ready access to providers.

Check Your Coverage Options Today

If you're among D.C.'s 3.1% uninsured, explore options through the District's health exchange or Medicaid program—both offering affordable pathways to care. Uninsured residents can also access community health centers throughout the District; visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate one near you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in District of Columbia

via RiskByCounty

D.C. faces relatively high disaster risk

The District scores 97.58 on composite natural disaster risk, placing it well above the national average and in the "Relatively High" category. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, from earthquakes to hurricanes, that threaten the nation's capital.

D.C. is the only jurisdiction in its category

As the sole county-equivalent in the District of Columbia, D.C. sets its own benchmark with a composite risk score of 97.58. This score defines the state average, making D.C.'s risk profile the reference point for the region.

Surrounded by counties with lower risk profiles

While adjacent Maryland and Virginia counties typically score lower on composite risk, D.C.'s dense urban core and critical infrastructure create unique vulnerabilities. The District's risk rating reflects both its geography and the concentration of essential government and civilian assets.

Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats

D.C. faces an earthquake risk score of 98.25—nearly at maximum—and flood risk of 97.42, making these the District's primary natural hazards. Tornadoes also present significant risk at 90.43, while hurricane exposure reaches 96.04, reflecting coastal proximity and the region's Atlantic hurricane season vulnerability.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is critical

Given D.C.'s elevated exposure to earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, homeowners should verify that standard homeowner policies include earthquake and flood coverage—these are often excluded. Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is available and recommended, especially for properties in flood-prone areas of the District.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.