CountyScore

Washington County

Alabama · AL

#5 in Alabama
75.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Alabama

Washington County beats national average

With a composite score of 75.2, Washington County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50% advantage over the typical American county reflects strong fundamentals across tax burden, housing affordability, and health outcomes.

Strong performer in Alabama

Washington County's score of 75.2 edges out Alabama's state average of 70.8, ranking it among the state's more livable counties. The county's above-average rating reflects strategic strengths in fiscal policy and housing economics.

Tax efficiency and housing value

Washington County excels with a tax score of 95.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.234%—among the lowest in the state. Median home values of $152,800 with affordable rents at $628/month create strong housing value, while the cost score of 89.3 reflects real purchasing power for families and retirees.

Income growth needs attention

The income score of 22.9 is the county's weakest dimension, with median household income of $60,503 trailing state opportunities for wage growth. Health outcomes (60.4) and environmental risk management (54.4) also offer room for improvement, though they remain above critical thresholds.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Washington County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over maximum income potential. The combination of minimal tax burden and reasonable housing costs makes it particularly attractive to those seeking financial stability in a rural Alabama setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax95.7Cost89.3SafetyComing SoonHealth60.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.9Risk54.4WaterComing Soon
🏛95.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.4
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 Washington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Denali Borough
Alaska
75.2
Median income: $88,935
Parke County
Indiana
75.2
Median income: $66,776
Sac County
Iowa
75.2
Median income: $70,991
Pipestone County
Minnesota
75.2
Median income: $66,073
Kemper County
Mississippi
75.2
Median income: $43,595

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washington County

via TaxByCounty

Washington County taxes rank well nationally

At 0.234%, Washington County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.47%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is just $357 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference driven partly by lower home values in the region.

Among Alabama's most affordable counties

Washington County ranks favorably within Alabama, with an effective rate of 0.234% versus the state average of 0.339%. Its median property tax of $357 is the lowest among the three counties examined, putting homeowners here ahead of the state median of $511.

Washington County taxes are lowest regionally

Washington County's 0.234% effective rate beats neighboring Wilcox County (0.367%) and Winston County (0.329%), offering homeowners the lightest regional tax load. The median home value of $152,800 is also higher than Wilcox's $84,200, yet the actual tax bill remains the lowest in the three-county comparison.

Typical homeowner pays $357 annually

On a median home valued at $152,800, Washington County homeowners pay approximately $357 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages often see slightly higher bills around $423 due to escrow requirements, while those owning outright typically pay closer to $308.

Consider a tax assessment appeal

Even in a relatively low-tax county, many homeowners find their assessments are inflated and qualify for appeals or exemptions. If your recent assessment doesn't match comparable local home sales, contacting your county assessor's office could uncover hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County's Housing Deal

At 12.5%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard by a comfortable margin—renters here spend far less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $628 sits well below the national norm, giving households breathing room in their budgets compared to peers across the country.

Most Affordable in Alabama

Washington County ranks among Alabama's most housing-friendly counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% versus the state average of 18%. This advantage reflects both lower rents and a median household income of $60,503 that outpaces many rural Alabama communities.

Cheaper Than Its Peers

Washington County's $628 median rent undercuts neighboring Wilcox County ($699) and Winston County ($744) by significant margins. Renters here enjoy one of the region's best affordability profiles, with housing costs that remain genuinely accessible to working families.

Rent, Ownership, Income

Renters spend $628 monthly while homeowners budget $529 for mortgage and taxes—meaning both groups stay well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $60,503, Washington County residents dedicate just 12.5% of earnings to rent, leaving substantially more for other necessities.

Consider Washington County

If affordability matters, Washington County delivers: low rents, modest home prices ($152,800 median), and a cost-of-living advantage over neighboring counties and most of Alabama. Families and remote workers seeking genuine housing bargains while staying in the Southeast should put this county on their comparison list.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County earns above the state average

At $60,503, Washington County's median household income runs 11.7% higher than Alabama's state average of $54,196, but trails the national median of $74,755 by about $14,250. This gap reflects broader economic patterns in the Southeast, where regional incomes typically lag national figures by 15–20%.

Middle-income standing in Alabama

Washington County ranks in the upper-middle tier among Alabama's 67 counties for household income. The county's $60,503 median outpaces the state average, positioning residents ahead of roughly half the state's population in earning power.

Outearning nearby Winston and Wilcox

Washington County households earn $12,471 more annually than Winston County ($48,032) and $18,267 more than Wilcox County ($42,236). These neighboring counties face steeper economic headwinds, making Washington County's income profile relatively stronger across the region.

Rent remains affordable for most

With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.5%, Washington County meets the HUD affordability standard—housing costs consume less than 15% of median household income. This solid ratio suggests families have breathing room in their budgets for other essentials and savings.

Build on Washington County's stability

With median income above state average and affordable housing, Washington County residents have a foundation to invest in retirement accounts, education, and homeownership. Consider consulting a local financial advisor to align household earnings with long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County's life expectancy edges above average

At 72.6 years, Washington County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a small but meaningful health advantage. Just one in four residents (25.1%) report being in poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 21%, suggesting more room for improvement than many counties nationwide.

Outpacing Alabama's health average

Washington County's 72.6-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, positioning it among healthier counties in the state. The county's 9.9% uninsured rate is notably lower than Alabama's 11.1% average, indicating stronger health coverage penetration.

Healthier than most regional peers

Washington County leads its neighbors: Winston County (72.7 years) and Wilcox County (68.7 years) show the stark regional variation in lifespan. With 25.1% in poor/fair health, Washington County performs better than Wilcox's 33.9% but trails Winston's 21.4%.

Coverage gaps amid moderate provider access

Nearly 1 in 10 Washington County residents (9.9%) lack health insurance, creating barriers to routine care and preventive treatment. The county has 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national average of 28 per 100,000—though mental health services are more readily available at 33 providers per 100,000.

Explore your coverage options today

If you're among the 9.9% of uninsured Washington County residents, enrollment in the federal marketplace or Alabama Medicaid could connect you to primary care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find a plan that fits your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County's natural disaster risk

Washington County scores 45.64 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that sits well below the national average. This means your county faces below-average exposure to combined natural hazards compared to most U.S. counties.

Lower risk than most Alabama counties

At 45.64, Washington County's composite risk score runs significantly below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the safer counties statewide. This 26% gap below the state average reflects relatively controlled hazard exposure across most disaster types.

Safest among nearby Alabama counties

Washington County's risk profile ranks favorably next to neighboring Wilcox County (36.70) and Winston County (59.19), though it sits between them in overall exposure. Even so, all three counties cluster below or near the state average, suggesting a safer region overall.

Hurricane and tornado exposure top concerns

Hurricane risk dominates Washington County's threat profile at 86.94, the highest individual hazard score, while tornado risk follows at 66.35. Wildfire risk also registers moderately elevated at 65.84, though flood, earthquake, and hurricane impacts remain the primary considerations for preparedness.

Secure comprehensive coverage today

With elevated hurricane and tornado exposure, homeowners should verify their policies include wind and hail coverage—standard homeowners policies often exclude these perils. Given the 86.94 hurricane risk score, flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is also worth evaluating for your specific property location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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