countyscore
65.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.5Cost of Living 93.2Water Quality 61.5

County Report Card

About Washington County, Alabama

Washington County beats national average

With a composite score of 65.4, Washington County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of all U.S. counties. This score reflects a county where affordability, tax burden, and overall livability outpace most American communities.

Alabama's top-performing county

Washington County scores 65.4 versus Alabama's state average of 52.9, making it one of the strongest-performing counties in the state. This 12-point advantage signals a county that stands out among its regional peers.

Tax relief and affordability shine

The county's standout strengths are its exceptionally low tax burden (99.5 tax score with an effective rate of just 0.234%) and affordable housing market (93.2 cost score, median home value $152,800). Median household income of $60,503 also provides solid earning potential above many neighboring counties.

Health and income need attention

Health outcomes lag significantly with a score of 27.7, suggesting residents face barriers to wellness and healthcare access. Income levels, while decent, still fall short relative to national standards, with a score of 40.7 indicating room for wage growth and economic development.

Best for budget-conscious families

Washington County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over urban amenities or top-tier schools. It's an ideal landing spot for remote workers or those seeking a slower pace with solid financial fundamentals.

Score breakdown

Tax99.5Cost93.2Safety59.7Health27.7Schools56.6Income40.7Risk54.4Water61.5Weather40.3
🏛99.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱11.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Washington County reports a total crime rate of 926.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.5 out of 100.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.5, Washington County outperforms the Alabama state average of 97.3. Data from four reporting agencies confirms that the county remains one of the more secure regions in the state.

Comparing Washington to Nearby Counties

Washington's total crime rate of 926.6 sits above regional peers like Wilcox County (373.5) and Winston County (693.3). However, it remains much safer than the state average rate of 1,731.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 699.8 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains low at 226.8. Both figures stay well below national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8 respectively.

Maintaining a Secure Home Environment

While the 98.5 safety score is exceptional, basic security measures still provide important peace of mind. Consistent home monitoring and neighborhood awareness help maintain these low crime figures for the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School Infrastructure

Washington County maintains a focused education system with 8 total public schools serving 2,530 students across a single district. The landscape features two elementary schools and three high schools, supported by three additional specialized campuses.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county boasts an impressive 96.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.7%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,284 sits near the state average, the composite school score of 55.1 indicates strong academic outcomes relative to investment.

Unified District Management Without Charters

The Washington County school district manages all 2,530 students and 8 campuses within the region. There are currently no charter schools in operation, maintaining a traditional district-led approach to local education.

Intimate Learning in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county operates in a rural locale, offering an average enrollment of just 361 students. Millry High School stands as the largest campus with 526 students, while Chatom Elementary provides a smaller environment with 333 students.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Washington County offers a compelling case for families seeking academic success in a quiet setting. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-achieving, close-knit school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Washington County Experiences Intense Southern Heat

Washington County averages 64.4°F annually, which is over 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects a climate with long, hot summers and virtually no winter cold.

Hottest County Average in the Southwestern Region

The county's 64.4°F average temperature is over a degree higher than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It faces 88 days of extreme heat per year, among the highest in the state.

Comparing Washington to Its Coastal Neighbors

Washington is warmer than Sumter County to its north but stays slightly cooler than Wilcox County at 64.8°F. While local rain data is limited, it mirrors the humid coastal trends.

A High Frequency of Extreme Heat

With 88 days of temperatures over 90°F, summer heat dominates the local weather pattern. January is very mild at 46.7°F, and official records show no significant annual snowfall.

Heat Resilience is the Primary Goal

Residents must prioritize heat safety and hydration given the 88 days of extreme temperatures. Efficient cooling and attic insulation are necessary to manage the 80.5°F July average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Lead the Landscape

Washington County is dominated by Entisols with a silt loam texture and a sharp pH of 5.04. This acidity is lower than the Alabama average of 5.21 and falls well below the national median of 6.5.

A Gritty Mix with High Sand Content

The soil contains a high 60.8% sand fraction paired with 25.6% silt and only 12.5% clay. This composition ensures the ground is easy to work, though it struggles to retain nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.

Organic Matter Leads the State Average

Organic matter measures 1.76%, which slightly edges out the Alabama average of 1.74% but remains below the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in provides a standard moisture reservoir for local crops.

Poor Drainage Challenges Local Builders

Despite the sandy texture, these soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This combination requires careful water management to prevent saturation during heavy Alabama rains.

Perfect Potential for Blueberries and Pecans

Hardiness zone 8b provides a long growing season for acid-loving crops like blueberries and pecans. Adding lime can help raise the pH to improve the current soil score of 19.5.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

High Maintenance Challenges in Washington County

Washington County scores a low 11.9 for lawn difficulty, making maintenance significantly harder than the Alabama average of 29.5. This Zone 8b environment presents substantial challenges for homeowners compared to the national median of 50.0.

Managing Extreme Heat and Rapid Growth

Residents manage 88 extreme heat days per year, which is far higher than the state average of 64 days. With 5,782 growing degree days, the warm climate fuels rapid growth and demands a strict mowing schedule during the long Southern summer.

Navigating Acidic and Poorly Drained Soil

The local soil is highly acidic with a pH of 5.04, requiring lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the ground is 60.8% sand, it is classified as poorly drained, meaning careful management is needed to prevent root rot.

Surviving Long Periods of Drought

Lawns here endured 37 weeks of drought over the past year, with 28.1% of the county currently facing severe drought conditions. To protect turf, experts recommend deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture absorption.

Best Grasses for Zone 8b Heat

Robust warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine thrive in this 8b hardiness zone and intense heat. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 26 to establish roots before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Alabama has a composite county score of 65.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Washington County rank among counties in Alabama?
Washington County ranks #5 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Washington County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $357, with an effective tax rate of 0.23%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Alabama is $60,503 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 40.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Alabama a good place to live?
Washington County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Washington County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Washington County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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