countyscore
37.3
County Score
Property Tax 81.7Weather & Climate 63.8Income & Jobs 63.4

County Report Card

About Washington County, Arkansas

Washington County trails national livability median

Washington County's composite score of 37.2 falls 26% below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower third nationally. This gap reflects a mixed profile of strengths and significant challenges.

Below Arkansas state average

Washington County scores 37.2 against Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it among the state's weaker performers. The county underperforms most Arkansas peers despite some individual strengths.

Income and health outcomes are bright spots

Washington County's income score of 58.0 reflects a median household income of $66,426—the highest among these eight counties—enabling stronger purchasing power. Health outcomes at 38.8 are also solid, supporting quality medical services.

Housing costs and safety present obstacles

Washington County's cost score of just 24.4 reflects median rents of $1,005/month and homes valued at $266,000—by far the highest in this group. Safety scores of 15.9 and schools at 29.7 also warrant attention.

Best for affluent professionals accepting tradeoffs

Washington County suits higher-income professionals and families who can afford elevated housing costs and appreciate good health services. Those seeking affordability or prioritizing safe neighborhoods should look elsewhere.

2040608010081.722.715.938.829.763.47.755.463.8Tax81.7Cost22.7Safety15.9Health38.8Schools29.7Income63.4Risk7.7Water55.4Weather63.837.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Washington County DNA

Foverall

How Washington County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Washington County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81.7/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (7.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.7+29.700000000000003
Cost
22.7-25.3
Safety
15.9-39.1
Health
38.8-11.200000000000003
Schools
29.7-24.3
Income
63.4+12.399999999999999
Risk
7.7-39.3
Water
55.4
Weather
63.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$298,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,071/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$298,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,639/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Riverside County
California
Median income: $93,074
37.3
Logan County
Colorado
Median income: $51,829
37.3
Palm Beach County
Florida
Median income: $83,581
37.3
Barrow County
Georgia
Median income: $80,653
37.3
Broome County
New York
Median income: $62,616
37.3
Clatsop County
Oregon
Median income: $71,822
37.3
Polk County
Florida
Median income: $65,978
37.2
Floyd County
Georgia
Median income: $65,565
37.2

Nearby counties

Adair County
Oklahoma
44.9
Benton County
Arkansas
39
Crawford County
Arkansas
44.1
Madison County
Arkansas
57.9
Franklin County
Arkansas
52.3
Delaware County
Oklahoma
38.4
McDonald County
Missouri
46.2
Carroll County
Arkansas
45

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Washington County

via TaxByCounty

Washington County taxes below national median

Washington County's 0.551% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the lower half of US counties. The median property tax of $1,465 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, despite Washington County having a median home value near the national average at $266,000.

Highest-taxed county in Arkansas

Washington County's 0.551% effective rate exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, and its median property tax of $1,465 far exceeds the state median of $705. It ranks among Arkansas's priciest counties for property tax burden, largely due to significantly higher home values.

Highest taxes in this eight-county region

Washington County's 0.551% rate and $1,465 median tax substantially exceed all other counties in this comparison, including Sebastian County ($1,081). The difference reflects Washington County's median home value of $266,000—the highest in the group and approaching the national median.

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical Washington County homeowner with a $266,000 property pays approximately $1,465 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically face about $1,573, while non-mortgage owners pay closer to $1,306.

Higher values mean greater appeal potential

Washington County's higher property values make assessment accuracy especially important—even small percentage overassessments translate into hundreds of dollars annually. Request a professional reassessment to verify your $266,000 home reflects current market conditions and protect your investment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County outpaces national median

Washington County's median household income of $66,426 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by just under $8,300, placing it within 12 percent of the national benchmark. The county ranks among the stronger-performing counties nationally, driven largely by its dynamic Bentonville and Fayetteville economic centers.

State's highest income county

At $66,426, Washington County's median household income significantly exceeds Arkansas's state average of $51,156 by $15,270. The county represents the economic engine of Arkansas, with earning power substantially above the state norm.

Far outearns regional peers

Washington County households earn nearly $20,000 more than Sebastian County ($56,450) and over $24,600 more than Van Buren County ($47,266). The county's robust tech, retail, and professional services sectors create a distinct economic advantage across the region.

Housing demand reflects prosperity

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2 percent reflects healthy housing affordability despite the county's rising home values. However, the median home value of $266,000 signals strong real estate appreciation driven by population growth and economic vitality.

Leverage income for legacy wealth

Washington County residents enjoy above-average earnings that create substantial capacity for investment and long-term wealth building. Prioritize retirement account maximization, diversified investment portfolios, and real estate appreciation strategies to transform current income advantage into generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Tracks with National Trends

Washington County mirrors national trends with a safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,326.0 per 100K is almost identical to the national average of 2,385.5.

Perfectly Matches State Safety Average

The county matches the Arkansas state average safety score exactly at 96.3. Fourteen reporting agencies cooperate to manage public safety in this rapidly growing region.

Safer Urban Alternative to Sebastian

Washington is significantly safer than neighboring Sebastian County, which has a much higher crime rate of 4,516.9. It represents a more secure option in Northwest Arkansas.

Focus on Property Crime Control

The violent crime rate of 304.0 is lower than the state average. However, property crime at 2,022.0 per 100K remains the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Growth Requires New Vigilance

Rapid growth means new neighbors, making smart home tech and doorbell cameras wise investments. Staying informed through local alerts keeps households prepared for any property risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier Than the Average

Washington County has an annual average temperature of 57.8°F, making it one of the cooler regions in the state. It also receives 48.5 inches of rain, which is lower than the Arkansas average.

The Cooler Side of Arkansas

The county sits 3.2 degrees below the state average temperature of 61.0°F. It is also significantly drier than the state average, receiving nearly 4 inches less precipitation annually.

Northwest Arkansas Weather Patterns

Compared to White County, Washington County is much more temperate, with only 39 extreme heat days versus White's 76. It also sees more snow, averaging 6.0 inches per year.

Cold Winters and Managed Summers

Winters feature a January average of 36.5°F, while summers are relatively mild for Arkansas at 76.7°F. The county averages only 39 days of temperatures above 90°F.

Ready for Snow and Moderate Heat

Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 6 inches of annual snowfall. The moderate number of extreme heat days makes this county ideal for outdoor recreation compared to southern Arkansas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Ozark Acidity in Washington County

Washington County maintains an average pH of 5.46, falling just below the Arkansas state average of 5.56. This acidic profile is typical for the region, requiring soil management for those accustomed to the national median of 6.5.

Silty Mix with Moderate Clay Content

The soil contains 46.3% silt and 17.8% clay, offering a good balance between nutrient storage and physical structure. With 33.7% sand, the soil provides enough drainage to prevent the heavy silt from compacting too quickly.

Strong Water Storage and Healthy Organic Levels

At 3.46% organic matter, the soil is healthier than many neighboring counties, though it still sits below the 4.15% state average. The available water capacity of 0.155 in/in is a strength, beating the state benchmark for moisture retention.

Unique Hydrology Near Local Waterways

Dominant soils are classified as subaqueous, reflecting areas that are often saturated or near the water table. While specific hydrologic group data is limited, this suggests a landscape deeply influenced by its proximity to Ozark streams.

Ideal Growing for Zone 7a Favorites

Washington County’s zone 7a climate is famous for apples, berries, and diverse gardens. The soil’s above-average water capacity makes it an excellent choice for a productive home orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Washington County: An Ideal Spot for Lawns

Washington County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 51.6, making it the easiest in this group to maintain. It is more favorable than both the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 37.3. Growing in Zone 7a offers a great environment for a variety of grass types.

Milder Heat and Perfect Precipitation

With only 39 extreme heat days, Washington County is much milder than the state average of 64 days. Its 48.5 inches of annual rain falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. This combination makes it much easier to keep turf green without constant intervention.

Correcting Acidity in Local Soils

The soil pH is 5.46, which is acidic and requires lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range for optimal nutrient uptake. While texture data is unique for the area, the 17.8% clay and 33.7% sand offer a decent balance. Regular testing will help you fine-tune your fertilizer and lime applications.

Monitoring Occasional Dry Spells

Washington County is currently 100% abnormally dry, though only 6.7% is in severe drought. The county experienced 18 weeks in drought over the past year, which is lower than many neighboring counties. This relative stability allows for a more relaxed, but still attentive, watering schedule.

Growing Lush Lawns in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is a popular and successful choice for this zone, especially given the lower number of extreme heat days. You should aim to plant after the last spring frost on April 15th for the best results. With the favorable difficulty score, your lawn has a great chance to be the best on the block.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Arkansas?
Washington County ranks #68 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,564, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 81.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Arkansas is $70,639 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Washington County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Arkansas. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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