CountyScore

Washington County

Arkansas · AR

#74 in Arkansas
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Arkansas

Washington scores 29 points above national median

Washington County's composite score of 64.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting above-average U.S. livability. However, it ranks as the lowest-scoring county in this analysis, suggesting unique trade-offs.

Below state average but still competitive

At 64.5, Washington County trails the Arkansas state average of 70.3, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. It represents a different livability profile than more affordable peers.

Highest income and best health profile

Washington County leads this group with a median household income of $66,426 (Income Score: 26.7) and the highest Health Score at 62.7. An exceptionally low Risk Score of 7.7 indicates strong economic and demographic stability.

Housing costs rise significantly

Median home values of $266,000 and median gross rent of $1,005 per month reflect substantially higher housing costs, yielding the lowest Cost Score at 72.7. This affordable-by-national standards county remains expensive relative to rural Arkansas peers.

For those prioritizing income and stability

Washington County suits working professionals, families with higher incomes, and those seeking better healthcare and economic security. The trade-off is higher housing costs, but income levels and health infrastructure justify the premium for career-focused households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.8Cost72.7SafetyComing SoonHealth62.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.7Risk7.7WaterComing Soon
🏛86.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.7
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

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Elkhart County
Indiana
64.5
Median income: $65,617
Dallas County
Iowa
64.5
Median income: $102,349
Caddo Parish
Louisiana
64.5
Median income: $50,067

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 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

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington defies affordability stereotypes

Washington County renters spend 18.2% of income on housing, nearly matching the national average despite rents ($1,005) that far exceed it. This works because median income here is $66,426—11% below the national median but $20,000+ above rural Arkansas peers.

Affordable despite high rents

Washington County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Arkansas average despite charging $1,005 monthly—$245 above the state median. Fayetteville's economic strength pulls in higher incomes that balance the premium rents.

Expensive but income-justified

Washington County's $1,005 rent and $1,147 owner costs are the region's highest, but median income of $66,426 is also the highest. This creates surprising affordability: residents pay more but earn proportionally more.

Ownership costs more than rent

Homeowners in Washington County pay $1,147 monthly, $142 more than renters—the only county in this set where buying costs extra. The median home value of $266,000 reflects Fayetteville's booming real estate market.

Washington for ambitious relocators

Washington County suits those relocating for higher wages and career growth; its 18.2% affordability ratio holds despite premium prices. If your income will rise in Fayetteville, the investment in higher housing costs pays dividends.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County leads on life expectancy

At 76.8 years, Washington County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years and ranks among the best in Arkansas. With only 22.1% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national 18% average—the county demonstrates that strong healthcare infrastructure and economic opportunity drive measurable health gains.

Arkansas's healthiest county by far

Washington County ranks at the top of Arkansas counties with a 76.8-year life expectancy—4.5 years ahead of the state average of 72.3 years. The county's 22.1% poor or fair health rate is also among the lowest statewide, reflecting sustained investments in healthcare access and prevention.

A regional health leader

Washington County's 76.8-year life expectancy far outpaces all regional peers; it exceeds Stone County (74.0 years) by nearly 3 years and Sebastian County (73.5 years) by over 3 years. With 80 primary care providers and 429 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county maintains the strongest provider network in the region.

Provider strength undermined by insurance gaps

Despite excellent provider availability, Washington County's 14.0% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties—reflecting that strong healthcare infrastructure alone doesn't guarantee universal coverage. With 429 mental health providers per 100,000, the county prioritizes behavioral health, supporting mental wellness alongside physical care.

Leverage exceptional local resources

Washington County residents without insurance have access to some of Arkansas's best providers and facilities—yet 14% of residents miss out because of cost. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans; with strong local providers, coverage unlocks exceptional care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces elevated disaster risk

Washington County's composite risk score of 92.27 is substantially above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area and one of America's highest-risk counties. The score reflects significant and widespread hazard exposure across multiple disaster types. Residents here face far greater natural disaster vulnerability than typical Americans.

Highest-risk county in Arkansas

Washington County ranks first among all Arkansas counties with a composite risk score of 92.27, compared to the state average of 55.51. The county faces the greatest combined natural disaster exposure of any Arkansas county by a substantial margin. This exceptional standing reflects extraordinary vulnerabilities across tornadoes, wildfires, and floods.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Washington County's score of 92.27 far exceeds all adjacent counties, including Sebastian County (86.80) and Van Buren County (50.57). The county's risk exposure is unique in its region, with substantially higher tornado, wildfire, and flood vulnerabilities. This elevated hazard concentration distinguishes Washington County as exceptionally vulnerable within Arkansas.

Tornadoes, wildfires, and floods pose greatest threats

Tornado risk in Washington County reaches 95.36—nearly the nation's highest—creating an extraordinary severe weather threat that dwarfs other hazards. Wildfire risk scores 94.05 and flood risk reaches 90.14, creating a triple threat to homes and property. Together, these three hazards account for the county's exceptional composite risk score.

Invest in comprehensive protection now

Washington County residents should install a safe room or basement shelter immediately given the 95.36 tornado risk—the highest in Arkansas. Homeowners insurance must include comprehensive windstorm, hail, and flood coverage; separate flood insurance through NFIP is essential given the 90.14 flood risk. Wildfire insurance and defensible space maintenance around your property are equally critical given the 94.05 wildfire vulnerability.

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.