Washington County's composite score of 77.3 is the highest among these three Florida counties and ranks nearly 55% above the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top 23% of U.S. counties for overall livability.
2 / 5
Top performer in Florida's rankings
Washington significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 69.4, earning a ranking among the state's most livable counties. Its 77.3 score makes it a standout in statewide comparisons.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax efficiency shine
Washington excels simultaneously in two critical areas: a cost score of 84.0 with median home value of just $156,000 and median rent of $884/month, plus a tax score of 88.1 with an effective rate of 0.504%. This one-two punch of low housing costs and minimal tax burden is rare.
4 / 5
Income levels require attention
Washington's income score of 17.8—the lowest of the three—reflects a median household income of $52,723, indicating limited wage growth and wealth-building potential locally. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for cost-conscious newcomers
Washington County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, and families seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing tax breaks. Its rare combination of rock-bottom housing costs and near-zero tax burden makes it an exceptional choice for those prioritizing financial security over high local wages.
Washington County's composite score of 77.3 is the highest among these three Florida counties and ranks nearly 55% above the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top 23% of U.S. counties for overall livability.
Top performer in Florida's rankings
Washington significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 69.4, earning a ranking among the state's most livable counties. Its 77.3 score makes it a standout in statewide comparisons.
Affordability and tax efficiency shine
Washington excels simultaneously in two critical areas: a cost score of 84.0 with median home value of just $156,000 and median rent of $884/month, plus a tax score of 88.1 with an effective rate of 0.504%. This one-two punch of low housing costs and minimal tax burden is rare.
Income levels require attention
Washington's income score of 17.8—the lowest of the three—reflects a median household income of $52,723, indicating limited wage growth and wealth-building potential locally. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete livability assessment.
Perfect for cost-conscious newcomers
Washington County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, and families seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing tax breaks. Its rare combination of rock-bottom housing costs and near-zero tax burden makes it an exceptional choice for those prioritizing financial security over high local wages.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.504% is well below the U.S. median of 0.89%, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationally. Residents pay a median of just $787 annually on a median home worth $156,000—a remarkably low absolute burden compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690.
Washington ranks among Florida's cheapest
At 0.504%, Washington's effective rate sits well below Florida's state average of 0.731%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median annual tax of $787 trails the state median of $1,885 by more than half.
Washington the affordability leader locally
Washington County's rate of 0.504% edges out Walton's already-low 0.454% in absolute dollars due to much lower home values, and significantly beats Wakulla's 0.651%. A median Washington home generates just $787 in tax, compared to $1,408 in Wakulla and $1,709 in Walton.
What a Washington homeowner pays
The median Washington County home, valued at $156,000, generates an estimated annual property tax of $787 without homestead exemption, or $1,116 with a mortgage. This makes Washington one of Florida's most affordable markets for property tax burden overall.
Lower assessments still merit a review
Even Washington County's modest tax bills can sometimes be reduced through assessment appeals if the county has overvalued your property. Taking 15 minutes to challenge your assessment during the annual review period is free and could deliver measurable savings.
Washington County residents spend just 20.1% of income on rent—below both the national and state averages—despite earning only $52,723 annually, roughly 29% below the national median. This rural county delivers genuine affordability for lower-income households seeking stable housing costs.
Florida's most affordable rents for renters
Washington County's median rent of $884 ranks among the lowest in Florida, running $349 (28%) below the state average of $1,233. With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1%, this county outperforms the state's 22.5% average despite significantly lower household incomes.
Cheapest housing in the trio by far
Washington's $884 rent undercuts Wakulla by $271 and Walton by $790—offering the deepest affordability across all three counties. Home values follow the same pattern: Washington's $156,000 median is 28% less than Wakulla and 58% less than Walton.
Housing takes smallest slice of income
Washington residents allocate just 20.1% to rent and 12.7% to mortgage payments—the lowest housing burden among all three counties. This efficiency leaves households with maximum flexibility for healthcare, education, and savings despite lower absolute income levels.
Washington maximizes housing dollars
If affordability is your primary driver, Washington County delivers unmatched value: $884 rent on a $52,700 income beats most of Florida. Trade some convenience and amenities for genuine financial breathing room and stability.
Washington County's median household income of $52,723 trails the national median of $74,755 by $22,032—a significant 29.5% gap. This earning shortfall reflects economic challenges common to rural Florida counties struggling to match national prosperity trends.
Among Florida's lowest earners
Washington County ranks in the bottom tier of Florida's 67 counties with median household income 19.5% below the state average of $65,468. The county's per capita income of $26,233 falls 26.5% short of Florida's average of $35,698, indicating limited individual earning power.
Significantly behind regional peers
Washington's $52,723 median income trails Walton County by $26,558 and Wakulla County by $21,460—gaps of 50.3% and 40.7% respectively. The county faces the steepest earning disadvantage among its three-county comparison group.
Lower income, manageable housing
Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% remains within sustainable housing cost limits, and the median home value of $156,000 stays accessible for county-median earners. However, limited household income leaves little margin for unexpected expenses or savings.
Strategic savings matter most here
Washington residents must prioritize building emergency funds and modest investment accounts despite lower median earnings. Even small, consistent contributions to savings and retirement accounts can compound significantly over time and create financial resilience.
Washington County's life expectancy of 72.6 years ranks 6.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the steepest gap among the three counties. Its poor or fair health rate of 22.9% nearly approaches the national figure, but the gap in longevity signals deeper health inequities at work.
Lagging Florida on multiple health fronts
Washington's life expectancy of 72.6 years trails Florida's state average of 75.8 years by 3.2 years, the largest gap of the three counties. The county also carries Florida's highest uninsured rate at 16.7%, versus the state average of 14.4%, compounding healthcare access challenges.
Lowest provider density in the region
Washington has 32 primary care providers per 100K, matching Wakulla but falling well behind Walton's 45. Mental health provider access is most strained here at 35 per 100K—less than half Wakulla's 85 and well below Walton's 80.
Insurance gaps compound limited access
At 16.7% uninsured, Washington has the highest rate among the three counties, meaning one in six residents lack basic coverage. Combined with only 32 primary care providers and 35 mental health providers per 100K, residents face significant barriers to preventive and specialty care.
Coverage is the first step forward
With 16.7% of Washington County uninsured, accessing affordable coverage is urgent. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll in a health plan—coverage opens doors to preventive care, screenings, and treatment that can extend and improve your life.
Washington County sits below national risk average
Washington County's composite risk score of 59.45 falls in the Relatively Low category, below the U.S. average. While this suggests lower overall exposure than typical American counties, it masks elevated regional hazards that residents should not overlook.
Moderate standing within Florida
Washington County (59.45) ranks closer to the middle of Florida's risk spectrum, sitting below the state average of 75.74. This middling position reflects the county's blend of coastal hurricane exposure and inland protections that make it somewhat more resilient than coastal-heavy peers.
Between Wakulla and Walton risk levels
Washington County (59.45) occupies middle ground between Wakulla County's lower risk (46.69) and Walton County's higher exposure (88.58). Its position reflects stronger inland geography than Walton but greater coastal vulnerability than Wakulla, making it a transitional risk profile in the region.
Hurricanes pose the dominant threat
Washington County's hurricane risk score of 92.49 represents its primary natural disaster concern, driven by its proximity to the Gulf. Tornado risk (68.86) ranks second, followed by wildfire (60.27), creating seasonal hazard cycles that peak during summer and fall storm seasons.
Strengthen hurricane and tornado defenses
With hurricane risk at 92.49 and tornado risk at 68.86, your homeowners policy should emphasize wind and hail coverage with reasonable deductibles. Add flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify that your roof, windows, and structural fasteners meet modern hurricane standards for the best protection.