Washington County's composite score of 69.4 runs 39% ahead of the national median of 50.0, marking it as more livable than the typical U.S. county. This reflects solid performance in cost and tax efficiency, though income remains a limiting factor.
2 / 5
Slightly below Georgia average
At 69.4, Washington ranks just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It represents a serviceable but not standout option within the state's livability spectrum.
3 / 5
Cost and tax efficiency deliver value
Washington's cost score of 82.2 reflects median home values at $115,600 and rent averaging $836 monthly—solid affordability. A tax score of 71.4 (effective rate: 1.097%) keeps tax burden reasonable, supporting household budgets.
4 / 5
Income and incomplete data weigh in
The income score of 12.1 reflects the lowest median household income in this group at $44,009, limiting economic opportunity. Safety, health, education quality, and environmental measures are unavailable, leaving key livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Best for thrifty rural families
Washington County attracts budget-conscious families and retirees seeking affordable housing and manageable taxes in a quiet setting. It's less developed than some peers but offers genuine value to those prioritizing low cost of living over economic growth.
Washington County's composite score of 69.4 runs 39% ahead of the national median of 50.0, marking it as more livable than the typical U.S. county. This reflects solid performance in cost and tax efficiency, though income remains a limiting factor.
Slightly below Georgia average
At 69.4, Washington ranks just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It represents a serviceable but not standout option within the state's livability spectrum.
Cost and tax efficiency deliver value
Washington's cost score of 82.2 reflects median home values at $115,600 and rent averaging $836 monthly—solid affordability. A tax score of 71.4 (effective rate: 1.097%) keeps tax burden reasonable, supporting household budgets.
Income and incomplete data weigh in
The income score of 12.1 reflects the lowest median household income in this group at $44,009, limiting economic opportunity. Safety, health, education quality, and environmental measures are unavailable, leaving key livability dimensions unmeasured.
Best for thrifty rural families
Washington County attracts budget-conscious families and retirees seeking affordable housing and manageable taxes in a quiet setting. It's less developed than some peers but offers genuine value to those prioritizing low cost of living over economic growth.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.097% effective rate, Washington County ranks among the nation's highest-taxed counties, running roughly 25% above the typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $1,268 still falls below the national median of $2,690 due to comparatively low home values.
Washington ranks as Georgia's highest-tax county
Washington County's 1.097% rate is the highest in Georgia, exceeding the state average of 0.898% by roughly 22%. The median tax of $1,268 falls well short of Georgia's $1,529 median, a disparity explained entirely by lower home values.
Washington leads the region in tax rates
Washington County's 1.097% rate is the highest in its region, surpassing Warren County (1.031%), Ware County (1.011%), and dramatically outpacing lower-tax counties like Walker (0.778%) and Wayne (0.796%). Washington's rate advantage is substantial and consistent across the board.
Median home costs about $1,268 yearly
On Washington's median home value of $115,600, you'll pay approximately $1,268 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages should budget closer to $1,666 once you factor in additional taxes and fees.
Washington residents should prioritize appeals
Washington's highest-in-region tax rate means overassessments hit harder than anywhere else nearby—every dollar of inflated value costs more annually. If your assessment seems high relative to comparable recent sales, a formal appeal can provide meaningful savings.
Washington's renters face severe affordability strain
Washington County renters experience a 22.8% rent-to-income ratio—the region's highest burden and 4.2 points above Georgia's state average—while earning only $44,009 annually. At $836 monthly, Washington's rent runs relatively modest, but overwhelms household budgets already stretched by limited incomes.
Among Georgia's most housing-burdened counties
Washington County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst affordability situations, driven by the combination of below-average incomes and above-average rents relative to earnings. This metric signals genuine economic hardship for working renters.
Washington's housing pressure peaks regionally
Washington County renters face the region's steepest burden at 22.8%, exceeding Ware County's 21.0% and all other nearby counties by substantial margins. Only income levels of $44,009—the region's second-lowest—explain this outsized housing pressure.
Rents consume over one-fifth of income
With median household income of just $44,009, Washington County renters dedicate $836 monthly (22.8% of income) to rent, while homeowners budget $732 for mortgages. This allocation pattern squeezes discretionary spending and limits financial security.
Washington suits only the most resourceful
Washington County's affordability crisis makes it unsuitable for most relocators unless you're bringing substantially above-local income prospects or possess significant savings. Even the county's relatively low home values ($115,600 median) don't offset the rent-to-income burden facing renters.
Washington County's median household income of $44,009 is 41% below the national median of $74,755, the lowest in this comparison group. The county represents one of Georgia's most economically challenged rural areas.
Georgia's lower-income tier
Washington's $44,009 median household income is 27% below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it among the state's most economically stressed counties. Per capita income of $24,825 is similarly depressed at 20% below state average.
Lowest income in the comparison set
Washington County's $44,009 median income is the lowest among all comparison counties, trailing even Ware County ($44,833) and Warren County ($46,776). The county faces acute economic challenges shared across central Georgia's rural belt.
Rents consume significant household share
Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% is the highest in the region, indicating housing stress for renters despite modest costs. The median home value of $115,600 remains difficult for median-income families to afford.
Building wealth from tight budgets
Washington County households earning $44,009 should prioritize debt reduction and establishing emergency reserves before pursuing investment goals. Community development financial institutions and nonprofit credit counseling offer resources tailored to low-income savers.
Washington County residents live to 71.7 years on average, falling 4.4 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly a quarter (24.2%) report poor or fair health, indicating elevated rates of chronic disease and limited wellness resources.
Washington below Georgia average
At 71.7 years, Washington County's life expectancy lags Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 1.6 years. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, suggesting room for targeted health improvement initiatives.
Washington's mixed health profile
Washington's 71.7-year life expectancy exceeds Upson (70.4), Ware (69.7), and Wayne (70.7) counties but trails Walton (74.7) and Webster (76.0). Washington stands out with the region's highest primary care provider density at 71 per 100K, though mental health capacity at 35 per 100K trails most neighbors.
Strong primary care, thin safety net
Washington County's uninsured rate of 14.2% sits near the state average, though one in seven residents remain vulnerable to medical debt. The county's primary care strength (71 providers per 100K) is offset by limited mental health providers (35 per 100K), creating potential care gaps for behavioral health needs.
Ensure continuous coverage
Washington County residents without insurance can explore marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion benefits at healthcare.gov. Taking action today protects your health and finances tomorrow—enroll now and access preventive care.
Washington County's composite risk score of 23.76 places it in the Very Low category and well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces substantially lower natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.
Among Georgia's Safer Counties
Washington County ranks among Georgia's safest counties with a composite score of 23.76, roughly 40% of the state average. This protective standing reflects its inland east-central location, away from major tornado corridors and coastal storm impacts.
Safer Than Regional Counterparts
Washington County's 23.76 score compares favorably to nearby Hancock County (18.9) and Baldwin County (26.4), positioning it as one of the safer areas in central Georgia. The county benefits from distance from both the tornado-prone northwest and hurricane-susceptible southeast regions.
Hurricane and Wildfire Exposures
Washington County's two highest risk scores are hurricane (73.72) and wildfire (53.82), though both remain well below state averages in terms of actual frequency. Flooding (26.21), tornadoes (36.23), and earthquakes (64.31) pose lower threats to residents and property.
Basic Coverage Meets Most Needs
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Washington County residents given the county's low composite risk profile. Ensure coverage includes wind protection and maintain a property inventory; flood insurance is advisable only for properties in mapped flood zones.