45
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 76.3Safety 61

County Report Card

About Washington County, Georgia

Trailing the National Median

Washington County scores a 45.0, which is five points below the national median of 50.0. This suggests room for improvement in economic and social infrastructure.

Near the Georgia Average

The county's score of 45.0 is slightly below the state average of 46.7. It remains a representative example of a rural Georgia county balancing low costs with low growth.

Strong Water and Environmental Scores

Environmental risk is low here, reflected in a score of 76.3. The county also maintains high water quality standards with a score of 86.0.

Limited Economic Opportunities

The income score of 6.1 highlights a median household income of $44,009. Health outcomes also underperform with a dimension score of 17.2.

A Quiet Rural Retreat

Washington County is best for individuals seeking a quiet, environmentally stable life with low home prices. It is less suited for those reliant on a vibrant local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax31.2Cost59.5Safety61Health17.2Schools41.6Income6.1Risk76.3Water86Weather49.9
🏛31.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠59.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼6.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡61
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
17.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓41.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
76.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱33.7
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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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 has the nation's highest taxes

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.

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

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.

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington's income trails far behind

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.

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Exceeds National Safety Standards

Washington County reports a safety score of 98.6, with a total crime rate of 896.1 per 100,000 residents. This rate is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranks High for Safety in Georgia

With a 98.6 safety score, the county outperforms the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 896.1 is considerably lower than Georgia's statewide average of 1,412.9.

Stable Safety in Central Georgia

Washington County provides a secure environment compared to several of its regional neighbors. Five different reporting agencies work together to keep crime rates below the state's typical levels.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The violent crime rate is 250.3, which is on par with the state average but below the national average. Property crime is relatively low at 645.8 per 100,000 residents.

Proactive Protection for Your Home

Given that violent crime aligns with state averages, residents should prioritize home security systems and well-lit entryways. Staying informed through local law enforcement updates is key to personal safety.

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington trails national health standards

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.

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Solid Infrastructure for the Washington Community

Washington County maintains 4 schools, including two elementary campuses, serving a total of 2,827 students. All public education is consolidated within a single district.

Graduation Success Above State Benchmarks

Students in the county achieve a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Even with a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,774, the county maintains a school score of 53.0.

One District Leading the Way

The Washington County district manages all local students, and there are currently no charter school alternatives in the area. This ensures a centralized focus on the traditional public school curriculum.

Balanced Rural and Town Campus Life

Schools are split between rural and town settings, with an average school size of 707 students. Washington County High School is the largest in the system, enrolling 896 students.

Settling Down in Washington County

With a graduation rate that beats national averages, Washington County offers a reliable educational environment for families. Consider exploring homes near the town-based schools for easy access to central campuses.

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County: Low Disaster Risk

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.

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures Near the State Median

At 63.9°F, Washington County is much warmer than the average U.S. county. This subtropical environment provides a long growing season and very little winter precipitation.

Matching the Georgia Average

The county's annual average of 63.9°F is nearly identical to the state average of 63.7°F. It receives 48.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly below the state average of 51.4 inches.

Warmer than Northern Neighbors

Washington County is noticeably warmer than Warren County to the north, which averages 62.4°F. It serves as a gateway to the hotter regions of South Georgia.

Two Months of Extreme Heat

Summer is the dominant season, featuring 62 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. July is the peak of the heat at 81.3°F, while winter remains mild with only 0.5 inches of annual snow.

Manage the Humidity and Rain

With 48.6 inches of rain and 62 days of extreme heat, moisture control and cooling are top priorities. Invest in high-efficiency cooling to stay comfortable during the long July peaks.

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Statewide Soil Benchmarks

Official taxonomic and pH records for Washington County are missing from the current data. Local soils are likely more acidic than the national 6.5 median, reflecting broader Georgia trends.

Analyzing Soil Texture

Current records do not provide specific sand, silt, or clay percentages for this region. Analyzing how your soil holds its shape when wet can help you determine its texture and drainage potential.

Building Soil Fertility

Organic matter and water capacity levels are not available in current soil metrics. Most Georgia soils benefit from organic additions to surpass the state organic matter average of 1.83%.

Local Drainage Observations

There is no data available for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in this county. Careful observation of water infiltration after storms is necessary for any development or farming projects.

Southern Harvests in Zone 8b

Gardeners in Zone 8b enjoy a lengthy frost-free period and warm nights. Sweet potatoes and watermelons are excellent choices for this warm climate and its long summer days.

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Georgia lawn conditions

Washington County scores a 33.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just under the state average of 35.8. This Hardiness Zone 8b region presents a standard set of Georgia challenges for the dedicated homeowner.

Optimal rain for turf growth

With 62 extreme heat days and 48.6 inches of rain, the climate is nearly ideal for warm-season turf growth. The 5,624 growing degree days provide a long window for lawn development between the spring and fall frosts.

Setting a strong foundation

Although specific soil metrics are unavailable, the region typically requires lime to balance the natural acidity of Georgia earth. Preparing the site with deep tilling can help overcome any local compaction issues before you seed.

Monitoring regional dry spells

Only 2.2% of the county is currently in severe drought, which is much better than neighboring areas. However, with 25 weeks of drought over the last year, consistent moisture management remains a top priority.

Spring start for Washington lawns

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for the local climate and 8b hardiness zone. Start your growing season after March 19 to take advantage of the early spring warmth in this part of Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45 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 Georgia?
Washington County ranks #97 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,268, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Georgia is $44,009 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 6.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Georgia a good place to live?
Washington County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #97 in Georgia. 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.