CountyScore

Washington County

Iowa · IA

#68 in Iowa
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Iowa

Above-average livability nationally

Washington County scores 68.2 on the CountyScore index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by a significant margin. The county ranks around the 36th percentile nationally, demonstrating competitive livability.

In line with Iowa's average

At 68.2, Washington is essentially at Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it squarely in the middle of Iowa's county rankings. The county's performance is representative of statewide livability.

Low taxes and solid health outcomes

Washington County excels with a Tax Score of 64.4 and one of Iowa's lowest effective tax rates at 1.347%, protecting household finances. Health Score of 77.4 is strong, supported by good median household income of $71,339.

Risk and affordability pressures mount

The Risk Score of 55.8 suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks, and the Cost Score of 76.7 reflects rising housing expenses with a median home value of $199,600. These factors may strain some households.

Balanced choice for middle-income families

Washington County appeals to families with moderate-to-solid incomes seeking reasonable tax burdens and good health services. It's a dependable, average-performing choice for those who value stability over dramatic affordability or extreme prosperity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.4Cost76.7SafetyComing SoonHealth77.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk55.8WaterComing Soon
🏛64.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.8
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

Escambia County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $44,447
Madison County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $83,528
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Morgan County
Colorado
68.2
Median income: $75,407

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 nearly match national median

At 1.347%, Washington County's effective tax rate is virtually identical to the national median of 1.91%, placing it right in the middle nationally. The median property tax of $2,688 almost mirrors the national median of $2,690, making this county a textbook example of average tax burden.

Right at Iowa's statewide average

Washington County's 1.347% effective rate is nearly identical to Iowa's state average of 1.344%, putting it squarely in the middle. The median property tax of $2,688 actually slightly exceeds Iowa's state average of $2,160 relative to home values.

Moderate taxes compared to regional peers

Washington County's $2,688 median tax falls between Warren County's elevated $3,797 and Van Buren's lower $1,427. Its 1.347% rate sits comfortably in the middle of the regional range, neither particularly high nor low among nearby counties.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Washington's median home value of $199,600, the typical property tax bill comes to $2,688 annually, or about $224 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $2,602 once escrow and insurance are included.

Check if your assessment is fair

Like all Iowa counties, Washington has homeowners with inflated assessments who could file appeals. If your assessment seems high relative to comparable home sales, a successful appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington balances income and housing costs

Washington County residents earn $71,339—below the national median of $74,755—but maintain a reasonable 14.5% rent-to-income ratio through moderate housing costs. At $862 monthly for rent, the county sits just slightly above Iowa's state average, offering balanced affordability.

Middle-of-the-road affordability in Iowa

Washington County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio places it near Iowa's state average of 14.1%, positioning the county as representative of typical affordability statewide. This moderate standing suggests neither exceptional affordability nor unusual cost burden for renters here.

Moderate costs in southeast Iowa cluster

Washington's $862 rent falls between Van Buren ($686) and Wapello ($950), making it a middle option in the region's rental market. Its median home value of $199,600 also positions it between lower-cost and higher-cost neighboring counties, offering a balanced middle ground.

Housing balance matches regional profile

With $71,339 in median income and $862 monthly rent, Washington households dedicate 14.5% of gross income to rental housing, leaving substantial funds for taxes, food, and savings. Homebuyers at $1,063 monthly face a similar proportion, reflecting balanced cost distribution across the county.

Washington offers stable Iowa relocation

Relocating to Iowa? Washington County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio and moderate home values ($199,600) make it a steady choice without extreme affordability or cost challenges. The county's balanced profile suits those seeking representative Iowa pricing and community stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington slightly below national median

Washington County's median household income of $71,339 falls about $3,400 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a modest 4.5% gap. This near-parity with national norms suggests Washington's economy is reasonably aligned with broader U.S. trends. Per capita income of $37,686 also closely mirrors the national average, indicating balanced earning power across households.

Slightly above Iowa's middle

Washington County's $71,339 median household income edges above Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 99 counties. Per capita income of $37,686 slightly exceeds Iowa's average of $37,136, suggesting relatively stable wage growth. Washington performs modestly better than most rural Iowa counties, reflecting a diversified local economy.

Washington leads its immediate peer group

Washington's $71,339 income surpasses nearby Van Buren ($60,183), Wapello ($60,034), and Wayne ($59,118) by significant margins, positioning it as a relative income leader in the south-central region. It trails Winneshiek County ($75,652) by about $4,300 but substantially exceeds Webster County ($68,054). This profile makes Washington a middle-ground performer among its geographic neighbors.

Balanced housing affordability

Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs for renters. With a median home value of $199,600 and median household income of $71,339, homeownership is within reach for most working families. The balance between income and housing prices supports stable homeownership patterns across the county.

Steady wealth building in Washington

Washington residents with median income of $71,339 should establish consistent retirement savings, diversified investment portfolios, and adequate life insurance to protect wealth gains. Tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s reduce the tax drag on investment returns over decades. Regular financial checkups and modest portfolio rebalancing can help households stay on track toward long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington Outpaces Nation in Longevity

Washington County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years and tops Iowa's state average of 77.7 years. Only 14.5% of residents report poor or fair health, significantly below national rates.

Among Iowa's Healthiest Counties

Washington County ranks in the top tier of Iowa counties for life expectancy and self-reported health status. With a 7.0% uninsured rate, the county remains slightly above Iowa's 5.7% state average but maintains strong overall health insurance penetration.

Healthy Alongside Warren

Washington County's 78.5-year life expectancy matches Warren County (78.4 years) as the two healthiest in this cohort. The county provides 80 primary care providers per 100K, competitive with regional peers.

Strong Primary and Mental Health Access

Washington County offers balanced healthcare access with 80 primary care providers and 75 mental health providers per 100K, both above state averages. At 7.0% uninsured, most residents have pathways to routine and behavioral health services.

Stay Covered in Washington

With strong health outcomes, Washington County's 7.0% uninsured population should ensure continuous coverage through marketplace plans or Medicaid. Maintaining insurance access supports the county's excellent health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington's risk slightly exceeds national norm

Washington County scores 44.18 on the composite risk scale, rating Relatively Low but sitting 11% above the national average. The county experiences more frequent severe weather than typical American communities.

Moderate risk for Iowa standards

Washington scores 44.18, slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the upper-middle range of state hazard exposure. The county faces more combined risk than most Iowa communities.

Riskier than some, safer than Wapello

Washington (44.18) exceeds the safety of Warren (36.10) and Van Buren (33.62), but carries only two-thirds the risk of nearby Wapello (65.33). Winneshiek County (36.20) presents similar exposure.

Tornadoes lead, floods and hurricanes follow

Tornado risk at 56.97 tops Washington's hazard list, followed by flood risk at 48.38 and a notable hurricane score of 20.07—highest in the region. This trio reflects Washington's location along southeastern Iowa's weather vulnerability zone.

Storm, flood, and wind coverage essential

Washington residents should carry robust wind and hail insurance for tornado protection, plus flood coverage given the 48.38 flood risk score. Consider supplemental policies that address wind and water damage comprehensively.

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.