countyscore
51.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 81.4Lawn Care 78.5

County Report Card

About Washington County, Iowa

Reliable Quality of Life Above Median

Washington County earns a composite score of 51.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded community that provides consistent services and economic stability. It ranks as a dependable choice for residents looking for a middle-American lifestyle.

Balanced Performance in the Iowa Heartland

The county's score of 51.6 sits just under the Iowa average of 55.6 but maintains high marks in critical service areas. It holds its own against regional peers by offering strong social infrastructure. The county effectively balances its rural roots with modern health and education standards.

Exceptional Schools and Community Health

The county boasts a strong school score of 74.1 and an even higher health score of 81.4. Water quality is also a major asset, scoring 86.0. These scores suggest a community that invests heavily in the well-being and future of its citizens.

Managing Living Costs and Safety

Housing affordability and taxes are the main constraints, with scores of 37.5 and 19.0 respectively. A median home value of $199,600 and a 1.347% tax rate make it more expensive than some rural neighbors. Safety, while not critical, shows room for growth with a score of 41.1.

Best for Education-Focused Families

Washington County is a top pick for families who prioritize high-quality schools and healthcare. The median household income of $71,339 supports a comfortable lifestyle for mid-career professionals. It offers a solid, health-conscious environment for raising a family.

Score breakdown

Tax19Cost37.5Safety41.1Health81.4Schools74.1Income69.7Risk55.8Water86Weather48
🏛19
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.5
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 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Safety Performance in Washington County

Washington County holds a safety score of 97.9, showing a strong commitment to public security. Its total crime rate of 1,335.7 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This indicates a lower-than-average risk for residents compared to the rest of the United States.

Washington County in the Iowa Context

The county’s safety score of 97.9 is just below the Iowa state average of 98.3. However, its total crime rate of 1,335.7 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,095.3. Local law enforcement activity is slightly more frequent here than in Iowa's most rural areas.

How Washington Compares to Neighbors

With a crime rate of 1,335.7, Washington County sits between neighbors like Warren (882.2) and Webster (2,784.8). This mid-range rate is based on data from two reporting agencies. It reflects a moderately active law enforcement environment typical for the region.

Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime leads local statistics with a rate of 1,016.2 per 100,000 people, while violent crime is reported at 319.5. The violent crime rate remains below the national average of 369.8. Most local incidents involve non-violent property disputes or thefts.

Proactive Home Protection Tips

Maintaining home security through smart locks and well-lit entryways is effective against local property crime. Neighbors looking out for one another remains the best defense in Washington County. Regular security audits of your property can prevent the most common local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Deeply Rooted Local School Districts

Washington County maintains 13 public schools that serve 3,954 students across four different districts. The system is built on a foundation of six elementary schools and three high schools, ensuring local access to education.

High Standards and Healthy Investment

Washington County outperforms the state average with a 93.6% graduation rate and a school score of 58.2. The county also invests more than the state average, spending $8,306 per pupil to ensure students are well-supported.

Washington and Mid-Prairie Lead the Way

The Washington Community School District is the largest, serving 1,653 students, while Mid-Prairie serves 1,446. These districts operate 100% of the local schools, as there are no charter options in the county.

A Primarily Rural Learning Experience

Ten of the 13 schools in the county are located in rural areas, fostering a small-town atmosphere with an average enrollment of 304 students. Stewart Elementary is the largest school with 481 students, while many other facilities remain quite small.

Quality Education in a Quiet Setting

If you value high academic scores and a rural lifestyle, Washington County is an ideal place to search for a home. The districts here offer a balance of strong funding and excellent graduation outcomes for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Washington County's Four-Season Continental Climate

An annual average of 49.3°F places Washington County in the cooler half of the United States. The region experiences the sharp temperature swings typical of the Great Plains.

Average Temperatures with Extra Moisture

Washington's 49.3°F is slightly above the state average of 48.0°F. However, its 38.1 inches of annual precipitation makes it wetter than the 36.1-inch state norm.

Matching the Regional Temperature Profile

Washington County is slightly cooler than Warren County's 49.9°F but maintains similar precipitation patterns. It sees more snow than Van Buren County, averaging 29.6 inches per year.

Moderate Summers and Significant Snowfall

July averages 74.1°F with 20 days of extreme heat. Winter is characterized by nearly 30 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 20.8°F.

Plan for Rain and Snow

The combination of 38.1 inches of rain and 29.6 inches of snow requires robust home exterior maintenance. Waterproof boots and high-quality winter insulation are essential for the 20.8°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Washington County's Productive Soil Identity

The average soil pH here is 6.28, just under the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic orders are not currently specified, the pH level is ideal for most Midwestern agricultural applications. This slightly acidic profile supports a wide range of native flora and cultivated crops.

Silt-Dominant Soil Structure

Washington County soils are composed of 56.4% silt, 24.5% clay, and 19.0% sand. This high silt concentration provides a silky texture that is excellent for seedbeds and root development. The clay content provides the necessary 'grip' for nutrient retention, though it can make the soil sticky when saturated.

Solid Moisture and Moderate Organic Content

The organic matter level in Washington County is 2.51%, while the available water capacity is 0.188 in/in. Both figures sit below the Iowa state averages of 3.81% and 0.195 in/in, respectively. Gardeners may want to add compost to boost organic levels and improve the soil's ability to hold onto summer rain.

Hydraulic Dynamics and Soil Workability

With a high percentage of fine particles, the soil here can be slow to drain during the spring thaw. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the silt-heavy profile typically requires careful timing to avoid tilling wet earth. Managing surface water is a priority for maintaining soil health and preventing erosion.

Zone 5b Gardening Potential

Hardiness Zone 5b allows for a long growing season that supports peppers, tomatoes, and beans. Adding organic amendments will help balance the lower water capacity found in this county's soil. It is a great environment for establishing a productive home orchard or a diverse vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Lawn Performance in Washington

Washington County scores a 78.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the Iowa state average. Residents in Zone 5b enjoy a climate that is highly conducive to thick, green turf development.

Favorable Rain and Growing Days

Annual precipitation of 38.1 inches provides ample moisture for local lawns, exceeding the state norm by two inches. The 3155 growing degree days offer a consistent environment for grass to recover from the 20 days of extreme heat typically seen each year.

Reliable Soil for Turf Growth

The local soil pH of 6.28 is ideal for supporting diverse grass species without the need for heavy lime applications. With clay levels at 24.5%, the soil provides a solid foundation, though core aeration can help prevent natural compaction over time.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

The county saw 14 weeks of drought over the past year, and current conditions are 100% abnormally dry. To keep your lawn resilient, aim for one inch of water per week, delivered in one or two deep sessions rather than daily light sprinkling.

Wait for the April Thaw

Mark your calendar for April 28, the typical date of the last spring frost, to begin your lawn renovations. Cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue will flourish here given the county's balanced climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Iowa has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Iowa?
Washington County ranks #71 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $2,688, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 19/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Iowa is $71,339 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Iowa a good place to live?
Washington County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Iowa. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.