countyscore
56.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.5Safety 82.3

County Report Card

About Washington County, Idaho

Surpassing National Quality Standards

Washington County scores a 56.8, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience across various dimensions.

A Strong Contender in Idaho

The county's 56.8 composite score beats the Idaho average of 52.2. It remains a competitive choice within the state, offering better-than-average safety and environmental scores.

Superior Safety and Water Quality

Public safety and water quality are major assets, with scores of 82.3 and 86.0 respectively. It also provides affordable housing, with a median home value of $250,300 and rent at $919 per month.

Boosting Local Incomes and Schools

Economic and educational metrics lag behind, with an Income Score of 21.9 and a School Score of 15.8. The median household income of $53,608 is notably lower than many surrounding Idaho counties.

Safe and Affordable Rural Living

Washington County suits families and retirees who prioritize safety, clean water, and affordable homes over high salaries. It is a refuge for those seeking a secure, low-cost lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax83.5Cost49.2Safety82.3Health53.8Schools15.8Income21.9Risk69.7Water86Weather35.3
🏛83.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Gem County
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Adams County
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Baker County
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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's rate nears national median

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.526% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,316 trails the national median of $2,690 by more than half, reflecting the county's lower median home values.

Nearly matches Idaho's average rate

Washington County's effective rate of 0.526% hovers just above Idaho's state average of 0.508%, making it a typical performer by state standards. At this rate, Washington homeowners pay $1,316 annually—only $213 below the state median, despite below-average home values.

Middle ground in a varied region

Washington County's 0.526% rate sits between the ultra-low rates of Teton (0.346%) and Valley (0.297%) counties and the elevated rate of Twin Falls (0.667%). This positions Washington as the regional middle ground, offering moderate tax burdens compared to its neighbors.

What the average Washington home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued Washington property ($250,300) pays approximately $1,316 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,582; without one, it drops to $1,118.

Lower home values don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Overassessment can happen at any price point, and Washington County homeowners should verify their assessments match comparable sales. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your tax burden if your home was assessed above market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County's housing affordability crisis

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% ranks among the nation's worst, nearly 6 percentage points above the U.S. norm. With a median household income of just $53,608—$21,000 below the national average—residents face severe affordability strain despite modest absolute rent costs.

Idaho's least affordable county

Washington County carries Idaho's highest rent-to-income ratio at 20.6%, nearly 4 percentage points worse than the state average of 16.8%. This distinction makes it the state's most housing-challenged market by this metric.

Lowest rents, lowest incomes

Washington County's $919 median rent matches Idaho's state average exactly, yet its median household income of $53,608 trails Teton County by $37,132. The county represents rural Idaho's economic squeeze: minimal housing costs can't overcome minimal earning power.

Limited choices, tight margins

Renters dedicate 20.6% of income to $919 monthly housing, while homeowners commit 17% to $761 monthly costs on homes averaging $250,000. Even ownership—typically the cheaper long-term path—consumes a concerning share of already-slim household budgets.

Washington County: Rethink relocation here

Before moving to Washington County, honestly assess your income prospects; the county's affordability crisis stems from wage stagnation, not high rents. Remote workers earning outside-county salaries will find exceptional value, but local job seekers should prioritize regions with stronger income growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County Lags Nationally

Washington County's median household income of $53,608 sits 28% below the national median of $74,755, marking it among America's lower-income counties. This gap reflects Washington's rural character and limited wage opportunities compared to national standards. The county faces significant income challenges relative to the broader U.S. economy.

Idaho's Lowest County Income

Washington County's $53,608 median household income ranks last among Idaho's counties, falling 19% below the state average of $65,770. Per capita income of $27,769 trails Idaho's average of $32,503, indicating limited earning opportunities throughout the county. Washington faces the steepest income challenges in its state.

Washington Trails All Regional Peers

Washington County's $53,608 income lags all surrounding counties: Twin Falls ($65,338), Valley ($76,125), and Teton ($90,740) by $11,730 to $37,132 respectively. This significant gap reflects Washington's rural, agricultural economy versus its neighbors' diversified service and tourism sectors. Economic isolation appears to constrain earning potential.

Housing Costs Squeeze Tight Budgets

Washington's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these four counties, meaning housing consumes over one-fifth of typical household income. Median home values of $250,300 still require substantial household resources despite being the group's lowest. Housing affordability is a genuine constraint for many Washington County families.

Build Stability Before Wealth

Washington County households earning $53,608 should prioritize stable emergency savings and debt reduction before pursuing wealth-building investments. Community resources, financial counseling, and local economic development initiatives can support income growth and opportunity. Focus on skill development and education as long-term wealth builders.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County is one of the nation's safest

Washington County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.3, far outpacing the national average. Its total crime rate of 424.0 per 100,000 is over five times lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Idaho state safety average

Washington County's safety score of 99.3 is significantly higher than the Idaho average of 98.4. These numbers, reported by two local agencies, place the county among the most secure jurisdictions in the state.

Safety leader compared to surrounding counties

The crime rate here is 424.0, which is less than a third of the rate in nearby Valley County. Washington County provides a remarkably tranquil alternative to the higher activity levels seen in other regional centers.

Minimal violent and property crime rates reported

Violent crime sits at just 169.6 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime is exceptionally rare at 254.4, providing peace of mind for homeowners compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Solidify your home security today

Even in high-safety areas, maintaining locks and lighting prevents opportunistic crimes. Your active participation in local safety keeps Washington County's impressive statistics moving in the right direction.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County Lags on Life Expectancy

Washington County residents live to 75.9 years—1.6 years below the U.S. average of 77.5 years. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces the highest health burden in this regional group. These metrics reflect systemic health challenges that merit focused attention.

Lowest Life Expectancy in Idaho Group

At 75.9 years, Washington County ranks lowest in life expectancy among these four counties and trails Idaho's 77.5-year state average by 1.6 years. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest statewide comparison here, signaling concentrated health risk. These outcomes demand targeted intervention.

Health Disparities Across the Region

Washington County's 75.9-year life expectancy trails all neighbors: Teton (83.1 years), Valley (83.0 years), and Twin Falls (76.0 years). At 18.6% poor/fair health, Washington faces the steepest wellness burden of the four counties. The gap suggests distinct population health drivers.

Limited Mental Health Support

Washington County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the regional average—and only 44 mental health providers per 100,000, the lowest in this group. The 9.2% uninsured rate is the best here, beating the state average of 11.7%. Good insurance coverage can't fully offset limited specialist availability.

Protect Your Coverage and Seek Support

At 9.2% uninsured, Washington County has good baseline coverage, but residents should verify their plans cover preventive care and mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local clinics to explore coverage options and telehealth resources that can bridge the mental health provider gap. Stable insurance is your foundation for better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Rural and Town Schools

Washington County educates 1,860 students across nine public schools managed by three districts. The infrastructure features a mix of three elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to serve the local community.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Scores

The county achieves an 85.8% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average of 83.6%. While per-pupil spending of $5,444 is lower than the national average, the county's school score of 48.0 perfectly matches the state median.

Weiser District Drives Education

The Weiser District is the primary provider, enrolling 1,559 students across five local campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning the educational focus remains entirely on traditional public districts.

Compact Schools in a Tight-Knit Community

The average school size is 207 students, split between five town-based and four rural campuses. Weiser High School is the largest campus with 557 students, while the Midvale School serves a smaller K-12 population of 135.

Classic Idaho Schooling in Weiser

Families looking for a traditional school experience will find strong graduation rates and manageable school sizes here. Consider how proximity to the centralized schools in Weiser or the rural campuses in Midvale fits your lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County has very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 30.31, Washington County ranks among the lowest-risk counties nationally for natural disaster exposure. This score positions residents well below the U.S. average and in one of America's safer disaster zones.

Second-safest county in Idaho

Washington County scores 30.31 against Idaho's state average of 38.51, ranking as the second-lowest risk county in the state. Only Teton County (29.45) presents a lower combined natural disaster threat.

Much safer than Valley and Twin Falls

Washington County (30.31) rivals Teton County in safety, significantly outperforming nearby Valley County (55.63) and Twin Falls County (46.95). The county emerges as one of Idaho's most resilient regions for multi-hazard disaster preparedness.

Wildfire dominates despite low overall risk

Despite its very low composite rating, Washington County faces notable wildfire risk at 95.61, the second-highest among the four profiled counties. Earthquake exposure (53.78) presents a moderate secondary threat, while flood and tornado risks remain low.

Don't skip wildfire coverage

While Washington County enjoys relatively low overall disaster risk, wildfire exposure demands specialized insurance that standard homeowners policies exclude. Adding wildfire protection ensures your home stays protected despite the county's favorable risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmest of the Region

Washington County averages 51.9°F annually, coming within two degrees of the national median. This makes it one of the more temperate climates in the Pacific Northwest interior.

Leading Idaho in Temperature

At 51.9°F, Washington County is significantly warmer than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state.

Consistent State Rainfall Patterns

The county sees 16.6 inches of precipitation, almost matching the Idaho average of 17.0 inches. It is much drier than the mountainous counties to its immediate east.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

Summers are very hot, featuring 63 days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters are moderate for the state, averaging 30.8°F between December and February.

Cooling is the Priority

Residents must maintain robust HVAC systems to handle two full months of extreme summer heat. While snowfall data is limited, the focus remains on summer cooling and water management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Transitional Soils of the Snake River Basin

Washington County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data, but local conditions often mirror the Idaho state average of 6.04. This puts the soil slightly below the national median pH of 6.5, a common trait for the region's semi-arid landscapes. These soils provide a versatile foundation for both orchards and rangeland.

Diverse Textures Across Valleys and Hills

Exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently indexed for the county. This unrecorded mix dictates the soil's workability and how it interacts with the region's limited rainfall. Local growers should evaluate their specific texture to optimize drainage and ensure proper nutrient delivery.

Building Growth on Idaho State Benchmarks

In the absence of local data, the state average of 27.53% organic matter represents the ideal for soil fertility. Gardeners should strive for an available water capacity near the 0.269 in/in state average to support healthy crop development. Strong fertility is the secret behind the county's reputation for high-quality fruit production.

Water Management in a Sun-Drenched County

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are missing, but the proximity to the Snake River influences local water tables. Understanding how your land handles irrigation and spring runoff is crucial for successful farming and construction. Proper drainage planning keeps your soil productive and your structures sound.

Thriving in Washington’s Warm Zone 7a

Washington County boasts a robust Hardiness Zone 7a, the warmest in this group, making it ideal for peaches and melons. The extended growing season allows for a wide variety of heat-loving vegetables and perennials. Take advantage of this favorable climate to start your most ambitious garden yet.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Warm Weather Lawn Care in Washington

Washington County scores a 33.0 for lawn difficulty, landing almost exactly on the Idaho state average. Its USDA Hardiness Zone 7a status is the warmest in this group, offering a longer season but requiring more heat management. While easier than the high mountains, it still trails the national average of 50.0 due to significant summer heat.

Bracing for Intense Summer Heat

This county endures 63 extreme heat days annually, which is double the state average and creates massive evaporative demand. The 16.6 inches of precipitation cannot keep up with the 3184 growing degree days without heavy irrigation. The long growing season begins early with the last spring frost typically hitting on April 23.

Managing Soils in Zone 7a

Localized soil data is not available, making a professional soil test your most valuable tool for lawn health. High heat often accelerates the breakdown of organic matter, so regular top-dressing with compost is recommended. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 will help your grass survive the stress of the 63 days above 90°F.

Surviving 38 Weeks of Drought

Washington County experienced 38 weeks of drought last year, and the entire county is currently under abnormally dry conditions. Because the area is so hot and dry, choosing heat-tolerant species and using drip irrigation for landscape borders is essential. Watering deeply twice a week is more effective than daily light sprinkles in this 77.2°F July heat.

Take Advantage of the Long Season

Zone 7a allows for heat-tolerant varieties like Turf-Type Tall Fescue that can stand up to the scorching summers. With the first fall frost not arriving until October 13, you have an exceptionally long window for establishment. Start your lawn in late April to ensure it is fully rooted before the 63 days of extreme heat begin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Idaho has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Idaho?
Washington County ranks #13 among all counties in Idaho 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, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,316, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Idaho is $53,608 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 21.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Idaho a good place to live?
Washington County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Idaho. 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.

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