Washington County scores 71.8 out of 100, meaningfully above the national median of 50.0. This reflects good overall livability conditions compared to typical U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Slightly Above Indiana's State Average
Washington County's 71.8 score exceeds Indiana's state average of 71.2, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Indiana counties. The county maintains solid, balanced livability performance.
3 / 5
Low Taxes and Very Affordable Housing
Washington County offers an 83.9 tax score with a 0.651% effective tax rate and an 81.5 cost score featuring the lowest rent in the group at $760/month. Median home value of $162,400 rounds out strong housing affordability.
4 / 5
Below-Average Household Income
The income score of 23.4 reflects a median household income of $61,358, placing it among the lower earners in this county group. A risk score of 59.1 suggests moderate economic volatility, and safety, school, and water data are unavailable.
5 / 5
Best for Frugal Families Seeking Value
Washington County suits budget-conscious families and retirees prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and minimal taxes over higher incomes. Those seeking stability and growth should investigate local employment opportunities before relocating.
Washington County scores 71.8 out of 100, meaningfully above the national median of 50.0. This reflects good overall livability conditions compared to typical U.S. counties.
Slightly Above Indiana's State Average
Washington County's 71.8 score exceeds Indiana's state average of 71.2, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Indiana counties. The county maintains solid, balanced livability performance.
Low Taxes and Very Affordable Housing
Washington County offers an 83.9 tax score with a 0.651% effective tax rate and an 81.5 cost score featuring the lowest rent in the group at $760/month. Median home value of $162,400 rounds out strong housing affordability.
Below-Average Household Income
The income score of 23.4 reflects a median household income of $61,358, placing it among the lower earners in this county group. A risk score of 59.1 suggests moderate economic volatility, and safety, school, and water data are unavailable.
Best for Frugal Families Seeking Value
Washington County suits budget-conscious families and retirees prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and minimal taxes over higher incomes. Those seeking stability and growth should investigate local employment opportunities before relocating.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Washington County offers affordable property taxes
At 0.651% effective rate, Washington County residents pay far below the national median of $2,690 annually. On a median home value of $162,400, the county's moderate rate produces a median tax of $1,058 per year.
Slightly below Indiana's state average
Washington County's 0.651% effective rate sits just below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median tax of $1,058 falls well below the state median of $1,199.
Competitive in south-central Indiana
Washington County's 0.651% rate compares favorably to Orange and Lawrence counties in the region. The county delivers solid tax efficiency while maintaining quality services that attract new residents.
Median homeowner pays $1,058 annually
With a median home value of $162,400 and 0.651% rate, Washington County homeowners pay $1,058 per year. Mortgage holders average $1,197 while those without mortgages pay $794.
Assessment appeal could reduce your tax bill
Even in moderately-taxed counties, overassessment occurs regularly across all price ranges. If your home's assessed value exceeds its market value or comparable local properties, contact the assessor about filing an appeal.
Renters spend 14.9% of their income on housing, just slightly above the sustainable 12-15% benchmark and below Indiana's state average of 15.6%. With median rent at $760 and household income of $61,358, the county provides accessible housing for working families.
Slightly better than state average
Washington County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio edges out Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the upper-middle tier for affordability. The county's combination of low rents and modest incomes creates a balanced housing market.
Competitive with similar counties
Washington County's $760 rent is among the lowest in the peer group and matches Vermillion County's affordable profile, though higher than Wabash County's $752. The 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits between affordability leaders and more burdened neighbors.
Modest housing costs and incomes
Median monthly rent is $760 while homeowner costs run $875 against median household income of $61,358. At 14.9% of income, housing costs remain reasonable without creating extreme budget constraints.
Washington County deserves consideration
Planning a move to Indiana? Washington County delivers below-average rents paired with a 14.9% housing burden that protects your household budget. It's a solid middle-ground choice for families seeking affordability without sacrificing local wages entirely.
Washington County's median household income of $61,358 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $13,397—an 17.9% gap. The county underperforms most American households economically.
Below Indiana state average
Washington County earns $7,323 less than Indiana's state average of $68,681, ranking in the lower-middle tier statewide. Regional economic development is key to improving household earnings.
Mixed performance against peer counties
Washington County's $61,358 closely tracks Vanderburgh County ($60,938) and slightly exceeds Vermillion County ($59,363). The county faces similar economic pressures as neighboring lower-income areas.
Rent costs claim significant share
A 14.9% rent-to-income ratio means typical renters spend roughly $764 monthly, remaining manageable but leaving limited cushion. Households should budget carefully to preserve emergency savings.
Build stable foundations step by step
Washington County residents should focus on eliminating high-interest debt and establishing 3–6 months emergency reserves before investing. Local credit unions and financial counseling services can accelerate wealth-building progress.
At 72.5 years, Washington County residents live 3.9 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, representing one of the nation's lowest life expectancies. With 19.3% reporting poor/fair health and 8.0% uninsured, Washington faces compounded barriers to healthcare and chronic disease management.
Second-lowest life expectancy in Indiana
Washington County's 72.5-year life expectancy is the lowest among the eight counties analyzed and trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 2.6 years. The 8.0% uninsured rate is near the state average of 8.4%, suggesting that insurance access alone cannot explain the county's serious mortality challenge.
Most health-vulnerable county in region
Washington County's 72.5-year life expectancy is the lowest in the eight-county sample, trailing even Vigo County (73.7 years) by 1.2 years. The combination of short lifespan and limited provider access positions Washington as the region's most health-vulnerable county and a priority for intervention.
Severe shortage of healthcare providers
Washington County has only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among the eight counties—and 57 mental health providers per 100,000, severely limiting access to care. This critical shortage forces residents to travel long distances for routine checkups and mental health services, likely delaying treatment and worsening outcomes.
Urgent action needed on coverage
With 8% uninsured and the nation's lowest life expectancy in this sample, Washington County residents face a health emergency requiring immediate action. Call 211, visit healthcare.gov, or contact the Indiana Department of Human Services today to explore Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, and free community health resources that could save your life.
Washington County's composite risk score of 40.94 sits slightly below the national average, marking it as a relatively safe county nationally. This very low rating indicates manageable exposure to most major hazards.
About average risk for Indiana
At 40.94, Washington County's composite risk nearly matches Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the middle of the state's hazard distribution. The county is safer than the highest-risk southern counties but faces similar pressures as most central regions.
Similar risk to surrounding counties
Washington's score of 40.94 closely mirrors Wabash County (40.97) to the north and slightly exceeds Warren County (5.76) to the west. The south-central Indiana location offers moderate protection relative to the state's most hazard-prone southern tier.
Tornado and earthquake risks are primary concerns
Tornado risk (77.29) is Washington County's top hazard, while earthquake risk (67.78) and flood risk (47.36) provide secondary concerns. All three remain manageable relative to Indiana's highest-risk counties.
Tornado coverage is your priority
Standard homeowners insurance must include strong tornado and wind protections, given Washington County's 77.29 tornado risk score. Flood insurance may be prudent for properties in mapped zones, though the county's 47.36 flood risk is moderate by state standards.