countyscore
57
County Score
Safety 80.1Lawn Care 72.2Property Tax 68.3

County Report Card

About Washington County, Indiana

Washington County Above the Median

Washington County earns a composite score of 57.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced and stable living environment.

A Solid Indiana Performer

The county's score of 57.0 is just above the Indiana state average of 55.9. It provides a consistent quality of life that is representative of the state's best rural qualities.

Strong Safety and Tax Scores

Safety is a highlight with a score of 80.1, while a tax score of 68.3 keeps the cost of living manageable. The median home value is an accessible $162,400.

Water and School Improvements

Water quality is a notable challenge with a score of 15.1. Additionally, school and health scores of 37.5 and 43.7 suggest areas where local services could be strengthened.

A Balanced Rural Choice

Washington County suits those seeking a safe, moderately priced rural community. It is a strong fit for individuals who want a quiet lifestyle with low tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax68.3Cost58.5Safety80.1Health43.7Schools37.5Income43.3Risk59.1Water15.1Weather63.6
🏛68.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.2
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

Scott County
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57.3
Floyd County
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Jackson County
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51.5
Clark County
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Orange County
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Crawford County
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Harrison 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 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County offers moderate affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County lags national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Boasts High Safety Levels

Washington County reports a total crime rate of 469.2 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive figure results in a high safety score of 99.3. Residents here live in one of the safer regions compared to both national and state benchmarks.

Safer Than the Typical Indiana County

The county's crime rate of 469.2 per 100,000 is lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 99.3 also outperforms the state average of 98.9. This makes Washington County a standout for safety within the state of Indiana.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Peers

Washington County maintains a lower crime rate than many of its regional neighbors, making it a quiet area for residents. With only 469.2 incidents per 100,000 people, the frequency of crime is low for the area. Local law enforcement manages fewer incidents per capita than the surrounding counties.

Violent and Property Crime Below Average

Violent crime stands at 167.1 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 302.1 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. These low figures mean residents are statistically unlikely to be victims of crime.

Keep Your Community Safe and Secure

Low crime rates are a community achievement, and basic vigilance helps keep them that way. Simple measures like locking car doors and using outdoor lighting remain effective deterrents. Stay engaged with your neighbors to ensure Washington County remains a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County faces severe health crisis

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Focused District Network

Washington County supports 4,025 students across eight public schools and three school districts. The landscape is evenly distributed with three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools.

Solid Graduation and Spending Rates

The county's 92.5% graduation rate is nearly identical to the state average of 92.6%. Spending remains efficient at $5,262 per pupil, supporting a composite school score of 51.1.

Three Districts Serving Local Towns

Salem Community Schools is the largest district with 1,745 students, followed by East Washington and West Washington school corporations. All schools are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Predominantly Rural Learning Environments

Six of the eight schools are in rural locales, yet the average school size remains healthy at 503 students. Bradie Shrum Elementary is the largest school in the county, serving 819 students in a town setting.

Find Your Community in Washington County

With three distinct districts, families can choose the town or rural environment that fits them best. Consider moving here for a stable education system that mirrors the best of Indiana's state standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County carries very low national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in the Heartland

Washington County averages 55.4°F annually, sitting slightly above the national median for temperate zones. The climate is characterized by distinct seasonal transitions and consistent year-round moisture.

Warmer Than the State Baseline

The county's annual average of 55.4°F is over three degrees warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. This elevated temperature profile reflects its position in the rolling hills of southern Indiana.

Robust Rainfall Compared to Central Indiana

Washington County receives 46.9 inches of precipitation annually, which is three inches more than the state average. This provides a damp environment compared to the drier agricultural plains found further north.

Moderate Snow and Notable Summer Heat

Summer brings 25 days of extreme heat above 90°F, while winters see a moderate 14.1 inches of snowfall. January temperatures hover near freezing with an average of 32.7°F.

Dual Seasonal Preparation is Key

Residents should prepare for nearly a month of 90-degree days with serviced HVAC systems. While snow is moderate at 14.1 inches, basic winter weather gear is still a seasonal necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Washington County’s Acidic Clay-Silt Mix

The county’s Inceptisols feature a silty clay loam texture and a relatively acidic pH of 5.86. This level is notably lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the Indiana average of 6.08.

Dense Silty Clay Loam Structure

The soil composition is 67.1% silt and 17.1% clay, which can lead to a heavy, slow-draining feel. The 15.8% sand content is insufficient to provide rapid drainage, so the soil often stays cool and damp in the spring.

Good Moisture Retention Despite Acidity

Organic matter sits at 2.22%, which is healthy by national standards but below the state’s high average. The available water capacity of 0.207 in/in is better than the state average, providing a good buffer against summer drought.

Poor Drainage Limits Wet-Season Use

Washington County soils are poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group C/D. This means the soil is frequently saturated, making it a challenge for building foundations and requiring careful water management in fields.

Acid-Loving Plants Excel in Zone 6b

The slightly acidic soil is perfect for blueberries and azaleas in this 6b hardiness zone. For traditional vegetables, adding lime can help balance the pH to unlock more nutrients for your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Baseline for Healthy Lawns

Washington County earns a lawn difficulty score of 72.2, performing slightly better than the Indiana state average of 71.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, it occupies a middle ground that supports a wide variety of grass types. The overall environment is favorable, provided homeowners address specific soil and drainage needs.

Ample Rain Powers the Growing Season

The county receives a healthy 46.9 inches of precipitation annually, well above the 30-50 inch ideal range. With 25 extreme heat days, the summer stress is moderate compared to the southern tip of the state. These conditions support a vigorous 3,900 growing degree days, providing plenty of warmth for turf to thrive.

Correcting Acidic and Poorly Drained Soil

The silty clay loam soil here has a pH of 5.86, which is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may require lime applications. Because the soil is poorly drained and contains 17.1% clay, water tends to sit near the surface. Adding organic matter can help improve the structure and allow better water movement through the silty layers.

Strong Resilience to Drought Conditions

Washington County has seen only 3 weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the most stable counties in the region. Although 100% of the county is currently considered Abnormally Dry, the frequent historical rainfall has built a good moisture reserve. This resilience allows for a more relaxed watering schedule during typical Indiana summers.

Optimizing Your Washington County Lawn

Tall Fescue blends are the most reliable choice for the 6b zone and local soil types. Plan your seeding around the spring frost of April 17 and the fall frost of October 22 for the best results. A late summer application of lime can help raise the soil pH and unlock essential nutrients for the new grass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Indiana has a composite county score of 57 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 Indiana?
Washington County ranks #51 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,058, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Indiana is $61,358 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Indiana a good place to live?
Washington County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Indiana. 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.