countyscore
61.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 84.4Cost of Living 82.8Safety 71.2

County Report Card

About Washington County, Kansas

Solid Performance on the National Stage

Washington County’s composite score of 61.3 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It ranks well for providing a high quality of life at a lower-than-average cost.

Outperforming the State Average

At 61.3, the county significantly exceeds the Kansas average score of 49.5. It remains a competitive and desirable location within the state's rural landscape.

High Affordability and Resident Safety

Cost is a major advantage here, with a score of 82.8 and a median gross rent of only $547. The county also maintains high marks for Safety (71.2) and environmental Risk (84.4).

Water Infrastructure and Tax Burden

The Water Score of 21.5 is a weak point that suggests room for resource improvement. Residents also face a 1.462% effective tax rate, resulting in a low Tax Score of 14.8.

A Budget-Friendly Rural Haven

Washington County is ideal for budget-conscious individuals who don't want to sacrifice safety. It offers an extremely low cost of entry for housing with median values of $106,100.

Score breakdown

Tax14.8Cost82.8Safety71.2Health69.7Schools68.9Income46.4Risk84.4Water21.5Weather40
🏛14.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.5
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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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Nebraska
54.4
Marshall County
Kansas
57.6
Gage County
Nebraska
51.4
Republic County
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Thayer County
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Clay County
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Cloud County
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Riley 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 near national average

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.462% is slightly below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,551 is just over half the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's affordable housing market.

Slightly above Kansas average rate

At 1.462%, Washington County's effective rate is marginally below Kansas's 1.549% state average. The median tax of $1,551 is notably lower than the statewide median of $1,943, making it favorable by Kansas standards.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Washington County's 1.462% rate ranks it in the middle of this eight-county group, between Trego County (1.456%) and Wichita County (1.468%). It offers a balanced tax environment for the region.

Low taxes on affordable homes

The median home in Washington County is valued at $106,100, with annual property taxes of $1,551. That equals roughly $129 per month, making Washington County one of the most affordable counties in this analysis.

Appeal to verify your assessment

Washington County's low tax bills don't mean all assessments are accurate. Homeowners should still verify that their assessed values match market comparables—an appeal could free up money you didn't realize you were overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County: National Affordability Leader

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.5% ranks among America's most affordable housing markets, achieved despite median household income of $62,452 sitting below the national median of $74,755. The county demonstrates that lower incomes can still support excellent housing affordability through modest costs.

Kansas's Most Affordable County

Washington County's 10.5% rent-to-income ratio leads all Kansas counties, crushing the state average of 14.7% by 4.2 percentage points. Monthly rent of just $547 runs the lowest across the entire state.

Unmatched Rental Value in North-Central Kansas

Washington County's $547 rent dramatically undercuts every neighboring county, including Trego ($694), Thomas ($753), and Wabaunsee ($771)—a savings of $147 to $224 monthly. Its median home value of $106,100 also offers accessible entry to homeownership.

Exceptional Housing Efficiency

Renters dedicate just $547 monthly while owners spend $714 against the $62,452 median income, consuming only 10.5% and 13.7% respectively. This remarkable efficiency allows households to allocate minimal resources to shelter and maximum resources to savings, education, or quality of life.

America's Best Relocation Bargain

Washington County offers the rare combination of lowest rent and best affordability ratio in its region and among the nation's best overall. If housing cost is your relocation priority, this north-central Kansas county delivers measurable advantages over nearly any comparable market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County Runs Below National Pace

Washington County's median household income of $62,452 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $12,300, positioning it in the lower-middle range nationally. This income shortfall is typical of rural north-central Kansas communities.

Slightly Below Kansas Average

Washington County's median income of $62,452 is roughly 3% below the Kansas state average of $64,428, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The per capita income of $34,654 aligns closely with the state average, suggesting relatively balanced wealth distribution.

Middle Ground in North-Central Kansas

Washington County's $62,452 median income positions it between stronger-earning counties to the west and weaker-earning counties to the south, reflecting the region's economic complexity. Republic and Cloud counties offer useful comparison points.

Housing Costs Are Your Strongest Asset

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.5% is among the lowest in the state, and the median home value of $106,100 is deeply affordable. Housing takes a smaller bite here than in most U.S. counties, freeing up cash for other needs.

Capitalize on Your Housing Advantage

Because housing costs are unusually low relative to income, Washington County families should direct the savings toward debt elimination, emergency funds, and retirement contributions. Over time, these disciplined habits compound into meaningful financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Outpaces National Safety

Washington County is highly secure, earning a safety score of 98.9 and a total crime rate of 687.3 per 100,000. This rate is less than one-third of the national total crime average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Kansas Safety

The county's safety score of 98.9 beats the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 687.3 is nearly half the statewide average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Northern Border Neighbors

Washington County reports lower crime levels than Wabaunsee County at 1,935.9 and Wilson County at 830.7. It remains one of the more peaceful jurisdictions along the northern border.

Low Property and Violent Crime Rates

The local violent crime rate of 235.1 is lower than the national average, while property crime is exceptionally low at 452.2. Most reported incidents are isolated and manageable for local law enforcement.

Simple Security for Rural Properties

Residents help keep these impressive numbers low by staying vigilant and reporting unusual activity. Simple security measures like driveway alarms are highly effective tools for large rural properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County slightly above U.S. average

Washington County's life expectancy of 79.6 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.5 years. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate is comparable to the national average of 15.3%, suggesting generally solid health outcomes.

Strong performer within Kansas

Washington County's life expectancy of 79.6 years ranks well above the Kansas average of 75.4 years by 4.2 years. This solid performance places the county among Kansas's healthier communities.

Mid-range health outcomes

Washington County's 79.6-year life expectancy ranks middle-to-upper in this region, outpacing several neighbors but trailing top performers like Trego County. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate aligns with regional patterns, though it's slightly elevated compared to its best-performing neighbors.

Uninsured gap despite good access

Washington County's uninsured rate of 11.9% sits just above the state average of 11.5%, meaning about 1 in 8 residents lack coverage. The county excels with 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents but lags significantly in mental health capacity at just 18 providers per 100,000.

Close the coverage gap today

Washington County's 11.9% uninsured rate is slightly higher than state average, leaving hundreds of residents vulnerable. Visit healthcare.gov or Kansas Medicaid to explore plans that bring both primary and mental health care within reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A comprehensive rural school network

Washington County operates eight public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and three high schools. These schools are distributed across three districts and serve a total of 1,066 students. This robust infrastructure ensures that even the most remote residents have access to local education.

High graduation rates on a budget

Washington County achieves a 93.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages despite lower funding. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,934, which is over $1,000 less than the state average of $9,009. The county earns a school score of 57.1, nearly matching the state average of 57.2.

Barnes and Washington County districts

The Barnes district is the largest, managing four schools and 490 students, followed by the Washington County Schools district with 370 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with 100% of students enrolled in traditional districts. Clifton-Clyde also plays a significant role, serving 304 students in the area.

Purely rural campus settings

All eight public schools in the county are situated in rural locales, with an average school size of 133 students. Hanover Elementary is the largest campus at 212 students, while the Clifton-Clyde Middle School is the smallest with 112 students. These enrollment numbers foster a quiet, focused learning environment across all grade levels.

Secure a home in a top-performing county

With a 93.0% graduation rate, Washington County is a standout choice for families seeking academic reliability. Real estate here offers the benefit of being zoned into high-performing rural districts like Barnes or Washington County Schools. Explore local listings to find a home where community and school success go hand-in-hand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County sits well below average

With a composite risk score of 15.62, Washington County remains substantially lower than the national average and holds a "Very Low" rating. Your county's exposure to natural disasters is limited compared to most U.S. regions.

Safer than most Kansas counties

At 15.62, Washington County scores well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the safer half statewide. Your location in north-central Kansas provides moderate protection against major hazards.

Higher tornado risk than plains neighbors

Washington County (15.62) faces notably higher tornado risk (41.19) than western Kansas counties like Wallace (1.18) or Thomas (9.45). Your proximity to central Kansas's storm corridor increases spring severe weather potential.

Tornadoes and wildfire your main concerns

Tornado risk (41.19) is Washington County's dominant hazard, with wildfire risk (77.89) a significant secondary threat. Flood risk (18.92) and earthquake risk (16.48) present tertiary concerns.

Strengthen your tornado safety plan

Identify a safe room in your home's interior on the lowest floor and stock it with emergency supplies and a battery-powered radio. Verify your homeowners policy covers high winds and hail, and consider reinforcing garage doors.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced moisture in Washington County

Washington County’s 52.8°F average temperature is just below the national median. Its 31.5 inches of annual rainfall is typical for the central United States, providing a balanced moisture profile.

Cold winters in northern Kansas

The county is slightly cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F and matches the state’s precipitation average almost exactly. It experiences a cold January average of 26.1°F, which is lower than many neighboring regions.

Wetter than the western plains

Washington receives much more rain than Wichita or Wallace counties to the west, averaging 10 to 12 inches more precipitation. It is slightly cooler than Wabaunsee County to the southeast.

A mix of heat and freezing cold

Summer brings 55 days of extreme heat over 90°F, while July temperatures average a warm 78.8°F. Winters are the coldest in this set, with a December-to-February average of only 28.7°F.

Priority on high-efficiency heating

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems to combat the cold 28.7°F winter average. Summer planning should account for nearly two months of extreme heat days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Northern Soils

Washington County has an average pH of 6.26, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic classification data is unavailable, this pH level is favorable for many common garden vegetables. It represents a transition toward the more acidic soils of the eastern United States.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains 51.8% silt and 25.0% sand, providing a balanced texture that is easy to till. The 23.1% clay content helps with nutrient retention without making the ground too heavy or sticky. This composition supports a wide variety of both row crops and garden beds.

High Organic Matter for Growth

The organic matter content is an impressive 2.62%, well above the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Combined with a high available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, the soil score reaches a strong 67.2. These fertile conditions provide an excellent head start for any agricultural endeavor.

Regional Water Dynamics

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's primary soils. Residents should perform a simple 'perc test' to see how quickly water drains on their specific property. The silt-heavy profile generally suggests moderate drainage and good moisture management.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

Washington County sits in hardiness zone 6a, where tomatoes, peppers, and corn thrive in the rich soil. The high organic matter means you can grow a bounty of produce with minimal supplemental fertilizer. Start your backyard farm today and enjoy the benefits of this fertile land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Washington County's Variable Growth

Washington County earns a 53.5 lawn score, placing it comfortably near the national average for maintenance ease. While it trails the Kansas state average of 59.1, hardiness zone 6a provides a reliable foundation for cool-season grasses.

Solid Rainfall with High Growth Potential

Annual precipitation of 31.5 inches provides enough moisture for most grasses without constant supplemental watering. The 3,815 growing degree days ensure a robust season for both lawn development and recovery.

Acidic Soils for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.26 is excellent for most turf varieties, favoring high nutrient uptake and microbial activity. The 23.1% clay content provides a balanced texture that holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged.

Recovering from Extended Dry Periods

A challenging 38 weeks of drought over the past year has likely stressed local root systems. Deep soaking and regular fertilization will be key to helping dormant lawns recover as conditions return to normal.

Time to Plant in Washington County

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the zone 6a climate. The window for spring success opens after April 24th, giving you a long runway before the first fall frost on October 14th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Kansas has a composite county score of 61.4 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 Kansas?
Washington County ranks #9 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,551, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Kansas is $62,452 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Kansas a good place to live?
Washington County scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Kansas. 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.