Washington County exceeds national median strongly
Washington County's composite score of 70.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 40%, ranking it among stronger U.S. counties for livability. This achievement reflects impressive housing affordability and manageable taxes.
2 / 5
Kansas leader in composite livability
At 70.0, Washington County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the top tier of the state's counties. This performance demonstrates the county's competitive advantage within Kansas.
3 / 5
Unbeatable housing costs drive appeal
Washington County achieves the highest cost score of 88.0 with a median home value of just $106,100 and the second-lowest rent at $547 per month. The tax burden is moderate at 1.462% effective rate, making this an exceptionally affordable place to live.
4 / 5
Income is the primary livability concern
The income score of 24.2 reveals a median household income of $62,452, limiting professional advancement and wage-based prosperity. Data gaps persist on schools, safety, health, and environmental quality, preventing comprehensive livability assessment.
5 / 5
Best-value county for frugal families
Washington County suits anyone prioritizing lowest possible living costs and rural simplicity over career growth and higher wages. Those with stable income from retirement, remote work, or fixed pensions will find exceptional value in this county's combination of affordability and tax efficiency.
Washington County exceeds national median strongly
Washington County's composite score of 70.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 40%, ranking it among stronger U.S. counties for livability. This achievement reflects impressive housing affordability and manageable taxes.
Kansas leader in composite livability
At 70.0, Washington County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the top tier of the state's counties. This performance demonstrates the county's competitive advantage within Kansas.
Unbeatable housing costs drive appeal
Washington County achieves the highest cost score of 88.0 with a median home value of just $106,100 and the second-lowest rent at $547 per month. The tax burden is moderate at 1.462% effective rate, making this an exceptionally affordable place to live.
Income is the primary livability concern
The income score of 24.2 reveals a median household income of $62,452, limiting professional advancement and wage-based prosperity. Data gaps persist on schools, safety, health, and environmental quality, preventing comprehensive livability assessment.
Best-value county for frugal families
Washington County suits anyone prioritizing lowest possible living costs and rural simplicity over career growth and higher wages. Those with stable income from retirement, remote work, or fixed pensions will find exceptional value in this county's combination of affordability and tax efficiency.
Score breakdown
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🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.