countyscore
65.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 84.6Disaster Risk 83.3

County Report Card

About Washington County, Kentucky

A Top-Tier National Performer

Washington County boasts an impressive composite score of 65.8, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in an elite tier for overall livability compared to its peers across the country.

Leading the Bluegrass State

With a 65.8 score, Washington County easily clears the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as one of the most balanced counties in the state, offering high safety and excellent infrastructure.

Safety and Reliability

The county records a stellar safety score of 84.6 and a water quality score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from a high risk score of 83.3, meaning it is better protected against environmental hazards than most areas.

Room to Grow Income

The primary challenge lies in the income score of 38.3, as the median household income sits at $59,762. Improving local wages and expanding the healthcare system, which scores 52.0, are the next logical steps for the community.

A Safe Bet for Retirees

Washington County is an ideal destination for retirees or remote workers who value safety and environmental stability. The combination of low crime and high-quality water makes it a secure place to call home.

2040608010061.470.584.65254.838.383.38658.3Tax61.4Cost70.5Safety84.6Health52Schools54.8Income38.3Risk83.3Water86Weather58.365.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Washington County DNA

D+overall

How Washington County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Washington County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (83.3/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Income (38.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.4+9.399999999999999
Cost
70.5+22.5
Safety
84.6+29.599999999999994
Health
52
Schools
54.8
Income
38.3-12.700000000000003
Risk
83.3+36.3
Water
86+28
Weather
58.3
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Many homeowners in Washington County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$696/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,762/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Marion County
Kentucky
62.5
Nelson County
Kentucky
54.6
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6
Mercer County
Kentucky
60.1
Spencer County
Kentucky
59.3
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2
Woodford County
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56.3
Taylor County
Kentucky
60

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Washington County

via TaxByCounty

Washington County taxes: Below national median

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.716% falls below the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. jurisdictions. The median annual tax of $1,205 represents less than 45% of the national median of $2,690.

Right at Kentucky's average tax rate

Washington County's 0.716% effective rate sits just one basis point below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it a middle-ground county. At $1,205, the median tax slightly exceeds the state median of $1,093.

Competitive rates in the region

Washington County's 0.716% rate slots between Warren County's 0.642% and Union County's 0.787%, offering moderate taxation for the area. It exceeds Wayne County's 0.578% but falls short of Webster County's 0.985%.

Median tax: $1,205 per year

On the median home valued at $168,300, Washington County homeowners pay an estimated $1,205 annually in property taxes. When mortgage escrow is included, the annual cost reaches approximately $1,320.

Property assessments can be challenged

Washington County homeowners—like those statewide—may find their properties assessed higher than fair market value. Filing an appeal is free and can unlock significant savings on future tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County: a rare bargain

Washington County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.0%, one of Kentucky's most affordable—and well below the national average. At $696 monthly rent paired with a median household income of $59,762, renters here pocket nearly 86% of their earnings after paying for shelter.

Most affordable in its class

Washington County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Kentucky, significantly beating the state average of 17.0%. This county consistently outperforms peers on affordability metrics, making it an exceptional value within the commonwealth.

The region's affordability leader

Washington County's $696 rent stands lowest among comparable counties, undercutting Warren ($963), Webster ($774), and Union ($787) by a wide margin. Its 14.0% rent burden makes it the most livable option for budget-conscious households in the area.

Just 14% of income to housing

Washington County residents spend only $696 monthly—14.0% of median household income—on rent, freeing up $4,146 for other needs and savings. Homeowners pay approximately $803 monthly on properties with a median value near $168,300.

Unbeatable affordability awaits

Washington County is the obvious choice if housing affordability tops your relocation priorities—few Kentucky counties can match its 14.0% rent burden. Compare it against Whitley and Wolfe counties if you're seeking the absolute lowest rents in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County below U.S. income median

Washington County's median household income of $59,762 trails the national median by $14,993, or about 20%. This gap underscores the economic challenges smaller, rural Kentucky counties navigate relative to national prosperity.

Solid performer within Kentucky

Washington County earns $3,853 above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it among the middle tier of Kentucky counties. The county punches above its small-town status in regional economic standing.

Mid-range incomes in local peer group

Washington County's $59,762 median sits between Union County ($60,989) and Webster County ($58,786), but well above struggling peers like Wayne ($41,933) and Whitley ($41,719). This positions Washington as a stable, moderate-income community.

Best housing affordability in the region

Washington County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio (14.0%) among its peer counties, meaning housing costs consume the smallest slice of household budgets. A median home value of $168,300 offers genuine wealth-building through homeownership.

Maximize affordability advantages

Washington County's exceptional housing affordability frees up income for retirement savings, education investments, and entrepreneurship. Households here should capitalize on lower cost-of-living to aggressively fund IRAs, 529 college savings plans, and business ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Washington County

Washington County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.4, making it one of the more secure locations in the nation. Its total crime rate of 357.6 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Kentucky state average

The county's crime rate of 357.6 per 100,000 is less than half of the Kentucky state average of 786.2. This performance secures its position as a high-ranking safe haven within the state's 120 counties.

Washington County leads the regional pack

Washington County is significantly safer than neighboring Wayne County, which reports a crime rate of 717.0 per 100,000. It stands out as a regional leader in crime prevention and public safety.

Low rates for both violent and property crime

The county reports 91.5 violent crimes per 100,000, which is well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crimes are similarly low at 266.1, compared to the staggering national average of 2,015.7.

Maintain the peace with home security

While crime is exceptionally low, residents should use motion-activated lighting to deter the small number of property crimes that occur. Community awareness remains the best defense for this quiet Kentucky county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Rural Setting

Washington County operates 6 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 1,776 students. The system is comprised of two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all under one district. This small-scale infrastructure ensures a high level of community integration for local families.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Lean Budgeting

Washington County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, nearly 10 points higher than the national average. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,939, which is significantly below the state and national averages. The county maintains a competitive school score of 54.9.

Unified District Serving a Rural Community

The Washington County school district manages all 6 public schools in the area without any charter competition. Total enrollment is stable at 1,776 students across the district's various levels. While data on higher education attainment is limited, the district focuses heavily on secondary school success.

Small Schools with a Deep Rural Identity

All 6 schools in Washington County are classified as rural, providing a consistent educational experience across the county. North Washington Elementary is the largest campus with 546 students, while the specialized Commander Academy serves just 46 students. The average school size is a manageable 355 students.

Discover Rural Living Near High-Achieving Schools

Washington County is an ideal choice for buyers looking for high graduation rates in a quiet, rural atmosphere. Proximity to the county's elementary and high schools is a major factor in local home values. Start your home search today to join this dedicated educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County stands among safest areas

Washington County's composite risk score of 16.73 earns it a Very Low rating and places it well below the national disaster risk average. This county benefits from relatively moderate exposure across all major hazard types.

Second-safest county in Kentucky

Washington County's score of 16.73 ranks it near the bottom of Kentucky's risk scale, significantly below the state average of 44.21. Only a handful of Kentucky counties carry lower composite risk.

Safest in its region, though varied nearby

Washington County's score of 16.73 matches nearby Wolfe County (18.54) as the region's lowest-risk areas. By contrast, Warren County (88.49) to the west and Whitley County (62.21) to the east carry substantially higher risk.

Tornadoes present modest but real exposure

Tornado risk of 53.34 is Washington County's highest hazard, though still below state average levels. Flood and earthquake risks remain minimal at 27.83 and 48.79 respectively, reflecting the county's relatively stable geography.

Standard coverage adequate for Washington County

Washington County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices for most residents. Focus on tornado preparedness during spring months and maintain a weather radio to catch storm warnings early.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Washington County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Safety Grades for Local Water

Washington County maintains a perfect A grade with zero health violations over the last five years. The county avoids the compliance issues seen across the state, where the average violation rate is 35.7.

Assessed Streams Meet Federal Standards

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle indicates that the primary assessed water body in Washington County is 0% impaired. This demonstrates full compliance with Clean Water Act standards for the current reporting period.

Single Site Tracks Major Inorganic Groups

A single monitoring site provides the data foundation for the county, recording ,1044 measurements over five years. The focus remains on inorganics, metals, and non-metals to safeguard the local watershed.

Limited Live Streamflow Monitoring Coverage

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage located within Washington County. Without live NWIS data, local water managers rely on regional compliance records and historical trends to assess supply levels.

Consistent Maintenance and Future Monitoring

With zero violations and a healthy watershed, residents should focus on maintaining existing infrastructure. Supporting expanded monitoring sites would help provide a more comprehensive picture of local water health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Wet Subtropical Climate

Washington County receives 50.1 inches of rain annually, which is over a foot more than the national average. Specific annual temperature data is not currently recorded for this county.

Average Rainfall for the Commonwealth

The county's 50.1 inches of precipitation is almost identical to the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. It represents the standard hydrological profile for the region.

Among the Lowest Snow Totals

With only 3.3 inches of annual snow, Washington is much less snowy than Warren or Rowan counties. Its winter precipitation is almost exclusively rain compared to its eastern neighbors.

Rain-Heavy and Snow-Light

Snow is a rarity here, averaging only 3.3 inches per year. While specific seasonal temperature records are missing, the high annual rainfall remains a defining characteristic.

Focus on Moisture Management

Prioritize basement waterproofing and crawlspace moisture control to handle the 50-inch annual rainfall. Winter gear needs are minimal, as heavy snow accumulation is statistically unlikely.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Washington County's High-Performing Soil

Washington County features an average pH of 6.08, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.8. This brings the soil closer to the national 6.5 median, creating a more balanced environment for root development.

Dense Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition consists of 60.6% silt and 22.1% clay, offering excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity. Because sand makes up only 14.2% of the mix, the soil holds water effectively but can be slow to warm up in the spring.

Superior Water Storage for Crops

The county's Available Water Capacity of 0.190 in/in exceeds the Kentucky state average of 0.186. Although the 2.31% organic matter is below the state average, the overall soil score of 60.5 indicates very high agricultural potential.

Efficient Water Management

With a soil score well above the state average of 56.2, Washington County offers some of the best growing conditions in the region. The high silt content requires mindful tilling to maintain good drainage and prevent heavy clods from forming.

Ideal Conditions in Zone 7a

Washington County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a long window for summer harvests. The high water capacity makes it an ideal spot to plant a diverse garden that can withstand short dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Thriving Lawns in Washington County

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.4, Washington County is one of the easier places in Kentucky to maintain a lush green space. This score outperforms both the national median and the state average of 66.3, thanks to favorable growing conditions in Zone 7a.

Ideal Rainfall for Consistent Growth

The county receives 50.1 inches of annual precipitation, aligning perfectly with the state average of 50.4 inches. This consistent moisture supply supports steady growth throughout the season and reduces the need for constant manual watering.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil pH sits at a near-perfect 6.08, falling right within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turfgrass. The composition of 22.1% clay and 14.2% sand provides a stable foundation that holds nutrients well while remaining workable for DIY landscapers.

Short-Term Dryness and Resilience

Washington County experienced only six weeks of drought in the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This relative stability allows homeowners to focus on standard maintenance rather than emergency water conservation strategies.

The Best Path to a Green Lawn

The balanced soil pH makes this an ideal location for diverse grass types, including fine fescues and perennial ryegrass. For the best results, start your lawn projects in the late summer or early fall to take advantage of the favorable precipitation levels.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65.8 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 Kentucky?
Washington County ranks #22 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,205, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 61.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Kentucky is $59,762 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Washington County scores 65.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Kentucky. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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