CountyScore

Washington County

Kentucky · KY

#10 in Kentucky
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Kentucky

Washington County ranks nationally strong

Washington County's composite score of 75.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by over 51%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This performance reflects solid execution in tax policy and housing affordability.

Slightly above Kentucky's mean

Washington County edges above the state average with a score of 75.5 compared to Kentucky's 75.0, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The modest 0.5-point advantage signals consistent, competent county management.

Affordability and low taxes

Washington County's cost score of 83.8 and tax score of 82.1 make it highly livable for budget-conscious residents, with median home values of $168,300 and an effective tax rate of 0.716%. Rent is also notably low at just $696 monthly, among the cheapest in the region.

Income remains a weak link

The income score of 22.4 reflects a median household income of $59,762, signaling limited wage growth and economic opportunity. Important data on safety, health, schools, and water remain unavailable for a fuller livability picture.

Perfect for rural retirees and savers

Washington County delivers exceptional value for fixed-income households and those seeking rural tranquility without wage demands. The combination of cheap housing, low taxes, and community stability makes it ideal for retirees or those prioritizing lifestyle over career advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.1Cost83.8SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk83.3WaterComing Soon
🏛82.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Washington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County exceeds national health

With a life expectancy of 74.2 years, Washington County residents live 2.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years. The county's 20.4% poor or fair health rate falls below the national 21%, suggesting residents not only live longer but report better health status.

Above-average Kentucky health outcomes

Washington County's 74.2-year life expectancy outpaces Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 2 years, positioning it among the state's healthier counties. This consistent advantage reflects strong underlying health conditions and healthcare access.

Solid regional standing

Washington County ranks third among its regional peers—below Woodford County (76.7 years) and Warren County (75.3 years), but ahead of Union County (73.3 years) and Wayne County (72.7 years). With 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county maintains adequate physician coverage.

Excellent coverage, solid primary care

Washington County's 6.7% uninsured rate is below Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning residents have strong insurance coverage. The county's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents offer adequate access for routine and preventive care.

Keep Washington County covered

With 6.7% of residents uninsured, Washington County has room to close this gap—visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health center to explore Marketplace plans or Medicaid. Maintaining coverage keeps preventive care accessible and supports the county's strong health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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