Washington County scores 65.3 out of 100, placing it 15 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 72nd percentile. This solid performance reflects competitive livability across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Competitive Maryland performer
At 65.3, Washington County exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by more than a point, ranking in the upper half of the state's counties. It's a reliable choice by Maryland livability standards.
3 / 5
Strong affordability and tax climate
Washington stands out for housing affordability with a cost score of 69.1, median rents of $1,100, and home values of $275,900—among the most accessible in this group. A tax score of 77.4 reflects an effective rate of 0.886%.
4 / 5
Lower incomes and modest risk score
The income score of 31.8 with median household income of $74,157 is well below peer counties, suggesting limited high-wage employment. A low risk score of 31.2 warrants further investigation into environmental and safety factors.
5 / 5
For working families seeking value
Washington County suits working and middle-class families prioritizing affordability and lower taxes over premium incomes or urban amenities. It's a solid choice for those seeking rural or small-city living at accessible price points.
Washington County scores 65.3 out of 100, placing it 15 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the 72nd percentile. This solid performance reflects competitive livability across measured dimensions.
Competitive Maryland performer
At 65.3, Washington County exceeds Maryland's state average of 63.9 by more than a point, ranking in the upper half of the state's counties. It's a reliable choice by Maryland livability standards.
Strong affordability and tax climate
Washington stands out for housing affordability with a cost score of 69.1, median rents of $1,100, and home values of $275,900—among the most accessible in this group. A tax score of 77.4 reflects an effective rate of 0.886%.
Lower incomes and modest risk score
The income score of 31.8 with median household income of $74,157 is well below peer counties, suggesting limited high-wage employment. A low risk score of 31.2 warrants further investigation into environmental and safety factors.
For working families seeking value
Washington County suits working and middle-class families prioritizing affordability and lower taxes over premium incomes or urban amenities. It's a solid choice for those seeking rural or small-city living at accessible price points.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Washington County's 0.886% effective rate sits just above the national median of 0.87%, placing it near the 50th percentile. With a median home value of $275,900—nearly identical to the national median of $281,900—the county is a quintessentially average American property-tax story.
Slightly above Maryland average
At 0.886%, Washington County sits about 7% above Maryland's 0.957% state average, ranking it in the middle of the state's tax tiers. The $2,444 median tax bill comes in well below the state average of $3,328, reflecting the county's lower home values.
Moderate taxes among regional peers
Washington County's 0.886% rate exceeds Talbot (0.658%) and Queen Anne's (0.793%) but trails Prince George's (1.153%). The median tax of $2,444 is the second-lowest in its region, providing relative relief compared to pricier Maryland counties.
Around $2,444 per year
A Washington County homeowner with the median property value of $275,900 pays approximately $2,444 in annual property taxes. Over 30 years, that adds up to roughly $73,000 in property taxes.
Appeal your assessment if it's outdated
Many Washington County properties carry assessments from years past, ignoring recent market appreciation or improvements. A reassessment appeal—often a 15-minute process—could save you $300–$400 annually.
Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits slightly below the national average of 20.0%, with a median household income of $74,157 nearly matching the U.S. median of $74,755. The county demonstrates solid affordability fundamentals for renters and homeowners seeking stability.
Below Maryland's affordability line
Washington's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits below Maryland's state average of 18.3%, positioning the county as one of the state's more accessible markets. The median income of $74,157 aligns closely with statewide norms, offering relative equity among peers.
Western Maryland's affordable anchor
Washington County's median rent of $1,100 is among the region's lowest, $138 below Talbot and $180 below Wicomico, while supporting one of the more balanced income levels. Home values at $275,900 offer strong affordability for buyers seeking Western Maryland roots.
Balanced housing and income
Washington renters allocate 17.8% of their $74,157 median income to $1,100 monthly rent, maintaining healthy margins for other expenses and savings. Homeowners investing $1,268 in monthly mortgage payments commit 20.5% of income to ownership—a practical burden for middle-income households.
Western Maryland's practical choice
Washington County offers genuinely accessible housing costs and median incomes aligned with statewide averages, making it ideal for middle-income families. The county's manufacturing heritage and growing remote work appeal make relocation feasible for those seeking affordability without sacrificing community stability.
Washington County's median household income of $74,157 is virtually identical to the U.S. median of $74,755—a quintessential American income profile. This Western Maryland county sits squarely in the national middle class.
Below Maryland's stronger average
Washington County ranks in the lower half of Maryland counties with an income 21% below the state average of $94,152. The significant gap reflects the county's manufacturing-dependent economy and smaller metro influence compared to Baltimore-Washington corridor peers.
Outpaces some Appalachian peers
Washington County's $74,157 median income exceeds Somerset ($52,462) and Wicomico ($72,861) considerably, but lags Worcester County ($81,455) and Talbot County ($84,378). The county's position in the Appalachian region influences its lower income relative to Maryland as a whole.
Housing costs manageable
Washington County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs comfortably below affordability thresholds. A median home value of $275,900 is achievable for median-income households, supporting stable homeownership.
Start your wealth-building journey
Washington County households earning the median should prioritize establishing emergency savings before aggressive investing. Take advantage of employer retirement plans, open individual retirement accounts, and explore income diversification strategies to build wealth steadily over time.
Washington's life expectancy of 74.5 years falls 1.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while 17.5% report poor or fair health—matching the national 17.3%. These metrics signal significant chronic disease burden and limited preventive care access.
Among Maryland's Least Healthy Counties
Washington's 74.5-year life expectancy trails Maryland's 77.0-year average by 2.5 years, ranking it near the bottom of the state. The county's 17.5% poor/fair health rate compounds this disparity, indicating structural barriers to wellness throughout the population.
Struggling Alongside Somerset and Other Rural Areas
Washington's 74.5-year life expectancy exceeds only Somerset (74.0 years) among profiled counties, and both trail Talbot (78.9 years) by over 4 years. Despite offering 325 mental health providers per 100,000, Washington's overall health outcomes lag, suggesting mental health alone cannot offset physical health gaps.
Washington's 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds Maryland's 6.4% average, and 55 primary care providers per 100,000 falls short of optimal capacity. These gaps mean many residents postpone care, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes.
Take Control of Your Health Coverage Today
Washington's 7.6% uninsured rate represents a preventable barrier to better health—use open enrollment to find affordable plans on healthcare.gov. Once covered, connect with one of the county's primary care providers to establish preventive routines that can help reverse Washington's health disparities.
Washington County faces above-average disaster risk
Washington County's composite risk score of 68.77 exceeds both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk is driven primarily by earthquake and hurricane exposure rather than wind or water hazards.
Higher-risk county in Maryland's west
Washington County ranks above the state average with a composite risk score of 68.77, making it one of Maryland's moderate-risk areas. Its western location exposes it to earthquake hazards and tornado activity that neighboring counties experience less intensely.
Riskier than most neighbors, similar to Worcester
Washington County (68.77) faces greater overall risk than Queen Anne's (35.62), St. Mary's (42.56), and Talbot (42.37) counties, while closely matching Worcester County (68.19). Its position in western Maryland creates a distinct hazard profile compared to Eastern Shore neighbors.
Earthquakes and tornadoes drive your exposure
Earthquake risk reaches 76.53 in Washington County—the highest among this cohort of counties—while tornado risk stands at 61.96. Together these seismic and wind threats account for most of your elevated overall risk, reflecting your western Maryland location near the Appalachian region.
Standard coverage plus earthquake protection
Washington County's above-average earthquake risk (76.53) makes earthquake insurance a valuable addition to your standard homeowners policy, unlike most Maryland counties. Ensure your tornado coverage is robust and verify your policy's seismic protection—these represent your primary hazard exposures.