CountyScore

Washington County

Minnesota · MN

#83 in Minnesota
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Minnesota

Washington ranks above national middle

Washington County's composite score of 63.6 clears the national median of 50.0 by a solid margin, placing it in the 27th percentile nationally. While respectable, this score reflects a county with mixed strengths and notable tradeoffs in cost versus income. Washington performs better than most U.S. counties but faces specific livability challenges at the state level.

Below Minnesota state average

With a score of 63.6, Washington County trails Minnesota's state average of 70.9 by nearly 7 points. This positions Washington as a mid-to-lower performer among Minnesota's 87 counties. The gap reflects the county's higher housing costs and housing affordability challenges that offset its strengths in income and health.

Income and health drive livability

Washington County boasts a strong income score (58.1) backed by a median household income of $114,457—among Minnesota's highest. The county also shines in health (87.2), the strongest dimension in its profile, indicating excellent healthcare access and outcomes. A favorable effective tax rate of 1.0% further supports household finances.

Housing costs and risk present friction

Washington's cost score of just 51.4 reflects sharp housing affordability pressures, with median home values at $400,900 and median rent at $1,637 per month. More concerning is the risk score of 16.1—the lowest dimension—suggesting elevated exposure to natural hazards, flooding, or other environmental risks. These factors significantly offset the county's income advantages.

For affluent professionals in resilient areas

Washington County appeals to well-compensated professionals and families with solid household incomes who can absorb high housing costs. The county's exceptional health infrastructure makes it attractive for those prioritizing medical access and quality. Prospective residents should carefully assess environmental risks in specific neighborhoods and confirm their location's resilience profile before committing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.1Cost51.4SafetyComing SoonHealth87.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome58.1Risk16.1WaterComing Soon
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤87.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.1
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

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390

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 near national norm

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.001% sits just above the national median of 0.968%, making it relatively typical for American counties. The median property tax of $4,012 substantially exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's median home value of $400,900—well above the national median of $281,900.

Washington ranks middle in Minnesota

Washington County's 1.001% effective rate sits slightly above Minnesota's state average of 0.968%. The median annual tax bill of $4,012 far exceeds the state median of $2,168, driven by home values that are significantly higher than typical for Minnesota.

Higher taxes, higher home values

Washington County's 1.001% rate is higher than Winona County (0.942%), Wilkin County (0.760%), and Watonwan County (1.027%), but lower than Waseca County (1.190%). The substantially larger median home value of $400,900 explains why Washington residents pay the highest absolute tax bills in this region.

Washington homeowners pay premium taxes

The typical Washington County homeowner with a $400,900 home pays approximately $4,012 annually in property taxes. Tax bills are similar whether you have a mortgage ($4,006) or own outright ($4,024).

High-value homes deserve review

In expensive markets like Washington County, assessment errors can cost thousands annually. If your home was valued near peak market prices, a professional appraisal review could reveal significant overvaluation and trigger a successful appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County rents exceed national standards

Washington's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces both the national average and Minnesota's 14.5% benchmark. Despite strong median incomes of $114,457, renters here pay $1,637 monthly—79% above the state average rent.

Among Minnesota's pricier rental markets

Washington County ranks as one of Minnesota's more expensive counties for renters, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.7 percentage points. This premium reflects the county's proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and strong regional demand.

Significantly pricier than rural alternatives

Washington's $1,637 monthly rent nearly doubles what renters pay in nearby rural counties like Waseca ($819) or Wilkin ($561). Home values tell a similar story: Washington's $400,900 median home price far exceeds surrounding counties, reflecting its suburban desirability.

High incomes offset substantial housing costs

While renters pay 17.2% of income to housing, homeowners allocate roughly 18.5% of income to monthly owner costs ($1,762). Washington's above-average incomes ($114,457) help justify these housing expenses, though affordability remains tighter than state and rural peers.

Washington suits higher earners seeking suburbs

If you're earning well above the national median and value metro-area proximity, Washington County's costs become more manageable despite premium pricing. However, those seeking maximum affordability should compare Washington's 17.2% rent ratio to counties like Wilkin (9.7%) or Watonwan (13.7%).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County leads the nation

Washington County's median household income of $114,457 towers 53% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's wealthiest counties. The typical Washington County family earns roughly $40,000 more annually than the average U.S. household.

Minnesota's prosperity crown jewel

Washington County's income of $114,457 ranks among the highest in Minnesota, commanding a 51% premium over the state average of $75,757. Few Minnesota counties rival Washington's wealth concentration, reflecting its proximity to the Twin Cities employment engine.

Dramatically outpaces regional peers

Washington County's $114,457 median income dwarfs nearby Wilkin County ($69,635) and Watonwan County ($70,593), though it rivals Wright County ($106,666) in the Twin Cities orbit. The income gap underscores the economic power of Minnesota's metro core versus its agricultural regions.

Affluence brings affordability challenges

Despite high incomes, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% suggests housing costs are rising faster than wages in this booming market. The median home value of $400,900 reflects strong demand, requiring substantial household income to remain truly affordable.

Leverage your advantage strategically

Washington County's exceptional income creates elite opportunities for wealth accumulation through diversified investments and retirement planning. With substantial earning potential, consult a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategies and build generational assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington leads nation on life expectancy

Washington County residents live to 81.3 years on average—nearly 2.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 9.3% report poor or fair health, one of the lowest rates nationally and well below the U.S. average of 16%.

Minnesota's healthiest county by far

Washington County ranks among the very top in Minnesota, with 81.3 years of life expectancy versus the state average of 78.7 years. The county's 9.3% poor or fair health rate is among the best in the state.

Significantly healthier than surrounding areas

Washington County residents outlive those in Waseca (79.3 years), Winona (80.2 years), and Wright (80.0 years) counties by 1-2 years. Its 9.3% poor or fair health rate dramatically outperforms Watonwan's 17.6% and Wilkin's 15.2%.

Top-tier healthcare infrastructure statewide

Washington County has exceptional healthcare access: only 4.0% uninsured (well below the 6.0% state average), 104 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, and a remarkable 338 mental health providers per 100,000. This robust infrastructure supports some of Minnesota's best health outcomes.

Most Washington residents are already covered

With just 4.0% uninsured, Washington County leads the state in coverage. If you're among the uninsured, explore options at MNsure.org or 1-855-366-7873 to find an affordable plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington faces nearly double-average risk

Washington County scores 83.87 with a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly doubling the national average for disaster exposure. This urban-adjacent county in the Twin Cities metro experiences higher hazard concentration than most U.S. communities.

Highest-risk county in Minnesota

Washington's 83.87 composite score nearly doubles Minnesota's 42.38 state average, making it by far the riskiest county statewide. The county's metro location and geography compound exposure across multiple threat types.

Washington's risks far exceed peers

Washington County (83.87) dwarfs neighboring Watonwan (23.89) and Waseca (24.68) counties. Only Wright County (68.42) comes close, though Washington remains substantially more exposed to overlapping hazards.

Tornado, flood, and wildfire compound

Tornado risk (94.37) leads statewide, while flood risk (83.49) and wildfire risk (64.03) each rank among Minnesota's highest. The convergence of these three threats creates outsized vulnerability for residents and infrastructure.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Washington County residents should secure robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and flood damage—and strongly consider separate flood insurance given the 83.49 flood risk score. Wildfire exposure warrants defensible space maintenance around your property.

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.