countyscore
47.6
County Score
Health 98.6Income & Jobs 98.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Washington County, Minnesota

Wealthy but High-Cost Suburbs

Washington County earns a 47.6 composite score, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it is economically powerful, high costs and environmental risks pull its overall ranking down.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

The county ranks below the Minnesota state average of 55.8 despite its significant wealth. High internal costs create a noticeable gap between its economic power and its overall livability score.

Elite Health and Income Metrics

This county is a powerhouse of health and wealth, scoring 98.6 in health and 98.1 in income. The median household income of $114,457 is among the highest in the entire region.

Affordability and Environmental Risks

Affordability is the primary hurdle, with a cost score of 4.6 due to a $400,900 median home value. The risk score of 16.1 also suggests significant vulnerability to environmental or economic stressors.

Ideal for High-Earning Families

This county suits high-earning families who want top-tier health services and do not mind paying a premium for housing. It is a classic high-resource, high-cost suburban environment.

Score breakdown

Tax37.9Cost4.6Safety35Health98.6Schools64.1Income98.1Risk16.1Water86Weather49
🏛37.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤98.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

St. Croix County
Wisconsin
50.8
Ramsey County
Minnesota
32.6
Anoka County
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43.7
Dakota County
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Pierce County
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Hennepin County
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Polk County
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Chisago County
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Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Standing in Washington County

Washington County earns a 97.6 safety score, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1510.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2385.5.

Comparing Washington County to the State

With a safety score of 97.6, the county sits just below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Despite this, violent crime remains lower than many other high-population counties in the region.

Washington County vs. Regional Neighbors

Washington’s crime rate of 1510.9 is similar to neighboring Winona County but higher than the rural state average. It serves as a relatively safe suburban hub within the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Violent crime is notably low at 107.2 per 100K, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the majority of reports at 1403.7 incidents per 100K residents.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Security

Because property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, visible security cameras are effective deterrents. Stay vigilant by locking vehicles and ensuring all entry points are well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Expansive Suburban School Network

Washington County hosts a massive educational infrastructure with 97 public schools serving 45,515 students. The county is divided into 13 districts featuring 45 elementary and 31 high schools. This high-capacity system supports a diverse range of learners across suburban and town locales.

Top-Tier Graduation and Academic Results

Washington County excels with a 91.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 86.6% and the national 87% benchmark. This achievement comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,228, which is lower than the national average of $13,000. The resulting school score of 56.9 reflects high efficiency and strong student outcomes.

Major Districts and Charter Options

South Washington County Schools is the region's powerhouse, managing 29 schools and 19,159 students. Stillwater Area Public Schools follows with 8,285 students across 16 schools. The county also offers substantial choice, with 16 charter schools making up over 16% of the total public school inventory.

Suburban Life and Large High Schools

Education in Washington County is primarily suburban, with 73 schools located in developed residential hubs. Massive institutions like Stillwater Area High School, which enrolls 2,647 students, define the scale of the secondary school experience here. Average school sizes are large at 529 students, offering students wide-ranging extracurricular and academic programs.

Relocate to a High-Performing District

Families move to Washington County specifically for access to top-rated districts like Stillwater and Forest Lake. With graduation rates well above the national average, a home here represents an investment in your child's future. Start your home search in Woodbury or Stillwater to join these high-achieving school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Urban Heat and Continental Cold

Washington County averages 46.3°F annually, making it one of the warmer spots in this northern state. Still, it remains several degrees cooler than the national median temperature.

One of Minnesota's Warmest Counties

The county's 46.3°F average is significantly higher than the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. It ranks near the top of the state for annual warmth due to its southern location.

Warmer and Drier than Waseca

Washington is nearly two degrees warmer than Waseca County's 44.6°F average. It receives 34.1 inches of rain, which is higher than the state average but lower than Waseca.

Milder Winters and Toasty Summers

July averages 72.8°F with 11 days of extreme heat. Winter is relatively mild for Minnesota, featuring a 15.8°F January average and a 19.3°F winter mean.

Urban Cooling and Winter Readiness

Air conditioning is important for the 11 days of extreme summer heat. While county-specific snowfall data is limited, residents should plan for regional winter averages typical of the metro area.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils and Sandy Foundations

Washington County soils are more acidic than most, with an average pH of 5.91 compared to the national median of 6.5. This profile is even lower than the state average of 6.21, suggesting a need for lime in some agricultural applications.

Fast-Draining Sandy Earth

The texture is notably sandy at 48.4%, paired with 38.7% silt and only 11.9% clay. This light, sandy mix ensures fast drainage but may require more frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.

Moderate Fertility and Water Holding

Organic matter sits at 5.64%, which is lower than the state average of 9.90% but remains above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is slightly below the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199.

Managing Rapid Water Movement

Standard drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this specific dataset. However, the high sand content typically prevents the ground from becoming waterlogged even during heavy rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a

In Zone 5a, gardeners can thrive with perennials and cold-hardy vegetables. With a soil score of 64.9, this land responds well to consistent organic supplements and careful moisture management.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Performance for East Metro Lawns

Washington County earns a solid lawn difficulty score of 76.3, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 5a climate offers a reliable environment for cool-season turf to thrive with moderate effort.

Ideal Moisture for Vigorous Growth

Annual precipitation of 34.1 inches surpasses the state average of 30.0 inches, keeping lawns hydrated during the 2,830 growing degree days. While 11 extreme heat days can stress grass, the overall climate supports a long, productive mowing season.

Sandy Soils Require Consistent Moisture

The soil pH sits at 5.91, which is just slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range but still very manageable. With a high sand content of 48.4%, these soils drain quickly, suggesting that lawns may need more frequent watering during the height of summer.

A Year of Plentiful Water

Washington County recorded zero weeks in drought over the last year, a remarkable stat compared to many neighbors. Current conditions are also completely clear of dry patches, allowing homeowners to maintain lush lawns with standard conservation practices.

Six Months of Prime Growing

The long season from the April 30th last frost to the October 19th first frost is perfect for establishing cool-season mixes. Perennial ryegrass and fescues are excellent choices for the local climate and sandy soil structure.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Minnesota?
Washington County ranks #67 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $4,012, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Minnesota is $114,457 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Washington County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Minnesota. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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