countyscore
51.4
County Score
Cost of Living 86Property Tax 77.2Weather & Climate 61.9

County Report Card

About Washington County, Missouri

Performing Above the National Median

Washington County earns a 51.4 composite score, slightly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable quality of life that exceeds expectations for its rural profile.

Stronger than the Missouri Average

At 51.4, Washington County sits above the Missouri average of 50.3. Its ability to balance cost and schooling gives it a slight edge over many other rural counties in the state.

Exceptional Cost and Tax Scores

The county is remarkably affordable, with a cost score of 86.0 and median rent of $680. Residents also benefit from a low tax burden, evidenced by a tax score of 77.2 and a 0.576% effective rate.

Health and Income Limitations

A health score of 16.8 is the county's primary weakness, suggesting limited access to care or poor outcomes. The income score of 18.3 also indicates a constrained local job market.

A Budget-Friendly Choice for Families

This county is a strong fit for families who need to minimize monthly expenses while maintaining access to decent schools. It is an ideal location for those who prioritize fiscal stability and homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax77.2Cost86Safety34.6Health16.8Schools54.6Income18.3Risk32.2Water32.6Weather61.9
🏛77.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.9
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

Jefferson County
Missouri
40.4
St. Francois County
Missouri
37.2
Crawford County
Missouri
40.7
Iron County
Missouri
59.3
Franklin County
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Ste. Genevieve County
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Monroe County
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Dent 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 well below national

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.576% sits comfortably below the national average, placing the county in the bottom 25% nationally. The median annual tax of just $682 represents 25% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Missouri's statewide average

At 0.576%, Washington County's rate ranks solidly below Missouri's average of 0.733%, placing it in the lower quarter of the state's counties. The county's median tax of $682 is among the lowest in Missouri.

Low-tax option in south-central region

Washington County's 0.576% rate is competitive with nearby Taney County (0.578%) and beats Warren County (0.738%) and Sullivan County (0.736%). For the south-central Ozark region, Washington offers tax relief for rural homeowners.

A $118,400 home costs $682 yearly

The median Washington County home valued at $118,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $682. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay $876 due to lender escrow, while those without mortgages pay approximately $563.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Washington County homeowners should ensure their property valuations align with fair market value through the county assessor's office. Even modest overassessments can be corrected through a cost-free appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County offers accessible rentals

Washington County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, while its $680 median rent falls well below Missouri's $768 state median. The county's $51,886 median household income reflects a working-class profile where affordable rents provide meaningful relief.

Better than average for Missouri renters

Washington County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Missouri's 15.6% average, though its $680 rent undercuts the state median of $768 by nearly $90. The county offers decent affordability within the statewide middle tier.

Third-cheapest rents in the region

Washington County's $680 rent ranks third-lowest in the region, undercutting Stone County ($892) and Taney County ($925) by significant margins while matching nearby Texas County and Sullivan County. For budget-conscious renters, Washington delivers solid value.

Owner costs undercut rents here

Washington County renters pay $680 monthly—the second-lowest here—while homeowners spend just $599, creating a rare affordability advantage for owners. At $51,886 median household income, renters allocate 15.7% to housing while homeowners spend only 13.9%.

Renters should consider buying

Washington County's $680 rent ranks among the region's lowest, yet its $599 homeowner costs are even cheaper—making the case for owner-occupancy compelling. With home values around $118,400 and strong affordability for owners, Washington rewards those ready to transition from renting to buying.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County income trails national average

Washington County's median household income of $51,886 is 31% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Ozark counties. This gap signals limited job diversity and wage growth pressures.

Below Missouri's typical household income

Washington County's $51,886 median income falls $7,617 short of Missouri's state average of $59,503, ranking it in the lower third of county earnings. Per capita income of $28,855 also lags the state average of $31,011.

Lower earner among regional peers

Washington County's $51,886 income ranks ahead of only Texas ($48,055) and Wayne ($43,393) among the counties profiled—Stone ($61,323), Taney ($58,258), and Sullivan ($55,500) all earn more. The county's rural-manufacturing economy limits wages.

Housing costs remain manageable

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, providing household budget relief. The median home value of $118,400 is accessible for families earning $51,886 annually.

Build savings from housing advantage

Despite below-average household incomes, Washington County families benefit from affordable housing that frees up money for savings and investment. Prioritize emergency funds and employer retirement benefits to strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe standing in Washington County

Washington County maintains a safety score of 97.6, supported by a total crime rate of 1518.3 per 100K. This rate is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Missouri's crime averages

With a safety score of 97.6, Washington County is safer than the state average of 97.0. The total crime rate of 1518.3 is also lower than the Missouri state average of 1926.2.

Comparing Washington and Wayne Counties

Washington County is safer than Wayne County, which reports 1967.4 crimes per 100K. Residents benefit from a total crime rate that is about 23% lower than their regional neighbor.

Property crime vs violent crime

Violent crime is 318.1 per 100K, remaining lower than the state average of 371.6. Property crime accounts for 1200.2 incidents, showing that most local crime is non-violent.

Keep your property secure

While crime is lower than average, protecting your home remains a smart move. Simple actions like installing outdoor lighting and high-quality locks go a long way in preventing property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County faces severe health challenges

Washington County's life expectancy of 69.7 years is 4.8 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a substantial gap signaling major health crises. With 23.0% of residents reporting poor or fair health, Washington County experiences some of the nation's worst health outcomes.

Missouri's lowest life expectancy county

At 69.7 years, Washington County's life expectancy falls 4.6 years below Missouri's 74.3 average, making it the state's worst-performing county. The 23.0% poor/fair health rate adds to the troubling picture of a county facing serious, systemic health crisis.

A regional health emergency

Washington County's 69.7-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than all nearby counties, with Stone County (76.0), Warren County (75.6), and even struggling Texas County (72.6) all significantly ahead. At 23.0% poor/fair health, Washington County far exceeds all regional peers.

Uninsured rate compounds access issues

Washington County has 13.7% of residents uninsured—above Missouri's average—while offering only 30 primary care providers per 100,000. The 111 mental health providers per 100,000 show some behavioral health capacity, but basic primary care access remains strained.

Insurance is essential here

With the state's lowest life expectancy and high uninsured rate, Washington County residents must prioritize health coverage and preventive care immediately. Contact the Missouri marketplace or call 1-855-4-INSURE for urgent enrollment assistance and access to critical health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Supporting Local Families

Washington County manages 12 public schools across four districts, supporting 3,373 students. The network includes five elementary, three middle, and three high schools, plus one special education center.

Top-Tier Graduation Success Rates

The county features an exceptional 96.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and the 87% national average. With a 54.8 school score, Washington County outperforms state averages despite spending just $6,057 per pupil.

Potosi R-III Leads Local Education

Potosi R-III is the county's largest district, serving 2,036 students across four campuses. All education in the county is delivered through traditional public districts, with zero charter schools in operation.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Nine of the county's 12 schools are in rural settings, with the remaining three in town locales. Potosi High is the largest school with 682 students, and the county-wide average school size is 281.

Join a Community with Outstanding Results

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Washington County is a standout for families moving for schools. Look for homes in the Potosi R-III district to take advantage of this high-performing educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces above-average risk

Washington County's composite risk score of 67.78 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits well above the national average, placing it in the higher tier of U.S. county exposure. This elevation reflects the county's location in the Ozark region and exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.

Elevated risk within Missouri

Washington County's 67.78 composite score significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it in the state's higher-risk counties. This above-average exposure positions Washington residents amid the state's earthquake and tornado hotspots.

High-risk Ozark peer

Washington County (67.78) sits within the high-hazard Ozark cluster alongside Taney (84.03), Stone (76.75), and Wayne (67.02), making the region a multi-county disaster hotspot. The county faces substantially greater exposure than neighboring Crawford County to the north and east.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top list

Earthquake risk reaches 82.86—the county's leading hazard and among Missouri's highest—while tornado exposure hits 65.17, reflecting intense seismic and spring-storm activity. Flood (52.64) and wildfire (56.01) risks are moderate but still warrant attention in a multi-hazard environment.

Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage

Washington County's 82.86 earthquake score makes a separate earthquake endorsement absolutely essential, as standard policies exclude this coverage. Layer in comprehensive tornado and wind protection, and evaluate flood insurance for properties in creek valleys to create a complete risk shield.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Missouri Highlands Weather

Washington County averages 54.7°F annually, sitting right at the national median. This climate is very similar to the Missouri state average of 54.9°F.

Aligning With State Norms

At 54.7°F, Washington County is almost perfectly in line with the state average. It avoids the extreme heat and cold seen at Missouri's borders.

Wetter but Cooler Summers

The county receives 45.5 inches of rain, which is more than the state average of 43.8 inches. However, it only faces 23 extreme heat days, making its summers milder than its neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Fair July

Washington sees 11.5 inches of annual snowfall, more than many southern counties. The July average stays at a comfortable 76.3°F compared to more humid regions.

Gear Up for Precipitation

With 45.5 inches of rain and 11.5 inches of snow, waterproof gear and well-maintained gutters are essential. The 23 heat days require less aggressive cooling than in southern Missouri.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Unique Acidic Profile in Washington

Washington County features a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.58, well below the national median of 6.5. Despite the lack of dominant taxonomic data, its acidity makes it unique among its eastern neighbors.

Light and Silt-Focused Mix

The composition is 50.2% silt and 11.7% clay, which is a relatively light mix for the state of Missouri. The 17.9% sand content helps maintain some structure within this silty environment, though compaction remains a risk.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

This county stands out with an extraordinary 15.01% organic matter, nearly triple the state average. This richness is coupled with an available water capacity of 0.151 in/in, which is slightly below the state norm.

Nutrient-Rich Soil Foundations

Although specific drainage data is limited, the massive organic matter levels suggest a soil that is incredibly rich in natural nutrients. This composition often indicates historic forest or wetland influence on the land.

A Goldmine for Zone 6b Gardens

Located in hardiness zone 6b, this nutrient-dense soil is a goldmine for dedicated gardeners. Use lime to raise the pH and unlock the full potential of that massive organic reservoir for your vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Care in Zone 6b

Washington County earns a 59.9 lawn difficulty score, hovering just under the state average of 63.7. For those in Hardiness Zone 6b, maintaining a lawn is moderately easy but requires attention to soil acidity.

Cooler Summers, Easy Management

The area experiences only 23 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 37-day Missouri average. This cooler summer profile, combined with 45.5 inches of rain, makes it easier to keep cool-season grasses green through the summer.

Correcting Low Soil pH

Soil acidity is a notable hurdle here, as the 5.58 pH is significantly lower than the preferred 6.0 range. Homeowners should plan for soil amendments to address the high acidity and support the 11.7% clay structure.

Monitoring Rain Totals

After 27 weeks of drought in the past year, the entire county remains abnormally dry today. Using a rain gauge can help you ensure your lawn receives the standard one inch of water per week without wasting resources.

Fine Fescues for Washington County

Fine fescues are well-suited for the lower heat levels and specific soil conditions of Washington County. Schedule your primary lawn work after the April 11th spring frost to take advantage of the mild early-season weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Missouri has a composite county score of 51.4 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 Missouri?
Washington County ranks #54 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $682, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Missouri is $51,886 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Missouri a good place to live?
Washington County scores 51.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Missouri. 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.