CountyScore

Washington County

Mississippi · MS

#77 in Mississippi
62.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Mississippi

Above National Average Despite Economic Headwinds

Washington County scores 62.7 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it near the 25th percentile nationally. This above-average score masks significant economic inequality and health challenges within the county.

Below-Average Performance in Mississippi

Washington County scores 62.7, falling below the state average of 67.5 by 4.8 points and ranking it among the lower-performing counties in this cohort. The gap widens when comparing to the state's top performers, revealing meaningful livability challenges.

Extremely Affordable Housing, Low Taxes

Washington County offers exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 84.9, median home value of just $99,300, and monthly rent of $786. The tax score of 78.6 (effective rate: 0.843%) ensures residents keep more income after taxes.

Wages and Health Are Major Concerns

The income score of 9.6 is the second-lowest in this group, with median household income of only $40,117—significantly below state and national norms. Health outcomes (50.1) are similarly weak, and environmental risk (17.0) suggests additional stressors on community wellness and safety.

Extreme Affordability, Significant Headwinds

Washington County works best for people with very low income thresholds or fixed-income retirees who can live on minimal means. Those seeking traditional employment and quality healthcare should seriously consider neighboring counties with stronger economic and health indicators.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.6Cost84.9SafetyComing SoonHealth50.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome9.6Risk17WaterComing Soon
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17
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

Pima County
Arizona
62.7
Median income: $67,929
Eagle County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $103,174
El Paso County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $87,470
Mitchell County
Georgia
62.7
Median income: $51,908
Woodford County
Illinois
62.7
Median income: $85,629

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 low despite higher rate

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.843% exceeds the national median of 0.92% only slightly, yet the median annual tax of $837 remains far below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Washington County's lower median home values compared to national averages.

Above-average rate for Mississippi

Washington County's 0.843% effective rate ranks above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it in the upper third statewide. It's exceeded only by Warren County (0.855%) and Wilkinson County (0.862%) among the surveyed counties.

Second-highest rate in the regional group

Washington County's 0.843% rate trails only Warren County (0.855%) and Wilkinson County (0.862%) in the region, exceeding Union (0.576%), Webster (0.574%), Wayne (0.779%), Walthall (0.784%), and Winston (0.648%). Regional variation can translate to hundreds in annual tax differences.

Median Washington home taxed at $837 yearly

A median Washington County home valued at just $99,300 generates $837 in annual taxes, the lowest median tax among the eight counties despite a relatively high effective rate. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,351; without, it drops to $492.

Challenge inflated assessments immediately

Washington County's combination of higher effective rates and lower home values means assessment accuracy is critical to affordability. Homeowners should obtain their assessment record, compare it to recent arm's-length sales of similar properties, and appeal if the assessed value appears unjustified.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County faces affordability pressure

Washington County renters spend 23.5% of income on rent—a full 4.7 percentage points above the national affordability threshold. With median household income at just $40,117, the $786 monthly rent burden leaves tighter budgets than most U.S. counties.

Above-average housing cost burden

Washington County's 23.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, ranking among the state's least affordable counties. This burden reflects both low median income ($40,117) and mid-range rents ($786) that outpace local earning power.

Struggling more than peers

Washington County's 23.5% rent burden far exceeds neighbors like Warren (18.8%) and Union (19.2%), and even surpasses Wayne County (25.6%) only marginally. The $786 rent eats into household budgets faster here than anywhere in the immediate region.

Rent squeezes low-wage households

Renters pay $786 monthly while homeowners spend $620, yet median household income of $40,117 makes both tenures tight. At 23.5% of income going to rent alone, Washington County households have less left for food, transport, and healthcare.

Consider relocation to stronger counties

If you're in Washington County and weighing a move, counties like Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), or Webster (12.4%) offer substantially better rent-to-income ratios. The 5-percentage-point difference between Washington and Union means real monthly savings for working families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County faces severe income gap

Washington County's median household income of $40,117 ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting 46% below the $74,755 national median and 17% below Mississippi's already-challenged state average. This deep income deficit signals substantial economic disadvantage and limited local wage growth.

Lower quartile struggles statewide

Washington County ranks in the bottom quarter of Mississippi's 82 counties, with only about 20 counties earning less. This position reflects decades of agricultural consolidation, population loss, and limited job diversification in the Delta region.

Among the region's hardest hit

Washington County's $40,117 income exceeds only Wayne County ($36,791) and Wilkinson County ($35,930) among these eight counties, trailing Union, Warren, Webster, Walthall, and Winston significantly. The gap to Webster County ($59,964) exceeds $19,000, underscoring stark local inequality.

Housing squeeze threatens stability

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% approaches the danger zone, with households spending nearly a quarter of earnings on housing alone. The median home value of $99,300, while modest, still strains a $40,117 median income and leaves little for other necessities.

Protect what you have, then grow

With tight income, focus first on reducing debt and building a small emergency fund—even $500 makes a difference in crisis prevention. Then explore employer 401(k) matches or individual savings accounts that offer tax advantages to build stability over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County faces significant health disparities

At 66.9 years, Washington County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 9.5 years—the widest gap among its peer group. A poor/fair health rate of 26.9% nearly exceeds the national average of 18%, reflecting considerable population-level health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in Mississippi

Washington County's life expectancy of 66.9 years is the lowest statewide—nearly 4 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 26.9% ranks among the highest in the state, indicating severe health burdens.

Behind neighboring counties on most measures

Washington County's 66.9-year life expectancy falls short of all nearby counties, including Wilkinson County (68.6 years) and Webster County (69.0 years). Though its mental health provider rate of 184 per 100K exceeds some peers, primary care at 41 per 100K remains below Warren County's 67.

Coverage and access both need strengthening

Washington County's uninsured rate of 14.1% exceeds the state average of 13.9%, with fewer primary care providers (41 per 100K) than Warren County. Addressing coverage gaps and expanding primary care capacity are critical steps toward improving health outcomes.

Expand coverage to close the health gap

Washington County residents deserve access to preventive and primary care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 601-355-4808 to explore Medicaid or Marketplace plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces serious hazards

Washington County's composite risk score of 82.98 earns a relatively moderate rating, significantly exceeding Mississippi's state average of 50.94. This high score reflects a convergence of multiple major natural disaster risks.

Second-highest risk in state

Washington County ranks among Mississippi's highest-risk counties, with its 82.98 score placing it near the top of the state's danger list. Only a few Mississippi counties exceed this level of natural hazard exposure.

Most dangerous county nearby

Washington County's risk profile nearly matches neighboring Warren County (86.29) and far exceeds Union County (43.51) to the east. This positions Washington as the most hazard-exposed county in its region.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and flooding

Washington County faces the state's worst tornado risk (93.00), combined with extreme earthquake exposure (90.84) and severe flooding threats (81.20). Hurricane risk (72.34) compounds an exceptionally dangerous natural hazard profile.

Comprehensive coverage is critical

Washington County residents must secure separate flood insurance immediately—the county's 81.20 flood risk score makes this non-negotiable for any property. Additionally, verify your homeowners policy covers wind, hail, and tornadoes with adequate limits given the county's 93.00 tornado risk.

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.