Washington County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 38 points, confirming strong livability relative to U.S. peers. This advantage rests primarily on exceptional housing affordability.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average overall
Washington scores 69.3 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, ranking it fifth among the eight counties profiled. The county remains solidly livable despite modest underperformance relative to state norms.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Washington's cost score of 82.8 is among the highest, with a median home value of just $107,000 and rent at $829/month—the lowest housing prices across all eight counties. These prices stretch modest incomes furthest.
4 / 5
Income and tax burden need improvement
The income score of 10.7 reflects the county's lowest median household income at $41,750, while the tax score of 70.7 and effective rate of 1.123% represent the highest tax burden among these counties. Safety, health, school, and water data are not available.
5 / 5
Best for ultra-budget-conscious households
Washington County suits retirees and very modest-income families seeking the absolute lowest cost of living in North Carolina. If you're living on a minimal income or fixed pension and need maximum housing affordability, Washington is your match.
Washington County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 38 points, confirming strong livability relative to U.S. peers. This advantage rests primarily on exceptional housing affordability.
Slightly below state average overall
Washington scores 69.3 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, ranking it fifth among the eight counties profiled. The county remains solidly livable despite modest underperformance relative to state norms.
Exceptional housing affordability
Washington's cost score of 82.8 is among the highest, with a median home value of just $107,000 and rent at $829/month—the lowest housing prices across all eight counties. These prices stretch modest incomes furthest.
Income and tax burden need improvement
The income score of 10.7 reflects the county's lowest median household income at $41,750, while the tax score of 70.7 and effective rate of 1.123% represent the highest tax burden among these counties. Safety, health, school, and water data are not available.
Best for ultra-budget-conscious households
Washington County suits retirees and very modest-income families seeking the absolute lowest cost of living in North Carolina. If you're living on a minimal income or fixed pension and need maximum housing affordability, Washington is your match.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.123% dramatically exceeds the national median of 0.712%—nearly 58% higher—making it among the nation's most tax-burdened counties. Despite the low median home value of $107,000, the $1,202 annual property tax reflects one of the region's steepest rates.
Washington far exceeds state average
At 1.123%, Washington's effective rate towers 60% above North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it the state's most heavily taxed county in this comparison. The median property tax of $1,202 approaches the state median of $1,433 despite far lower home valuations, illustrating the county's exceptional rate burden.
Washington leads region in tax burden
Washington's 1.123% rate stands dramatically higher than all regional peers, exceeding Tyrrell (0.891%) by 26% and dwarfing Watauga (0.415%) by more than 2.5 times. For property owners, Washington represents the region's steepest tax environment.
A $107,000 home costs $1,202 yearly
The typical Washington homeowner with a median-valued home of $107,000 pays approximately $1,202 in annual property taxes at the county's notably steep 1.123% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,363 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $973.
Appeals could offset high rate burden
Given Washington County's exceptionally high tax rate, homeowners should prioritize assessment reviews to ensure valuations are defensible and current. Successful appeals can provide meaningful relief, especially important in a county with such elevated rates.
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest in this comparison and far exceeds national norms, despite modest absolute rents of $829. The median income of $41,750 stands 44% below the national average, creating the tightest housing affordability squeeze in this analysis.
Most Strained Affordability in NC Analysis
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% average, ranking as the least affordable county in this group. The combination of low wages and relatively high rents creates substantial financial pressure on area residents.
Hardest Hit by Housing-Income Mismatch
Washington's $829 rent isn't the highest in the region, but its $41,750 median income is the lowest, creating the worst affordability ratio of any county here. This rural area faces the steepest housing-to-wage challenge across Eastern North Carolina.
Nearly One-Quarter of Income to Rent
Washington renters spend $829 monthly (23.8% of income) while homeowners pay $702 (20.2%), both well above sustainable affordability levels. Even homeownership provides little relief in an economy where median wages severely lag housing costs.
Washington Demands External Income Support
Washington County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this analysis, signaling serious affordability challenges even for modest absolute housing costs. Consider this county only if you have family support, remote employment above area wages, or pension income supplementing local opportunities.
Washington County's median household income of $41,750 is 44% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's lowest-income counties. Economic stagnation and limited employment opportunities plague this rural northeastern region.
North Carolina's lowest income county
Washington ranks dead last among North Carolina's 100 counties at $41,750, earning 32% less than the state average of $61,072. The county struggles with population decline and limited economic diversification.
Poorest of the poor
Washington's $41,750 edges below only Tyrrell County ($43,952) in the region, reflecting shared economic hardship in rural Coastal North Carolina. Nearby Vance and Warren counties all hover in the $45,000-$47,000 range.
Housing costs strain residents
Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% is among the highest in the state, meaning renters face real affordability pressure despite low absolute housing costs. A median home value of $107,000 is the lowest in this county group, but remains challenging for below-median earners.
Seek support and opportunity
Washington County households should explore state and federal assistance programs, workforce development initiatives, and community development organizations. Even incremental income growth through skills training or relocation for employment can meaningfully improve long-term financial security.
Washington County residents live 71.2 years, 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 73.4 and 3.2 years below North Carolina's 74.4 years. One in four residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, the second-highest rate among the eight counties profiled. Washington faces significant health headwinds with both early mortality and chronic disease burden.
NC's third-worst health outcomes
Washington's 71.2-year life expectancy ranks third from the bottom in North Carolina, trailing the state average by 3.2 years. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate reflects widespread chronic disease, limited preventive care, and underlying health disparities. Washington ranks among North Carolina's most health-challenged counties.
Limited workforce in rural northeast
Washington's 46 primary care providers and 103 mental health providers per 100,000 residents exceed only Warren's skeletal infrastructure but fall short of healthier counties like Union (69 primary care, 147 mental health) and Watauga (79 primary care, 524 mental health). Rural location and workforce shortages limit care options. Geographic isolation compounds the county's health challenges.
Nearly universal insurance, sparse care
Washington's 12.2% uninsured rate is actually slightly better than North Carolina's 12.5% average, one of the profile's better insurance outcomes. Yet with only 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, insurance alone cannot bridge the access gap—residents lack nearby doctors to visit even with coverage. Insurance and provider access must move together.
Secure coverage and advocate for care
With 12.2% uninsured, most Washington residents have coverage, but if you're in the gap, check healthcare.gov for Medicaid and Marketplace options. Beyond coverage, your county needs investment in primary care infrastructure—contact local health officials to advocate for provider recruitment. Coverage is necessary but not sufficient without doctors nearby.
Washington County's composite risk score of 59.64 qualifies as Relatively Low, remaining below the national average of around 65. The county's overall exposure to natural disasters is more manageable than most U.S. counties.
Lower-risk county in North Carolina
Washington's 59.64 score falls below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it among the state's safer counties. The county performs better than most on composite risk despite coastal exposure.
Comparable to Tyrrell but riskier overall
Washington (59.64) scores slightly higher than Tyrrell County (46.02) but lower than Watauga (71.85). Its position on North Carolina's northeastern coast balances hurricane exposure with distance from major tornado corridors.
Hurricanes pose greatest threat
Hurricane risk scores 93.78, making it Washington's dominant hazard concern and reflecting its coastal location. Wildfire and flood risks both reach moderate levels at 47.23 and 47.20 respectively, while earthquakes remain relatively low at 36.74.
Prepare for coastal storm impacts
Washington residents need comprehensive hurricane preparedness including shutters, reinforced roof structures, and evacuation plans. Flood insurance is essential in this coastal county where storm surge and heavy rainfall compound risk during landfalling hurricanes.