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Washington County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#91 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.3
County Score
Soil Quality 62.4Cost of Living 62Weather & Climate 61.5

County Report Card

About Washington County, North Carolina

Below the National Median

Washington County earns a composite score of 33.3, trailing the national median of 50.0 significantly. It reflects the economic difficulties found in many small rural counties.

Significant State-Level Gaps

The county's 33.3 score is over 11 points below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It ranks among the most challenged counties in the state for livability.

Very Low Housing Barrier

The cost score of 62.0 is the county's primary asset, with a median home value of just $107,000. This makes homeownership possible for those with limited capital.

Tax and Income Pressure

A low tax score of 29.7 is driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.123%. Combined with a low income score of 4.0, residents face a tight financial environment.

Best for Direct Property Ownership

This county suits buyers looking for the lowest possible property prices in North Carolina. It works best for those with stable outside income who can manage the higher local tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax29.7Cost62Safety21.9Health19.9Schools27.7Income4Risk40.4Water42.6Weather61.5
🏛29.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.9
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

Chowan County
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Perquimans County
North Carolina
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Tyrrell County
North Carolina
55
Bertie County
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Martin 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 has the highest regional tax rate

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington's Rent Burden Peaks in Region

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington faces steep income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Safety Near National Average

Washington County holds a safety score of 96.8, showing a solid level of public security. Its total crime rate of 2,008.8 per 100,000 people is comfortably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This suggests that the county is safer than many other regions across the United States.

Perfectly Aligned with North Carolina Averages

The county's safety score of 96.8 exactly matches the North Carolina state average. Similarly, its total crime rate of 2,008.8 is nearly identical to the statewide average of 2,050.0. Three law enforcement agencies work together to keep the county's safety metrics on par with the rest of the state.

Comparing Safety on the Inner Banks

Washington County's crime rate of 2,008.8 is higher than that of its neighbor, Tyrrell County, which reports a rate of 1,593.4. While Washington is safe by national standards, it experiences more local crime than some of its less populated neighbors. Residents should be aware of these regional variances when assessing their security.

Violent Crime Challenges and Property Success

Property crime in Washington County is low at 1,520.2, well under the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 488.6 exceeds the national benchmark of 369.8. These figures indicate that while homes are relatively safe from theft, personal safety is a higher priority for local police.

Practical Safety Steps for Homeowners

Because property crime is lower than the national average, basic security measures are often very effective here. Ensuring that all entry points are secure and using smart doorbells can prevent opportunistic crimes. Awareness of your surroundings and knowing your neighbors are the best defenses in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County falls behind nationwide

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Schools for Washington County

Washington County features a compact education system with 6 public schools and a total enrollment of 1,338 students. The network includes 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools split between 2 districts. This small footprint allows for a highly localized approach to public education.

Spending Benchmarks and Graduation Trends

The county spends $7,103 per pupil, slightly exceeding the North Carolina state average of $6,969. The graduation rate currently stands at 82.0%, which is below the state's 88.0% average but reflects a focused effort on student completion. The county's composite school score is 49.5, very close to the national median of 50.0.

Traditional Districts and Innovative Charters

Washington County Schools serves the majority of the area with 1,104 students across 5 schools. The county also offers a charter option through Pocosin Innovative Charter, which serves 234 students. This charter school represents 16.7% of the local educational landscape.

Purely Rural Academic Environments

All 6 schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a peaceful and consistent setting for learners. The average school size is 223 students, with Pines Elementary being the largest at 424. The smallest campus, Creswell Elementary, serves just 119 students, ensuring highly personalized attention.

Find Your Home in a Rural School District

Washington County offers a unique opportunity for families looking for small, rural schools with direct community ties. If you value a high teacher-to-student ratio and a quiet setting, this county is worth exploring. Look for homes near Pines Elementary or Pocosin Innovative Charter to start your journey.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington maintains below-average risk status

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

A Distinctly Warm Coastal Plain Climate

Washington County averages 62.1°F annually, which is significantly higher than the median temperature across the United States. This reflects its low-lying position and proximity to the Atlantic and regional sounds.

Among the Warmer Counties in North Carolina

At 62.1°F, Washington County is notably warmer than the state average of 59.3°F. Its 54.6 inches of annual rainfall also exceeds the state average of 51.5 inches, indicating a wetter-than-average environment.

Balancing Warmth and High Precipitation

The county's July average of 79.8°F matches the warmest parts of the Piedmont, but with more annual rain at 54.6 inches. It experiences 44 extreme heat days, a common figure for the eastern North Carolina plains.

Humid Summers and Soft Winters

Summer temperatures average 78.2°F, supported by 44 days of 90°F+ heat. Winters are quite mild with a 45.6°F average, and snowfall is rare, totaling only 1.4 inches per year.

Prepare for High Humidity and Rain

The combination of 44 extreme heat days and 54.6 inches of rain requires durable exterior materials and efficient dehumidification. Snow is rarely a concern, but the high July average makes summer cooling the primary utility expense.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Coastal Peats

Washington County has a very low average pH of 4.62, much more acidic than the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This extreme acidity is typical of coastal wetlands where organic acids accumulate over centuries. It creates a specialized chemical environment that requires specific management for traditional farming.

Light and Silty Texture

The soil consists of 45.2% sand and 25.6% silt, with a low clay content of 10.3%. This texture is relatively light and porous, though the high organic content often masks the gritty feel of the sand. It is a unique physical profile that stays soft and workable throughout the year.

A Powerhouse of Organic Matter

Boasting a massive 18.48% organic matter, Washington County far exceeds the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 5.12%. This drives a high Available Water Capacity of 0.206 in/in and a soil score of 62.4. This is some of the most nutrient-capable soil in North Carolina, provided the acidity is managed.

Water Management in the Lowlands

Specific drainage and hydrologic classes are not listed, but the extremely high organic matter indicates a soil that holds water like a sponge. In this coastal environment, managing the water table is often more important than worrying about irrigation. High water capacity can lead to saturation, so proper field drainage is a common local practice.

Bounty in Hardiness Zone 8a

Washington County's Zone 8a climate and rich soil are a dream for blueberries, azaleas, and camellias. The abundance of organic matter provides a natural fertilizer bank that most gardeners can only dream of. Tap into this coastal fertility and watch your garden grow with incredible vigor.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Environment for Coastal Turf

Washington County has a lawn difficulty score of 22.9, representing one of the toughest lawn care environments in North Carolina. Its Zone 8a classification comes with unique soil and moisture hurdles that require a dedicated maintenance plan.

Heavy Rainfall and High Growing Potential

The county receives 54.6 inches of rain annually, which can create oversaturation and disease pressure for many grass types. With 5,186 growing degree days and 44 extreme heat days, growth is rapid and requires frequent mowing.

Very Acidic Soil Needs Correction

The soil pH of 4.62 is much lower than the 6.0-7.0 range needed for healthy grass. With 45.2% sand and limited drainage data, substantial lime applications are necessary to unlock the nutrients trapped in the acidic soil.

Long-Term Drought Stress Risks

Washington County has spent a staggering 40 weeks in drought over the last year, with nearly 48% of the area in severe conditions. Deep watering practices are vital during these extended dry spells to protect root systems.

Select Heat-Tolerant Varieties Now

Centipede or Carpetgrass are often chosen for these conditions due to their tolerance for acidic, wet soils. Begin your planting after March 31st to ensure your new lawn avoids the final spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 33.3 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 North Carolina?
Washington County ranks #91 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,202, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 29.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, North Carolina is $41,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Washington County scores 33.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in North Carolina. 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.

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