countyscore
55.3
County Score
Health 94Income & Jobs 92.1Lawn Care 75.5

County Report Card

About Washington County, Nebraska

Washington County Outperforms National Median

Washington County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that ranks in the top half of all American counties.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

Despite its national standing, the county’s 55.3 score falls short of the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It faces stiff competition for livability within its own state borders.

Exceptional Health and High Incomes

The county excels in health and wealth, boasting a health score of 94.0 and an income score of 92.1. Median household incomes reach $90,188, providing significant financial stability for local families.

Tax Burdens and Infrastructure Hurdles

A low tax score of 13.9 reflects a high 1.475% effective tax rate, while a water score of 31.8 suggests infrastructure needs. Housing costs also remain a factor, with a cost score of 23.0 and home values averaging $278,300.

A Haven for High-Earning Professionals

This county is best suited for established professionals who prioritize health and high earnings over low tax rates. The $90,188 median income makes it a premier choice for those seeking prosperity in Nebraska.

Score breakdown

Tax13.9Cost23Safety70.8Health94Schools69.2Income92.1Risk74.5Water31.8Weather49
🏛13.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.5
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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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 run high nationally

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.475% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in roughly the 70th percentile for property tax burden across U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $4,106—53% higher than the national median of $2,690—despite a median home value nearly identical to the national average.

Among Nebraska's highest taxing counties

Washington County ranks in the top 15% of Nebraska counties by effective tax rate at 1.475%, well above the state average of 1.281%. Its median property tax of $4,106 is more than double the state median of $1,972, making it one of the most expensive counties in Nebraska for homeowners.

Washington County stands out regionally

Washington County's 1.475% rate significantly outpaces neighboring Wheeler County (0.912%) and Wayne County (1.194%), though it aligns more closely with Webster County (1.439%). Among this five-county cluster, only Webster County approaches Washington's tax burden.

Expect $4,106 in annual property taxes

A homeowner with a $278,300 median-valued property in Washington County pays approximately $4,106 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $4,132; without a mortgage, it drops to $4,044—a difference driven by assessment methodology.

Assessment appeal could lower your bill

Many Washington County homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable properties, and filing a property tax appeal is free and often successful. Given the county's elevated rates, even modest assessment reductions can yield significant annual savings for residential property owners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County rents beat national affordability

At 12.8%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $90,188—well above the national median of $74,755—residents enjoy stronger purchasing power for both renting and buying.

Best rental affordability in Nebraska

Washington County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties for renters, with a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 14.2%. The county's median rent of $958 is higher than Nebraska's average of $783, but incomes are strong enough to make it work.

Pricier than neighbors, stronger incomes

Washington County's median rent of $958 runs $175 higher than Wayne County and $285 more than Wheeler County, though it's offset by the county's substantially higher median income of $90,188. Among nearby rural counties, Washington stands out as the most affluent, justifying its higher housing costs.

Housing costs and income breakdown

Renters spend about $958 monthly while homeowners pay $1,363, consuming 12.8% and 18.1% of median income respectively. The median home value of $278,300 reflects a stable, moderately priced housing market where both renters and owners spend reasonable portions of their earnings on shelter.

Consider Washington for stability

If you're seeking a Nebraska county with strong incomes, reasonable rents, and solid homeownership opportunities, Washington County delivers on all three fronts. The county's favorable rent-to-income ratio and above-average household income make it an attractive option for families or professionals relocating from more expensive regions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County Earns Well Above National Average

Washington County's median household income of $90,188 outpaces the national median by $15,433—a 20.6% advantage. This strong performance places the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for household earnings.

The Highest-Earning County in Nebraska

Washington County leads all Nebraska counties with a median household income 35% higher than the state average of $66,880. Per capita income of $46,114 also ranks first statewide, significantly exceeding Nebraska's average of $36,101.

Washington County Outpaces Regional Peers

Washington County's $90,188 median income towers over neighboring Wayne County ($67,687) and York County ($74,058). The $22,501 gap between Washington and Wayne represents the strongest earnings advantage in the region.

Strong Income Supports Home Ownership

With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.8%, Washington County residents spend well below the recommended 30% threshold on housing costs. The median home value of $278,300 remains comfortably affordable given the county's robust household earnings.

Build on Washington County's Economic Strength

Washington County's above-average incomes create an opportunity to invest for long-term wealth. Consider directing a portion of earnings toward retirement accounts, diverse investments, or homeownership to capitalize on the county's economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Washington County

Washington County reports a total crime rate of 694.3 per 100,000 residents, which is less than a third of the national average. The county earns an impressive safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Aligning with Nebraska Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.9 sits just a hair below the Nebraska state average of 99.0. While its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 626.7, it remains a secure regional leader.

Comparing Washington and Wayne Counties

Washington County’s total crime rate of 694.3 is slightly higher than neighboring Wayne County's rate of 639.1. Both counties remain significantly safer than the vast majority of communities across the United States.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

Property crime accounts for 608.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is very low at 86.2. Local residents face far fewer physical threats than the national average of 369.8 violent crimes.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Even in high-safety areas, smart preventative measures like locking doors and installing motion lights keep property crime low. Simple habits ensure Washington County remains a peaceful place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County lives longer than most

At 79.9 years, Washington County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Only 11.4% report poor or fair health, outperforming the national poor/fair health rate of 17%. This county is performing well above typical American health outcomes.

Life expectancy leads Nebraska

Washington County's 79.9-year life expectancy ranks among Nebraska's healthiest, beating the state average of 77.5 years by 2.4 years. The county's 11.4% poor/fair health rate also sits well below Nebraska's typical burden of chronic illness. Residents here enjoy some of the best health prospects in the state.

Outperforming surrounding counties

Washington County's life expectancy of 79.9 years significantly exceeds nearby Webster County (75.3 years) and Wayne County (82.5 years offers stronger performance). The county's 11.4% poor/fair health rate is lower than Webster's 16.4%, indicating a healthier population overall.

Access and coverage look solid here

Only 5.5% of Washington County residents lack health insurance, well below Nebraska's 8.1% state average. With 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 43 mental health providers per 100,000, the county maintains reasonable access to both physical and behavioral health services.

Keep your coverage strong

Even though Washington County's uninsured rate is low, 1 in 18 residents still lacks coverage—missing preventive care and risking medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore plans, subsidies, and coverage options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Three-District Network

Washington County operates 10 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,790 students. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools to support local families. This network provides a solid foundation for the county's growing student population.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county boasts an impressive 96.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 86.9% and the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,225 is lower than the state average of $10,521, the composite school score of 57.3 remains competitive. These figures suggest efficient educational delivery with high-achieving student outcomes.

Focusing on Blair Community Schools

Blair Community Schools is the county's largest district, managing six schools and educating 2,274 students. Other key contributors include Fort Calhoun Community Schools with 825 students and Arlington Public Schools with 691. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students enrolled in traditional public districts.

A Blend of Town and Country

The local educational environment is diverse, featuring six schools in town settings and four in rural locales. Schools maintain an average size of 379 students, ranging from the 710-student Blair High School to the 368-student Fort Calhoun Jr-Sr High. This mix offers families a choice between larger campus environments and more intimate rural settings.

Move Near Top-Tier Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Washington County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Consider exploring homes near Blair or Fort Calhoun to secure a place in these high-performing districts. School quality remains a vital factor in local property values and long-term community growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County's risk sits at national average

With a composite risk score of 25.51, Washington County ranks in the very low category and matches Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This means residents face natural disaster risks comparable to much of the nation, but with relatively modest overall exposure.

Middle of the pack for Nebraska

Washington County's risk profile places it near the center of Nebraska's county rankings, neither among the state's safest nor most hazard-prone areas. Its very low rating indicates the county benefits from its geographic position and climate patterns that limit several major hazard types.

Moderate risk compared to adjacent counties

Washington County's 25.51 score sits above nearby Wayne County (13.96) but below Webster County (55.47) and York County (52.26). The variation across neighboring counties reflects differences in tornado exposure, wildfire risk, and flood vulnerability based on topography and proximity to water features.

Wildfire and tornado threats lead here

Wildfire risk (82.09) is Washington County's dominant hazard—significantly higher than typical for the state and reflecting the county's grassland and vegetation patterns. Tornado risk scores 66.48, making spring and early summer severe weather events a real concern for residents and property owners.

Prepare for wind and fire damage

Washington County residents should prioritize homeowner's insurance that covers both tornado and hail damage, given the county's elevated wind-related hazards. Consider wildfire-resistant landscaping and roof materials if you're near grasslands, and maintain an emergency plan that includes severe weather sheltering.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

A humid and temperate border

Washington County has an annual average temperature of 49.8°F, placing it near the national median. It is one of the wettest areas in the region, receiving 33.4 inches of annual precipitation. This abundance of moisture supports a lush, productive environment.

Nebraska's standard for temperature

Washington County's 49.8°F average perfectly aligns with the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, it far exceeds the state's average rainfall by 7.5 inches. This makes it one of the most humid and rainfall-heavy counties in the entire state.

The wettest in the region

Compared to western Sioux County's 16.5 inches, Washington's 33.4 inches of rain is a stark contrast. It is also significantly more humid than central counties like Valley or Sherman. This high moisture level defines the county's local ecosystem and farming conditions.

Mild summers and cold winters

Summer heat is relatively moderate here, with only 20 days exceeding 90°F. While snowfall data is currently unavailable, January temperatures average 21.8°F, indicating cold winter conditions. The high annual precipitation suggests that winter likely brings frequent mixed-precipitation events.

Prioritize drainage and moisture control

With over 33 inches of rain, proper basement waterproofing and yard drainage are critical for homeowners. Cooling needs are lower than elsewhere in the state, as the county only sees 20 extreme heat days. Residents should still prepare for significant winter cold as January averages dip into the low 20s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Washington County

Washington County features a near-neutral pH of 6.75, which is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the chemical balance provides an ideal baseline for most regional crops.

High Silt Content Shapes the Land

The soil mix contains 55.2% silt and 26.5% clay, resulting in a fine-textured earth that holds nutrients well. With only 16.7% sand, this composition offers stability but requires careful management to avoid heavy compaction.

Efficient Water Retention and Moderate Matter

The organic matter level of 2.40% sits above the national average of 2.0% but trails the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.196 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, ensuring plants stay hydrated.

Steady Hydrology for Stable Growth

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this county, but the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate water retention. The overall soil score of 67.0 indicates a high-performing environment compared to the state average of 58.9.

Hardy Harvests in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b allows for a wide range of vegetables and grains to flourish in this productive soil. Given the high water capacity, your garden will be naturally resilient against the dry Nebraska summer stretches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Nebraska Greenery

Washington County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.5, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 54.2. This Hardiness Zone 5b area enjoys a much more favorable environment than the national median score of 50.0.

Perfect Precipitation and Moderate Heat

The county receives 33.4 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. With only 20 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 34, your lawn faces less scorch risk and fewer watering demands.

Naturally Balanced Growing Soil

Soil pH here is a near-perfect 6.75, sitting right in the middle of the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. While drainage class data is limited, the 26.5% clay content provides a stable foundation that holds onto nutrients well.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

The county spent 12 weeks in drought over the past year, which is relatively low for the region. While 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, the absence of severe drought makes maintenance manageable through routine irrigation.

Maximize the Spring Planting Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this 5b zone once the last frost passes around April 22. With 3,248 growing degree days, your lawn has plenty of warmth to establish strong roots before the October 17 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Nebraska?
Washington County ranks #68 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $4,106, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Nebraska is $90,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 92.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Washington County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Nebraska. 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.