countyscore
55.8
County Score
Health 94Income & Jobs 92.6Lawn 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.

2040608010015.124.470.89469.292.674.531.849Tax15.1Cost24.4Safety70.8Health94Schools69.2Income92.6Risk74.5Water31.8Weather4955.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Washington County DNA

Foverall

How Washington County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Washington County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (94/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (15.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.1-36.9
Cost
24.4-23.6
Safety
70.8+15.799999999999997
Health
94+44
Schools
69.2+15.200000000000003
Income
92.6+41.599999999999994
Risk
74.5+27.5
Water
31.8-26.2
Weather
49
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Washington County?

Many homeowners in Washington County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$297,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$965/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$297,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $94,396/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 55.8 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 $4,142, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Nebraska is $94,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Washington County scores 55.8/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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