CountyScore

Washington County

Nebraska · NE

#71 in Nebraska
69
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Nebraska

Washington County outpaces national median

With a composite score of 69.0, Washington County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper two-thirds of all U.S. counties. This 38% advantage over the median reflects a county where cost of living, health outcomes, and risk resilience combine to create a solid overall livability profile.

Slightly below Nebraska's average performance

Washington County scores 69.0 compared to Nebraska's state average of 71.2, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The 2.2-point gap suggests this county performs at the state standard, without the distinct advantages or challenges of standout performers.

Health outcomes lead the way

Washington County excels in health with a score of 82.7, positioning residents well for medical access and outcomes. The county also performs strongly on risk management (74.5) and housing affordability (70.3), with median home values of $278,300 and monthly rents averaging $958.

Income growth lags behind peers

The income score of 42.3 is the county's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $90,188 that trails wealthier Nebraska counties. This suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities or career advancement paths compared to state leaders, though the effective tax rate of 1.475% provides some financial relief.

A balanced choice for families prioritizing health

Washington County suits families and retirees seeking a livable, stable community with strong healthcare infrastructure and moderate housing costs, though not the highest incomes. It's an appealing middle ground—solid on fundamentals, without extreme trade-offs in any direction.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.8Cost70.3SafetyComing SoonHealth82.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome42.3Risk74.5WaterComing Soon
🏛60.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.5
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

Murray County
Georgia
69
Median income: $67,880
Treutlen County
Georgia
69
Median income: $43,750
Johnson County
Illinois
69
Median income: $65,203
Boone County
Indiana
69
Median income: $104,865
Grant County
Kansas
69
Median income: $72,484

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 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

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

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

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.