countyscore
50.2
County Score
Safety 81.9Health 80.2Income & Jobs 72

County Report Card

About Washington County, New York

Matching the National Average

Washington County matches the national pace with a composite score of 50.2. This performance suggests a quality of life that aligns well with the typical American experience.

Outperforming the State Average

With a score of 50.2, the county exceeds the New York state average of 47.0. It stands out as a more balanced option compared to many of its state peers.

Exceptional Safety and Community Health

The county excels in safety with a high score of 81.9 and maintains strong health outcomes at 80.2. These factors provide a secure foundation for its residents.

Tax Burdens and Water Infrastructure

The tax score is very low at 2.6, driven by a 2.082% effective tax rate. Additionally, the water score of 17.2 indicates a need for infrastructure investment.

Reliable Security for Local Families

Washington County is a top choice for families who value safety and public health above all else. It rewards those seeking a stable, secure community in upstate New York.

Score breakdown

Tax2.6Cost25.4Safety81.9Health80.2Schools59.9Income72Risk43.4Water17.2Weather51.1
🏛2.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.1
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

Warren County
New York
46
Rutland County
Vermont
36.3
Saratoga County
New York
50.6
Bennington County
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33.9
Windsor County
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Addison County
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Rensselaer 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 taxes slightly above national

Washington County's effective tax rate of 2.082% exceeds the national median but nearly matches New York's state average of 2.046%. At $3,852 in median property taxes, the county sits above the national median of $2,690, despite having homes worth less than the national average.

Upper-middle tier in New York

Washington County ranks in the upper-middle range among New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates, meaning residents carry a heavier burden than half the state. Its median tax of $3,852 exceeds the state average of $4,709 by a modest margin.

Higher rates than nearby Warren County

Washington County's 2.082% rate runs 0.55 percentage points higher than neighboring Warren County (1.530%) and trails Wayne County (2.551%). The gap costs homeowners roughly $60 more annually compared to Warren on equivalent home values.

Median home costs $3,852 yearly

On Washington County's median home value of $185,000, expect to pay about $3,852 in annual property taxes—or roughly $4,112 with mortgage escrow included. That's approximately $321-343 per month depending on your loan situation.

Assessment appeals can lower your bill

Overassessment is common in Washington County, where many properties are valued above current market rates. You can file a free appeal with your local assessor within specified deadlines—even successful appeals typically reduce annual taxes by $200-500.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington Renters Spend Less Than U.S. Average

Washington County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national median, meaning renters here dedicate less of their earnings to housing than typical Americans. Though median household income of $72,342 trails the national average by about $2,400, affordable rents of just $1,000 monthly keep housing within reach.

New York's Most Affordable Major County

Among New York's populated counties, Washington ranks near the top for affordability with a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 17.6%. At $1,000 per month, rent runs $133 cheaper than New York's typical, making Washington one of the state's best values for renters.

Middle Ground Between Rural and Urban

Washington's $1,000 rent positions it between the cheaper Southern Tier counties (Wyoming at $782, Yates at $802) and pricier Warren County ($1,089) to the north. Westchester County's stratospheric $1,876 rent illustrates the stark urban-rural divide just two hours south.

Renters Win; Owners Pay More Premium

Renters enjoy a particularly good deal at $1,000 monthly against the $72,342 median income, but owners pay a steeper $1,114 monthly cost. For renters specifically, Washington delivers exceptional value in the eastern Hudson Valley region.

Washington: Rural Comfort at Smart Prices

If you're relocating to upstate New York and prioritize affordability, Washington County's $1,000 rent and 16.6% ratio among the lowest in the state deserve serious consideration. With a median home value of $185,000 and strong regional character, Washington punches above its weight for value-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington slightly trails national income

Washington County's median household income of $72,342 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by $2,413, placing it just below the national midpoint. The county ranks in the lower-middle nationally, though it remains economically resilient with diverse employment in agriculture, retail, and services.

Middle-of-the-pack in New York State

Washington County ranks 28th among New York's 62 counties with a median household income of $72,342, falling below the state average of $76,433 by $4,091. The county sits roughly at the state median, neither among the state's richest nor poorest regions.

Neighboring Warren and Wayne earn more

Washington's $72,342 income lags Warren County by $5,897 and Wayne County by $1,572. The county represents the lower-income anchor of the region, though its affordable housing market (median home value $185,000) partially offsets lower earnings.

Rent burden is light, housing affordable

Washington households allocate just 16.6% of income to rent, tracking below the 30% affordability ceiling and matching Warren County's favorable ratio. Median home values of $185,000 remain accessible for median-income families, making Washington an affordable option for first-time homebuyers.

Strategic saving bridges the income gap

Though Washington earns slightly below national averages, its low housing burden (16.6% rent-to-income ratio) creates space for disciplined saving and investment. Prioritize employer retirement plans, automatic savings accounts, and exploring tax-advantaged vehicles to build wealth despite more modest baseline earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County is a national leader in safety

Washington County boasts an elite safety score of 99.3. Its total crime rate of 433.8 per 100,000 is one of the lowest in the country, roughly five times lower than the national average.

One of the safest counties in New York

Washington's 99.3 safety score far exceeds the New York state average of 98.3. Its crime rate of 433.8 is less than half of the state average of 1,074.4.

The safest option in the region

Washington County is significantly safer than neighboring Warren County, which has a crime rate of 1,026.1. It provides a peaceful alternative to the busier Adirondack transition zones.

Incredibly low property crime numbers

Violent crime stands at 91.3, which is below the state average of 125.0. Property crime is remarkably low at 342.5, making it one of the most secure counties for homeowners.

Maintaining peace in Washington County

Six reporting agencies maintain this high level of safety across the county. Residents can keep these numbers low by remaining active in their communities and reporting any suspicious activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County life expectancy below national average

At 76.6 years, Washington County residents live nearly 1.5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, indicating room for health improvement. The county's 14.9% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than national trends, suggesting opportunity to extend lifespans through targeted interventions.

Washington lags New York State average

Washington County's 76.6-year life expectancy falls below New York State's 77.9-year average, positioning the county in the lower tier of state health outcomes. This 1.3-year gap signals the need for strengthened healthcare access and prevention efforts.

Among the shortest-lived in its region

Washington residents live shorter lives than Warren County (78.1 years) and Wyoming County (78.2 years), reflecting limited healthcare infrastructure. With just 36 primary care providers per 100,000 people—the lowest among neighbors—access challenges likely contribute to the gap.

Provider shortage strains healthcare access

Washington's 36 primary care providers per 100,000 fall far short of Warren's 111, making it harder for residents to access routine care. At 5.4% uninsured, the county's coverage rate matches state average, but sparse providers mean even insured residents struggle to secure appointments.

Washington residents: secure insurance today

With limited primary care availability, health insurance is critical for accessing the providers Washington does have. Head to healthcare.gov or NY's marketplace to enroll and ensure you're connected to available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Focused Rural Education

Washington County supports 25 public schools across 12 distinct districts, serving a total student population of 8,122. The system is well-distributed with 11 elementary schools and nine high schools, alongside one dedicated special education facility. This structure emphasizes local control and community-centric learning across the region.

Steady Growth and Targeted Investment

With a 84.4% graduation rate, Washington County performs nearly on par with the New York state average of 85.3%. The county spends $13,688 per student, surpassing the national average of $13,000 to ensure classrooms are properly resourced. Its composite school score of 65.0 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid academic health.

Spotlight on Hudson Falls and Granville

The Hudson Falls Central School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 2,176 students across five schools. Granville Central School District follows with 1,010 students, while smaller districts like Argyle serve fewer than 500 children. Traditional public districts manage 100% of the county's education, as no charter schools currently operate in the area.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Education here is defined by its rural character, with 14 of the 25 schools located in rural locales. Average school size is just 325 students, ensuring that even the largest facility—Hudson Falls High School with 694 students—maintains a close-knit feel. Families can expect a quiet, personal learning environment where teachers and students are likely to know one another well.

Your Future in a School-Centric Community

Washington County is an ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing educational quality. Proximity to well-funded schools in Hudson Falls or Greenwich is a major draw for regional homebuyers. Consider how these local districts can provide the right environment for your family's next chapter.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County well below national average

With a composite risk score of 56.62, Washington County ranks as relatively low risk—substantially safer than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position reflects a county where multiple hazards exist but none reach critical levels, making it one of New York's better-protected communities.

Among New York's safest counties

Washington County's 56.62 score falls significantly below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it well above the median in terms of safety. Within the state's 62 counties, Washington ranks firmly in the lower-risk tier, benefiting from geographic and demographic factors that reduce overall disaster exposure.

Comparable to Warren, far safer than Westchester

Washington County (56.62) is nearly identical in risk to nearby Wayne County (56.27) but far safer than Westchester County (96.18) to the south. This pattern shows how regional variation in hazards—particularly earthquake and flood exposure—creates distinct risk profiles across upstate New York.

Hurricanes and floods pose greatest threats

Hurricane risk (72.72) and flood risk (70.74) dominate Washington County's hazard profile, both well above the county's overall average score. Tornado risk (43.73) presents a secondary concern, while earthquake and wildfire threats remain relatively contained.

Flood and wind coverage essential

Washington County residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure their homeowners policy includes robust wind and hurricane coverage. Given the county's water-related and storm-driven risks, these two protection layers address over 70% of your disaster vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Northern Continental Climate

Washington County averages 47.9°F annually, staying cooler than the national median but warmer than its mountain neighbors. This area experiences distinct seasons with clear, sharp transitions.

Slightly Warmer Than State Average

Washington’s average temp of 47.9°F is slightly higher than the state average of 47.4°F. Its precipitation levels are nearly identical to the state norm, totaling 42.5 inches per year.

Higher Heat Frequency Than Neighbors

Washington County records 12 days per year over 90°F, which is higher than many surrounding counties in the Upper Hudson Valley. This makes its summer peaks feel more intense than neighboring areas.

Hot Summers and Chilly Winters

July averages a warm 72.4°F, while January drops to 21.2°F. While specific snowfall data is limited for this county, its winter average of 24.1°F ensures consistent freezing conditions for several months.

Prepare for Summer Heat Peaks

With 12 extreme heat days, efficient cooling systems are a priority for the summer months. Winter preparation should focus on sealing homes against the 21.2°F average January temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly Acidic and Balanced Soil Identity

Washington County reports an average soil pH of 5.48, which is slightly less acidic than the New York state average of 5.11. Although it remains below the national median of 6.5, this pH level is favorable for a wider variety of traditional crops. The soil presents a stable chemical environment for local agriculture and diverse forest growth.

A Balanced Mix of Silt and Sand

The soil is a balanced blend of 41.7% silt and 39.0% sand, providing a versatile texture for farming. Clay content sits at 15.3%, offering enough density to hold nutrients without becoming overly compacted or difficult to till. This mix creates a soil that is both workable and capable of supporting complex root systems.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter content is 9.00%, which falls below the high state average of 17.01% but remains well above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.172 in/in, aligning closely with the state average of 0.182 in/in. This indicates a reliable growing potential that responds well to seasonal rain cycles.

Reliable Moisture Management for Growers

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable, but the balanced silt-sand ratio suggests moderate drainage speeds. With an available water capacity near the state average, the soil effectively buffers against brief dry spells. Farmers can expect predictable moisture behavior for most field crops and garden beds.

Success in Hardiness Zone 5a

In Zone 5a, Washington County gardeners can find great success with cool-weather vegetables like kale, peas, and hardy orchard fruits. The balanced soil composition is particularly welcoming to apple trees and diverse forage crops. Your land offers a solid foundation for a productive and sustainable home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Thriving in a High-Score Region

Washington County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 69.1, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 61.1. This Zone 5a region offers a more forgiving environment for green-thumbed residents than many other New York counties.

Standard Precipitation and Steady Growth

The county receives 42.5 inches of annual rain, which is very close to the state average of 43.3 inches. With 2,765 growing degree days, the mowing season is more active here than in the high Adirondacks, though 12 extreme heat days may cause summer stress.

A Balanced Foundation with Low pH

Soil pH averages 5.48, which is slightly below the ideal 6.0 threshold and requires moderate lime treatment. The soil mix of 15.3% clay and 39.0% sand provides a stable structure that retains moisture better than the sandier counties to the west.

Consistent Moisture and Low Risk

Only 13.0% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and residents saw just 11 weeks of drought conditions in the last year. This consistency makes Washington County one of the most drought-resilient areas in the state for lawn maintenance.

Optimal Seeding for Zone 5a

The best time to seed is following the last spring frost on April 30. Cold-tolerant blends like Perennial Ryegrass work well here, provided they have until October 12 to harden off before the first freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, New York has a composite county score of 50.2 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 New York?
Washington County ranks #23 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $3,852, with an effective tax rate of 2.08%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 2.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, New York is $72,342 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 72/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, New York a good place to live?
Washington County scores 50.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in New York. 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.