countyscore
50.1
County Score
Safety 81.9Health 80.2Income & Jobs 69.9

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.

204060801002.625.481.980.259.969.943.417.251.1Tax2.6Cost25.4Safety81.9Health80.2Schools59.9Income69.9Risk43.4Water17.2Weather51.150.1/100
This county
National avg
3 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 (80.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.6-49.4
Cost
25.4-22.6
Safety
81.9+26.900000000000006
Health
80.2+30.200000000000003
Schools
59.9
Income
69.9+18.900000000000006
Risk
43.4
Water
17.2-40.8
Weather
51.1
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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$196,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,033/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$196,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,495/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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50

Nearby counties

Warren County
New York
46
Rutland County
Vermont
36.7
Saratoga County
New York
50.9
Bennington County
Vermont
33.9
Windsor County
Vermont
42.6
Addison County
Vermont
54.4
Rensselaer County
New York
40.1
Windham County
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34.4

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 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

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

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 50.1 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 $3,946, with an effective tax rate of 2.01%. 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 $73,495 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, New York a good place to live?
Washington County scores 50.1/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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