49.9
County Score
Lawn Care 75.6Water Quality 62.6Cost of Living 60.2

County Report Card

About Washington County, Ohio

Perfectly Aligned with National Medians

Washington County's composite score of 49.9 is effectively tied with the national median of 50.0. It represents the archetypal American county in terms of overall livability.

Outperforming the Ohio Average Score

With a score of 49.9, Washington County sits above the Ohio state average of 48.6. It offers a balanced profile that exceeds many of its peers across the Buckeye State.

Clean Water and Housing Value

The county features a strong water score of 62.6 and a cost score of 60.2. Median home values of $174,100 make it an accessible option for first-time buyers.

Environmental Risks Require Attention

A risk score of 35.6 indicates higher vulnerability to natural events compared to the state average. Moderate scores in income and health suggest a need for continued economic development.

Solid Reliability for Middle-Class Families

Washington County is ideal for those seeking a steady, middle-of-the-road lifestyle with high water quality. It suits families who want a balance between affordability and essential services.

2040608010041.360.249.149.347.943.335.662.660Tax41.3Cost60.2Safety49.1Health49.3Schools47.9Income43.3Risk35.6Water62.6Weather6049.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Washington County DNA

Foverall

How Washington County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Washington County tracks close to the national average across most dimensions, with a slight edge in Cost of Living (60.2/100) and room for improvement in Disaster Risk (35.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.3-10.700000000000003
Cost
60.2+12.200000000000003
Safety
49.1
Health
49.3
Schools
47.9
Income
43.3
Risk
35.6-11.399999999999999
Water
62.6
Weather
60
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

$174,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$828/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,355/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.9

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 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Washington County

via TaxByCounty

Washington County offers low national standing

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.956% ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 1.09%. With a median annual property tax of $1,665 against a national median of $2,690, Washington homeowners enjoy genuine tax relief compared to most American counties. This southeast Ohio county punches above its weight in affordability.

Among Ohio's lowest-taxed counties

At 0.956%, Washington County's effective rate is 17% below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, and the median tax of $1,665 trails the state median by $480. Washington ranks consistently in Ohio's bottom quartile for tax burden, offering clear advantages for cost-conscious residents.

Second-lowest rate in the southeast region

Washington's 0.956% rate nearly matches Wyandot County's 0.888%, the state's lowest, while substantially undercutting Vinton County (1.087%). Among Ohio's Appalachian and borderland counties, Washington offers some of the state's best tax value.

Median home brings $1,665 annual tax bill

On Washington's median home value of $174,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,665 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,716 yearly; those without, roughly $1,608. Washington's relatively modest tax burden makes homeownership more affordable for most buyers.

Still room to challenge high assessments

Even in low-tax counties, some properties are overvalued by the assessor relative to recent market sales. Washington County homeowners who believe they're paying more than their fair share can appeal their assessment through the county auditor. Given the county's moderate tax levels, successful appeals may yield smaller dollar savings, but they're still worthwhile if the valuation is genuinely inflated.

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County slightly outpaces national squeeze

At 16.2% of household income devoted to rent, Washington County sits just above Ohio's state average of 15.6% but still below the 30% affordability ceiling. Residents earning $61,355 manage $828 monthly rent, though the ratio creeps closer to affordability strain than neighbors.

Mid-pack affordability in eastern Ohio

Washington County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly tighter than Ohio's 15.6% average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. At $828 monthly rent—$45 above the state median—this southeast county feels the pinch more acutely than its northwest counterparts.

Pricier than most, but modest compared to Warren

Washington's $828 rent exceeds Van Wert ($792) and Vinton ($663) but remains far below Warren's $1,293, positioning it as moderate within this region. Home values of $174,100 reflect this middle-ground status between affordable rural counties and premium southwestern markets.

Tighter squeeze on modest incomes

Households earning $61,355 annually spend $828 on rent or $734 on mortgage payments, dedicating 16.2% to housing—the highest ratio in this comparison. This leaves somewhat less discretionary income than counties like Van Wert or Wyandot, making housing costs feel more consequential.

Washington works if incomes stay steady

Relocating to Washington County requires careful budget planning; its 16.2% housing ratio offers less cushion than other options here. Compare your current housing burden against 16.2%—you may find the trade-off worth it for Ohio's scenic Appalachian region.

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington trails national income standard

Washington County's median household income of $61,355 falls $13,400 short of the national median of $74,755. This 18% gap reflects rural Appalachian economic conditions common across southeast Ohio.

Below state average for Ohio

At $61,355, Washington County earns 10% less than Ohio's $68,101 state average. The county ranks in Ohio's lower-income tier, facing economic headwinds typical of the region.

Mid-range in regional landscape

Washington County's $61,355 sits between Vinton County ($53,813) and Wyandot County ($71,878), positioning it as a middle-income county in its southeast Ohio region. Nearby Warren County's $107,843 reveals stark income inequality across the state.

Housing costs claim larger share

Washington County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the state, indicating housing consumes a meaningful portion of household budgets. With median home values at $174,100, affordability is stretched but manageable.

Create wealth despite tight margins

Washington County households at $61,355 should prioritize automating savings to build emergency reserves and retirement funds. Even 3-5% income contributions to tax-advantaged accounts can compound significantly over decades.

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Ranking for Washington

Washington County boasts a safety score of 98.2, outperforming national safety benchmarks significantly. Its total crime rate is just 1143.6 per 100K compared to 2385.5 nationally.

Better Than Ohio’s Average Safety Score

The county sits above the state average safety score of 97.8. Its violent crime rate of 82.2 is also notably lower than the Ohio average of 180.9.

Leading Regional Safety Efforts

Seven local agencies coordinate to keep Washington County safer than many adjacent Ohio River communities. The total crime rate of 1143.6 is highly competitive for the region.

Property Offenses Represent Most Crime

Property crime makes up the vast majority of incidents at 1061.4 per 100K. Violent crime remains very low, occurring at a rate of only 82.2 per 100K residents.

Guard Your Property from Theft

Securing valuables addresses the 1061.4 property crimes reported per 100K residents. Simple home security habits ensure Washington County remains a safe place to live.

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Seven Districts

Washington County educates 7,479 students through 26 different public schools. The system is distributed across seven districts, offering a variety of elementary, middle, and high school options.

Competitive Performance in Southeastern Ohio

With an 88.6% graduation rate, the county slightly outperforms the state average. The county spends $7,559 per pupil to maintain a composite school score of 54.0.

Marietta City Anchors the County

Marietta City is the largest district, educating 2,148 students across five schools. The county maintains a traditional educational landscape with zero charter schools currently in operation.

Rural Roots with Town Centers

The area is mostly rural with 17 schools in country settings and six in town locales. While Marietta High School serves 1,016 students, the average school size remains modest at 325.

Root Your Family in a Historic Setting

Washington County offers a blend of town and rural schooling with graduation rates that top the state average. Search for homes today to find the perfect fit for your student's needs.

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington's Elevated Risk Exposure

Washington County scores 64.41 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This southeastern Ohio county faces material exposure to multiple natural hazards, particularly floods and hurricanes driven by its Appalachian geography.

Above-Average Risk for Ohio

Washington's composite score of 64.41 exceeds Ohio's 55.03 average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's elevated vulnerability reflects its position near major storm tracks and flood-prone river systems.

Higher Risk Than Most Regional Counties

Washington's 64.41 score places it above Vinton County (11.80) and Van Wert County (20.10), though below Warren County (77.80). Its southeastern location and topography create distinct hazard patterns compared to western Ohio peers.

Floods and Hurricanes Dominate

Washington faces flood risk of 80.53 and hurricane risk of 57.36—well above national averages and reflecting the county's exposure to Atlantic storm systems and river flooding. Tornado risk of 33.08 remains moderate but significant, requiring seasonal preparedness.

Flood Insurance Should Top Your List

Washington residents in flood-prone areas must secure National Flood Insurance Program coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely. Pair this with comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wind/hail protection to address tornado and hurricane risks.

Water Quality in Washington County

via WaterByCounty

Washington County Shows Strong Safety Record

Washington County maintains a B grade for water quality with just three health violations recorded over five years. The violation rate of 4.9 per 100,000 people is well below the state average of 32.9. This indicates that local public systems effectively manage Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Watershed Assessments Report Zero Impairment

The 2022 ATTAINS assessment found that 100% of the five evaluated water bodies in the county are unimpaired. Each assessed body currently meets federal Clean Water Act standards. This clean bill of health supports the county's diverse aquatic ecosystems.

Diverse Monitoring Coverage Across 17 Sites

Monitoring teams have logged 3,082 measurements at 17 different sites over the past five years. Physical properties, nutrients, and organic compounds represent the most-measured groups. This active surveillance ensures that changes in the Muskingum River and its tributaries are captured quickly.

Muskingum River Flowing at 73% of Mean

The Muskingum River at Beverly currently records a discharge of 7,170 cubic feet per second. This current flow reaches 73% of its long-term mean of 9,866 cfs. While slightly low, this discharge supports consistent municipal intake and industrial use.

Support Clean Watersheds Through Sustainable Practices

With 0% impairment and a low violation rate, Washington County has high-quality water resources that require ongoing stewardship. Residents should follow standard testing protocols for private wells to mirror the high standards of public systems. During periods where flow drops to 73% of typical levels, be particularly mindful of chemical use near riverbanks.

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Near the national temperature median

Washington County’s average temperature of 53.3°F aligns closely with the national median. It experiences a relatively mild version of the humid continental climate.

Among the warmest in Ohio

At 53.3°F, this is one of the warmest counties in the state, exceeding the Ohio average by 1.8 degrees. It is also quite wet, receiving 44.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than its inland neighbors

Washington County is warmer and wetter than Wayne and Union counties. It averages 19.4 inches of snow, which is less than Vinton County but more than Warren.

Milder winters and humid summers

Winters are relatively mild for Ohio, averaging 32.9°F from December to February. Summers bring 19 days of extreme heat, often accompanied by high humidity from the 44.9 inches of rain.

Plan for rain and humidity

Prepare for significant moisture with 44.9 inches of annual rain. Because January averages stay just above freezing at 30.4°F, residents often face cycles of freezing and thawing.

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Stony Loam and Acidic Alfisols

Washington County features Alfisols with a dominant stony loam texture and a pH of 5.69. This is more acidic than both the national median and the Ohio state average. The stony nature of the soil reflects the rugged, scenic topography of this river-valley region.

Silty Composition with Stone Fractions

The soil is comprised of 51.5% silt, 23.5% sand, and 19.5% clay. These proportions create a silty profile that is often interrupted by stones, which can make deep tilling a challenge. However, the silt provides a smooth consistency that holds nutrients effectively where stones are absent.

High Organic Matter and Nutrients

Washington County boasts an impressive 5.86% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 4.85%. While its available water capacity is lower than average at 0.170 in/in, the rich organic content acts as a natural fertilizer. This soil is naturally charged with the biological components needed for healthy plant life.

Rapid Drainage for River Terrain

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, the soil manages water quickly and efficiently. This is vital in the hilly terrain of Washington County to prevent heavy erosion during storms. It provides a stable base for development and reduces the risk of root rot in agricultural settings.

Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

In zone 6b, the combination of high organic matter and well-drained soil is perfect for timber and deep-rooted perennials. Gardeners should consider adding lime to raise the pH for vegetables like peppers or tomatoes. Your garden will thrive here if you manage the acidity and rocky texture.

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

A Classic Ohio Lawn Profile

Washington County matches the state's lawn care standard with a difficulty score of 75.6. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the county offers a hospitable environment for standard cool-season grasses. It remains significantly easier to manage a lawn here than in half of the United States.

Extended Growth and Generous Rain

The county sees 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, providing more natural irrigation than the state average. A high growing degree day count of 3,468 supports an extended season from late April until the first frost on October 26. You should prepare for 19 extreme heat days, which is slightly higher than the Ohio average.

Tackling Stony Loam Soil

The soil texture is stony loam with a pH of 5.69, which is slightly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. While the ground is well-drained, the stones can make traditional aeration and tilling a bit more labor-intensive. Adding organic matter or a light lime application will help bring the pH into the sweet spot for grass health.

Stable Moisture for Local Lawns

Current data shows 0% of the county is in drought, with only 7 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the last year. This consistency makes Washington County more resilient than many northern Ohio counties. To maintain this advantage, use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets the recommended one inch of water per week.

Optimal Planting for Stony Soils

Turf-type Tall Fescue is ideal for this county because its tough roots can navigate stony loam. Plan your primary seeding for early September to allow roots to establish before the late October frost. This timing avoids the stress of the 19 extreme heat days seen earlier in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Ohio has a composite county score of 49.9 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 Ohio?
Washington County ranks #41 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,665, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Ohio is $61,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Ohio a good place to live?
Washington County scores 49.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Ohio. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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