Washington County

Ohio · OH

#41 in Ohio
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Ohio

Washington outperforms the national average

Washington County's composite score of 72.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 22 points, ranking it in the top 45th percentile nationally. This eastern Ohio county delivers solid, measurable livability advantages.

Comfortably above Ohio's state average

With a score of 72.4, Washington ranks above Ohio's average of 68.8, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. It represents an above-average Ohio living experience.

Exceptional tax efficiency and affordability

Washington boasts the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.956% and a tax score of 75.4, paired with a cost score of 82.4. Median home values of $174,100 and rent at $828 per month deliver genuine affordability without sacrificing tax relief.

Modest household incomes remain a constraint

Washington's income score of 23.4 reflects a median household income of $61,355, limiting wealth accumulation relative to regional standards. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available.

Ideal for tax-averse rural families

Washington serves families and retirees who prize tax minimization and affordable rural living over urban amenities or high wage opportunities. Its combination of low taxes and reasonable housing costs creates genuine financial security for modest-income households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.4Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth68.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.4Risk35.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
68.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
35.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 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.

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington near national health average

At 74.7 years, Washington County's life expectancy sits just below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in the middle-range nationally. The 20.8% poor/fair health rate suggests room for improvement, though it's not among the most challenged communities.

Slightly below Ohio's median

Washington County's 74.7-year life expectancy is just below Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, making it representative of mid-tier Ohio health outcomes. The 20.8% poor/fair health rate is above state norms, indicating moderate health challenges typical of rural Ohio.

Middle of the pack locally

Washington's 74.7-year life expectancy ranks fourth among the eight counties profiled, ahead of Vinton but behind Warren, Wood, and Wayne. The county's 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is respectable and exceeds Van Wert, offering solid access to routine care.

Rates match state uninsured average

At 7.5% uninsured, Washington County matches Ohio's state average exactly, meaning roughly one in 13 residents lack health insurance. The 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide adequate coverage, though mental health access lags behind wealthier counties at 309 per 100,000.

Close the uninsured gap

With 7.5% uninsured, Washington is at parity with Ohio's average, but pockets of residents remain vulnerable to medical hardship. Check Healthcare.gov or call Ohio's Medicaid hotline to confirm your coverage and explore affordable options for your household.

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.

ByCounty Network

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