Washington County's composite score of 64.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 30%, establishing it as a solid performer in the national livability landscape. This advantage reflects particularly strong housing affordability and manageable tax burdens.
2 / 5
Slightly Below State Average
Washington County scores 64.9, just below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, placing it firmly in the competitive middle of the state's county rankings. The gap reflects modest income levels that limit overall advantage despite housing and tax strengths.
3 / 5
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Washington stands out with a cost score of 79.2, the highest among these five counties, supported by median home values of $160,900 and remarkably low monthly rents at $903. The tax score of 76.0 and effective rate of 0.935% further enhance the county's financial accessibility.
4 / 5
Lower Incomes and Health Concerns
The income score of 23.3 reflects a median household income of just $61,205, the lowest in this group, while the health score of 62.3 is the weakest shown. A risk score of 23.9 also suggests economic fragility that warrants attention.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Budget-First Living
Washington County is perfect for individuals and families who prioritize lowest-possible housing and living costs above all else, including those on fixed or modest incomes. It trades income opportunity for exceptional affordability and stability.
Washington County's composite score of 64.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 30%, establishing it as a solid performer in the national livability landscape. This advantage reflects particularly strong housing affordability and manageable tax burdens.
Slightly Below State Average
Washington County scores 64.9, just below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, placing it firmly in the competitive middle of the state's county rankings. The gap reflects modest income levels that limit overall advantage despite housing and tax strengths.
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Washington stands out with a cost score of 79.2, the highest among these five counties, supported by median home values of $160,900 and remarkably low monthly rents at $903. The tax score of 76.0 and effective rate of 0.935% further enhance the county's financial accessibility.
Lower Incomes and Health Concerns
The income score of 23.3 reflects a median household income of just $61,205, the lowest in this group, while the health score of 62.3 is the weakest shown. A risk score of 23.9 also suggests economic fragility that warrants attention.
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Budget-First Living
Washington County is perfect for individuals and families who prioritize lowest-possible housing and living costs above all else, including those on fixed or modest incomes. It trades income opportunity for exceptional affordability and stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.935% ranks in the 80th percentile nationally, well above the 0.67% median. Though its median annual tax of $1,505 stays below the national median of $2,690, the county's rate on lower-valued homes signals above-average tax pressure.
Oklahoma's highest property tax rate
Washington County boasts Oklahoma's highest effective property tax rate at 0.935%, dramatically exceeding the state average of 0.652%. Its residents pay a median of $1,505 annually—57% more than the state median of $959.
Washington leads the regional tax race
At 0.935%, Washington County's effective tax rate significantly outpaces all neighboring counties in the study area. Wagoner County ranks second at 0.812%, while Woodward, Washita, and Woods counties all levy rates below 0.65%, making Washington the clear regional leader in tax burden.
Median home: $160.9K costs $1,505 yearly
A typical Washington County home valued at $160,900 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,505. With a mortgage, expect to pay $1,843; without one, the tax obligation drops to $1,173.
High rates make appeals especially valuable
With Oklahoma's highest county-level tax rate, Washington homeowners stand to gain significantly from assessment appeals. Properties overvalued by just 10% could save hundreds annually—contact the Washington County assessor to learn about your appeal rights and deadlines.
Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% exceeds the national standard, meaning housing eats a larger slice of local paychecks. With a median household income of $61,205—well below the national median of $74,755—residents here face tighter housing affordability pressures.
Among Oklahoma's less affordable counties
At 17.7%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 17.0%, placing it among Oklahoma's tougher housing markets. The median rent of $903 is slightly above the state norm, compounding affordability challenges for renters.
Washington faces steeper rents than peers
Washington County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio is higher than Washita (15.0%), Woodward (15.6%), and Wagoner (16.1%). Only Woods County at 19.1% faces worse rents relative to income, making Washington a middle-of-the-road option in the region.
Renters and buyers both feel the squeeze
Median gross rent stands at $903 monthly, while homeowners pay $848—a rare case where buying is cheaper. Against a median household income of $61,205 annually ($5,100 monthly), renters are spending over 17% of earnings on housing, limiting flexibility elsewhere.
Washington works if you're buying, not renting
If you're a renter seeking affordability, Washington County presents challenges; if you're a homebuyer, median home values near $160,900 and owner costs under $850 offer genuine opportunity. Compare this county carefully against lower-burden markets like Washita or Woodward before deciding.
Washington County's median household income of $61,205 falls $13,550 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below the typical American household. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges facing rural Oklahoma counties compared to national employment hubs.
Middle income for Oklahoma
Washington County's median household income of $61,205 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $2,932, positioning it slightly above the typical Oklahoma household. The county ranks in the middle tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties for household earnings.
Income trails regional leader Wagoner
Washington County's median income of $61,205 runs $17,315 behind neighboring Wagoner County ($78,520) but edges out Washita County ($61,980) by $225. The county occupies middle ground within its region, neither leading nor significantly lagging its immediate neighbors.
Housing affordability has tight margins
Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's slightly higher than the national norm. At a median home value of $160,900, housing remains accessible but represents a larger share of household budgets than in wealthier counties.
Strategic saving builds lasting security
Washington County households must be intentional about savings and investment to build wealth, as median incomes leave less room for error than national averages. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts and emergency funds compound significantly over time.
Washington County's life expectancy of 74.9 years sits just below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, but 22.4% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national 19% rate. This signals higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges in the community.
Washington exceeds Oklahoma's average lifespan
At 74.9 years, Washington County residents live 2.2 years longer than Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years. However, the county's poor or fair health rate of 22.4% is notably higher than the state trend, indicating pockets of significant health burden.
Washington offers best primary care access
Washington County boasts 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among its peer counties—and exceptional mental health capacity at 333 providers per 100,000. This robust provider network makes accessing routine and specialist care more convenient for residents.
Uninsured rate creeps above state average
Washington's 12.5% uninsured rate is slightly lower than Oklahoma's 15.3% average, yet still means 1 in 8 residents lack coverage. Strong provider availability helps insured residents access care, but gaps remain for the uninsured.
Don't go without—coverage is within reach
More than 1 in 8 Washington County residents are uninsured, leaving them vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Visit HealthCare.gov today to compare plans and find affordable coverage for your household.
Washington County scores 76.11 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting well above typical American county exposure levels. The score reflects meaningful vulnerability across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes. Compared to national baselines, Washington residents encounter significantly higher natural disaster risk than average.
Oklahoma's higher-risk counties
Washington County's 76.11 composite score exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's riskier regions. The county ranks notably higher than most of its Oklahoma peers on natural disaster exposure. This elevated standing reflects Washington's particular vulnerability to tornado and flood events.
Highest risk in immediate region
Washington County scores 76.11, making it riskier than neighboring Wagoner (73.25) and substantially more hazardous than Washita County (31.93) and Woods County (28.09). The county represents a local peak in natural disaster vulnerability across northeastern and north-central Oklahoma. Residents in Washington face notably steeper exposure than surrounding counties.
Tornadoes pose exceptional threat
Tornado risk in Washington County reaches 92.72, the highest among these five counties and far exceeding state norms. Flood risk (74.20) and wildfire risk (78.44) compound the danger, creating a multi-hazard environment where rapid-onset events dominate. The combination of tornado and flood exposure makes Washington one of Oklahoma's most weather-vulnerable counties.
Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable
Washington homeowners must prioritize wind and tornado coverage given the county's exceptional 92.72 tornado risk score—likely the highest in this region. Flood insurance is equally critical with risk at 74.20, especially for properties in flood-prone areas or near waterways. Comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate liability coverage should be verified annually given these severe, compounding threats.