countyscore
42.2
County Score
Safety 80.2Weather & Climate 63.6Lawn Care 54.4

County Report Card

About Washington County, Oklahoma

Slightly Behind the National Benchmark

Washington County earns a 42.2 composite score, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it offers exceptional safety, other categories like education and infrastructure pull the overall average down.

Mirroring the Oklahoma State Average

With a score of 42.2, the county is almost exactly in line with the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It provides a standard Oklahoma living experience with specific strengths in public safety.

A Standout for Public Safety

Safety is the county's primary asset, earning a high score of 80.2. Residents also benefit from moderate housing costs and a tax score of 42.7, supported by a median gross rent of $903.

Critical Gaps in Education

The local school system faces major difficulties, reflected in a low score of 2.5. Additionally, the county struggles with environmental risk at 23.9 and water quality at 11.5, suggesting areas for infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious Renters

Washington County suits individuals or retirees who prioritize a secure environment and affordable rent over top-tier schools. It is a reliable choice for those seeking safety in a quintessential Oklahoma setting.

Score breakdown

Tax42.7Cost44.6Safety80.2Health34Schools2.5Income42.7Risk23.9Water11.5Weather63.6
🏛42.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓2.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.4
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

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39.5
Montgomery County
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Rogers County
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Osage County
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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 County tops tax-rate rankings

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington renters pay above national average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington lags the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Among the Nation's Safest

Washington County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.3, making it one of the most secure areas in the country. The total crime rate of 467.9 per 100K is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A State Leader in Public Safety

With a crime rate significantly below the Oklahoma average of 2,647.7 per 100K, Washington County stands out as a state leader. The county’s safety score far exceeds the statewide average score of 95.8.

Setting the Standard for Regional Safety

Washington County outperforms many of its regional neighbors with a violent crime rate of only 59.0 per 100K. Three local reporting agencies maintain a highly secure environment compared to the surrounding counties.

Low Risk Across All Crime Categories

Property crime sits at 408.9 per 100K, while violent crime is nearly negligible at 59.0. These figures suggest that Washington County residents are roughly six times safer from violent crime than the average American.

Maintaining Peace Through Prevention

Even in highly safe communities, vigilant home security remains a smart preventative measure. Simple steps like locking windows and using outdoor cameras help preserve the county's peaceful atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington lags behind national health trends

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town-Centered Education in Washington County

Washington County operates 20 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 9,634 students. The educational landscape is evenly distributed with 10 elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Most facilities reside within established town locales, creating a centralized school system.

Navigating Performance and Funding Challenges

The county reports a 73.7% graduation rate, which currently trails the Oklahoma state average of 84.3%. Investment stands at $5,214 per pupil, significantly lower than the national average of $13,000. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 41.1 for the region.

Bartlesville Schools and Charter Options

The Bartlesville district dominates the local landscape, educating 6,182 students across nine schools. Washington County also provides diverse choices through three charter schools, which account for 15% of all schools. The Oklahoma Connections Academy serves as a significant alternative with 1,234 students enrolled.

Large Town Schools and Diverse Locales

With 15 schools classified as 'Town' locales and five as 'Rural,' the county has a distinct community-centered feel. The average school size is 482 students, though Bartlesville High School is a major outlier with 1,642 students. Residents experience a mix of large-scale secondary education and smaller primary settings like Wayside Elementary.

Find Your Community Near Bartlesville Schools

Families looking for established town living will find diverse housing options near major hubs like Madison Middle School. School choice is a major factor here, with both traditional districts and charter options available for your search. Consider how proximity to these educational centers can influence your long-term home value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington faces above-average U.S. risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Ground in Northeast Oklahoma

Washington County averages a pH of 5.38, placing it well below the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This significant acidity can limit the availability of certain nutrients unless the soil is specifically managed.

A Silty Mix with Moderate Structure

The soil composition is 39.9% silt and 27.1% sand, which creates a silty texture that resists crusting. A clay fraction of 19.9% provides enough structure to hold fertilizers effectively without the heaviness of pure clay.

Rich Organic Matter and High Water Storage

At 1.91%, the organic matter content is higher than the Oklahoma average of 1.72%. This is paired with an available water capacity of 0.155 in/in, which is among the better water-retention scores in the state.

Monitoring Runoff in Silty Conditions

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for the dominant soil types here, the high silt content influences surface runoff patterns. Homeowners should observe how heavy rains move across their property before starting major landscaping projects.

Vibrant Gardens in Hardiness Zone 7a

The combination of high organic matter and good water storage makes Zone 7a ideal for tomatoes and leafy greens. Your soil has the biological foundation to support a very lush and healthy landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Growth in Washington County

With a lawn difficulty score of 54.4, this county actually performs better than both the national average of 50.0 and the Oklahoma average of 46.1. It remains one of the more favorable spots in the state for maintaining healthy green spaces in Hardiness Zone 7a.

Reliable Conditions for Healthy Turf

While specific temperature and precipitation averages are limited for this district, the favorable difficulty score suggests a more stable environment for local grass. Homeowners should still watch for the typical Oklahoma heat spikes that can dry out lawns quickly.

Managing Low pH for Better Roots

The soil pH sits at 5.38, which is quite acidic compared to the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal for most common grasses. This soil is composed of 19.9% clay and 27.1% sand, suggesting that regular aeration and pH monitoring are vital for success.

Stable Moisture Levels for Now

Washington County has seen 11 weeks in drought over the last year, but currently reports 0.0% area in severe drought. While the entire county is technically abnormally dry, the lack of severe conditions makes it easier to keep lawns hydrated.

Choose Resilient Turf for Zone 7a

Tall Fescue or Bermuda thrive here, provided you amend the acidic soil before planting. Start your seeding project when soil temperatures rise in the spring to take advantage of the favorable local growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Oklahoma?
Washington County ranks #38 among all counties in Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,505, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Oklahoma is $61,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Washington County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Oklahoma. 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.