CountyScore

Washington County

Oregon · OR

#35 in Oregon
59.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Oregon

Washington County outpaces national livability

With a composite score of 59.2, Washington County beats the national median of 50.0 by 18%, signaling above-average livability for a typical U.S. county. This advantage is driven primarily by exceptional health outcomes and strong income levels relative to most American communities.

Below average for Oregon, but holding strong

Washington County scores 59.2, falling slightly below Oregon's state average of 66.6, placing it in the lower-middle tier among Oregon counties. Despite this, its health and income dimensions rank among the strongest in the state, offset by housing affordability challenges.

High incomes and excellent health

Washington County shines with a health score of 80.3—the highest among these four counties—and a median household income of $104,434, reflecting a prosperous, well-educated population. The effective tax rate of 0.869% is also competitive, supporting resident savings and investment capacity.

Housing costs eat into prosperity

The cost score of 45.1 reflects the county's most pressing challenge: a median home value of $558,500 and median rent of $1,773/month, among Oregon's steepest. For middle-income families, homeownership requires significant financial stretching despite strong local incomes.

Perfect for affluent, health-conscious professionals

Washington County is ideal for higher-income professionals and families who can absorb housing costs while valuing excellent schools, healthcare, and low environmental risk. This county rewards earners seeking an urban-suburban lifestyle with strong community health metrics.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.8Cost45.1SafetyComing SoonHealth80.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome51.5Risk4WaterComing Soon
🏛77.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Washington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Macon County
Illinois
59.2
Median income: $62,449
Gaines County
Texas
59.2
Median income: $76,605
Chatham County
Georgia
59.3
Median income: $69,575
Tazewell County
Illinois
59.3
Median income: $76,704
Coos County
New Hampshire
59.1
Median income: $58,439

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 taxes exceed national levels

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.869% ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally, significantly above the 0.75% national median. The median property tax of $4,852 is 81% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest rate in Oregon

Washington County has the second-highest effective tax rate in Oregon at 0.869%, compared to the state average of 0.775%. Only one Oregon county taxes at a higher rate, making Washington County an outlier statewide.

Washington County leads region in tax burden

Washington County's $4,852 median tax dwarfs neighboring Yamhill ($3,318) and Wasco ($2,784) counties. At 0.869%, its effective rate is the highest among all regional peers, driven partly by higher median home values of $558,500.

A $558,500 home costs $4,852 yearly

Washington County's median home valued at $558,500 generates $4,852 in annual property taxes at the 0.869% effective rate. Whether mortgaged ($4,863) or owned outright ($4,825), the tax burden remains among the state's highest.

Higher taxes make appeals more valuable

With median taxes of $4,852, even a small percentage reduction through appeal could save hundreds annually. Washington County homeowners should investigate their assessments, as overassessment errors could mean significant money left on the table.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County costs climb above national norms

Washington County's median household income of $104,434 significantly exceeds the national average of $74,755, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% surpasses Oregon's state average of 19.4%. Despite higher earnings, residents here spend proportionally more on rent than typical Americans, driven by robust regional housing demand.

Pricey for Oregon, but income-rich

Washington County ranks among Oregon's least affordable counties for renters, with a 20.4% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $1,773—well above the state average of $1,137. However, the county's median household income of $104,434 is the highest among these four counties, reflecting a prosperous, high-wage regional economy.

Portland suburbs command premium prices

Washington County's $1,773 monthly rent is nearly double what renters pay in neighboring Wasco County ($978) and significantly higher than rural Wheeler County ($782). The premium reflects Washington's proximity to Portland, strong job market, and suburban amenities that drive up both rental and home prices across the county.

High incomes offset steep housing costs

Washington County renters pay $1,773 monthly while owner-occupants pay $2,007, with median home values reaching $558,500 and median household income of $104,434. Renters dedicate 20.4% of income to housing, while mortgage costs claim roughly 23% of owner household income—steep by national standards but manageable given the region's strong wages.

Washington County rewards high earners

If your income is climbing toward six figures, Washington County's housing costs become proportionally manageable despite premium prices reflecting Portland metro prosperity. Compare the county's robust job market and $104,434 median income to your career trajectory—you may find that higher earnings justify the $1,773 monthly rent or $558,500 median home value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County significantly outearns U.S. average

Washington County's median household income of $104,434 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $29,679—a 40% premium. This high-income performance reflects Washington County's position as Oregon's tech and manufacturing hub, anchored by Intel and suburban Portland growth.

Oregon's highest-earning county

At $104,434, Washington County ranks first among all Oregon counties and earns $34,469 above the state average of $69,965. The county's proximity to Portland and concentration of skilled-trade and tech jobs drive this exceptional income advantage.

Doubles Wheeler County's earnings

Washington County residents earn $104,434 versus $51,250 in Wheeler County—more than double—and $17,350 more than Yamhill County's $87,084. This disparity reflects Washington's suburban position and corporate employment base versus rural agricultural neighbors.

High income faces high housing costs

Despite strong earnings, Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% is the highest among these four counties, reflecting a median home value of $558,500. Strong income helps households manage these premium prices, though housing consumes a larger share of earnings here than in rural neighbors.

Leverage high income for wealth building

Washington County's above-average earnings create opportunity for aggressive wealth building through 401(k) maximization, real estate investment, and diversified portfolios. High earners here should prioritize tax-advantaged savings strategies to retain more of their income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County leads on longevity

Washington County residents live to 81.1 years—a full year longer than the U.S. average of 80.1 years and among the healthiest in the nation. Only 14.7% of the population reports poor or fair health, compared to 13.3% nationally, indicating strong community health overall.

Oregon's health outperformer

At 81.1 years, Washington County's life expectancy exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years by 4 years. The county's 14.7% poor/fair health rate sits close to state norms, reflecting generally stronger health outcomes than most Oregon counties.

Healthiest county in the region

Washington County's 81.1-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Wasco County (75.2) and Yamhill County (78.1). With only 14.7% of residents in poor or fair health, Washington delivers some of the region's best health outcomes.

Strong healthcare infrastructure

Washington County has 92 primary care providers and 605 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting accessible local care. The county's 6.0% uninsured rate—nearly 2 percentage points below Oregon's 8.1% average—means most residents can afford to see a doctor.

Maintain your coverage

Most Washington County residents enjoy stable health insurance, but life changes can affect your plan. Review your coverage annually at oregonhealthcare.gov to ensure you're getting the best fit for your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces high national disaster risk

Washington County scores 96.02 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the Relatively High category and well above the national median. This score signals that Washington residents face notably elevated exposure to multiple serious natural hazards.

Highest-risk county in Oregon

At 96.02, Washington County significantly exceeds Oregon's state average composite risk of 63.43, making it one of the state's most hazard-prone counties. This elevated standing reflects compounded exposure across multiple disaster types, not weakness in any single category.

Washington County's flood risk stands apart

Washington's flood risk score of 93.86 dramatically exceeds its neighbors: Yamhill County (74.11) and Wasco County (59.22). While earthquake risk is comparable across the region (Washington 99.01, Yamhill 96.88, Wasco 82.98), Washington's exceptionally high flood exposure makes it uniquely vulnerable in the tri-county area.

Floods and earthquakes pose acute threats

Washington County faces a severe flood risk of 93.86—driven by its extensive river systems, urban development in floodplains, and heavy winter rainfall—making it the county's most dangerous hazard. Earthquake risk ranks close behind at 99.01, reflecting proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and indicating that major seismic activity poses an existential threat to structures and infrastructure.

Flood and earthquake insurance are essential

Washington County residents must secure flood insurance immediately—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and federal data shows many residents in high-risk zones remain uninsured. Paired with mandatory earthquake coverage, a comprehensive protection strategy addresses Washington County's dual crisis of water and seismic hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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