countyscore
41.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.4Health 88.9Soil Quality 75.1

County Report Card

About Washington County, Oregon

A Competitive but High-Cost Profile

Washington County earns a composite score of 41.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it excels in economic output, high living costs prevent it from reaching the top national percentiles.

Matching the Oregon State Average

The county's score of 41.2 sits just below the Oregon state average of 42.5. It remains one of the state's primary economic engines despite its middle-of-the-pack overall rank.

Exceptional Incomes and Health Services

Washington County boasts a stellar income score of 96.4 and a health score of 88.9. The median household income reaches a robust $104,434, supporting a highly healthy and prosperous population.

Struggling with Cost and Risk

High demand drives the cost score down to 2.8, with median home values hitting $558,500. A low risk score of 4.0 also highlights vulnerability to environmental or systemic shocks.

The Choice for High-Earning Professionals

This county is ideal for affluent families who value top-tier health and income potential over affordability. It caters to those who can manage a $1,773 median rent to access premium local amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax47.6Cost2.8Safety17Health88.9Schools52.5Income96.4Risk4Water67.7Weather61.6
🏛47.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.3
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

Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Clark County
Washington
38.2
Columbia County
Oregon
43
Multnomah County
Oregon
44.4
Tillamook County
Oregon
43.5
Cowlitz County
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36
Polk County
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43.3
Clatsop County
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37.4

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Washington County's total crime rate of 2,238.7 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 96.5.

Leading the Way in Oregon Safety

The county's safety score of 96.5 is higher than the Oregon state average of 96.3. Fourteen different agencies contribute to a robust reporting network that monitors public safety across the county.

Regional Comparisons Show Washington's Strength

Washington County’s crime rate of 2,238.7 is lower than the state average of 2,366.2. It maintains a safer statistical profile than neighboring Wasco County, though it trails slightly behind Yamhill.

Analyzing Violent and Property Incident Rates

Violent crime is low at 265.7 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,973.0 per 100K, also remaining under the national benchmark.

Practical Steps for Household Safety

Maintaining low crime rates requires active participation from residents through the use of smart locks and doorbell cameras. Simple habits like keeping valuables out of sight help deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Excellence

Washington County manages a robust system of 133 schools, serving 80,920 students across eight districts. This expansive infrastructure includes 87 elementary schools and 21 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for one of Oregon's most populous regions.

Exceeding State and National Standards

The county boasts an impressive 88.3% graduation rate, surpassing both the Oregon average and the 87% national benchmark. School districts here invest $8,026 per pupil, contributing to a strong composite school score of 54.8.

Beaverton and Hillsboro Lead the Way

Beaverton SD 48J is the largest district, enrolling 38,292 students across 56 schools, followed by Hillsboro SD 1J with 18,576 students. Families also have access to six charter schools, which offer specialized alternative learning environments for approximately 4.5% of the student population.

Urban Centers and Suburban Campuses

Education here feels metropolitan, with 67 schools in city locales and 50 in suburban settings. While the average school size is 613 students, large campuses like Westview High School serve as many as 2,442 students.

Secure Your Family’s Academic Future

Washington County’s high graduation rates and diverse school choices make it a premier destination for home buyers. Researching neighborhoods near high-performing districts like Beaverton or Tigard-Tualatin can help you find the perfect balance of community and academic quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Matching the National Average Perfectly

Washington County's average temperature of 53.5°F aligns exactly with the national median. This marine-influenced climate offers stable temperatures without the extreme fluctuations found in the Midwest.

One of Oregon’s Warmest, Wettest Hubs

The county stays 3 degrees warmer than the state average of 50.5°F. It also receives 41.5 inches of annual precipitation, outpacing the Oregon state average of 37.4 inches.

Consistent With the Willamette Valley Profile

Its climate closely mirrors Multnomah County, though it often stays slightly drier than the deepest parts of the valley. It remains warmer and more developed than the rugged coastal counties to the west.

Mild Summers and Wet, Green Winters

Summers are temperate with only 18 days above 90°F and a comfortable 66.0°F average. Winters are dominated by rain rather than ice, seeing only 4.0 inches of snow and a January average of 41.5°F.

Rain Gear is the Primary Priority

With 41.5 inches of annual rain, high-quality waterproof gear is essential for daily life. Since extreme heat is limited to just 18 days, many residents prioritize moisture control and drainage over heavy-duty air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles with High Potential

Washington County averages a pH of 5.34, which is slightly more alkaline than the Oregon state average of 5.26 but far below the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is typical for the region's productive agricultural lands. With a soil score of 75.1, these grounds outperform the state average of 70.2.

Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Workability

The soil composition is dominated by 55.1% silt and 21.6% clay, balanced by 25.7% sand. This high silt content provides excellent workability but requires careful management to prevent erosion. The clay fraction helps retain essential nutrients for seasonal crops.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter reaches a massive 26.92%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% while sitting just below the Oregon average of 29.41%. The available water capacity of 0.279 in/in also exceeds the state benchmark of 0.275. This combination creates a highly fertile environment for intense cultivation.

Complex Water Movement Patterns

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not provided in the current dataset. Given the high silt and clay content, water likely moves slowly through the soil profile compared to sandier regions. Local builders should prioritize site-specific drainage assessments for new foundations.

Bountiful Harvesters in Zone 8b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, these fertile soils support everything from commercial berries to world-class vineyards. The high water capacity ensures plants stay hydrated during the dry Oregon summers. Start your backyard plot today to take advantage of this natural richness.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Oregon's Top-Tier Lawn Conditions

Washington County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 54.3, outperforming both the national average of 50.0 and the Oregon state average of 38.9. The mild 8b hardiness zone provides a forgiving environment for various grass species. This makes the county one of the most accessible areas in the region for maintaining a lush green space.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Grass

The county receives 41.5 inches of annual precipitation, placing it perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for natural lawn health. With only 18 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less stress here than in the rest of the state. These moderate temperatures and consistent moisture result in a steady, manageable mowing schedule.

Addressing Acidic Soil Levels

Local soil has a pH of 5.34, which is more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most turfgrasses. The ground consists of roughly 21.6% clay and 25.7% sand, necessitating regular aeration to prevent compaction. Most homeowners will need to apply lime to balance the acidity and unlock essential nutrients for the roots.

Navigating Occasional Dry Spells

Despite high rainfall, the county spent 29 weeks in drought last year, and nearly 49% of the area is currently abnormally dry. To maintain resilience, keep mower blades high to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation. This practice protects the grass during those 18 days when temperatures climb above 90°F.

Planting Success in Zone 8b

Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this climate, especially when sown near the April 16 last frost date. The long growing season provides ample time for establishment before the first fall frost on November 6. Start your lawn journey now to take full advantage of Washington County's superior growing metrics.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Oregon has a composite county score of 41.2 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 Oregon?
Washington County ranks #19 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $4,852, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 47.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Oregon is $104,434 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Oregon a good place to live?
Washington County scores 41.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Oregon. 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.