Washington County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#25 in Pennsylvania
55.1
County Score
Lawn Care 83.7Schools 82.6Income & Jobs 80.8

County Report Card

About Washington County, Pennsylvania

A National Standout

Washington County secures a composite score of 55.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing suburban-rural hybrid in the national landscape.

Outpacing the Commonwealth

The county's 55.1 score beats the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It serves as a prosperous, high-earning alternative to the nearby Pittsburgh urban core.

Wealth and Health Leaders

Economic prosperity drives the score, featuring an income score of 80.8 and a median household income of $77,487. A strong health score of 71.3 adds to the overall appeal.

Resilience and Cost Concerns

A risk score of 16.9 suggests vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts. Additionally, the cost score of 34.2 indicates higher prices for local housing and services.

Perfect for Suburban Professionals

Washington is ideal for career-oriented families who want high incomes and excellent healthcare. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can afford the higher cost of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax30.6Cost34.2Safety66.5Health71.3Schools82.6Income80.8Risk16.9Water24.8Weather62.2
🏛30.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠34.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼80.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡66.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓82.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
16.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧24.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱83.7
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Washington County?

Many homeowners in Washington County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Below Both National Averages

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.108% sits well below the national median of 1.281%, placing it in the lower tier of American counties. The median annual property tax of $2,445 trails the national median of $2,690 by roughly 9%, offering solid relief for homeowners.

Among Pennsylvania's Most Tax-Friendly

Washington's effective tax rate of 1.108% ranks among Pennsylvania's lowest, falling well below the state average of 1.317%. Its median property tax of $2,445 is 8% below the state average of $2,657, making the county one of the Commonwealth's better deals for homeowners.

Lower Taxes Than Comparable Counties

Washington's 1.108% rate beats Susquehanna (1.148%), Union (1.196%), Tioga (1.189%), and most other regional peers. Though larger homes command higher absolute taxes, the effective rate keeps the county competitive in the southwestern region.

Moderate Home Value, Reasonable Bill

A median Washington County home valued at $220,600 results in $2,445 in annual property taxes, about $200 less than the national median. The mortgage-inclusive bill reaches $2,749, while the non-mortgage figure sits at $2,053, reflecting modest burden relative to home size.

Appeal Can Unlock Further Savings

Many Washington County homeowners carry assessments above fair market value, especially in neighborhoods where comparable sales have declined. A property tax appeal is free, simple, and frequently uncovers hundreds of dollars in annual savings or refunds.

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County: Strong Income, Great Affordability

Washington County's median income of $77,487 tops this eight-county cluster and exceeds the national average of $74,755, while its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best in the group. Renters spending $922/month benefit from substantial income cushion.

Washington Leads Pennsylvania in Affordability

Washington County ranks as Pennsylvania's most affordable county for renters with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.5% by over 2 percentage points. The county combines strong median income ($77,487) with moderate housing costs, a rare combination.

High Income Enables Comfortable Living

Washington's $922 rent and $1,009 mortgage represent the region's highest housing costs, but pair with the cluster's highest median income ($77,487), making them entirely manageable. Home values at $220,600 reflect a healthy, stable real estate market.

Washington: Maximum Flexibility for Households

Washington residents earning $77,487 dedicate just 14.3% to rent ($922/month) or proportional amounts to mortgages ($1,009/month), keeping over 85% of income for other priorities. This provides exceptional financial breathing room compared to other Pennsylvania counties.

Washington County for Affluent Relocators

Washington County combines Pennsylvania's best affordability ratio (14.3%), the cluster's highest income ($77,487), and a healthy real estate market ($220,600 median homes). If you earn above $70,000, Washington delivers superior economic fundamentals with manageable housing costs.

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington exceeds national income median

Washington County's median household income of $77,487 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 3.7%—$2,732 above the U.S. baseline. This positions Washington as the strongest-earning county in the eight-county survey and among Pennsylvania's higher-income rural areas.

Well above Pennsylvania state average

Washington's $77,487 exceeds the state average of $69,614 by $7,873, placing it in Pennsylvania's upper income tier. Per capita income of $44,392 significantly surpasses the state average of $37,407, indicating robust earning power across all demographic groups.

Highest-earning county in the region

Washington's $77,487 outpaces all seven other surveyed counties, leading Union ($72,894), Susquehanna ($66,930), and every other peer. This income leadership reflects Washington's proximity to Pittsburgh's economic influence and more diversified employment base.

Superior affordability with strong income

Washington's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is the lowest in the region, combining highest income with lowest housing burden. With a median home value of $220,600, residents enjoy both strong earning power and exceptional housing affordability.

Accelerate wealth-building with dual advantage

Washington households benefit from above-average income and industry-leading low housing costs—a powerful combination for aggressive wealth accumulation. Maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and explore real estate equity strategies to build generational wealth and outpace state and national peers.

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety in Washington County

Washington County maintains a high safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 789.0 per 100k is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A secure Pennsylvania community

The county beats the state safety average of 98.5 with a score of 98.8. Thirty reporting agencies contribute to a total crime rate of 789.0, well below the state average of 932.4.

Regional crime comparisons

At 789.0 per 100k, Washington is slightly more active than Wayne County at 757.4. However, it is significantly safer than neighboring Venango County's rate of 1012.4.

Comparing violent and property crime

Violent crime sits at 133.6 per 100k, which is below the state average of 142.2. Property crime accounts for 655.4 incidents per 100k, representing the majority of reported cases.

Prioritize your home security

With 655.4 property crimes per 100k residents, maintaining a secure home remains important. Installing outdoor lighting and alarm systems helps deter local property theft.

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County Health Moderately Below U.S. Average

Washington County residents live to 75.9 years, trailing the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years by three years. With 17.0% reporting poor or fair health, Washington County reports the lowest poor/fair health rate among these eight counties—a positive indicator suggesting residents perceive their health favorably relative to neighbors. This combination suggests moderate health challenges with some bright spots in population wellness.

Slightly Below State Average, Best Health Perception

Washington County's 75.9-year life expectancy sits 0.5 years below Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, a modest gap that places the county in the state's lower-middle tier. Its 17.0% poor/fair health rate represents the best in this regional group—indicating Washington residents report stronger health satisfaction than peers across Pennsylvania and these neighboring counties. Washington demonstrates that life expectancy and health perception don't always align perfectly.

Strong Primary Care, Solid Mental Health Network

Washington County provides 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the highest in this group and substantially above Sullivan County's unknown capacity and Susquehanna's 37 per capita. With 170 mental health providers per 100,000, Washington also maintains robust behavioral health access that exceeds most regional neighbors. This provider infrastructure directly supports the county's positive health perception scores.

Lowest Uninsured Rate in Region

Washington County's 5.5% uninsured rate ranks lowest among these eight counties, well below Pennsylvania's 7.0% average and suggesting strongest coverage access in the group. Combined with 77 primary care and 170 mental health providers per 100,000, most Washington residents have both insurance and nearby providers available. The remaining uninsured represent a small but addressable healthcare access challenge.

Protect Your Health with Current Coverage

Washington County's exceptional provider network of 77 primary care and 170 mental health providers per 100,000 delivers best value when paired with insurance coverage. If you're among the county's 5.5% uninsured, exploring marketplace plans takes minutes on healthcare.gov and immediately unlocks access to local providers. Those with coverage should schedule annual preventive exams with Washington County's abundant primary care network to maintain the strong health satisfaction the county currently enjoys.

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education for a Growing Region

Washington County boasts a massive educational network of 54 schools serving nearly 26,000 students. This includes 26 elementary schools and 16 high schools spread across 17 different districts.

Efficiency and High-Level Achievement

The county reaches an elite 94.9% graduation rate despite having the lowest per-pupil expenditure in this group at $9,233. This efficiency produces results that are nearly five points higher than the state average.

Major Districts Driving Growth

Canon-McMillan SD is the largest district, serving over 5,200 students, while Peters Township and Trinity Area also maintain high enrollments. One charter school exists in the county, though traditional public schools serve over 98% of students.

A Blend of Suburbia and Rural Life

The county is almost evenly split between suburban and rural schools, offering diverse lifestyles for families. Schools like Canon-McMillan SHS are significantly larger than the state average, housing 1,655 students in a modern suburban setting.

The Ideal Place for Suburban Families

With top-performing districts like Peters Township and Canon-McMillan, Washington County is a premier destination for homebuyers. Find a home here to benefit from high graduation rates and a well-resourced suburban school environment.

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces elevated national risk

Washington County scores 83.08 nationally, placing it significantly above the U.S. average and in the higher-risk category of American counties. This positioning reflects substantial vulnerability across multiple hazard types, making comprehensive disaster preparedness critical for residents.

Pennsylvania's second-highest-risk county

Washington County's composite score of 83.08 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by a substantial margin, ranking it as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities. Only a handful of Pennsylvania counties face comparable disaster vulnerability.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Washington County (83.08) carries far greater disaster exposure than all neighboring counties, including Warren County (65.55) and Greene County's nearby peers. The county's exceptional vulnerability across flood (91.41), wildfire (46.12), and tornado (49.78) hazards sets it apart regionally.

Multiple severe hazards converge here

Washington County faces extraordinary flood risk (91.41)—the highest of all Pennsylvania counties—combined with significant wildfire risk (46.12), tornado risk (49.78), and earthquake risk (59.29). These overlapping hazards create a uniquely complex risk profile requiring layered preparedness strategies.

Comprehensive insurance is critical

Washington County residents must obtain flood insurance, homeowners coverage, and strongly consider wildfire and earthquake riders given the county's exceptional multi-hazard exposure. Given flood risk of 91.41 and other elevated scores, comprehensive insurance protection is not optional but essential for financial security.

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate climate near the national median

Washington County’s 51.8°F annual average temperature sits just below the national median of 54°F. It enjoys a balanced four-season climate with moderate humidity and predictable weather patterns.

Warmer than the average Pennsylvania county

At 51.8°F, Washington County is warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. It benefits from its southwestern location, which typically avoids the harsher cold found in the state's northern and central highlands.

Slightly warmer and drier than its neighbors

The county is warmer than nearby Westmoreland, which averages 50.5°F. Washington is also relatively dry for the region, receiving 41.1 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state average of 45.3 inches.

Mild winters and warm, humid summers

Winters are manageable with a January average of 29.0°F and a modest 26.6 inches of snowfall. Summers are warmer than the state norm, featuring a July average of 72.9°F and 11 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Managing humidity and light snow

With 11 days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is a standard comfort for local homeowners. The 26.6 inches of snow are light enough that a standard snowblower or shovel usually suffices for winter maintenance.

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Rolling Hill Soils

Washington County's detailed soil taxonomic data is not available, but the region is known for its rolling hills and diverse geology. Lacking specific pH data, growers should note the state average of 5.22 is quite acidic.

Flexible Agricultural Mix

Particle size data for sand, silt, and clay is currently missing from the county's available dataset. Local agricultural history suggests a mix that supports both heavy grazing and productive crop production.

Cultivating Soil Vitality

Specific organic matter data is not provided, though the surrounding region often falls near the state average of 12.14%. Maintaining soil health through regular composting is a wise strategy for any local grower.

Site-Specific Water Flow

Information on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available for this specific county. Proper site-specific assessment remains the best way to understand water movement on your property.

Warm Western Growing

Zone 6b offers a relatively warm climate for Western Pennsylvania, extending the season for tomatoes and peppers. Take advantage of the mild winters and start planning your garden layout today.

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Washington County: A Lawn Care Paradise

Washington County achieves a remarkable lawn difficulty score of 83.7, far exceeding both state and national averages. This indicates an exceptionally easy environment for maintaining a beautiful yard. Your 6b hardiness zone provides a resilient foundation for long-term landscaping success.

Warm Summers and Optimal Rainfall

The county receives 41.1 inches of rain annually, which is slightly lower than the state average but still sufficient for most turf. You experience 11 extreme heat days, which perfectly matches the Pennsylvania state average. The 3167 growing degree days indicate a vigorous growing season for your grass.

Personalize Your Soil Care

Comprehensive soil data is currently limited for this county, but local success suggests a stable growing medium. We highly recommend a soil test to check for pH balance, as many PA lawns require occasional lime. Knowing your soil's specific needs will help you maintain your high lawn health score.

Excellent Current Drought Outlook

Washington County is currently 0.0% abnormally dry, making it one of the most hydrated regions in the state. Over the last year, you only faced 11 weeks of drought, which is well below the regional average. This lack of water stress is a major reason why your lawn score is so high.

Kick Off Growth in Late April

The last spring frost on April 27 marks the start of your ideal planting window. Because you are in zone 6b, heat-tolerant grasses like Tall Fescue will flourish here. Your lawn has plenty of time to mature before the first frost arrives on October 23.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Pennsylvania?
Washington County ranks #25 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $2,445, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 30.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Pennsylvania is $77,487 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 80.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Washington County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Pennsylvania. 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.