CountyScore

Washington County

Rhode Island · RI

#3 in Rhode Island
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Rhode Island

Washington County outpaces national norm

Washington County's composite score of 65.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 31%, ranking it in the top third of American counties. This strong showing reflects reliable fundamentals across most livability dimensions.

Third-ranked county in Rhode Island

Washington County's 65.4 score ranks third in Rhode Island, just below Newport (66.0) and Bristol (65.5), and above the state average of 63.2. It delivers comparable livability to Bristol with a somewhat different economic profile.

Low taxes and strong health outcomes

Washington County boasts a 1.054% effective tax rate—the second-lowest in the state—and a health score of 84.7, reflecting excellent preventive care. Median household income of $102,478 provides solid purchasing power without the premium price tags of Newport County.

Risk exposure warrants consideration

Washington County's risk score of 36.0 is the second-lowest in Rhode Island, signaling moderate vulnerability to natural disasters and climate threats. The income score of 50.3 also lags behind Bristol and Newport, limiting wealth accumulation compared to peer counties.

Suits tax-conscious families seeking balance

Washington County appeals to middle-to-upper-income families and professionals who value tax efficiency and health quality without paying Newport's premium. Evaluate specific neighborhoods for flood and storm exposure before settling, but overall it offers balanced, moderate livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.6Cost56.6SafetyComing SoonHealth84.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome50.3Risk36WaterComing Soon
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36
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

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Grady County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $54,312
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615

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 rank slightly above national median

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.054% is 25% higher than the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $4,954 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690, driven by a median home value of $469,800.

Second-lowest tax burden in Rhode Island

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.054% is the second-lowest in Rhode Island, trailing only Newport County's 0.955% and well below the state average of 1.248%. This favorable rate reflects the county's mix of middle and upper-middle-class residential areas.

Washington has the second-best tax rate regionally

Only Newport County's 0.955% effective rate beats Washington's 1.054%, while Providence, Bristol, and Kent all exceed Washington's rate. Despite a median home value nearly identical to Bristol's ($469,800 vs. $468,000), Washington residents pay $1,529 less annually in property taxes.

Washington residents pay $4,954 on median home

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.054% applied to the median home value of $469,800 yields an estimated annual property tax of $4,954. Mortgage holders average $4,857 in taxes annually, while outright owners typically pay around $5,182.

Verify your assessment and appeal if needed

Washington County's relatively favorable tax rate doesn't eliminate the risk of overassessment—many homeowners overpay due to outdated or inaccurate valuations. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales and filing an appeal if warranted can reduce your annual property tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington rents fit most budgets easily

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% sits comfortably below national benchmarks, allowing renters to manage housing costs without financial strain. The county's median household income of $102,478 ranks among the state's strongest, providing residents substantial income stability.

Third-most affordable in Rhode Island

Washington County ranks third statewide for affordability with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, trailing only Bristol and Kent counties. At 1.7 points below the state average, Washington delivers better housing economics than Newport or Providence counties.

Premium location, reasonable costs

Washington's median rent of $1,303 and median household income of $102,478 position it between Bristol and Newport, offering a middle path. The median home value of $469,800 aligns closely with Bristol's $468,000, suggesting comparable coastal-area pricing.

Washington's balanced housing equation

Renters spend $1,303 monthly while homeowners pay $1,837, together consuming approximately 25% of household income—the state's best ratio after Bristol. The median home value of $469,800 reflects a robust housing market for a county with strong local wages.

Washington offers solid value proposition

Washington County combines strong incomes with manageable rents, making it attractive for anyone seeking affordable living without sacrificing earning potential. With a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, you'll keep more of your paycheck than in four other state counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County earns 37% above US average

Washington County's median household income of $102,478 substantially outpaces the national median of $74,755, placing residents $27,723 ahead of the typical American household. This significant income advantage reflects a prosperous, upper-middle-class community.

Third-highest earners in Rhode Island

Washington County ranks third among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $5,729 more than the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $53,226 exceeds the state average by $647, indicating solid individual earnings paired with strong household wealth.

Washington competes with affluent counties

Washington County ($102,478) ranks between Newport ($100,859) and Bristol ($110,926), forming Rhode Island's triumvirate of highest-earning counties. Like Bristol, Washington maintains a household-friendly 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, the second-best in the state after Bristol's 14.6%.

Incomes support comfortable housing

Washington's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio—the second-lowest statewide—provides excellent housing affordability cushion, allocating roughly one-seventh of earnings to rent. Median home values of $469,800 align well with household incomes, enabling stable homeownership for most residents.

Invest surplus income for future security

Washington's strong incomes and favorable housing ratios create exceptional opportunity to save and invest beyond basic needs. Consider maxing out retirement contributions and diversifying into stocks, bonds, or real estate to accelerate long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington performs well on national metrics

Washington County residents live to 80.3 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly four years and approaching Rhode Island's 79.9-year state average. Just 11.4% report poor or fair health, the second-best rate in Rhode Island and well below the national average of 13.5%.

Rhode Island's second-healthiest county

Washington County's 80.3-year life expectancy ranks second-best in Rhode Island, just 0.4 years below state average. With a 3.7% uninsured rate, Washington is well below the state average of 4.2%, ensuring most residents can access preventive and routine care.

Competes with Bristol for top health metrics

Washington's 80.3-year life expectancy closely rivals Bristol's 80.7 years, positioning both as Rhode Island's healthiest counties. Like Bristol, Washington's low uninsured rate (3.7%) and abundant mental health providers (381 per 100,000) support strong overall health outcomes.

Good coverage, adequate primary care access

Washington's 3.7% uninsured rate means the vast majority of residents have coverage for preventive services, early diagnosis, and chronic disease management. With 82 primary care providers and 381 mental health providers per 100,000, the county supports both physical and behavioral health.

Stay covered to maintain these strong outcomes

Washington residents enjoy some of Rhode Island's best health outcomes—don't lose that progress. Visit HealthCare.gov today to confirm your coverage and explore options that keep you protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington: Moderate Risk, Coastal Focus

Washington County's composite risk score of 64.03 ranks as Relatively Low nationally but reflects concentrated coastal and waterway vulnerabilities. Hurricane (82.23), flood (76.20), and earthquake (67.27) risks all exceed typical U.S. levels.

Mid-Range Risk Across Rhode Island

Washington County scores 64.03, placing it fourth among Rhode Island's five counties—7.44 points above the state average of 56.59. Only Providence County (93.67) and Kent County (69.43) exceed Washington's overall risk exposure.

Safer Than Kent and Providence, Riskier Than Coastal Counties

Washington (64.03) ranks higher than Bristol (19.40) and Newport (36.42) but below Kent (69.43) and Providence (93.67). Its south-county geography and mixed coastal-inland composition place it in the state's moderate-risk band.

Hurricane and Flood Are Washington's Main Hazards

Hurricane risk (82.23) and flood risk (76.20) dominate Washington's profile, reflecting coastal Atlantic exposure in southern towns. Tornado (29.39) and earthquake (67.27) present secondary concerns, while wildfire risk (23.06) remains manageable.

Secure Flood and Wind Coverage Now

Washington's 82.23 hurricane rating and 76.20 flood rating require separate flood insurance and comprehensive wind damage coverage—don't rely on standard homeowner policies alone. Coastal properties should also confirm earthquake riders given the county's 67.27 earthquake risk.

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.