CountyScore

Washington County

Tennessee · TN

#68 in Tennessee
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Tennessee

Solidly Above National Livability Median

Washington County's composite score of 74.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 50 percent. This positions the county as a reliable performer compared to the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Slightly Below Tennessee's State Average

Washington County scores 74.3 against Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it just shy of the state median. It remains a respectable option within Tennessee's competitive county landscape.

Low Taxes and Moderate Affordability

The tax score of 86.8 reflects an effective rate of 0.552%, while the cost score of 77.6 offers reasonable housing affordability with median home values at $231,700 and median rent at $951/month. These dimensions provide solid financial footing for residents.

Income Growth Lags Behind Housing Costs

Washington County's income score of 23.2 corresponds to a median household income of $61,051, which doesn't fully align with the county's housing price trajectory. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

Best for Moderate-Income Remote Workers

Washington County appeals to professionals with stable incomes of $60,000+ who value low taxes and don't require big-city amenities. It's a sensible choice for those seeking Appalachian community with reasonable housing and fiscal discipline.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.8Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth62.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.2Risk38.8WaterComing Soon
🏛86.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡38.8
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

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

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 taxes above national norm

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.552% exceeds the national median of 0.866% percentile, though its median tax of $1,278 remains below the national median of $2,690. This combination reflects moderate taxation on moderately valued homes compared to national averages.

Higher than most Tennessee counties

Washington County's effective rate of 0.552% ranks above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, and its median tax of $1,278 exceeds the state average of $1,016 by about 26%. It sits in the upper half of Tennessee's tax-burden spectrum.

Highest in this regional cluster

Washington County's 0.552% rate is the highest among its neighbors: Warren County (0.447%), White County (0.425%), Wayne County (0.539%), and Weakley County (0.541%). Homeowners here pay more in property taxes than in most surrounding counties.

A $231,700 home costs $1,278

The typical Washington County homeowner with a median-valued property of $231,700 pays approximately $1,278 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $107 per month—higher than regional neighbors despite being well below the national median tax bill.

Appeal if assessed above market

Washington County homeowners should verify that their assessed value matches recent comparable sales in their area. An appeal to the assessor's office can be filed at no cost if you believe your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County: Above the Affordability Line

Washington County renters spend 18.7% of income on housing—exceeding both the national 30% threshold concern and Tennessee's 17.6% state average. At $951 per month, rents run significantly higher than the national typical, reflecting this county's stronger local economy and proximity to larger regional markets.

Less Affordable Than Most Tennessee Counties

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.7%, Washington County ranks above average in cost burden across Tennessee, signaling tighter affordability conditions. Median rents of $951 exceed the state average by $91 monthly, putting pressure on renters earning the state median income.

Premium Pricing in a Regional Hub

Washington County's $951 rent stands markedly higher than surrounding rural counties like Warren ($775), Wayne ($619), and Weakley ($760), reflecting its position as a more developed regional center. Home values here—$231,700 median—also top most neighbors, positioning the county as a pricier option in the broader region.

Income Pressure in a Growing Market

Renters pay $951 monthly while homeowners carry $895 in monthly costs on homes averaging $231,700—both figures among the highest in this county cluster. At 18.7%, rent consumption leaves less discretionary income than state peers, a trade-off for living in a more economically dynamic area.

Washington County: Premium for a Reason

Considering Washington County? You're paying more than neighboring counties for access to stronger job markets and regional amenities. Budget accordingly, but know that your housing costs reflect real economic vitality—compare your salary trajectory here versus lower-cost neighbors before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington outpaces rural peers nationally

Washington County's median household income of $61,051 still trails the national median of $74,755 by 18.4%, but performs notably better than many rural U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $36,493 approaches the national average more closely, reflecting a skilled workforce in this East Tennessee region. While below the national midpoint, Washington occupies middle ground in the national income distribution.

Above Tennessee's median income line

Washington County's $61,051 household income exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by roughly $2,000 annually. Its per capita income of $36,493 also tops the state's $31,458 average, indicating Washington has higher earners and stronger income concentration. The county ranks in Tennessee's upper-middle tier by household income.

Clear income leader in its region

Washington County ($61,051) substantially outearns nearby Warren ($54,088), Wayne ($52,824), and Weakley ($49,502) counties. The county's proximity to the Tri-Cities region and stronger manufacturing base explain its income premium over neighbors. Only Williamson County's exceptional $131,202 and Wilson County's $94,048 surpass Washington in the broader comparison set.

Housing costs rising with home values

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% remains within healthy limits, though slightly elevated for the region. Median home values of $231,700 reflect strong demand but remain affordable on the county's median income. Housing stability appears solid, though higher property values signal growth pressures.

Capitalize on East Tennessee growth momentum

Washington County's above-average household income of $61,051 positions families to save and invest meaningfully above living costs. With reasonable housing costs and modest rent-to-income ratios, earners should maximize 401(k) contributions and explore investment opportunities. The county's growth trajectory suggests long-term wealth building is achievable for disciplined savers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County outpaces national health benchmarks

Washington County's life expectancy of 73.9 years falls short of the national average of 76.4 years, yet only 21.4% report poor or fair health—well below the U.S. rate. Strong provider access and low uninsured rates suggest good healthcare infrastructure supporting resident wellness.

Washington leads Tennessee in health outcomes

With a life expectancy of 73.9 years—more than a year above Tennessee's 72.4-year average—Washington County ranks among the healthiest in the state. The 21.4% poor/fair health rate is the best of these seven counties, reflecting strong healthcare delivery.

Washington's provider network stands out regionally

Washington County boasts 186 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 426 mental health providers—far exceeding all neighboring counties. This exceptional infrastructure makes Washington a regional healthcare hub with robust access to both preventive and mental health services.

High coverage and access fuel Washington's health edge

Only 12.0% of Washington residents lack health insurance, virtually matching Tennessee's state average and the lowest rate among these seven counties. Combined with abundant providers, this means most residents can schedule preventive care without financial or geographic barriers.

Washington residents: maintain coverage strength

At 12% uninsured, Washington is doing well—but those without coverage can still find affordable options at healthcare.gov. Keeping insurance current ensures you protect your family's health advantage and avoid high-cost emergency care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County's natural hazard risk

Washington County scores 61.16 on the composite risk scale, sitting above Tennessee's 52.45 state average in the 'Relatively Low' category. The county's risk profile reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and earthquakes.

Risk ranking among Tennessee counties

Washington County ranks in the middle-to-upper range of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk score. Its 61.16 score positions it notably above the state median, making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed counties.

Comparing Washington to nearby counties

Washington County (61.16) faces substantially higher risk than Wayne County (42.97) and White County (38.55) to its south, but lower risk than Williamson County (85.15) to the southwest. The county's elevated flood risk (71.06) distinguishes it from many neighbors with similar earthquake exposure.

Washington's top three disaster hazards

Floods (71.06), earthquakes (83.97), and hurricanes (55.86) represent Washington County's primary risks, with flooding and seismic activity scoring significantly above state norms. Tornado risk (50.06) remains moderate but below the state average, while wildfires (42.78) pose a secondary concern.

Get covered against Washington's risks

Washington County residents should secure flood insurance and earthquake coverage, as standard policies exclude both hazards despite their elevated local risk. Given the county's 71.06 flood score, proximity to waterways should trigger an immediate flood insurance assessment.

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.