countyscore
37.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.5Schools 46.5Health 42.4

County Report Card

About Washington County, Texas

Trailing the National Benchmark

Washington County scores 37.9 on the composite index, sitting about 12 points below the national median. While it has high individual scores, its overall profile is slightly dampened by resource metrics.

Close to Texas Standards

With a score of 37.9, the county is just below the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a solid middle-of-the-pack option for those looking to live in the heart of Texas.

High Prosperity and Solid Schools

An Income Score of 77.5 is the county’s crowning achievement, with median household incomes at $75,085. School quality is also reliable, outperforming many neighboring districts with a score of 46.5.

Water Quality and Environmental Risk

The county struggles with a Water Score of 14.7, suggesting infrastructure or quality concerns. Risk scores also remain low at 28.0, indicating vulnerability to natural or economic shifts.

A Strong Middle-Class Hub

Washington County is ideal for high-earning professionals who want a balanced mix of good schools and Texas tradition. It is best for those who can afford higher-value homes and prioritize income over water metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax28.2Cost29.3Safety41.5Health42.4Schools46.5Income77.5Risk28Water14.7Weather24.3
🏛28.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.3
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

Burleson County
Texas
49.2
Waller County
Texas
33.6
Brazos County
Texas
22.8
Austin County
Texas
39.6
Grimes County
Texas
37
Lee County
Texas
42.6
Fayette County
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47.3
Colorado County
Texas
39.3

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's taxes sit near U.S. median

Washington County's effective tax rate of 1.150% is just slightly above the national median of 1.1%, positioning it squarely in the middle of the U.S. property tax distribution. The median property tax of $3,105 exceeds the national median by $415, partly reflecting the county's median home value of $270,100, which approaches the national average.

Slightly below Texas state average

Washington's 1.150% effective rate ranks in the middle of Texas counties, falling just short of the state average of 1.276%. The median tax of $3,105 exceeds the state median of $2,193, reflecting the county's slightly higher home values.

Middle-ground among regional peers

Washington County's 1.150% rate places it between Walker County (1.112%) and Victoria County (1.488%) in this cluster. It's well below Webb's 1.851% but above Ward's rock-bottom 0.600%, making it a reasonable middle position regionally.

A $270,100 home means $3,105 yearly

The median Washington County homeowner pays approximately $3,105 annually on a home valued at $270,100. With a mortgage, you'll see roughly $3,728 withheld per year; without one, about $2,730.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Washington County homeowners with properties above the median should verify their assessments haven't drifted above fair market value. A reassessment appeal can be filed at the local appraisal district and often succeeds when market conditions have shifted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County balances affordability with income

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits comfortably below both the state average of 18.1% and national norms, signaling sustainable housing costs. The median household income of $75,085 nearly matches the national average of $74,755, making Washington a well-balanced housing market.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Washington County ranks in the top tier statewide with a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio, below the Texas average and reflecting strong affordability for renters. The $1,091 median rent sits above the state median, but household incomes are correspondingly stronger, creating favorable balance.

Solid middle ground in the region

Washington County's $1,091 rent splits the difference between cheaper rural counties and expensive suburbs, while its $75,085 income ranks second in the cluster after Waller County. The county combines reasonable rents with strong earning capacity, making it a stable choice.

Rent takes modest slice of household budget

The typical Washington County renter pays $1,091 monthly—just 17.4% of household income—while homeowners spend $930, making the county affordable across both tenure types. Median home values of $270,100 sit above the county median income, suggesting ownership requires significant down payments.

Stable rural living with reliable affordability

Washington County appeals to families and remote workers seeking rural character without affordability sacrifice: the 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's best. With strong median income and balanced housing costs, the county offers sustainable housing economics for most household profiles.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington nearly matches national income

Washington County's median household income of $75,085 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $330, essentially equaling typical U.S. household earnings. This near-perfect alignment reflects economic strength comparable to the broader American economy.

Top earner among Texas counties

Washington's $75,085 median household income significantly exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by over $10,300, ranking it among the state's highest-income counties. Per capita income of $41,902 substantially surpasses the state average of $33,197, indicating exceptionally strong individual earning power.

Second-highest earner in the region

Washington's $75,085 income ranks second only to Waller County ($76,135) among the eight comparison counties, significantly surpassing all others. The county stands as a regional economic powerhouse alongside Waller.

Solid affordability despite premium home values

Washington's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy housing cost burden despite median home values reaching $270,100—among the region's highest. Strong incomes readily accommodate the county's premium real estate market.

Washington: maximize premium earning position

Washington residents commanding both high household and per-capita incomes should develop comprehensive wealth strategies including real estate portfolios, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and diversified investments. Working with financial professionals helps optimize these advantages for intergenerational wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Ranks High for Safety

Washington County’s total crime rate of 1,326.6 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county boasts a strong safety score of 97.9. It is significantly safer than most American counties of its size.

Outperforming the Texas Safety Average

The safety score of 97.9 is well above the Texas state average of 96.8. Washington County’s crime rate is also 35% lower than the state average of 2,052.5. Seven agencies contribute to this impressive record of public safety.

Washington vs Neighboring Waller County

Washington County is safer than its neighbor Waller, with a crime rate of 1,326.6 versus Waller’s 1,540.1. Its safety score of 97.9 also edges out Waller’s 97.6. This makes Washington a standout for safety in the region.

Violent Crime Stays Well Below Average

Violent crime in Washington County is just 276.5 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also relatively low at 1,050.1 per 100K. Residents benefit from a low-risk environment for both person and property.

Simple Habits for Continued Safety

Because crime rates are already low, maintaining safety is often about simple prevention. Keep vehicles locked and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight to prevent opportunistic theft. Community vigilance helps keep Washington County among the safest in Texas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Highest life expectancy in the group

Washington County residents live to 76.9 years on average, well above the U.S. median of 74.5 years—a remarkable 2.4-year advantage. Just 19.3% report poor or fair health, the best rate among all eight counties and below the national average, reflecting consistently strong wellness.

Texas's healthiest in this cohort

At 76.9 years, Washington County's life expectancy leads Texas's 74.3-year average by 2.6 years, marking it among the state's healthiest. The uninsured rate of 16.3% is the lowest in this eight-county group and well below the state average of 19.8%.

Best health outcomes across metrics

Washington County tops the peer group on life expectancy (76.9 years), uninsured rate (16.3%), and poor/fair health reports (19.3%). Its 61 primary care providers per 100,000 rank second-highest, supporting the county's exceptional health profile.

Strong healthcare infrastructure and access

With 61 primary care providers and 89 mental health providers per 100,000, Washington County offers above-average healthcare capacity. Combined with the lowest uninsured rate (16.3%) in this group, residents enjoy both availability and affordability of care.

Protect your health leadership role

Washington County leads the region in health outcomes—maintain that advantage by keeping insurance current. Review coverage annually at Healthcare.gov or through your employer to sustain the county's strong foundation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Academic Infrastructure in Washington County

Washington County features 10 public schools serving a total of 5,509 students through 2 districts. The county provides 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools to support its growing student body. This network serves as the backbone of the historic Brenham area's civic life.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Results

The county maintains a graduation rate of 91.9%, which slightly edges out the Texas state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $6,668 is below the state average, the county still achieves a school score of 53.8. These metrics indicate a stable and effective educational system for local youth.

Brenham ISD Leads the County

Brenham ISD is the county's largest district by far, managing 7 schools and 4,939 students. Burton ISD serves the remaining 532 students across two schools. One charter school operates in the area, providing an alternative choice for roughly 10% of the county's school facilities.

Balanced Rural and Town Learning

The county's schools are evenly split with 5 campuses in towns and 5 in rural areas. The average school size is 551 students, though Brenham High School is significantly larger with 1,584 students. This mix offers families a choice between larger secondary programs and more intimate elementary settings.

Live Near Brenham's Quality Schools

Washington County offers a blend of historic charm and reliable public education, making it a favorite for families. Properties near Brenham's main campuses are highly sought after for their proximity to well-regarded middle and high schools. Explore available homes to find your place in this thriving Texas community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington's Above-Average Risk Exposure

Washington County scores 71.98 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively low while exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 23 points. This places Washington in the upper range of national risk, well above the median.

Washington's Position Among Texas Counties

Washington County ranks in the upper-middle range of Texas counties for overall disaster risk, with its 71.98 score solidly above the state average. The county faces meaningful but manageable multi-hazard exposure.

Washington Compared to Adjacent Counties

Washington's 71.98 score sits near Waller County (70.26) and Walker County (73.82), placing it in a tight cluster of moderately elevated-risk Southeast Texas counties. All three exceed the state average substantially, reflecting strong regional vulnerability patterns.

Washington's Dominant Threats

Tornadoes pose Washington's greatest hazard with a risk score of 82.63, followed by hurricane exposure at 84.69 and flooding at 72.68. Wildfire risk is more moderate at 48.82, while earthquakes remain minimal at 26.72.

Securing Your Washington Property

Establish a tornado safe room or reinforced shelter space, as tornadoes are your county's defining natural hazard. Combine this with windstorm/hurricane insurance, keep gutters clear to manage flooding, and maintain your roof to withstand the combination of tornadoes and tropical systems that regularly impact the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Humid Environment

Washington County maintains a 68.0°F average annual temperature, placing it well above the national median. Its 46.1 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the average American county.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

At 68.0°F, Washington County is notably warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 46.1 inches of rain, far exceeding the 31.9-inch state average.

Gulf Influences in Central Texas

The county is significantly more humid than the arid plains of West Texas. With 46.1 inches of rain, it experiences a lush, green landscape that distinguishes it from its drier neighbors to the west.

Long Summers and Snowless Winters

The area sees 115 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging a hot 83.8°F. Winters are very mild at 51.9°F on average, and the county typically sees zero snowfall.

Gear Up for Rain and Humidity

Residents should invest in high-quality rain gear to handle the 46.1 inches of annual precipitation. Efficient cooling and dehumidification are also vital for staying comfortable during the 115 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral Soil Identity

Washington County features an average pH of 6.84, which is very close to the ideal neutral mark. This is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 but lower than the Texas average of 7.09. The county earns a strong soil score of 38.8, outperforming the state average.

Balanced Composition for Better Structure

The soil is comprised of 43.8% sand, 25.7% silt, and 27.2% clay. This relatively high clay content for the region helps the soil retain nutrients better than sandier neighbors. The balanced mix provides a solid foundation for both agricultural and residential use.

Excellent Water Retention Potential

With an available water capacity of 0.139 in/in, this county exceeds the Texas average of 0.133. Organic matter stands at 1.58%, which is nearly on par with the state average of 1.66%. These factors combine to create a reliable environment for growing a variety of crops.

Hydrologic Group D Runoff Risks

Like many coastal plain counties, Washington County falls into Hydrologic Group D. This indicates slow water infiltration and a higher risk of runoff during heavy storms. Proper drainage planning is necessary to keep garden beds and building foundations from becoming waterlogged.

Success in Hardiness Zone 9a

Washington County’s location in Zone 9a is perfect for everything from spring wildflowers to fall harvests. The near-neutral pH and good water capacity make this a versatile region for hobbyist gardeners. Grab your tools and take advantage of the productive soil in the birthplace of Texas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Washington County's Solid Standing

Washington County earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.3, performing slightly better than the Texas state average. While it remains more challenging than the national median, this Zone 9a area is well-suited for southern lawn varieties. You are starting with a better baseline than most of your fellow Texans.

Wet and Warm Conditions

The county receives 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is excellent for maintaining a lush green landscape. However, you must manage 115 extreme heat days, significantly more than the state average of 105. With 6,916 growing degree days, expect your lawn to be very active, requiring frequent mowing during the peak summer months.

Excellent Soil for Healthy Turf

Washington County features a soil pH of 6.84, which sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass. The soil composition of 43.8% sand and 27.2% clay provides a balanced medium for both drainage and nutrient storage. This foundation is better than most, meaning you can focus more on maintenance and less on major soil corrections.

Navigating 100% Severe Drought

Despite the high annual rainfall, 100.0% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. You have faced 35 weeks of drought over the past year, emphasizing the need for a resilient watering plan. Focus on soil health and deep-rooting practices to help your lawn survive these periodic but intense dry spells.

A Productive 9a Window

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are top performers in this 9a climate and can handle the local soil well. Your growing season officially kicks off after the last frost on March 7 and runs through November 30. Use this generous window to establish your turf and enjoy a long season of green.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Texas?
Washington County ranks #159 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $3,105, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 28.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Texas is $75,085 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Texas a good place to live?
Washington County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #159 in Texas. 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.