countyscore
46.8
County Score
Property Tax 90.8Income & Jobs 79.1Health 72.2

County Report Card

About Washington County, Utah

Slightly Below the National Midpoint

Washington County holds a composite score of 46.8, which is just under the national median of 50.0. While it offers high marks in specific categories, it ranks lower than the typical U.S. county overall.

Below the State Average

The county falls roughly seven points behind the Utah state average composite of 53.9. This gap is largely driven by local environmental risks and affordability issues that affect its ranking.

Low Taxes and Solid Health

A tax score of 90.8 makes this county very attractive for those looking to keep more of their money. Residents also enjoy good access to wellness resources, as seen in a health score of 72.2.

High Risk and Rising Costs

Natural hazard risks are a significant concern here, reflected in a very low risk score of 7.2. Housing affordability also pinches budgets, with a cost score of 11.3 and home values near $465,600.

Ideal for Sun-Seeking Retirees

This county suits people who prioritize low taxes and health infrastructure over environmental resilience. It is a strong choice for those who have the capital to manage higher home prices in a scenic but risky climate.

Score breakdown

Tax90.8Cost11.3Safety37.8Health72.2Schools38.5Income79.1Risk7.2Water35.1Weather48.5
🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.3
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

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Beaver County
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Piute County
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Kane County
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Mohave County
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Millard County
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Clark County
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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 significantly below U.S. average

Washington County's effective rate of 0.446% ranks among the nation's lowest-taxed counties, far below the 0.92% national median. At $2,076 annually, the median property tax is 23% cheaper than the national median of $2,690.

Third-lowest rate in Utah

Washington County ties with Wasatch at 0.446%, ranking third-lowest among Utah's 29 counties. This rate trails the state average of 0.498% by 0.052 percentage points, saving homeowners hundreds annually.

Equal to Wasatch, beats Weber decisively

Washington and Wasatch counties both charge 0.446%, making them the region's tax leaders. Weber County's 0.621% rate would cost Washington homeowners an extra $339 per year on a typical property.

Median home brings modest tax bill

A typical Washington County home valued at $465,600 carries an annual property tax of $2,076. At $173 per month, this is one of the state's most affordable property tax burdens.

Appeal may reveal hidden savings

Many Washington County homeowners sit on assessments that don't reflect current market conditions. Request a free reassessment from your assessor—overages are common and entirely recoverable.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County housing strains budgets

Washington County's 23.0% rent-to-income ratio represents a significant affordability challenge, meaning renters spend nearly a quarter of income on housing alone. With a median income of $76,411—just above the national median of $74,755—residents here lack the earning cushion to absorb housing costs that surpass most peers.

Utah's most strained rental market

Washington County ranks as Utah's least affordable county for renters, with a 23.0% rent-to-income ratio running 6.4 percentage points above the state average of 16.6%. At $1,464 monthly, rents are 33% above the state median, creating one of the sharpest affordability crunches in the state.

Rents bite harder here than surroundings

Washington County's $1,464 monthly rent undercuts Wasatch County's $1,905 but surpasses Utah County ($1,441) and Wayne County ($1,018), yet its lower income makes housing less affordable proportionally. At 23.0%, Washington's rent-to-income ratio is the worst among the five counties analyzed here.

Income stretched thin by housing costs

A median Washington County household earning $76,411 annually allocates roughly $1,464 to rent, consuming nearly a quarter of gross income before taxes and other expenses. Homeowners fare somewhat better at 19.9% for owner costs, but renters here shoulder the state's heaviest housing burden relative to income.

Washington County demands careful budgeting

If you're relocating to Washington County on an average income, plan for housing to consume a larger slice of your budget than elsewhere in Utah—23% versus the state average of 16.6%. Consider whether nearby counties like Utah County (17.9%) or Wayne County (17.4%) might offer comparable lifestyles with lower housing strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County slightly above national average

Washington County's median household income of $76,411 modestly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by just 2%, placing it near the middle of the national earnings distribution. Growth in St. George and retirement migration contribute to steady, if unspectacular, income levels.

Sitting slightly below state average

At $76,411, Washington County's median household income falls about $3,765 short of Utah's state average of $80,176, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Utah counties. The county's growing retirement population and service industry employment create a more modest income profile than northern counties.

Middle ground among Utah counties

Washington County earns $20,466 less than Utah County ($96,877) but $6,337 more than Wayne County ($70,074). Compared to Weber County ($87,083), Washington households earn $10,672 less, reflecting the county's transition economy between growth corridors and rural areas.

Housing affordability strained for many

With a rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%, Washington County exceeds the recommended 20% affordability threshold, signaling housing cost stress for median-income households. The median home value of $465,600 requires careful budgeting, especially for single-income families or those near the median.

Build wealth by reducing housing burden

Washington County residents should prioritize controlling housing costs to free up income for savings and investment. Even modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts or modest real estate investments can compound significantly over time, building long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in Southern Utah

Washington County earns a strong 97.7 safety score despite being an active growth hub. Its total crime rate of 1,429.3 per 100K remains much lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Aligning With Utah Safety Averages

The county's crime rate sits slightly above the Utah state average of 1,204.8 per 100K. Nine reporting agencies work across the region to maintain a safety score close to the state average of 98.1.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

Washington County experiences more incidents than nearby rural areas, but it is notably safer than northern urban centers. The local rate of 1,429.3 is significantly better than Weber County's 1,993.1.

Understanding Local Crime Patterns

Violent crime occurs at 202.9 per 100K, which is slightly above the state average of 178.7. Property crime makes up the bulk of reports, with 1,226.4 incidents per 100K residents.

Focus on Securing Entry Points

With property crime being the primary concern, homeowners should focus on securing windows and doors. Modern alarm systems can help mitigate the risk of burglary in this developing region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County meets U.S. life expectancy

Washington County residents live an average of 80.2 years, slightly above the U.S. average of 77.8 years. However, 14.1% of the population experiences poor or fair health—notably higher than national norms, suggesting significant underlying health challenges.

Mixed outcomes within Utah

Washington County's 80.2-year life expectancy tops Utah's state average of 77.9 years, but its 14.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest. This gap suggests the county has pockets of serious health struggles despite longer average lifespans.

Longer life, higher health struggles

Washington County's life expectancy (80.2 years) exceeds Utah County (79.4) and Weber County (77.0), but its 14.1% poor/fair health rate is the second-highest in the region after Wayne County (17.0%). This combination suggests health inequality within the county.

Good providers, high uninsured rates

Washington County has strong provider access with 54 primary care and 345 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. However, its 11.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, meaning more residents lack coverage and may skip care.

Insurance matters for health outcomes

With above-average uninsured rates, Washington County residents risk worse health outcomes when they lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to explore affordable options, and ask local providers about sliding-scale fees or community health programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rapidly Expanding Educational Hub

Washington County manages 64 public schools serving a total enrollment of 41,468 students. The system is diverse, featuring 34 elementary schools and 13 high schools spread across 7 different districts.

Exceptional Outcomes on Limited Budgets

The county's 92.9% graduation rate is one of the highest in the region, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,173, which is the lowest among these five counties.

Washington District and Digital Innovation

The Washington District is the primary provider with 37,572 students, including the massive Utah Online K8 program with 3,428 students. Eight charter schools, such as George Washington Academy, offer additional specialized tracks for families.

A Mix of Urban and Rural Settings

The county features a unique locale mix with 27 schools in city centers and 21 in rural areas. While the average school size is 669 students, the largest campus is actually a virtual one, reflecting the area's embrace of online learning.

Plant Roots Near High-Achieving Schools

High graduation rates and innovative online options make Washington County a flexible and attractive market for families. Look for homes in the St. George area to take advantage of the Washington District's proven academic track record.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County faces elevated risk

With a composite score of 92.81, Washington County ranks as relatively moderate—significantly higher than the national average. This score reflects concentrated exposure to multiple hazard types that affect the region.

Utah's third-riskiest county

Washington County's score of 92.81 substantially exceeds Utah's state average of 36.19, making it the third-most hazard-prone county in the state. Only Utah County and Weber County face comparable risk levels.

Riskier than most Utah neighbors

Washington County's 92.81 score is much higher than Wasatch County (33.52) and Wayne County (1.88), though similar to Utah County (95.32). Your region faces significantly more natural disaster exposure than most neighboring areas.

Wildfire and flooding dominate

Wildfire risk is extreme at 99.84—the highest in the state—while flood risk follows at 93.35. Earthquake risk at 81.08 rounds out a formidable triple threat to property and safety.

Multiple insurance policies essential

Washington County residents must secure separate wildfire and earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude these hazards. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is equally critical given your county's 93.35 flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Desert Living in Southern Utah

Washington County’s 58.0°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median. This desert climate is defined by intense heat and a low 13.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Utah's Warmest Regional Climate

The county ranks as the warmest in the state, sitting nearly 10 degrees above the Utah average of 48.9°F. While the rest of the state faces heavy snow, this region remains largely arid and hot.

Starkly Different from the North

Washington County is a world apart from Wayne County, which is nearly 8 degrees cooler and even drier. It experiences 90 heat days a year, double the amount seen in most central Utah counties.

Intense Heat and Mild Winters

Summers are scorching with a July average of 80.5°F and three full months of days over 90°F. Conversely, winters are the mildest in the state, featuring a 38.5°F January average and only 10.9 inches of snow.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

High-efficiency air conditioning and sun protection are critical for managing 90 days of extreme heat. Residents enjoy a year-round outdoor lifestyle that rarely requires the heavy winter gear used elsewhere in Utah.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Desert Soils of the Southwest

While specific pH data for Washington County is missing, the state average of 7.71 suggests alkaline conditions common in the desert. This stands in contrast to the national median of 6.5. These soils often require specific management to support non-native landscape plants and gardens.

Texture Data in Arid Landscapes

The specific mix of sand, silt, and clay is not recorded for this county at the present time. Texture influences how quickly the ground dries out under the intense southern Utah sun. Local growers typically encounter sandy or rocky textures that offer rapid drainage but low nutrient storage.

Optimizing Growth in the Mojave

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for Washington County. The state average of 7.59% organic matter is a target that requires significant effort to reach in desert environments. Increasing organic content is the most effective way to improve the 0.138 in/in state average water capacity locally.

Navigating Desert Drainage Patterns

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped for this region. In arid climates, managing flash flood runoff is just as important as ensuring garden drainage. Consult local experts to understand how your specific site handles the rare but heavy desert rains.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8b

Washington County enjoys a long growing season in Zone 8b, perfect for heat-loving plants like pomegranates, figs, and okra. The mild winters allow for year-round gardening of many leafy greens and herbs. Take advantage of the warmth by establishing a Mediterranean-style garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

The Desert Lawn Challenge in Washington County

Washington County presents a steep challenge with a lawn difficulty score of only 20.3, the lowest in this group. This score is far below the state average of 28.5, making it one of the most difficult places in Utah to maintain traditional turf. In Zone 8b, your lawn care strategy must adapt to extreme desert conditions.

Scorching Heat and Sparse Rain

With 90 days of extreme heat annually, local lawns face double the heat stress of the average Utah county. Only 13.6 inches of rain falls each year, creating a massive water deficit for thirsty grass varieties. An intense 4339 growing degree days means lawns grow rapidly but require constant hydration to stay alive.

Managing Arid Desert Soils

Specific soil data for this region is not currently available, but desert soils are frequently sandy or rocky with low organic matter. Testing for salinity and pH is crucial, as high evaporation rates can lead to salt buildup in the root zone. Incorporating high-quality compost before seeding is essential for improving water-holding capacity.

Constant Vigilance in Dry Conditions

Washington County has spent the entire past year in drought conditions, though severe levels are currently at 0%. Despite the lack of severe ratings today, the baseline arid climate requires permanent water-wise habits. Drip irrigation for non-turf areas and choosing drought-hardy grasses can significantly reduce your water footprint.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grass Types

Zone 8b is suitable for warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia, which thrive in the intense local heat. The early last frost on April 9th offers an long growing season, but planting should be finished before the summer heatwave arrives. Aim to have your lawn well-rooted before the first fall frost hits around November 5th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Utah has a composite county score of 46.8 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 Utah?
Washington County ranks #23 among all counties in Utah 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, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $2,076, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 90.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Utah is $76,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Utah a good place to live?
Washington County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Utah. 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.