CountyScore

Washington County

Virginia · VA

#31 in Virginia
73.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Virginia

Washington County's national strength

Washington County's composite score of 77.3 decisively surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for livability. This 55% advantage reflects a county delivering measurable quality of life across multiple dimensions.

Second-best in Virginia's sample

Washington County's composite score of 77.3 ranks it second only to Tazewell among the eight profiled counties and well above Virginia's state average of 70.3. The county demonstrates exceptional livability relative to most in-state peers.

Lowest taxes and strong housing affordability

Washington's tax score of 87.8 and effective rate of 0.514% are the best in the sample, paired with a cost score of 82.6 and median rents of just $832/month. Median home values of $201,800 ensure housing remains genuinely affordable for working families.

Limited income growth and earning potential

Washington's income score of 24.4 reflects median household earnings of $62,774, indicating fewer high-wage employment opportunities relative to other counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain absent from the current measurement.

Ideal for cost-first thinkers

Washington County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, and budget-minded families who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. It delivers exceptional value and financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.8Cost82.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk53.5WaterComing Soon
🏛87.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡53.5
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

Gunnison County
Colorado
73.5
Median income: $77,358
Towns County
Georgia
73.5
Median income: $58,400
Latah County
Idaho
73.5
Median income: $65,179
Payette County
Idaho
73.5
Median income: $65,723
Sullivan County
Indiana
73.5
Median income: $54,985

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 offers lowest effective rate

Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.514% ranks among the nation's lowest, delivering exceptional savings compared to the national median. On the national median home value of $281,900, this rate would produce about $1,449 in annual taxes, but Washington's median home of $201,800 results in just $1,038—more than $1,600 less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Washington ranks among Virginia's cheapest

Washington County's 0.514% effective rate is among Virginia's lowest, sitting well below the state average of 0.671%. The county's median annual tax of $1,038 represents barely half the state median of $1,960, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in Virginia.

Washington beats all surrounding counties

Washington County's 0.514% rate is the lowest among comparable southwestern Virginia counties, edging out Sussex (0.541%), Tazewell (0.618%), and Surry (0.627%). Homeowners here enjoy the best tax rate in the region, though Warren's higher home values mean some variation in absolute annual costs.

Washington averages $1,038 yearly taxes

On the county's median home value of $201,800, homeowners pay approximately $1,038 in annual property taxes. With mortgage considerations, that rises to $1,173, while owners without mortgages pay around $929.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Even in low-tax Washington County, homeowners should verify assessments match market value and can appeal if they believe valuations are inflated. Washington County's assessment appeals are free and can recover retroactive overpayments if your property is deemed overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County: truly affordable rents

Washington County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio beats both Virginia's state average (18.6%) and the national affordability benchmark, with rents at just $832 monthly. The median household income of $62,774 runs below the national average of $74,755, yet housing affordability remains exceptional.

One of Virginia's best rental bargains

Washington County ranks among the state's most affordable counties for renters, combining low rents ($832) with a manageable income-to-cost ratio. At 15.9%, the rent burden trails Virginia's 18.6% average, making housing stress noticeably lower than typical for the state.

Cheaper rents than most neighbors

Washington's $832 rent undercuts Warren ($1,199), Virginia Beach ($1,649), Waynesboro ($972), and Westmoreland ($991), rivaling only Tazewell ($738). For homebuyers, Washington's median home value of $201,800 sits mid-range—affordable compared to Warren and Virginia Beach but pricier than Tazewell.

Both rents and ownership stay cheap

Renters spend $832 monthly (15.9% of income) while homeowners pay $714 for properties valued at $201,800—making ownership remarkably affordable. This county shows rare affordability across both rental and ownership markets, suggesting healthy housing stock diversity.

Washington County: real affordability

Washington County offers authentic housing affordability—rents below $850 and home values under $202,000 with a rent-to-income ratio below 16%. Relocators seeking genuine housing cost relief should prioritize Washington over pricier Virginia Beach or Warren County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County trails national income

Washington County's median household income of $62,774 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $11,981, a 16% gap that reflects its rural, Appalachian character. Despite this, the county remains slightly above the lowest-income performers in the sample.

Below Virginia's income standard

At $62,774, Washington County's median household income lags Virginia's state average of $74,957 by 16.2%, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Economic diversification remains limited compared to urban and suburban regions.

Income parity with Sussex, below Surry

Washington County's $62,774 income nearly matches Sussex County ($62,821) but trails Surry County ($71,458) by $8,684. The county significantly lags Warren County ($84,331) and faces acute disparities against Virginia Beach ($90,685).

Rent affordability holds steady

Washington County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold and is lower than several peer counties. The median home value of $201,800 is accessible to middle-income households with conventional financing.

Rural Washington County wealth strategies

With median household income at $62,774, Washington County residents should focus on leveraging lower cost-of-living advantages: prioritizing home ownership for equity building, automating retirement savings, and exploring skills development for income growth. Small consistent investments compound meaningfully over 20–30 year horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County nears U.S. health benchmarks

At 74.3 years, Washington County residents live just within reach of the U.S. average of 74.5 years, though slightly below it. With 18.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates moderate health challenges across its population.

Virginia's healthier mid-tier communities

Washington's 74.3-year life expectancy sits about 0.8 years below Virginia's 75.1-year state average, placing it among the state's mid-range performers. The county's 7.3% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.9%, indicating strong insurance coverage.

Washington leads Appalachian health outcomes

At 74.3 years, Washington County outpaces Tazewell County (70.5 years) by nearly 4 years despite similar rural, Appalachian character. Washington also leads on primary care providers (91 per 100K) and maintains robust mental health support (244 per 100K), among the highest in this group.

Exceptional provider capacity serves most

Washington County boasts 91 primary care providers per 100K—the second-highest in this group—and 244 mental health providers per 100K, enabling broad access to care. Only 7.3% of residents lack insurance, meaning healthcare infrastructure is well-matched to insured populations.

Build on Washington's healthcare strength

With 91 primary care providers per 100K, Washington County has invested heavily in healthcare access—make sure you're covered to use it. If you're among the 7.3% uninsured, check Virginia's marketplace and Medicaid options to complete your protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington faces above-average hazards

Washington County's composite risk score of 46.56 reflects a Relatively Low rating but exceeds typical U.S. county exposure levels. The county contends with multiple significant hazard types stemming from its geography and climate.

Moderately elevated within Virginia

Washington County's score of 46.56 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the state's higher-risk quartile. The county faces notably more combined disaster exposure than most Virginia peers.

Riskier than Warren, safer than Tazewell

Washington (46.56) surpasses Warren County (31.58) in composite risk but trails Tazewell County (60.18) significantly. The county occupies a middle-risk position within its regional peer group.

Flooding and earthquakes pose threats

Washington residents face substantial flood risk (63.52) and earthquake exposure (72.68), the county's two primary hazards. Tornado risk (30.12) and wildfire risk (33.17) rank secondary but remain notable concerns.

Comprehensive insurance strategy advised

Washington County homeowners should secure standard coverage with separate flood insurance, given the county's 63.52 flood risk score. Earthquake coverage deserves consideration given the county's notably high seismic exposure (72.68).

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.