countyscore
58.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 84.4Weather & Climate 74.7

County Report Card

About Washington County, Virginia

Exceeding National Livability Norms

Washington County scores a 58.3 composite, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. It provides a higher-than-average quality of life for residents compared to the rest of the country.

Outperforming the Virginia Average

With a score well above the Virginia average of 50.9, the county is a regional standout. It balances financial friendliness with solid public infrastructure and reliable utilities.

Low Taxes and Affordable Living

A tax score of 84.4 is the county's crown jewel, supported by a very low 0.514% effective tax rate. Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 61.0 and median rents of $832.

Addressing Public Safety Concerns

Public safety is the most significant area for improvement, with a score of 31.1. While the school score of 64.2 is respectable, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the tax and cost rankings.

Perfect for Retirees and Families

Washington County is perfect for budget-conscious families and retirees who want to protect their wealth from taxes. It offers a rare combination of low taxes and manageable housing costs.

2040608010084.46131.154.964.247.453.58674.7Tax84.4Cost61Safety31.1Health54.9Schools64.2Income47.4Risk53.5Water86Weather74.758.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Washington County DNA

Foverall

How Washington County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Washington County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Property Tax (84.4/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Safety (31.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.4+32.400000000000006
Cost
61+13
Safety
31.1-23.9
Health
54.9
Schools
64.2+10.200000000000003
Income
47.4
Risk
53.5
Water
86+28
Weather
74.7+18.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Washington County

Whether buying or refinancing in Washington County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$201,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$832/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$201,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,774/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

63.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Bristol city
Virginia
41.6
Russell County
Virginia
61.3
Sullivan County
Tennessee
52.8
Johnson County
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Smyth County
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Carter County
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Scott County
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Ashe County
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Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Surpasses National Standards

Washington County earns a high safety score of 97.4, placing it well above the national norm. The total crime rate of 1,626.3 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Strong Standing in the Commonwealth

The county's total crime rate of 1,626.3 is lower than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.4 also slightly exceeds the state average of 97.3, indicating a very safe region.

Comparing Rates Across the Region

Washington County is safer than neighboring Tazewell, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,809.7 per 100,000. Seven reporting agencies work together to keep these numbers consistently low for the community.

Breaking Down Property and Violent Crimes

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 1,476.3 per 100,000 residents. In contrast, violent crime is relatively rare, occurring at a rate of 150.0 per 100,000, which is below the state average.

Proactive Security for Peace of Mind

Since property crime is the primary concern, simple deterrents like alarm systems are highly effective. Keeping valuables out of sight helps maintain the county’s high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Schools

Washington County offers 18 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. The system supports 6,737 students across two districts, including a specialized Governor's school.

Exceptional Outcomes and Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 93.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national 87.0% average. Academic success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,529, closely aligned with state averages.

Washington County Public Schools Spotlight

Washington County Public Schools is the largest district, managing 16 schools and all 6,737 students. The county also hosts the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School for advanced learners.

From Rural Fields to Suburban Hubs

The county features 10 rural schools and 8 suburban schools, with an average size of 449 students. Abingdon High is the largest campus, providing a suburban educational environment for 867 students.

Find Your Home in Washington County

With a 93% graduation rate, Washington County schools are a major draw for families seeking quality education. Look for homes in the Abingdon area for a balance of suburban convenience and academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Washington County

via WaterByCounty

High Marks for Washington County Water Systems

Washington County maintains an 'A' grade with zero health-based violations in the last five years. This perfect compliance record is significantly better than the Virginia state average of 126.9 violations per 100,000 residents.

Watershed Impairment Slightly Below State Average

Approximately 44.5% of the county's water bodies are classified as impaired, just under the state average of 46.1%. According to 2022 data, the primary pollutants are E. coli and fecal coliform, impacting local benthic life.

Consistent Tracking Across Forty-Eight Sites

Water quality experts utilize 48 monitoring sites to collect 5,617 measurements over a five-year period. These records primarily track physical, nutrient, and microbiological data to ensure watershed health remains stable.

Holston River Running Below Average Flow

The South Fork Holston River near Damascus reports a flow of 197 cfs, which is 41% of its typical mean. This discharge is notably lower than the historical long-term average of 486 cfs.

Avoid Impaired Streams After Storm Events

With significant E. coli and fecal coliform impairments, residents should avoid contact with local streams after heavy rain to reduce infection risk. While drinking water remains exceptionally safe, the lower-than-normal river flows warrant careful water use.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Mountains

Washington County's average annual temperature of 54.7°F sits right near the national median. This creates a temperate climate with four distinct, well-defined seasons for residents.

Cooler than the Virginia Average

The county is 1.2 degrees cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It receives 47.3 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly higher than the state average of 45.7 inches.

More Rain than Central Neighbors

While temperature profiles are similar to nearby mountain areas, Washington County is wetter than Winchester city by nearly 7 inches. This moisture supports the lush landscapes found throughout the Southwest Virginia region.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

July averages a comfortable 73.5°F with only 7 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or above. Winter temperatures average 36.5°F from December to February, providing a traditional cold season without extreme coastal humidity.

Prepare for Rainy Days

With 47.3 inches of rain, residents should invest in high-quality rain gear and ensure home drainage is clear. The mild July average means summer cooling costs remain lower than in Virginia's coastal plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Washington County's Silt-Heavy Profile

The soil pH in Washington County stands at 5.39, which is higher than the state average but still more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is excellent for supporting regional timber and pasture lands.

Fine Texture and High Silt

With 47.9% silt and 18.7% clay, these soils feel fine-grained and hold nutrients effectively. The lower sand content of 33.4% means the ground can be prone to compaction if worked when wet.

High Water Holding Capacity

While organic matter is low at 1.64%, the available water capacity is a standout 0.178 in/in—significantly higher than the state average. This means the soil is excellent at storing water for plants during the summer.

Stable Moisture for Agriculture

Dominant drainage data is not currently recorded, but the high water capacity suggests the soil acts like a sponge. Farmers should monitor for drainage issues in low-lying areas during heavy Virginia rains.

Hardy Crops for Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone is perfect for apple trees and perennial herbs. Despite the lower organic matter, the high water capacity makes this a reliable place to establish a deep-rooted garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Washington County's Top-Tier Lawns

With a score of 70.0, Washington County is one of the easiest places in Virginia to maintain a lawn. This Zone 7a region far outperforms the state average of 55.4.

Perfect Conditions for Turf

Only 7 extreme heat days and 47.3 inches of rain create nearly ideal growing conditions. The 3501 growing degree days ensure a productive season without the excessive heat stress found in eastern Virginia.

Solid Mountain Soil Base

The soil pH of 5.39 is slightly acidic but provides a good starting point for common lawn grasses. A mixture of 18.7% clay and 33.4% sand offers a balanced drainage profile for mountain yards.

Reliable Rain Patterns

Despite 16 weeks in drought last year, the county remains generally resilient with its healthy annual rainfall. However, current data shows 100% of the county is abnormally dry, so keep the sprinklers ready.

Thriving in the Southwest

Fine fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the best fits for these mild 73.5°F July averages. Aim to seed your lawn between the April 21st last frost and the October 20th first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Virginia has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Virginia?
Washington County ranks #30 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $1,038, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 84.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Virginia is $62,774 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Virginia a good place to live?
Washington County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Virginia. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.