CountyScore

Washington County

Wisconsin · WI

#37 in Wisconsin
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Wisconsin

Washington ranks well above national standard

Washington County's composite score of 66.1 beats the national median of 50.0 by 16 points, placing it solidly in the upper half of American counties. The county offers reliable livability across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Slightly above Wisconsin state average

At 66.1, Washington edges out Wisconsin's average of 65.6, ranking in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. The county holds a competitive position statewide for overall livability.

Strong health outcomes and solid incomes

Washington leads with a health score of 82.4—among Wisconsin's highest—and boasts a respectable income score of 45.9 with median household income at $95,851. The tax score of 68.5 and effective rate of 1.200% reflect manageable tax burdens.

Housing costs strain affordability

The cost score of 65.8 reflects higher housing prices, with median home values at $316,200 and monthly rent at $1,126. Risk management (31.7) also shows room for improvement in economic resilience.

Perfect for higher-income health-focused families

Washington attracts affluent families and professionals valuing excellent healthcare, strong wages, and suburban stability. The county works best for dual-income households comfortable with premium housing costs in exchange for top-tier health and income metrics.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.5Cost65.8SafetyComing SoonHealth82.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.9Risk31.7WaterComing Soon
🏛68.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31.7
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

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Ada County
Idaho
66.1
Median income: $88,907
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
66.1
Median income: $92,266

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 County moderately above national median

Washington County's 1.200% effective tax rate exceeds the national median, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. Annual median property taxes of $3,795 are 41% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Below Wisconsin's state average rate

Washington County's 1.200% effective rate sits below Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, positioning it in the lower half of state counties. The median tax of $3,795 exceeds the state average of $3,081 due to higher median home values.

Better rates than Walworth or Waukesha

Washington County's 1.200% rate edges out neighbors Walworth (1.437%) and Waukesha (1.211%), making it one of the region's more tax-efficient locations. Only Washburn County's 1.109% beats Washington's advantage.

What $316,200 home costs annually

Washington County's relatively high median home value of $316,200 results in median property taxes of $3,795 yearly. With a mortgage, taxes rise slightly to $3,894; without one, they drop to $3,609.

Higher-value homes deserve closer scrutiny

Homes in the $300,000+ range are frequently assessed inaccurately, making appeals especially worthwhile. Washington County homeowners should verify their assessment against recent comparable sales—it costs nothing to challenge.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington: affluence meets affordability

Washington County's median household income of $95,851 far exceeds the national average of $74,755—and that income growth helps offset higher housing costs. With a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio, Washington beats the national norm of 14.9%, placing it among Wisconsin's most affordable wealthy counties.

Strong income shields housing costs

Washington County ranks among Wisconsin's best-off communities with the highest median income ($95,851) paired with a favorable 14.1% rent-to-income ratio. While rents at $1,126 exceed the state average of $891, the county's prosperity ensures affordability doesn't strain local households.

Waukesha richer; Walworth cheaper

Washington County's $95,851 income trails only Waukesha's $104,100 in the region, but its $1,126 rent is lower than Waukesha's $1,300. Washington strikes a sweet spot: prosperity without the premium price tag of its wealthier neighbor.

Homeownership is the better value

Washington County renters spend 14.1% of income on housing while homeowners spend 15.2%—a rare reversal where renting edges out ownership. But with median home values at $316,200, the county's $95,851 income easily accommodates both options.

Affluent relocators: Washington excels

Washington County offers upper-middle-class prosperity with genuinely affordable housing by national standards. If you're earning $95,000+, Washington delivers the region's best balance of income security and housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County leads national income ranks

Washington County's median household income of $95,851 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by more than $21,000. This elite ranking places the county in roughly the top 15% of all U.S. counties by household earnings.

Second-richest county in Wisconsin

Washington County ranks as one of Wisconsin's highest-income counties, trailing only Waukesha's $104,100 with its own $95,851 median. The county's per capita income of $48,255 far outpaces Wisconsin's state average of $38,794, reflecting broad-based prosperity.

Economic powerhouse of the region

Washington County's $95,851 income surpasses all nearby counties, including Waukesha ($104,100) when context is considered as a regional peer. This strong performance reflects a robust job market and highly educated workforce in the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Premium incomes support premium living

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.1%, Washington households spend comfortably below the national standard on housing. The median home value of $316,200 is well-supported by the $95,851 median income, allowing substantial savings for other life goals.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Washington County's exceptional income provides room to pursue ambitious financial goals. Take advantage of 529 education plans, maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and consider wealth-transfer strategies to build generational security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County leads national health trends

Washington County's 79.6-year life expectancy beats the U.S. average of 77.2 years by 2.4 years, with only 12.7% reporting poor or fair health. The county ranks among America's healthiest, driven by strong employer health benefits and preventive care culture.

Second-best life expectancy in Wisconsin

Washington County's 79.6-year life expectancy ranks second in Wisconsin, trailing only Waukesha County's 80.3 years while exceeding the state average by 1.8 years. The county consistently outperforms state benchmarks across multiple health indicators.

Clear winner among eastern suburbs

Washington County edges just below Waukesha (80.3 years) but substantially outpaces Walworth (78.0), Winnebago (77.9), and rural counties to the north. This proximity to Milwaukee's health infrastructure and strong middle-class employment patterns drive better population health.

Lowest uninsured rate ensures broad access

Washington County's 4.3% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties—roughly half the state average—giving residents nearly universal coverage. With 58 primary care providers per 100K, most residents can schedule preventive appointments within their community.

Maintain your health advantage year-round

Washington County's strong insurance uptake means most residents already have coverage, but annual enrollment periods offer chances to evaluate plan options and capture employer wellness programs. If you're in the 4.3% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to find affordable plans matching your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington above average but manageable

Washington County scores 68.32 on the composite risk index, earning a relatively low risk rating despite running 16% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county's hazard profile places it in the moderate range nationally.

Upper-middle risk tier statewide

Washington County ranks in the upper half of Wisconsin's 72 counties for natural disaster risk. The county's elevated scores are driven primarily by tornado and flood hazards that exceed state norms.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Washington County (68.32) faces considerably higher composite risk than Waupaca County (67.59) and significantly more than Waushara County (43.26). It remains somewhat safer than neighboring Waukesha County's 88.87 score.

Tornadoes and floods lead threats

Tornado risk reaches 84.06—among Wisconsin's highest—while flood risk scores 66.13, affecting major portions of the county. Wildfire risk remains moderate at 49.05, and earthquake risk is minimal at 32.51.

Storm and flood protection essential

Washington County homeowners need robust wind and tornado coverage in their standard insurance policies. Properties in flood-prone zones require separate National Flood Insurance Program coverage, as standard policies never cover flood damage.

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.