countyscore
52.5
County Score
Health 94.8Income & Jobs 94.1Soil Quality 82.8

County Report Card

About Washington County, Wisconsin

Above the National Benchmark

Washington County earns a composite score of 52.5, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced environment with strong foundational metrics in health and wealth.

Leading the Wisconsin Average

The county’s 52.5 score outperforms the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands as a premier location in the Milwaukee suburban orbit, offering a higher quality of life than many of its peers.

Elite Health and Wealth Metrics

Washington County shines with a health score of 94.8 and an income score of 94.1. The median household income of $95,851 is among the highest in the region, supporting a very healthy and prosperous population.

Housing Affordability is Limited

Prosperity comes at a price, reflected in a cost score of 14.4 and a median home value of $316,200. Residents also face moderate environmental challenges, with a risk score of 31.7.

A High-Earning Family's Choice

This county is an excellent match for high-earning families who want top-tier healthcare and schools. If you can afford the $1,126 median rent or the premium home prices, the community benefits are world-class.

Score breakdown

Tax25.7Cost14.4Safety57Health94.8Schools71.4Income94.1Risk31.7Water63.2Weather50.9
🏛25.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.4
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

Ozaukee County
Wisconsin
56.1
Dodge County
Wisconsin
44.5
Waukesha County
Wisconsin
51.9
Sheboygan County
Wisconsin
49.4
Fond du Lac County
Wisconsin
47.8
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin
24.7
Jefferson County
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48.6
Calumet County
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39.2

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 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

Safety in Washington County

via CrimeByCounty

Washington County Remains Safer Than National Average

The county earns a 98.4 safety score, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 990.2 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Averages for Total Crime

Washington County sits just above the Wisconsin state average safety score of 98.3. Seven reporting agencies work together to keep the total crime rate below the state average of 1,103.1.

Comparing Crime Rates with Nearby Counties

While the crime rate of 990.2 per 100K is higher than Waukesha's 757.7, it is much lower than Winnebago’s 1,306.7. This keeps Washington County well within the safer tier of regional Wisconsin counties.

Property Crime Dominates Local Statistics

Violent crime is remarkably low at 89.9 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 900.3 per 100K.

Deterring Property Crime at Home

Proactive property protection is the best way to keep these numbers trending downward. Consider installing security cameras or smart locks to deter opportunistic property crimes in your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Washington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A thriving suburban education network

Washington County hosts 34 public schools across eight districts, serving a large population of 18,493 students. The system is heavily focused on foundational years with 18 elementary schools, supported by a strong secondary network. Most schools are located in suburban areas, reflecting the county's growing residential character.

Exceptional graduation rates and efficient operations

The county achieves a stellar 95.4% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and far above the 87% national average. Administrators maintain this performance with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,528, which is below both state and national averages. The resulting school score of 57.5 remains above the Wisconsin state baseline.

West Bend leads the county's education

The West Bend School District is the county's largest, managing 12 schools and 5,736 students. Other major players include the Germantown and Slinger districts, which together serve over 7,200 students. Notably, the county currently operates no charter schools, focusing instead on traditional public and alternative school models.

Large suburban campuses and focused learning

With 26 schools in suburban locales, the county offers a classic residential school experience. The average school size is 544 students, but secondary schools like Hartford High and Germantown High serve over 1,300 students each. This scale allows for extensive extracurricular and academic programming that smaller districts may lack.

Settle in a top-tier suburban school district

Washington County is a standout choice for families who prioritize high graduation rates and suburban stability. The combination of high-performing districts like Slinger and West Bend makes the area a magnet for home buyers. Consider a home here to give your children access to some of the most successful schools in Wisconsin.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Washington County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but Crisp Annual Averages

Washington County's 45.9°F annual average temperature is several degrees warmer than northern Wisconsin but remains below the national median. It serves as a middle ground between the harsh north and the milder Midwest states.

Warmer Than the State Median

At 45.9°F, Washington County is notably warmer than the 44.4°F state average. It benefits from its southeastern location, which provides slightly more growing degree days than the central plains.

Milder Winters Than Northern Peers

Washington County averages 45.3 inches of snow, which is about 10 inches less than the totals found in Washburn. Its January average of 19.4°F is significantly more tolerable than the deep freezes seen in the Northwoods.

Consistent Heat and Snow

The county sees 8 days per year reaching 90°F, twice as many as the state's northern counties. July temperatures average 70.2°F, while winter averages stay around 22.4°F.

Balance Your Seasonal Gear

With 34.1 inches of rain and 45.3 inches of snow, residents need reliable drainage and snow removal. Central air conditioning is a smart investment for the week of extreme heat each summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washington County

via SoilByCounty

Washington's Elite Mollisol Ground

Washington County boasts an impressive soil score of 82.8, driven by its nutrient-rich Mollisols. The average pH of 6.31 is very close to the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. These 'prairie soils' are among the most naturally fertile in the world.

The Silt Loam Advantage

The county's soil is a silt loam consisting of 44.5% silt, 34.2% sand, and 15.7% clay. This specific ratio provides a perfect balance of drainage and water retention. It is easy to work with a spade yet firm enough to support robust root systems.

Strong Water Retention for Growth

The soil contains 5.24% organic matter, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.209 in/in sits above the state average of 0.204 in/in. This ensures that gardens remain resilient even during the hotter, drier weeks of summer.

Managing Poorly Drained Lowlands

Despite the high quality, these soils are often classified as poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group B/D. This means the water table can be high, and the ground may stay saturated after heavy rains. If you are building or farming, consider raised beds or drainage tile to manage excess moisture.

Prime Potential in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b allows for a wide variety of crops, from sweet corn to heirloom tomatoes. The naturally high pH and rich Mollisol base make this a gardener's dream location. You can grow almost any temperate vegetable here with minimal amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washington County

via LawnByCounty

Prime conditions for green grass

Washington County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 77.4, indicating it is much easier to manage than the national average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 5b, the county benefits from a climate that is more favorable than the Wisconsin state average of 64.4. It is one of the more forgiving regions for amateur gardeners.

Balanced weather supports steady growth

Precipitation averages 34.1 inches annually, aligning closely with the state average of 34.5 inches. With 8 extreme heat days per year and 2,404 growing degree days, grass stays active without the stress of frequent scorching heat. Your mowing season begins in earnest after the final spring frost on May 6.

Rich silt loam with slow drainage

The soil pH of 6.31 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption in cool-season lawns. While the silt loam texture is nutrient-rich, the drainage is classified as poor, which may lead to puddling after heavy rains. Aeration is a vital maintenance step here to improve oxygen flow to the root zone.

Exceptional resilience to dry spells

The county is currently drought-free, having spent only 2 weeks in drought conditions over the entire past year. This consistency makes it much easier to maintain a green lawn without constant irrigation. If dry conditions do occur, the silt-heavy soil helps retain enough moisture to protect the lawn.

Optimize your 5b growing season

A mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrives here, providing a soft and durable lawn. The season typically runs from early May through the first frost on October 11. Early fall is the best time for overseeding to fill in bare spots before winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington County's county score?
Washington County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Wisconsin?
Washington County ranks #29 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Washington County is $3,795, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Washington County a tax score of 25.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County, Wisconsin is $95,851 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washington County earns an income score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washington County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Washington County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Wisconsin. 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.