countyscore
38
County Score
Health 95.6Income & Jobs 90.3Lawn Care 69.1

County Report Card

About Washtenaw County, Michigan

Washtenaw Trails the National Median Score

Washtenaw County holds a composite score of 38.0, which sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than approximately half of the nation's counties.

Lagging Behind Michigan's Average Performance

The county's overall score of 38.0 underperforms the Michigan state average of 47.1. While it serves as a major economic engine, its high costs and risks drag its overall ranking down relative to state peers.

A Powerhouse for Income and Health

Washtenaw excels with a 95.6 health score and a 90.3 income score, driven by a high median household income of $87,156. These figures represent the county's greatest assets, providing residents with exceptional wellness and earning potential.

High Costs and Tax Burdens

Affordability is a major challenge, reflected in a low cost score of 7.8 and a tax score of 10.4. Residents face a median gross rent of $1,400 per month and an effective tax rate of 1.560%, which is high for the region.

The Verdict: Best for High-Earning Professionals

This county is ideal for professionals who prioritize elite healthcare and high wages over cost of living. It suits those willing to pay a premium for access to a top-tier economic and medical hub.

2040608010010.47.823.895.649.890.310.761.451.1Tax10.4Cost7.8Safety23.8Health95.6Schools49.8Income90.3Risk10.7Water61.4Weather51.138/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Washtenaw County DNA

Foverall

How Washtenaw County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Washtenaw County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (95.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (10.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.4-41.6
Cost
7.8-40.2
Safety
23.8-31.2
Health
95.6+45.599999999999994
Schools
49.8
Income
90.3+39.3
Risk
10.7-36.3
Water
61.4
Weather
51.1
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Whether buying or refinancing in Washtenaw County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$353,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,400/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$353,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,156/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

99.4

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
Compare Washtenaw County with Yolo County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Monroe County
Michigan
43.1
Lenawee County
Michigan
40.3
Jackson County
Michigan
33.3
Wayne County
Michigan
25.6
Oakland County
Michigan
43.7
Ingham County
Michigan
37.9
Lucas County
Ohio
24.8

Deep Dives

Washtenaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Washtenaw County

via TaxByCounty

Washtenaw taxes rank in nation's top tier

Washtenaw County's effective tax rate of 1.56% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.03%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile—among the highest property tax burdens in America. The median property tax here is $5,505, more than double the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and steeper rates.

Well above Michigan's average tax burden

At 1.56%, Washtenaw's effective rate is 34% higher than Michigan's state average of 1.166%. The median property tax of $5,505 towers over the state median of $2,102, ranking Washtenaw among Michigan's most expensive counties for property taxation.

Washtenaw pays more than regional peers

Washtenaw homeowners pay $5,505 annually in median property taxes—nearly triple what Wayne County residents pay ($2,794) and nearly three times Wexford County ($1,868). Washtenaw's 1.56% effective rate outpaces both Wayne (1.642%) and Wexford (1.165%) when factoring in the county's significantly higher home values.

What a Washtenaw homeowner actually pays

The median Washtenaw home valued at $353,000 generates an estimated $5,505 in annual property taxes at the current 1.56% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($5,646) due to escrow arrangements, while those without pay $5,218.

Check if you're overassessed and appeal

Many Washtenaw homeowners are paying taxes on inflated assessments—studies show 20-30% of properties are overvalued. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales of similar properties, you have the right to appeal and potentially recover thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washtenaw County

via CostByCounty

Washtenaw rents outpace national norms

Washtenaw County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds the national benchmark, meaning renters here dedicate nearly one-fifth of their income to housing—above what affordability experts recommend. The median household income of $87,156 is 16.5% higher than the national average of $74,755, yet residents still pay steeper housing costs relative to earnings than most Americans.

Among Michigan's least affordable counties

Washtenaw's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks significantly above Michigan's state average of 16.3%, placing it among the state's pricier housing markets. The county's median rent of $1,400 per month nearly doubles the state average of $873, reflecting Washtenaw's position as one of Michigan's affordability outliers.

Washtenaw costs more than Wayne or Wexford

Washtenaw renters pay $1,400 monthly compared to $1,087 in neighboring Wayne County and $877 in Wexford County—a 28% premium over Wayne and 60% over Wexford. This premium reflects Washtenaw's stronger job market and higher wages, but buyers and renters relocating from other Michigan counties should budget accordingly.

Where Washtenaw housing dollars go

Renters spend $1,400 monthly while homeowners carry $1,612 in monthly ownership costs on a median home value of $353,000. At a $87,156 median household income, housing consumes approximately 19–22% of gross income for both renters and owners—a squeeze that leaves less room for other expenses.

Considering Washtenaw? Here's what to expect

If you're relocating to Washtenaw for its strong job market and higher wages, budget roughly $1,400–$1,612 monthly for housing while earning $87,156 annually. Compare this to less expensive Michigan counties like Wexford, where similar homes and rents cost 30–40% less, to decide whether Washtenaw's economic advantages justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washtenaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Washtenaw earns well above the nation

Washtenaw County's median household income of $87,156 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755—a 17% advantage. This strong performance places Washtenaw in the upper tier of U.S. counties, driven largely by its concentration of education and tech employment around the University of Michigan.

Michigan's income leader by far

At $87,156, Washtenaw's median household income towers 35% above Michigan's state average of $64,304, making it the highest-earning county in the state. This gap reflects Washtenaw's educated workforce and higher-wage professional jobs concentrated in the county.

Far outpacing nearby counties

Washtenaw households earn $27,635 more than Wayne County ($59,521) and $24,033 more than Wexford County ($63,123). This income advantage stems partly from Washtenaw's university presence and partly from its proximity to metro Detroit's professional job market.

Income covers costs comfortably

Washtenaw's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, meaning renters spend roughly one-fifth of earnings on housing. Combined with a median home value of $353,000, residents with household incomes near the median can realistically afford homeownership while maintaining financial flexibility.

Build on strong earning foundation

With above-average household and per-capita income ($51,746), Washtenaw residents have genuine opportunity to invest beyond basic needs. Consider automating retirement savings, diversifying into index funds, or consulting a financial advisor to maximize the wealth-building potential of your region's higher earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washtenaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Washtenaw Beats National Safety Averages

Washtenaw County reports 1,919.6 total crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance results in a safety score of 97.0, indicating a secure environment for the majority of citizens.

Measuring Safety Against Michigan Standards

While safe by national metrics, the county’s 97.0 safety score sits slightly below the Michigan state average of 97.8. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that exceeds the statewide average of 1,371.8 per 100,000 people.

A Safer Alternative to Neighboring Wayne

Washtenaw remains much safer than its neighbor to the east, Wayne County, which struggles with a crime rate of 3,583.2. Local residents experience roughly 1,663 fewer crimes per 100,000 people than those living in the Detroit metro core.

Property Crimes Drive Local Stats

Property crime accounts for 1,509.3 incidents per 100,000 people, while the violent crime rate is 410.3. While property crime is lower than the national average, violent crime sits slightly above the U.S. benchmark of 369.8.

Staying Proactive in Washtenaw

Homeowners can improve their security by focusing on the 1,509.3 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents annually. Investing in smart lighting and monitored security systems adds an essential layer of protection for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Washtenaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Network in Washtenaw

Washtenaw County manages 103 public schools serving a total of 42,978 students across 23 districts. This diverse infrastructure includes 52 elementary, 13 middle, and 26 high schools that support the county's growing population.

Graduation Rates Outpace State and National Averages

The county boasts an 87.8% graduation rate, exceeding both the national average of 87.0% and Michigan's average of 82.5%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,930 is below the national average of $13,000, it remains higher than the state average of $7,394.

Ann Arbor Schools Lead a Diverse District Mix

Ann Arbor Public Schools is the largest district, educating 16,740 students across 32 schools, followed by Ypsilanti Community Schools with 3,112 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the landscape, representing 12.6% of all schools in the county.

Suburban and City Schools Define the Experience

With 47 suburban and 32 city-based campuses, the county offers a variety of environments where the average school size is 421 students. Large campuses like Pioneer High School serve 1,700 students, while smaller specialized schools provide more intimate settings.

Plant Roots Near Top-Performing Michigan Schools

Strong academic scores and high graduation rates make Washtenaw County a premier destination for families. Consider school district boundaries as a primary factor when exploring your next home in this high-achieving region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washtenaw County

via RiskByCounty

Washtenaw faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 89.28, Washtenaw County sits significantly above Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. This score reflects exposure to multiple natural hazard types that residents should understand and prepare for.

High-risk county in Michigan landscape

Washtenaw ranks among Michigan's riskier counties due to its 89.28 composite score—nearly double the state average. The county's position reflects concentrated vulnerability to flooding and tornado activity that distinguishes it from most other Michigan communities.

Washtenaw outpaces regional peers

Washtenaw's risk score of 89.28 substantially exceeds nearby Wexford County's 33.91, though it falls below Wayne County's 98.95. This places Washtenaw in a middle tier of risk compared to its Michigan neighbors, facing real but not extreme hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and floods dominate locally

Tornado risk scores highest at 96.85, making severe wind events a serious concern, while flood risk at 90.30 threatens low-lying areas and properties near water. Earthquake risk of 74.27 also exceeds state norms, though it remains secondary to wind and water hazards for most residents.

Comprehensive coverage protects your investment

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood or earthquake damage—Washtenaw residents need separate policies given their 90.30 flood score and 74.27 earthquake exposure. A tornado-ready home plan including safe rooms or shelters, combined with appropriate insurance, provides essential protection for this moderate-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Washtenaw County

via WaterByCounty

Safe Drinking Water Compliance in Washtenaw

Washtenaw County earns a C grade for drinking water quality with 21 health violations over the last five years. Despite these incidents, the county's violation rate of 5.5 per 100,000 residents remains significantly better than the Michigan state average of 35.7. This indicates that while violations occur, local systems outperform many peers across the state.

Awaiting Federal Watershed Assessments

Federal records currently show no water bodies in Washtenaw County assessed under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This lack of data means local streams and lakes are not yet covered in the latest federal reporting cycle. Residents should look to local conservation districts for specific tributary health updates until federal data becomes available.

Steady Monitoring Across 42 Local Sites

Data collectors maintain a consistent watch on local water quality through 42 active monitoring sites across the county. These stations recorded 8,216 measurements over the past five years, focusing heavily on physical and microbiological characteristics. This robust monitoring footprint provides a critical baseline for detecting changes in the local water supply.

Huron River Flows Below Typical Levels

The primary USGS gauge on the Huron River at Ann Arbor currently records a discharge of 382 cfs. This flow is only 80% of the long-term mean of 475 cfs, suggesting drier-than-normal conditions for this drainage area. Lower streamflow can influence both recreational safety and the concentration of naturally occurring minerals in the water.

How to Protect Your Local Water

With the Huron River flowing at 80% of its usual rate, residents should be mindful of source water stability and potential runoff concentration. While the county violation rate is lower than the state average, the Grade C rating suggests residents should stay informed about the 21 recent health violations. Consider professional testing or certified filtration if your specific water provider has a history of non-compliance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washtenaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Seasonal Temps Below Median

Washtenaw County averages 48.3°F annually, placing it below the national median temperature. It receives 34.8 inches of precipitation, which is consistent with the standard for the Great Lakes region.

Above the State Average Temperature

The county's 48.3°F annual average is nearly three degrees warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. This reflects its southern location and slightly milder seasonal transitions.

Cooler Than Neighboring Wayne County

Washtenaw is slightly cooler than Wayne County to the east, which averages 50.1°F. However, it is warmer than northern neighbors like Tuscola, which averages only 46.3°F.

Hot Summers and Significant Snow

July peaks at an average of 71.5°F with 13 days reaching above 90°F. Winter brings a notable 51.2 inches of snow and a January average of 23.6°F.

Plan for Diverse Weather Extremes

Residents should prepare for 51 inches of snow, which is higher than many surrounding counties. Efficient air conditioning is also useful for the 13 annual days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washtenaw County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in Washtenaw

Washtenaw's soil features a pH of 6.09, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but significantly less acidic than the Michigan state average of 5.30. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the county earns a strong soil score of 68.7. This score comfortably exceeds the state average of 60.5, indicating high-quality earth for local use.

A Sandy Foundation with Silt

The soil composition is primarily sand at 54.6%, complemented by 26.5% silt and 15.2% clay. This mixture creates a stable physical structure that is relatively easy to work during the spring planting season. The sand-heavy profile ensures that the ground doesn't become overly compacted, though it requires careful management of moisture.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

At 8.27%, the organic matter content far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, though it sits below the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.202 in/in. These figures suggest a fertile environment that may require supplemental irrigation during dry Midwestern summers.

Naturally Porous Landscape Trends

While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand percentage typically indicates naturally rapid water movement. This characteristic is generally beneficial for building foundations but means nutrients can leach away more quickly than in clay-heavy soils. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering to keep plants hydrated.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Washtenaw County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, a versatile zone for everything from tomatoes to fruit trees. The combination of sandy textures and moderate pH levels makes this an excellent region for diverse agricultural pursuits. Now is a great time to start a garden and take advantage of these above-average Michigan soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washtenaw County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Forecast for Washtenaw Lawns

Washtenaw County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.1, indicating it is much easier to maintain grass here than the national median of 50.0. Nestled in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, the county also outperforms the Michigan state average score of 60.1.

Managing Heat and Hydration

The county receives 34.8 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. However, residents face 13 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 7, requiring more vigilant watering during July peaks.

Solid Soil with a Sandy Base

Your lawn sits on a foundation of 54.6% sand and 15.2% clay with a healthy soil pH of 6.09. This near-ideal acidity level means your grass can easily absorb nutrients without heavy chemical intervention.

Watching the Horizon for Dry Spells

Despite the high lawn score, the area spent 18 weeks in drought conditions over the last year with 98.8% of the county currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention during these dry periods.

Prime Planting for Zone 6a

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive best in this climate. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 2nd or during the late summer recovery period before the first October frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washtenaw County's county score?
Washtenaw County, Michigan has a composite county score of 38 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 Washtenaw County rank among counties in Michigan?
Washtenaw County ranks #68 among all counties in Michigan 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 Washtenaw County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Washtenaw County is $5,505, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Washtenaw County a tax score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washtenaw County?
The median household income in Washtenaw County, Michigan is $87,156 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washtenaw County earns an income score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washtenaw County, Michigan a good place to live?
Washtenaw County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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.