CountyScore

Washtenaw County

Michigan · MI

#81 in Michigan
58.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Washtenaw County, Michigan

Washtenaw Outpaces National Average

Washtenaw County scores 56.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—a solid performance that places it in the upper half nationally. This 12% advantage over the national baseline suggests a county with meaningful livability strengths, though room remains for improvement.

Below Michigan's Middle

With a composite score of 56.0, Washtenaw falls short of Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the lower half of the state's county rankings. The 12.7-point gap indicates Washtenaw lags peers in other parts of Michigan on key livability measures.

Taxes and Housing Lead the Way

Washtenaw's tax score of 58.4 and cost score of 58.2 represent its strongest dimensions, with an effective tax rate of just 1.56% and median home values around $353,000. The county's $87,156 median household income—well above the state and national norms—provides residents with solid earning power to support housing costs.

Income Growth and Other Gaps

An income score of 40.3 reveals that despite reasonable earnings, Washtenaw's wage levels may not keep pace with cost-of-living growth relative to national standards. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a full picture of livability factors that shape daily life.

College Towns and Professionals

Washtenaw County suits educated professionals and families seeking a vibrant, tax-reasonable community with strong universities and culture—think Ann Arbor and surrounding areas. Higher earners will appreciate the balance of reasonable taxes and good schools, though those seeking maximum affordability may find costs rising faster than incomes here.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.4Cost58.2SafetyComing SoonHealth82.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.3Risk10.7WaterComing Soon
🏛58.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.7
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 Washtenaw County with another county →

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Chittenden County
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Deep Dives

Washtenaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Washtenaw County

via HealthByCounty

Washtenaw leads on life expectancy

Residents in Washtenaw County live to 80.5 years on average—more than 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.1 years. Just 13.1% report being in poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 18%, reflecting strong health outcomes across the county.

Michigan's healthiest county by far

Washtenaw's 80.5-year life expectancy ranks it among Michigan's top counties, outpacing the state average of 76.3 years by 4.2 years. This advantage stems from higher education levels, strong healthcare infrastructure, and economic stability compared to other Michigan communities.

Outpacing nearby counties significantly

Washtenaw residents live nearly 8 years longer than those in Wayne County (72.9 years) and 5.6 years longer than Wexford County (74.9 years). The county's 178 primary care providers per 100,000 people also far exceed neighboring areas, ensuring robust access to preventive care.

Healthcare access is strong here

Only 4.3% of Washtenaw residents lack health insurance—1.5 percentage points better than Michigan's 6.4% average. With 762 mental health providers per 100,000, the county supports comprehensive mental healthcare alongside abundant primary care resources.

Keep coverage steady and strong

Washtenaw's low uninsured rate shows what good coverage looks like, but staying informed about your options keeps protections solid. Visit healthcare.gov or Michigan's insurance marketplace to verify your coverage and explore programs that maximize your benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.