Washington
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Washington County apart from the other 3,142 counties: homeownership is in the bottom 3% of American counties (55%), rainfall is in the top 7% of American counties (55 inches a year), and population growth is in the top 8% of American counties (+1.9% a year). Within Arkansas it ranks 3rd of 75 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Washington County, Arkansas. 247,331 people live here with you. The population grew 1.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,296).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $61,985 a year, higher than 54% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,680. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 89% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,214 a year.

Home

The median home costs $354K, pricier than 80% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $913 a month. Property tax is 0.59% of home value, roughly $1,399 a year on that median home, lower than 78% of American counties. 55% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 60% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 7 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 66% of American counties. There are 770 active physicians in the county, about 31.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 14.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.92 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 67% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 4 points. 58% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 60°F, highs near 71 and lows near 49, warmer than 67% of American counties. About 55 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 277 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 9 breweries, 4 museums.