Washington
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Washington County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is in the top 3% of American counties (71°F), population growth is in the top 9% of American counties (+1.8% a year), and the uninsured rate is in the top 10% of American counties (16.6%). Within Texas it ranks 52nd of 254 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Washington County, Texas. 35,807 people live here with you. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +712).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $70,043 a year, higher than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,773. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 69% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $374K, pricier than 82% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,099 a month. Property tax is 1.21% of home value, roughly $3,007 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 63% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.5 years, longer than 69% of American counties. There are 56 active physicians in the county, about 15.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 16.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.99 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 64% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas 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 71°F, highs near 82 and lows near 60, warmer than 97% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 73 out of 100, riskier than 73% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 117 Mbps down, slower than 83% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums.