Washington County
CO · Pop. 4,839 · Rural County
Washington County, Colorado covers 2,518 square miles with a population of 4,839 and a density of 1.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, corn, millet. A median home price of $218,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.41% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F and average winter lows of 16.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Yuma District Hospital is 27.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.41% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, corn, millet means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 1.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 147-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 77.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Yuma District Hospital, is 27.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Washington County, CO is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 35/100
- Median home price
- $218k
- Property tax
- 0.41%
- Growing season
- 147 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.5"
- Broadband
- 77.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Yuma District Hospital, 27.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Washington County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Washington County?
- Washington County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F, and average winter lows of 16.7°F. The established crops are wheat, corn, millet.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $218,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.41%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Yuma District Hospital is 27.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Colorado Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Colorado
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The closest counties to Washington County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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