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Washington County

GA · Pop. 19,893 · Suburban County

89/100Homestead Score

Washington County is a suburban county in Georgia, spanning 679 square miles with 19,893 residents at a density of 29.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on cotton, corn, peanuts. The median home price is $116,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.1%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F and average winter lows of 35°F. Annual rainfall averages 47 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Washington County Regional Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.1%
Growing Season: 237 days
Broadband: 92.7%
Density: 29.3/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 237-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A median home price of $116,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Washington County Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 1.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
  • Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.

At a glance

Washington County, GA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
89/100
Median home price
$116k
Property tax
1.1%
Growing season
237 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
47"
Broadband
92.7%
Nearest hospital
Washington County Regional Medical Center, 1.7 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.1%
Median Household Income$44,009
Poverty Rate15.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$116K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season237 days
Annual Rainfall47 inches
Avg Summer High90.3°F
Avg Winter Low35°F
Top CropsCotton, Corn, Peanuts

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire6/10
Tornado4/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalWashington County Regional Medical Center (1.7 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage92.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.7%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Washington County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Washington County?
Washington County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F, and average winter lows of 35°F. The established crops are cotton, corn, peanuts.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $116,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.1%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 92.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Washington County Regional Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

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.