Washington County
KS · Pop. 5,519 · Rural County
Washington County sits in Kansas across 895 square miles, home to 5,519 people at 6.2 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $106,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.46%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F and average winter lows of 17.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Washington County Hospital is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Washington County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 6.2 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.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.46% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- At 6.2 people per square mile, services, labor, and suppliers are spread thin.
At a glance
Washington County, KS is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $106k
- Property tax
- 1.46%
- Growing season
- 169 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.9"
- Broadband
- 82.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Washington County Hospital, 3.9 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 6a with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F, and average winter lows of 17.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.46%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Washington County Hospital is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Kansas 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 Kansas
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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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