Washington County
KY · Pop. 12,091 · Suburban County
Washington County is a suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 297 square miles with 12,091 residents at a density of 40.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. A median home price of $168,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.72% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F and average winter lows of 27.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 47 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Spring View Hospital is 13.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.4% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 190-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.72% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $168,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 47 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- The nearest hospital, Spring View Hospital, is 13.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Washington County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $168k
- Property tax
- 0.72%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 47"
- Broadband
- 81.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Spring View Hospital, 13.6 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 7a with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F, and average winter lows of 27.5°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $168,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.72%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Spring View Hospital is 13.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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More counties in Kentucky
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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.