Washington County
NC · Pop. 10,905 · Suburban County
Washington County sits in North Carolina across 347 square miles, home to 10,905 people at 31.4 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, cotton, corn. The median home price is $107,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.12%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.1°F and average winter lows of 34.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Washington Regional Medical Center is 8.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 219-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $107,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Washington Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 8.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 51.9 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- A poverty rate of 24.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Washington County, NC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 81/100
- Median home price
- $107k
- Property tax
- 1.12%
- Growing season
- 219 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.9"
- Broadband
- 81.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Washington Regional Medical Center, 8.9 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 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.1°F, and average winter lows of 34.7°F. The established crops are soybeans, cotton, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $107,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.12%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Washington Regional Medical Center is 8.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore North Carolina Resources
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LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in North Carolina
All North Carolina countiesNearby 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.
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