Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,400
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$517
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Washington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,199
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density1,236/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$32,063
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$293M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,400
Rent$517
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$139,461
Housing Units532
Rent Burden18.2%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property3,125/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,318 ft (402 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute14 min
Broadband78.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Washington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Washington receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Washington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Washington is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Washington is $85,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $517 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Washington is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,125 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Washington experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Washington has a population of 1,199 with a density of 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Washington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Washington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Washington is $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,063 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $757, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 294 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Washington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,063 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $757 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,265 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,780 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Washington is $85,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,461, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $517 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $701 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 532 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,780 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,461 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $517 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $696 |
| 1 Bedroom | $701 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,157 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 532 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,780 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Washington, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,378. The dentist ratio is 1:5,501. 32.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Washington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,378 |
| Dentists | 1:5,501 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,504 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,165/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Washington has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,125 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Washington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Washington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.1/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,125.0/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Washington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,318 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,318 ft (402 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,236/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8158°N, 97.0484°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
136 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
92 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
96 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
635 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 293 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
74 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
IMPACT COMPLEX |
5,233 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,425 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Washington has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Washington. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington
What is the population of Washington?
Washington has a population of 1,199 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Washington expensive to live in?
Washington is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,400 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $517 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Washington safe?
Washington is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,125 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Washington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Washington?
The job market in Washington is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $757. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $85,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,461. For renters, the median monthly rent is $517. Fair market rent is $701 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,780.
How are the schools in Washington?
Schools in Washington score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Washington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Washington?
The obesity rate in Washington is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 32.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,378.
What is transportation like in Washington?
The average commute in Washington is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Washington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Washington is 89.9% White. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.