Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Washington, Iowa is a small city with a population of 7,490 people. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Washington residents are White, 2% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Washington. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Washington can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Washington and in the areas around Washington is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 76/100, Washington is ranked #2,915 in the United States and #163 in Iowa. Based on this score, Washington would be considered a very livable city! Washington also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Washington has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Washington can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Washington real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Washington. The median home price for Washington homes is $222,279, which is 7.4% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Washington, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Washington | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.9% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.7% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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