Cost of Living in Washington, GA

Population 3,700 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

43
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $47,946, median household incomes in Washington land roughly 36% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 40 miles east of Athens-Clarke County, Washington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 64% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 60

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Washington

The median home value in Washington is $96,600 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $786/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,946/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$96,600
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$251,016
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$786/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 63.0%
Renter-occupied 37.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$786
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,400/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
31.2 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.1%
Carpooled
10.5%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
9.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$47,946
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,582
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
Labor Force Participation
52.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.8%
Graduate degree 3.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 48.4
Male median age 41.2
Female median age 53.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,430
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington, GA?

Washington has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.

What is average rent in Washington, GA?

The median gross rent in Washington is $786 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Washington?

The median home value in Washington is $96,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Washington?

The median household income in Washington is $47,946 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Washington, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Washington, GA affordable?

Yes, Washington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.

Washington at a Glance

Population
3,700
Median Income
$47,946
Home Value
$96,600
Median Rent
$786/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Sales Tax
7.3%
View all cities in Georgia →
🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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