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.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
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.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
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.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Washington, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 16,555 inhabitants. The majority of Washington residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Washington offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Washington, Illinois could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, commute 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 72 out of 100, Washington is ranked #5,009 in the United States and #249 in Illinois. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Washington has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A), cost of living (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A). There are some categories that Washington scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 63 crimes per 100,000 residents, Washington has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
The unemployment rate in Washington has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.39%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Washington market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Washington. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Washington are affordable. The median home price for Washington homes is $186,900, which is 6.9% higher than the Illinois 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 2.4, which is 20% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Washington | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.4% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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