Washington County, Minnesota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 31.7 | 278,936 people · 46th most distressed in Minnesota
American Default Research

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Washington County, MN ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 31.7 — 2663rd nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where a large share of households spend more than 30% of income on housing. Within Minnesota, it ranks 46th of 87 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 5 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Washington County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 73.1 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 73.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 86
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 84
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 80
Homeownership Rate 14
Legal Distress 70.3
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 70
Economic Vitality 60.3
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 90
Rent-to-Income Ratio 23
Business Formation Rate 34
House Price Change (YoY) 75
Structural Poverty 8.3
Unemployment Rate 45
Poverty Rate 1
Income vs. State Median 3
Child Poverty Rate 1
Disability Rate 4
Transfer Income Dependency 4
Consumer Credit Distress 7.5
Debt in Collections 3
Medical Debt 14
Auto Loan Delinquency 8
Credit Card Delinquency 9
Uninsured Rate 4
Subprime Credit Population 8

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Washington County, MN 31.7 Healthy —
Ramsey County, MN 47.6 Normal +15.9
Chisago County, MN 38.2 Normal +6.5
Anoka County, MN 38.2 Normal +6.5
Dakota County, MN 36.1 Normal +4.4
Pierce County, WI 33.1 Healthy +1.4
Polk County, WI 30.2 Healthy -1.5
St. Croix County, WI 24.3 Healthy -7.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
DuPage County, IL 31.5 Healthy -0.2
Davis County, UT 32.2 Healthy +0.5
Montgomery County, PA 32.5 Healthy +0.8
Cumberland County, ME 32.6 Healthy +0.9
Rockingham County, NH 30.7 Healthy -1.0

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Washington County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Washington County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Washington County.

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Woodbury
651-458-0936 Website
Foreclosure PreventionFinancial CounselingPre-PurchaseHomebuyer Education

See all counselors in Minnesota →

Find an Attorney

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral 612-278-6333

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Washington County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis 612-334-5970
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid 612-332-1441
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services 1-888-575-2954
Central Minnesota Legal Services, Inc. (612) 334-5970
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (800) 933-1112
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Corporation (800) 450-8585

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in Minnesota →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Washington County, Minnesota?

    Washington County has a County Distress Index score of 31.7 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,663rd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 46th in Minnesota out of 87 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Washington County?

    The primary driver of distress in Washington County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 73.1 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Washington County compare to neighboring counties?

    Washington County (31.7) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Ramsey County, MN (47.6); Chisago County, MN (38.2); Anoka County, MN (38.2).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Washington County's score of 31.7 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Washington County's CDI score?

    Washington County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Washington County?

    Washington County, Minnesota has a population of approximately 278,936 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a large county.