Washington County, Ohio

County Distress Index: Normal · 47.9 | 58,577 people · 53rd most distressed in Ohio
American Default Research

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Washington County, OH falls within the normal range for household financial distress at 47.9 — 1719th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Ohio, it ranks 53rd of 88 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 4 show less 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 59.6 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 59.6
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 77
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 57
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 27
Homeownership Rate 48
Legal Distress 57.4
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 57
Structural Poverty 55.3
Unemployment Rate 67
Poverty Rate 44
Income vs. State Median 71
Child Poverty Rate 41
Disability Rate 57
Transfer Income Dependency 50
Consumer Credit Distress 42.5
Debt in Collections 38
Medical Debt 21
Auto Loan Delinquency 66
Credit Card Delinquency 47
Uninsured Rate 32
Subprime Credit Population 41
Economic Vitality 29.1
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 7
Rent-to-Income Ratio 34
Business Formation Rate 82
House Price Change (YoY) 22

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Washington County, OH 47.9 Normal —
Athens County, OH 59.8 Elevated +11.9
Morgan County, OH 51.8 Elevated +3.9
Wood County, WV 51.5 Elevated +3.6
Monroe County, OH 41.3 Normal -6.6
Pleasants County, WV 40.7 Normal -7.2
Noble County, OH 39.9 Normal -8.0
Tyler County, WV 37.6 Normal -10.3

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Oxford County, ME 47.9 Normal +0.0
Yavapai County, AZ 47.9 Normal -0.0
Douglas County, KS 47.8 Normal -0.1
Columbia County, GA 48.0 Normal +0.1
Kenton County, KY 48.0 Normal +0.1

Download Data

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

Find Help in Washington County

Find an Attorney

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

Ohio State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-282-6556

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Washington County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland 216-687-1900
Columbus Legal Aid Society 614-224-8374
Community Legal Aid (Akron/Canton) 330-535-4191
Ohio Legal Help
Ohio State Bar Association Lawyer Referral 1-800-282-6556
Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. (800) 998-9454
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati (513) 241-9400
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (614) 221-7201
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (888) 534-1432
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (216) 687-1900

Self-Help Resources

Ohio Legal Help — Foreclosure Self-help guides for Ohio foreclosure process and defenses
OHFA Homeowner Resources Assistance programs and housing counselor referrals

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 Ohio →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Washington County has a County Distress Index score of 47.9 out of 100, placing it in the Normal zone. It ranks 1,719th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 53rd in Ohio out of 88 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Washington County?

    The primary driver of distress in Washington County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 59.6 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 (47.9) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Athens County, OH (59.8); Morgan County, OH (51.8); Wood County, WV (51.5).

  • 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 Normal 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 47.9 sits in the Normal zone (46–55).

  • 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, Ohio has a population of approximately 58,577 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.