Washington County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 25.4 | 138,168 people · 58th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Washington County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 25.4 — 2954th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filings are moderately elevated. Within Wisconsin, it ranks 58th of 72 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 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 Legal Distress at 59.2 — above the national median.

Legal Distress Primary driver 59.2
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 59
Housing Cost Burden 55.0
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 71
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 42
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 85
Homeownership Rate 29
Economic Vitality 48.6
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 69
Rent-to-Income Ratio 12
Business Formation Rate 65
House Price Change (YoY) 25
Consumer Credit Distress 7.0
Debt in Collections 3
Medical Debt 24
Auto Loan Delinquency 8
Credit Card Delinquency 7
Uninsured Rate 3
Subprime Credit Population 1
Structural Poverty 6.8
Unemployment Rate 13
Poverty Rate 1
Income vs. State Median 9
Child Poverty Rate 1
Disability Rate 5
Transfer Income Dependency 10

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Washington County, WI 25.4 Healthy —
Milwaukee County, WI 67.6 Serious +42.2
Fond du Lac County, WI 33.1 Healthy +7.7
Dodge County, WI 31.0 Healthy +5.7
Sheboygan County, WI 26.3 Healthy +0.9
Waukesha County, WI 25.3 Healthy -0.1
Ozaukee County, WI 21.3 Healthy -4.0

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Outagamie County, WI 25.2 Healthy -0.1
Union County, OH 25.5 Healthy +0.1
Manitowoc County, WI 25.6 Healthy +0.2
Hunterdon County, NJ 26.3 Healthy +0.9
Sheboygan County, WI 26.3 Healthy +0.9

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.

CCCS OF SHEBOYGAN
WEST BEND
262-306-9241 Website
Foreclosure PreventionFinancial CounselingPost-PurchasePre-Purchase

See all counselors in Wisconsin →

Find an Attorney

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service 608-257-4666 (Madison); 414-274-6768 (Milwaukee)

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Washington County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee 414-278-7722
Legal Action of Wisconsin 608-256-3191 (Madison); 414-278-7722 (Milwaukee)
Wisconsin Judicare 715-842-1681 (Wausau); 1-800-472-1638 (statewide)
Disability Rights Wisconsin 608-267-0214
Judicare Legal Aid (715) 842-1681

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 Wisconsin →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Washington County has a County Distress Index score of 25.4 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,954th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 58th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Washington County?

    The primary driver of distress in Washington County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 59.2 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Washington County compare to neighboring counties?

    Washington County (25.4) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Milwaukee County, WI (67.6); Fond du Lac County, WI (33.1); Dodge County, WI (31.0).

  • 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 25.4 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, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 138,168 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.