Washington County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Washington County, TX, had a population of 35,805. The median age was 44.3 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the population was 73.9% White, 16.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 7.9% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Other races and those identifying with two or more races made up the remainder.

Washington County, TX, with around 23,000 registered voters as of 2024, conducts general, primary, and special elections, managed by the County Elections Administrator. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was approximately 53%. Major polling locations include the Washington County Events Center and Blinn College. Key issues include property taxes, education, and transportation. The county leans Republican—about 74% voted GOP in the 2022 gubernatorial race—though Democrats maintain a presence. Registration is open year-round, and the county provides early voting at multiple sites to boost accessibility.

Washington County, TX, has 18 public schools, including 1 main high school, Brenham High, serving about 1,400 students with a graduation rate of 92%. Approximately 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The schools have a GreatSchools rating averaging 6/10. School safety is prioritized, with resource officers in place. Educational programs include career & technical education, dual credit, and AP courses. Adult education is offered through Blinn College.

As of 2022, Washington County, TX had an employment rate of approximately 58%, with nearly 15,000 employed residents. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), Manufacturing (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupations are Management (11%), Office & Administrative Support (11%), and Sales (10%). Around 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. The majority work within the county, while about 20% commute to nearby counties such as Brazos and Harris.

Washington County, TX, features a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $295,000 in 2024, up 5% year-over-year. Average monthly rent is approximately $1,200. The county's housing types include historic homes, ranch properties, and newer subdivisions, particularly in Brenham and Chappell Hill. Popular neighborhoods like Windermere and Bluebonnet Hills offer varied price points. Property tax rates average 1.65%, translating to about $4,867 annually for a median-priced home. The area continues to see moderate growth in both property values and rental rates, driven by increased demand and limited new inventory.

Washington County, TX, maintains a crime rate below the national average, with a total crime rate of approximately 1,235 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Violent crimes, such as assault, occur at a rate of 145 per 100,000, while property crimes make up the majority, with 1,090 per 100,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages public crime reporting, enhancing responsiveness. Overall, the county's crime and safety metrics reflect a relatively safe community compared to state and national figures.