Washington County
countyWashington County is located in the Florida Panhandle, in the northwestern part of the state. As of 2024, the estimated population was approximately 26,503. The county has a rural character, marked by rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes. It is part of the Panama City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Washington County's economy includes sectors such as retail trade, educational services, and transportation. The presence of nearby military installations also influences the local economy, supporting defense-related opportunities. The county seat, Chipley, offers low-cost loans and grants to qualifying businesses. Washington County was established in 1825 and named after George Washington. The area has a rich history with Native American, Spanish, and English cultural influences. Falling Waters State Park, featuring Florida's tallest waterfall, is a notable natural attraction.
Washington County, Florida
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 12-133
- Country
- United States
- County
- County
- Region
- Florida Panhandle
- Total Area
- 616 sq mi
- Land Area
- 583 sq mi
- Water Area
- 33 sq mi
- Latitude
- 30.61
- Longitude
- -85.67
- Climate
- Washington County has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Notable Features
- Falling Waters State Park · Choctawhatchee River
- Neighboring Areas
- Bay County · Holmes County · Jackson County · Walton County
- Population (2020)
- 25,318
- Est. Population (2024)
- 26,503
- Median Age
- 41.6
- Median Income
- $52,723
- Poverty Rate
- 17.29%
- Owner-Occupied
- 79.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 76.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 13.5% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 2.82% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.5% Other (Hispanic), and 1.18% White (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Board of County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Washington County School District
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.7%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Agricultural · Forestry
- Employment Sectors
- Construction · Retail Trade · Public Administration
- School Districts
- Washington County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Florida Panhandle Technical College
- Transportation
- US 90 · US 231 · State Road 77 · State Road 79 · Tri-County Airport
- Major Facilities
- Northwest Florida Community Hospital · Washington County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Falling Waters State Park · Pine Log State Forest · Seacrest Wolf Preserve · Orange Hill Gator Farm
- Founded
- 1825
- Named After
- George Washington
- Historical Significance
- Washington County has a rich history with Native American, Spanish, and English cultural influences. The arrival of railroads in the late 1800s boosted economic, social and political developments.
- Key Events
- County created in 1825 · Chipley becomes county seat in 1927