Washington County
countyWashington County is located in southern Indiana, approximately halfway between Indianapolis and Louisville. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,182. The county seat and only incorporated city is Salem. Washington County is part of the Louisville metropolitan area. The county's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Major employers include Kimball Office and Peerless Gear. The median household income was $61,358 in 2023. Washington County offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Blue River, Indiana's first State Natural and Scenic River System, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The county was named after George Washington and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1814.
Washington County, Indiana
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 18-175
- Country
- United States
- County
- County
- Region
- Southern Indiana
- Elevation
- 1,050 ft
- Total Area
- 516.6 sq mi
- Land Area
- 513.72 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.87 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.6055
- Longitude
- -86.1004
- Climate
- The climate of Washington County is characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Blue River · Jackson-Washington State Forest · Knobstone Escarpment
- Neighboring Areas
- Jackson County · Scott County · Clark County · Floyd County · Harrison County · Crawford County · Orange County · Lawrence County
- Population (2020)
- 28,182
- Est. Population (2025)
- 28,502
- Median Age
- 41.5
- Median Income
- $61,358
- Poverty Rate
- 13.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 95.1% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.5% from some other race, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.4% of the population.
- Government Type
- County Commissioners and County Council
- Governing Body
- County Commissioners and County Council
- Body Size
- 10 members
- Municipal Services
- Law Enforcement · Planning & Zoning · Administration
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.5%
- Economic Profile
- Manufacturing · Healthcare · Retail Trade
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Kimball Office · GKN Sinter Metals · Walmart
- School Districts
- Salem Community Schools · East Washington School Corporation · West Washington School Corporation
- Transportation
- US-150 · IN-56 · IN-60 · IN-135 · IN-160
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal sewage
- Major Facilities
- St. Vincent Salem Hospital · Washington County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Delaney Creek Park · Jackson-Washington State Forest · Blue River
- Parks & Trails
- Knobstone Trail · Lake John Hay · Lake Salinda
- Founded
- 1814
- Named After
- George Washington
- Historical Significance
- Washington County played a role in the early settlement and development of Indiana, with its establishment dating back to the territorial period. It was named in honor of the first U.S. President, George Washington.
- Key Events
- County created from parts of Harrison and Clark counties in 1813 · Salem established as county seat in 1814 · Parts of Washington County used to create Orange and Jackson Counties (1815) and Scott County (1820)