Population
Washington County is the 7th largest county in Indiana, named in honor of U.S. President George Washington. The county is home to approximately 28,036 people with a median age of 41.2 years old. 23% of the Washington County population is between ages 5 and 18, 8% between 18 and 24, 53% between 25 and 64, and 17% age 65 and over. 36.8% of the population are married without children, 24.5% live alone, 19.4% are married with children, and 9.4% are single parents.
Industry
The largest industries in Washington County are Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. The two major Manufacturing employers in the county are Peerless Gear and Kimball Office Casegoods, which are both located in the city of Salem. The most common jobs held by residents are Production Occupations (1,745 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,348 people), and Management Occupations (1,044 people). Compared to other counties, Washington County has an unusually high number of residents working in Production Occupations (2.52 times higher than expected), Material Moving Occupations (2.05 times), and Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations (1.79 times).
Economy
The economy in Washington County employs roughly 12K people. The median household income for Washington County is $47,078, which is lower than the Indiana state average. The median property value in Washington County is roughly $113,200, which is significantly lower the national average of $229,700. More than half of the homes in Washington County are 40 years or older, and 42.3% of houses are valued at less than 100K. The county has a 76% home ownership rate and an average work commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Health
88.2% of the population of Washington County have health coverage, with 44.1% on employee plans, 16.7% on Medicaid, 12.7% on Medicare, 12.3% on non-group plans, and 2.49% on military or veteran plans. Residents in Washington County are more likely to smoke and be physically inactive than the average Indiana resident. 37% of the county’s residents are classified as obese, and only 47% of residents report having access to exercise opportunities. Additionally, there is only 1 primary care physician per more than 10,000 county residents, and 1 behavioral health practitioner per more than 2,500 county residents. 14.7% of residents under age 65 are affected by disability.
Education
Washington County is home to Salem Community Schools, East Washington School Corporation, and West Washington School Corporation. 84.6% of people have their high school diploma or higher, and 13.2% of the population have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Only about 66.4% of county residents have access to broadband internet, in comparison to 84% of Indiana residents.
Diversity
The racial makeup of Washington County is approximately 96.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 1% two or more races.
Washington County Highlights
John Hay Center
The John Hay Center is a thriving tourist destination in Washington County. John Hay was the Personal Secretary to President Abraham Lincoln, and also served as Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. The Center features Hay’s birthplace, The Stevens Memorial Museum, The Depot Railroad Museum, and The Pioneer Village. The Washington County Historical Society provides stewardship, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing important historical artifacts and information.
Pekin 4th of July Festival
The Pekin 4th of July celebration, first held in 1830, is the nation’s oldest consecutively run Independence Day celebration! Fewer than 1400 people live in Pekin, Indiana, but the town swells to as many as 15,000 come July 4th. Held in a space known as Pekin Park, the celebration attracts families from all over with a parade, a fireworks show, live bands, a carnival, a flea market, basketball tournaments and many delicious food vendors!
Knobstone Trail
The Knobstone Trail is the longest hiking trail in Indiana! This rugged path passes through three separate counties and totals a whopping 60 miles. The initial 32-mile segment of the trail first opened in 1980. The trail has many different steep climbs and attractions throughout that keep hikers engaged and challenged. The course also offers great views across the wooded hills of southern Indiana, and on clear days, even glimpses of Louisville and the Ohio River.
Cornucopia Farms
Cornucopia Farms is home to beautiful corn and soybean mazes, petting farms, flower fields and pumpkin patches intended for farm education and family entertainment. The farms are just 10 miles east of Salem and 9 miles away from Scottsburg, Indiana. A visit to Cornucopia Farm is a great opportunity for both children and young adults to learn about farm life, farm animals and nature. You can also grab a bite at the Cornucopia Cafe on the weekends, where freshly grown food from the farm is prepared and served.
The Salem Speedway
The Salem Speedway has been acknowledged as one of the most unique and renowned race tracks in America for over 65 years! The 555-mile oval features imposing 33-degree banks that are built strictly for speed. Situated in the scenic hills of southern Indiana, the Salem Speedway roars to life 12-15 special events each year. The speedway has helped the city of Salem develop a strong racing heritage that continues today, and as the legendary A.J. Foyt once said,” if a driver can go fast on the high banks, he can go fast anywhere.”
Bodies of Water
Washington County is home to several different bodies of water that offer various attractions and activities for visitors: Spurgeon Hollow Lake, Lake Salinda, Lake John Hay, and Elk Creek Lake are a few of the most popular. These bodies of water are great spots for trail hiking, fishing, and observing birds or other animals in their natural habitats. Blue River is another body of water that offers its visitors the opportunity to rent canoes or kayaks, peacefully float down the river, and observe wildlife throughout the area.
Learn more about Washington County: