Median owner-occupied home value
$231,800
A broad benchmark for homes people own here—not a live asking price.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
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Complete relocation guide
Moving to Washington
Growing regional river city · housing, schools, commute, costs and everyday life
About this CityHub guideA growing Missouri River city with a historic downtown, regional services and a distinct Franklin County identity.
The short version
Washington functions as a self-contained small city rather than a bedroom suburb, with downtown, healthcare, industry, retail and riverfront recreation. It offers more local completeness than many outer-ring communities, while trips to the St. Louis core are substantially longer.
What stands out
Washington’s 2025 population estimate was 15,906, up 8.6% from the 2020 estimate base, across 9.49 square miles. A historic downtown and riverfront sit alongside newer retail and residential growth, giving the city several different daily-life zones.
What to understand
The major decision is regional orientation. Washington can support many errands and services locally, but households with frequent obligations in central St. Louis County or the city should test the actual drive rather than treating it as a typical suburb.
The essentials
At a glance
The local picture
A feel for Washington
These local estimates and CityHub editorial ratings are for comparison and orientation. They are not verified statistics or current prices.
Local snapshot
Best for & local character
People seeking a self-contained small cityHouseholds whose work and routines center on Franklin CountyResidents who value a historic downtown and riverfront accessHistoric downtownMissouri RiverRegional service centerGrowing
Highlights
- 15,906 residents in the 2025 Census estimate
- 8.6% population growth from 2020 estimate base to 2025
- 74.0% owner-occupied housing, 2020–2024
- $827 median gross rent, 2020–2024
How it scores
CityHub estimates, not official scores. Some ratings are generated from community characteristics.
Walkability · modeled62
Transit · modeled38
School context · modeled58
Nightlife & dining · modeled54
Parks & outdoors · modeled58
Arts & culture · modeled56
Quiet & peaceful · modeled60
The decision brief
Is Washington a good fit?
What stands out
Washington can work for households whose jobs and regular destinations are in Franklin County and who want a small city with its own services. Compare housing by how it connects to that daily routine.
Things to check
Distance from the St. Louis core
Trips to central St. Louis County or the city are much longer than from an inner-ring suburb. Test the actual route and weekly frequency before trading access for a different home setting.
Does this fit your actual move?
Compare Washington against your budget, commute, and priorities—or ask about a specific address.
Homes & housing
What does housing cost here?
Published Census estimates provide broad context where a reliable community-level figure is available. Check current homes or rentals for actual prices.
Owner-occupied homes
74%
The share of occupied homes lived in by their owners.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
Median gross rent
$827/mo
Useful renter context—not a substitute for current available rentals.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
Price is only part of the monthly payment
For a specific home, also account for the interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and condition. That’s why two homes with the same price tag can still cost very different amounts every month.
Plan the daily trip
Commute & getting around
Define the region first
The Census mean commute was 21.1 minutes, reflecting many local trips. Test any recurring St. Louis-area drive at the actual time.
Schools
Which schools serve this address?
The address—not the city name—determines the schools
The School District of Washington operates Washington Middle School and Washington High School, with elementary schools including Augusta, Campbellton, Clearview, Labadie, Marthasville, South Point and West. The district also operates Four Rivers Career Center and offers Washington CAPS, Challenge and SOAR Into STEM programs. For a specific home, the main assignment question is the elementary campus; the middle- and high-school path is districtwide.
1
Identify the district
Start with the property’s complete street address.
2
Check the boundary tool
Use the district’s official address or attendance lookup.
3
Confirm before deciding
Ask the district to verify the current assignment and enrollment details.
Missouri DESE school directory and map
DESE says its maps are for reference; confirm official boundaries with county authorities and the district.
Official school and district resources
How people spend free time
Parks & recreation
The riverfront park system and city recreation facilities anchor outdoor life and downtown events.
Errands, routines & convenience
Everyday life
Downtown, the Highway 100 corridor and local healthcare together make Washington a regional service center for surrounding Franklin County.
Direct answers for movers
Questions about moving to Washington
What is it like to live in Washington?+
Washington’s 2025 population estimate was 15,906, up 8.6% from the 2020 estimate base, across 9.49 square miles. A historic downtown and riverfront sit alongside newer retail and residential growth, giving the city several different daily-life zones. The major decision is regional orientation. Washington can support many errands and services locally, but households with frequent obligations in central St. Louis County or the city should test the actual drive rather than treating it as a typical suburb. Washington can work for households whose jobs and regular destinations are in Franklin County and who want a small city with its own services. Compare housing by how it connects to that daily routine.
What should I know about housing costs in Washington?+
The published median value of owner-occupied homes (data as of 2024-12-31) is $231,800 in Washington. That describes existing homes in a survey period, not current listings or the homes available within your budget. Compare actual properties and their condition.
SourceWhat should movers know about schools in Washington?+
The School District of Washington operates Washington Middle School and Washington High School, with elementary schools including Augusta, Campbellton, Clearview, Labadie, Marthasville, South Point and West. The district also operates Four Rivers Career Center and offers Washington CAPS, Challenge and SOAR Into STEM programs. For a specific home, the main assignment question is the elementary campus; the middle- and high-school path is districtwide. Confirm the current school assignment and enrollment rules directly with the district for the specific address.
Use the Missouri DESE school directoryWhat is commuting from Washington like?+
The Census mean commute was 21.1 minutes, reflecting many local trips. Test any recurring St. Louis-area drive at the actual time.
What costs should I consider before moving to Washington?+
The published median gross rent (data as of 2024-12-31) is $827/month in Washington. This is a survey measure, not a current rental quote. Check current offers, utilities, insurance and travel costs for the exact home.
SourceWhat should I verify before choosing a home in Washington?+
Trips to central St. Louis County or the city are much longer than from an inner-ring suburb. Test the actual route and weekly frequency before trading access for a different home setting. Washington Farmers' Market is one documented local destination; check the route and current access from the home you are considering. Confirm school assignment, property condition and recurring costs for the exact address.
Keep narrowing the decision
Put Washington in context.
The community guide tells you about this place. These guides help answer whether this is the right kind of place for your move.
If walkability matters
See how Washington fits into a broader St. Louis walkability search.
Read guideSt. Louis County or St. Charles County?
Compare the river crossing, housing choices and weekly geography before choosing a county label.
Read guideLooking for newer homes or more space?
See where newer housing appears around the region and what changes when you move farther west.
Read guideUnderstand the geography
Map of Washington
See where Washington sits in the St. Louis region, then open named local places for directions and surrounding context.
Mapped places in this guide
6 verified locationsWashington City Pool1 Pool Dr, Washington, MO 63090Washington Farmers' Market317 W Main St, Washington, MO 63090Washington Historical Society Museum113 E 4th St, Washington, MO 63090James W. Rennick Riverfront Park1 Elbert Dr, Washington, MO 63090Washington Public Library410 Lafayette St, Washington, MO 63090Washington City Hall405 Jefferson St, Washington, MO 63090
This map is for orientation. Confirm municipal, school, floodplain, and parcel boundaries with the appropriate official source.
Around town
Places to know
Parks, civic resources, recreation, and recognizable destinations that help explain everyday life in Washington.
Parks & outdoors
1 placeparks
James W. Rennick Riverfront Park
Downtown Missouri River park and event space.
1 Elbert Dr, Washington, MO 63090
Official details Shopping & errands
1 placeshopping
Washington Farmers' Market
Covered downtown market and community-event venue.
317 W Main St, Washington, MO 63090
Official details Things to do
2 placesthings_to_do
Washington City Pool
Municipal outdoor aquatic facility.
1 Pool Dr, Washington, MO 63090
Official details things_to_do
Washington Historical Society Museum
Local-history museum in downtown Washington.
113 E 4th St, Washington, MO 63090
Official details Civic & everyday
2 placesservices
Washington Public Library
Public library serving Washington residents.
410 Lafayette St, Washington, MO 63090
Official details services
Washington City Hall
Municipal government center for Washington.
405 Jefferson St, Washington, MO 63090
Official details Don’t choose in a vacuum
Compare nearby alternatives
Compare Wildwood
Wildwood offers lower-density west-county living closer to regional employment but lacks Washington’s self-contained downtown.
Compare Wentzville
Wentzville is larger and faster growing, with stronger interstate orientation and more extensive newer subdivisions.
Compare Eureka
Eureka is closer to the St. Louis core and I‑44, with a more conventional outer-suburban pattern.
Sources, dates & how we got here3 sources · expand
CityHub separates sourced facts from editorial guidance. Official data may describe different time periods; each fact shows its represented date when available.