Washington, Missouri
Pipe City, on the Missouri River.
Franklin County’s largest city, with a historic riverfront downtown, a German heritage dating to the 1830s, and 445 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Community
Life in Washington
A corncob-pipe legacy, German heritage, and a historic downtown on the Missouri River.
History & Character
“Pipe City,” on the Banks of the Missouri River
Washington has made corncob pipes on its riverfront since the 1800s, earning its nickname as the corncob pipe capital of the world at Missouri Meerschaum. First settled under Spanish rule, the city grew with large numbers of German immigrant families after 1833, and its historic core today counts 445 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Downtown & Heritage
A Growing Heritage-Tourism Destination
Washington’s historic downtown and Tibbe Historic District draw visitors to a riverfront business district shaped by its German heritage, with a 2018 bridge replacement opening up new river views.
The River
Franklin County’s Only Missouri River Crossing
The original 1934 bridge — once the only Missouri River crossing in Franklin County — was replaced by a new, wider bridge in December 2018, keeping Washington connected across the river.
Schools
The School District of Washington
Public schools run through the School District of Washington, anchored by Washington High School, with private options including St. Francis Borgia and Immanuel Lutheran School.
Get Oriented
Get to Know Washington
From historic downtown to the Missouri River waterfront.
Historic Downtown Washington
A riverfront business district with 445 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Missouri Meerschaum
Maker of corncob pipes on the riverfront since the 1800s, the source of Washington’s “Pipe City” nickname.
Missouri River Waterfront
Downtown river access along the south bank of the Missouri River.
Washington High School
The local public high school, part of the School District of Washington.
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
A private Catholic high school serving the Washington area.
Tibbe Historic District
A historic riverfront area within Washington’s downtown core.
Scenic Regional Library – Washington Branch
A branch of the regional public library system.
Washington Riverfront Bridge
A wider Missouri River crossing that replaced the original 1934 bridge in December 2018.
Find Your Fit
What Does Home Look Like to You?
By the Numbers
Washington Market Snapshot
$279,815
Median Sale Price
43 Days
Median Time on Market
$162
Median Price per Sq. Ft. (+14.1% YoY)
99.8%
Median Sale-to-List Ratio
Source: Redfin Washington Housing Market Data, three-month period ending August 2026.
Nearby
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Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Washington, MO?
As of a three-month period ending August 2026, the median sale price in Washington was $279,815, down 0.42% from a year earlier, according to Redfin.
What is Washington, Missouri known for?
Washington is known as the “Pipe City” for its long history of corncob pipe manufacturing at Missouri Meerschaum, its historic downtown with 445 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and its location on the Missouri River in Franklin County.
What school district serves Washington, MO?
Public schools in Washington are part of the School District of Washington, anchored by Washington High School. Private options include St. Francis Borgia Regional High School and Immanuel Lutheran School.
Is Washington, MO a good place to live?
Washington is Franklin County’s largest city, with roughly 15,900 residents as of a 2025 Census Bureau estimate, a historic riverfront downtown, and a relatively affordable housing market about 50 miles west of St. Louis.
Why is Washington, Missouri called “Pipe City”?
Washington has manufactured corncob pipes on its riverfront since the 1800s at Missouri Meerschaum, earning it recognition as the corncob pipe capital of the world.
Is there a bridge across the Missouri River at Washington?
Yes. A new, wider bridge opened in December 2018, replacing the original 1934 span that was once the only Missouri River crossing in Franklin County.
