[3] Washington was established in spring 1860, and in the same year was named the county seat.

[9] As of the census[11] of 2010, there were 1,131 people, 512 households, and 311 families living in the city.

There were 582 housing units at an average density of 669.0 per square mile (258.3/km2).

36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 1,223 people, 553 households, and 331 families living in the city.

There were 644 housing units at an average density of 734.7 per square mile (283.7/km2).

37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.