It is sometimes referred to as "Sunrise County" because it includes the easternmost point in the 48 contiguous United States.

Claims have been made that Washington County is where the sun first rises on the 48 contiguous states.

The blueberry crop plays a major role in the county's economy.

[4] According to U.S. Census Bureau 2022 statistics, Washington County's population density equates to twelve people per square mile.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 32,856 people, 14,302 households, and 8,847 families living in the county.

[13] In terms of ancestry, 30.4% were English, 17.0% were Irish, 7.0% were German, 6.1% were Scottish, and 5.6% were American.

[17][18] In the 2012 Maine Republican presidential caucuses, the majority of Washington County voters cast their votes for Republican Ron Paul, but votes from Washington County were not counted because of snow.

Mitt Romney ultimately won the state by a narrow margin.

Washington County does not have a comprehensive public transportation system, despite having a year-round population of around 32,000.

[11] West Bus Services, based in Milbridge, serves several communities in northern Maine.

The daily Coastal Connection route serves: Calais, Perry, Pembroke, Dennysville, Whiting, Lubec, East Machias, Machias, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Beals, Addison, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Deblois (seasonal), Township 18 (seasonal), Township 19 (seasonal), Centerville, Gouldsboro, Winter Harbor, Sullivan, Steuben, Hancock, Ellsworth, Lucern, Holden and Bangor.