Albemarle's composite score of 63.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid overall livability. However, the score falls below the state average of 70.3, indicating tradeoffs typical of higher-income, higher-cost regions.
2 / 5
Mid-tier performance in Virginia
Albemarle scores 63.9 against Virginia's average of 70.3, placing it in the middle tier of the Commonwealth's counties. The gap primarily reflects higher housing costs rather than broad quality-of-life deficiencies.
3 / 5
Strong incomes, reasonable taxes
Albemarle boasts a median household income of $102,617 (income score: 50.4) and maintains a manageable tax burden with an effective rate of 0.739% (tax score: 81.5). These strengths support a middle-class to upper-middle-class lifestyle.
4 / 5
Housing costs strain affordability
The cost score of 54.0 reflects median home values of $471,000 and monthly rents of $1,623—substantially higher than most Virginia counties. This is the primary livability constraint for budget-conscious households.
5 / 5
Perfect for affluent professionals
Albemarle appeals to well-earning professionals and families seeking good tax treatment without excessive cost strain. The county's University of Virginia connection and cultural amenities add appeal, though prospective residents should verify school quality independently.
Albemarle's composite score of 63.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid overall livability. However, the score falls below the state average of 70.3, indicating tradeoffs typical of higher-income, higher-cost regions.
Mid-tier performance in Virginia
Albemarle scores 63.9 against Virginia's average of 70.3, placing it in the middle tier of the Commonwealth's counties. The gap primarily reflects higher housing costs rather than broad quality-of-life deficiencies.
Strong incomes, reasonable taxes
Albemarle boasts a median household income of $102,617 (income score: 50.4) and maintains a manageable tax burden with an effective rate of 0.739% (tax score: 81.5). These strengths support a middle-class to upper-middle-class lifestyle.
Housing costs strain affordability
The cost score of 54.0 reflects median home values of $471,000 and monthly rents of $1,623—substantially higher than most Virginia counties. This is the primary livability constraint for budget-conscious households.
Perfect for affluent professionals
Albemarle appeals to well-earning professionals and families seeking good tax treatment without excessive cost strain. The county's University of Virginia connection and cultural amenities add appeal, though prospective residents should verify school quality independently.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Albemarle's 0.739% rate exceeds most U.S. counties
Albemarle County's effective property tax rate of 0.739% ranks above the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $3,482 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher tax rates and property values.
Albemarle ranks among Virginia's higher-taxed counties
At 0.739%, Albemarle's effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it among the state's top 15% for tax burden. The county's median tax of $3,482 is 78% above the state median of $1,960.
Albemarle taxes higher than most Central Virginia peers
Albemarle's 0.739% rate significantly outpaces nearby rural counties, reflecting investment in schools and services that drive higher assessments. The county's median home value of $471,000 is notably elevated compared to neighboring areas, contributing to steeper annual tax bills.
Albemarle homeowners pay over $3,400 annually on median homes
A median-value home at $471,000 generates approximately $3,482 in annual property taxes at Albemarle's 0.739% rate. Those with mortgages pay $3,395, while owners without mortgages pay $3,664.
Albemarle property owners should verify their assessments
With median home values at $471,000, even small assessment errors can cost hundreds in annual taxes. Homeowners are encouraged to review their assessments and file appeals if they believe their properties are overvalued—a process that costs nothing to pursue.
Albemarle's housing stays affordable despite high costs
Albemarle residents spend 19.0% of household income on rent, just slightly above the national average of 18.6%, thanks to a robust median household income of $102,617. This is 37% higher than the U.S. median, allowing higher housing costs to remain proportionally manageable.
Virginia's most affordable high-cost county
Albemarle ranks among Virginia's most balanced housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% just above the state average of 18.6%. Despite median rent hitting $1,623—42% above the state median—strong incomes here keep affordability stress relatively low.
Pricier than rural peers, cheaper than Northern Virginia
Albemarle's $1,623 median rent far exceeds rural counties like Amherst ($842) and Appomattox ($883), but remains $408 below nearby Alexandria ($2,031). Its $471,000 median home value sits between the rural counties and the premium-priced Northern Virginia metros.
High incomes buffer substantial housing costs
Renters pay $1,623 monthly while homeowners pay $1,611—nearly equal burdens reflecting the county's affluent market—on a median household income of $102,617. Together, housing consumes just under 19% of household income, well-managed for a county this desirable.
Albemarle rewards higher earners seeking balance
If your household income exceeds $100,000, Albemarle offers excellent quality of life with manageable housing costs despite above-state-average rents. The University of Virginia presence and Charlottesville cultural amenities make it worth the premium for affluent professionals.
Albemarle County's median household income of $102,617 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 37%, placing it in the upper-income tier across the United States. Households here earn roughly $27,862 more annually than the typical American family.
Top earners in Virginia
Albemarle ranks among Virginia's highest-income counties, with median household income 37% above the state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $57,490 is 47% higher than Virginia's state average of $39,155.
Albemarle leads the central Virginia income race
Albemarle's $102,617 median income significantly outpaces neighboring central Virginia counties like Amherst ($67,298) and Amelia ($66,339). This income advantage reflects the county's stronger employment base and proximity to the University of Virginia's economic influence.
Strong income supports rising housing costs
Albemarle's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% indicates housing is comfortably affordable at current income levels. With a median home value of $471,000, the county's higher prices are offset by substantially higher household earnings.
Leverage higher income for long-term wealth building
Albemarle households are positioned to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build significant wealth. Working with a financial advisor on tax-efficient strategies—such as 529 college savings plans or taxable investment accounts—can help multiply your income advantage over decades.
Albemarle County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 81.5 years—over 2 years above the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Just 12.6% report poor or fair health, compared to 17% nationally, reflecting strong population health outcomes.
Virginia's healthiest ranked counties
At 81.5 years, Albemarle's life expectancy ranks among Virginia's best, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 6.4 years. The county's 12.6% poor/fair health rate stands well below the state average, placing Albemarle in the top tier of Virginia counties.
Albemarle sets regional health standard
Albemarle residents live significantly longer than those in nearby Amherst (75.5 years) and Appomattox (77.2 years) counties. The county's robust primary care infrastructure—139 providers per 100K—far exceeds regional peers, enabling strong preventive care networks.
Strong provider access supports health
Albemarle boasts 139 primary care providers and 233 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, among Virginia's highest densities. The county's 6.5% uninsured rate also sits below the state average of 7.9%, ensuring most residents have regular healthcare access.
Maintain your coverage and health
Even in well-resourced Albemarle, some residents remain uninsured or underinsured. Review your current plan annually at healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to ensure continuous, appropriate coverage for your family.
Albemarle County's composite risk score of 78.15 rates as relatively low but remains more than double Virginia's state average of 33.27. The county faces diverse hazard exposure across earthquake (85.59), flood (85.15), and hurricane (82.64) categories.
Mid-range risk profile for Virginia
With a score of 78.15, Albemarle ranks in the upper-middle tier of Virginia's 135 counties, reflecting its piedmont location and proximity to seismic zones. The county's earthquake risk particularly sets it apart from lower-risk jurisdictions to its east.
Albemarle faces broader hazards than neighbors
Unlike rural neighbors Amherst (20.99) and Appomattox (5.09), Albemarle's 78.15 score reflects stronger exposure to earthquakes, flooding, and hurricanes. Its piedmont location creates different vulnerabilities than the lighter-risk counties of the south-central region.
Earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes top list
Albemarle residents face notable earthquake risk (85.59)—the highest among its hazard categories—alongside substantial flood (85.15) and hurricane (82.64) exposure. Tornado risk (52.19) remains moderate but merits preparedness planning.
Prepare for seismic, water, and wind threats
Secure heavy furniture and tall appliances to walls to mitigate earthquake damage, and maintain comprehensive flood and wind coverage on your policy. Consider a home risk assessment focusing on foundation stability and roof integrity.