CountyScore

Alleghany County

Virginia · VA

#39 in Virginia
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Alleghany County, Virginia

Alleghany significantly exceeds national norm

Alleghany's composite score of 75.3 far surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it among the more livable counties nationally. The county delivers strong value across multiple dimensions compared to typical American regions.

Above Virginia's state average

With a score of 75.3, Alleghany exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking among the Commonwealth's better-performing counties. This strong showing reflects balanced livability fundamentals.

Exceptional affordability and moderate taxes

Alleghany shines in housing affordability (cost score: 86.5) with median home values of just $122,300 and rents averaging $774/month—among Virginia's lowest. Combined with a tax score of 79.0 (effective rate 0.827%), the county offers exceptional value.

Limited income opportunities

The income score of 19.4 reflects a median household income of $55,160, well below state and national medians. This income constraint may limit lifestyle flexibility despite the county's low costs.

Best for frugal families seeking simplicity

Alleghany suits cost-conscious families, retirees, and remote workers who can thrive on modest incomes in a rural mountain setting. The county's low housing costs and taxes stretch limited budgets further than almost anywhere in Virginia.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.4Risk61.9WaterComing Soon
🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Alleghany County with another county →

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Benzie County
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Deep Dives

Alleghany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alleghany County

via TaxByCounty

Alleghany's 0.827% rate ranks in the top 10% nationally

Alleghany County's effective property tax rate of 0.827% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.71%, placing it among the highest-taxed counties nationwide. Yet the median tax bill of $1,011 remains below the national median of $2,690, thanks to modest property values averaging $122,300.

Alleghany ranks among Virginia's highest-rate counties

At 0.827%, Alleghany's effective rate is 23% above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the top 10% statewide. Despite the high rate, median taxes of $1,011 stay below the state median of $1,960 due to lower home values.

Alleghany taxes higher than nearby mountain counties

Alleghany's 0.827% rate substantially exceeds most surrounding rural Virginia counties, reflecting higher service costs in the region's mountainous terrain. Home values around $122,300 are among the lowest in the state, yet residents still face steep percentage rates.

Alleghany homeowners pay about $1,000 per year

A median-value home at $122,300 generates approximately $1,011 in annual property taxes at Alleghany's 0.827% rate. Owners with mortgages pay $1,181, while those without mortgages pay $902.

Even modest Alleghany homes can be overassessed

High effective tax rates like Alleghany's 0.827% make assessment accuracy critical for households. Homeowners should review their assessments to ensure their $122,000-range properties haven't been overvalued, as even small correction could reduce their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alleghany County

via CostByCounty

Alleghany County offers Virginia's most relief

Alleghany residents spend just 16.8% of household income on rent, the lowest ratio in Virginia and well below the national average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $55,160 and median rent of only $774, this rural county delivers genuine housing affordability.

Virginia's most affordable county for renters

Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks as Virginia's best, sitting 1.8 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. The median gross rent of $774 is the state's lowest, offering relief for lower-income households.

Beats all nearby rural counties on affordability

Alleghany's $774 rent undercuts Amherst ($842), Appomattox ($883), and Accomack ($973), making it the most affordable option in western and rural Virginia. Its rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is also superior to all surveyed neighbors.

Housing costs stay genuinely modest here

Renters pay just $774 monthly while homeowners pay $529—Virginia's lowest ownership costs—on a median household income of $55,160. Together, housing consumes under 17% of income, genuine relief for working-class families.

Alleghany suits budget-conscious relocators

If you prioritize affordability above all and can embrace rural mountain living, Alleghany offers the state's lowest rents and steepest discounts on home ownership. Remote workers with modest incomes will find this Appalachian county especially welcoming.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alleghany County

via IncomeByCounty

Alleghany's incomes fall well below national average

Alleghany County's median household income of $55,160 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 26%, placing the county in the lower-income tier nationally. Households here earn roughly $19,595 less annually than the typical American family.

Among Virginia's lowest-earning counties

Alleghany ranks in the bottom tier of Virginia's income distribution, with median household income 26% below the state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $30,925 is about 21% below Virginia's state average of $39,155.

Alleghany faces income challenges in the region

Alleghany's $55,160 median income is among the lowest in western Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian region. Neighboring counties and similar rural areas generally earn $60,000–$70,000 annually, making Alleghany's earnings notably below regional peers.

Housing affordability is a bright spot

Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is excellent, showing housing costs consume a small fraction of median income. The median home value of $122,300 is among the lowest in the state, making homeownership accessible to working families.

Start small, build consistently, aim high

Even modest incomes can accumulate wealth through disciplined saving and smart investing. Begin with an employer 401(k) or an IRA, automate monthly contributions, and explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources to put your housing savings advantage toward long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Alleghany County

via HealthByCounty

Alleghany faces significant health gaps

Alleghany County residents have a life expectancy of 73.1 years—6.2 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health compared to 17% nationally, the county shows measurable health disparities.

Among Virginia's lowest-ranked counties

At 73.1 years, Alleghany's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Virginia, falling 2 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, signaling substantial public health challenges.

Alleghany trails Appalachian peers

Alleghany residents live shorter lives than those in nearby Appomattox (77.2 years) and Amherst (75.5 years) counties. The county's severe shortage of mental health providers (34 per 100K) ranks among Virginia's lowest, leaving mental health care access critically constrained.

Limited provider networks strain access

With only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Alleghany faces geographic and capacity challenges for routine care. Though the 6.5% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 7.9%, those with insurance still struggle to find nearby providers.

Explore coverage and telehealth options

Visit healthcare.gov or Virginia's Medicaid site to review coverage options; remote telehealth options can supplement limited local provider access. Call 1-800-318-2596 for personalized assistance in finding plans that work for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alleghany County

via RiskByCounty

Alleghany's risk is below Virginia average

Alleghany County's composite risk score of 38.07 rates as very low and exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27 by just under 5 points. The county's mountain location provides natural protection from hurricane and coastal flood impacts.

Western mountains offer relative safety

Alleghany ranks among Virginia's lower-risk counties, benefiting from its location in the Appalachian highlands away from coastal hazards. The county's 38.07 score places it comfortably below statewide median risk.

Comparable risk to nearby mountain counties

Alleghany's 38.07 score is slightly elevated relative to more rural piedmont counties like Amelia (11.96) and Appomattox (5.09), but reflects its western mountain terrain. Flood risk (56.33) is its most notable concern compared to lower-elevation neighbors.

Flooding and hurricanes present top hazards

Alleghany's flood risk (56.33) and hurricane risk (54.90) represent the county's primary concerns, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (9.38) and wildfire risk (18.07) are comparatively low for the region.

Monitor stream levels and maintain coverage

Ensure homeowners insurance includes flood coverage for properties near streams and tributaries common in mountain terrain. Keep gutters and drainage systems clear to manage precipitation runoff.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.