54.9
County Score
Property Tax 91.9Disaster Risk 88.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Amelia County, Virginia

Comfortably Above the National Median

Amelia County achieves a composite score of 54.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a stable, low-risk environment that appeals to many.

Stronger Than the State Average

Amelia outpaces the Virginia state average of 50.9 by four points. This makes it one of the more balanced counties in the Central Virginia region.

Low Tax Burden and High Safety

Amelia features a massive Tax Score of 91.9, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.431%. It is also exceptionally safe from natural disasters, with a Risk Score of 88.1.

Moderate Costs and Health Gaps

Housing affordability is moderate with a Cost Score of 35.0 and median home values of $239,700. The county could also improve its Health Score, which currently stands at 38.3.

Ideal for Secure, Tax-Savvy Residents

Amelia is perfect for those seeking a low-tax, low-risk lifestyle in a quiet setting. It attracts residents who value physical safety and fiscal responsibility over urban health amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax91.9Cost35Safety50.6Health38.3Schools49Income57.8Risk88.1Water86Weather64.8
🏛91.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠35
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼57.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
38.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
88.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤64.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨17.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱46.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Amelia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Amelia County

via TaxByCounty

Amelia has the lowest property tax rate in Virginia

At 0.431%, Amelia County's effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% of all U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.71%. Median annual taxes of $1,034 sit far below the national median of $2,690, making Amelia one of America's most tax-friendly counties.

Amelia leads Virginia in property tax affordability

At 0.431%, Amelia's effective rate is the lowest across Virginia, 36% below the state average of 0.671%, and ranks first statewide. The median tax of $1,034 is just 53% of Virginia's state median of $1,960.

Amelia undercuts all comparable Piedmont counties

Amelia's 0.431% rate is significantly lower than other Central Virginia counties, offering exceptional tax savings for a rural property. With median home values around $239,700, residents enjoy one of Virginia's best combinations of affordable housing and minimal tax burden.

Amelia homeowners pay under $1,100 typically annually

A median-value home at $239,700 generates approximately $1,034 in annual property taxes at Amelia's 0.431% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,173, while those without mortgages pay $806.

Even low rates don't prevent overassessment errors

Amelia's exceptional 0.431% rate already favors property owners, but assessment accuracy still matters for preserving savings. Homeowners should verify that their properties are correctly valued, as even minor overassessments can add up over time.

Cost of Living in Amelia County

via CostByCounty

Amelia offers better housing deals than national average

Amelia residents spend 17.6% of household income on rent, beating the national average of 18.6% while maintaining a median household income of $66,339, just under the U.S. median of $74,755. This combination makes Amelia a genuinely affordable option for moderate-income households.

Virginia's sweet spot for balanced affordability

Amelia's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% ranks among Virginia's most affordable, sitting 1.0 percentage point below the state average of 18.6%. The median gross rent of $972 is $168 below the state median, delivered with solid local incomes.

Competitive with rural Virginia's best deals

Amelia's $972 median rent nearly matches Accomack ($973) and falls between Appomattox ($883) and Amherst ($842), while its rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% beats most rural peers. It represents a balanced choice among central Virginia's lower-cost counties.

Stable costs across renting and owning

Renters pay $972 monthly while homeowners pay $919—nearly equal burdens—on a $66,339 median household income. Together, housing consumes roughly 18% of income, slightly below state average and quite manageable for working families.

Amelia balances affordability with stability

If you seek a rural, stable community with below-state-average housing costs and solid local incomes, Amelia offers genuine value without extreme tradeoffs. The county's central location makes it accessible to Richmond employment and larger regional opportunities.

Income & Jobs in Amelia County

via IncomeByCounty

Amelia's incomes run below the national average

Amelia County's median household income of $66,339 falls about 11% short of the national median of $74,755. Households here earn roughly $8,416 less annually than the typical American family.

Below Virginia's average, but gaining ground

Amelia's median household income of $66,339 is about 11% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $33,626 is about 14% below the state average, reflecting a more rural economic base.

Amelia holds middle ground in central Virginia

Amelia's $66,339 income sits between lower-earning Appalachian counties (like Alleghany at $55,160) and wealthier central Virginia areas (like Albemarle at $102,617). This positioning reflects Amelia's semi-rural character and access to broader regional employment.

Housing remains affordable and accessible

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.6%, Amelia meets affordability standards comfortably, with renters spending less than 18% of income on housing. The median home value of $239,700 is reasonably priced relative to median household income, supporting homeownership goals.

Use affordable housing to fuel investment growth

Amelia's low housing burden creates space to invest in retirement accounts and build savings. Meeting with a financial planner about automating monthly contributions to retirement funds and building an investment strategy can transform housing savings into long-term wealth over decades.

Safety in Amelia County

via CrimeByCounty

Amelia County Ranks Highly for Safety

Amelia County earns an impressive safety score of 98.2, far surpassing national norms. Its total crime rate of 1,112.0 per 100K is less than half of the national average.

Surpassing the Virginia Safety Average

Amelia’s safety score of 98.2 easily beats the state average of 97.3. Two reporting agencies maintain a consistent and transparent record of local safety.

Safe Haven Compared to Regional Centers

Amelia is significantly safer than Alleghany, which has a total crime rate of 2,269.3. It also has a lower violent crime rate (127.7) than most other counties in this list.

Very Low Violent Crime Rates

Amelia sees only 127.7 violent crimes per 100K, which is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also controlled, sitting at 984.3.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates thrive on community involvement and proactive property maintenance. Keeping your home well-lit at night helps preserve Amelia's high safety standards.

Health in Amelia County

via HealthByCounty

Amelia's life expectancy lags nation

Amelia County residents live to 73.6 years on average—5.7 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. One in five (20.2%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 17% and indicating significant health challenges.

Bottom tier of Virginia health rankings

At 73.6 years, Amelia's life expectancy falls 1.5 years below Virginia's state average of 75.1 years. The county's 20.2% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the state average, placing it among Virginia's lower-performing rural counties.

Amelia faces rural health crisis

Amelia residents live shorter lives than those in nearby Appomattox (77.2 years) and Amherst (75.5 years) counties. The county's critically low primary care density—just 8 providers per 100K—represents the lowest rate among peers, creating severe access barriers.

Provider shortage creates daily barriers

With only 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Amelia faces one of Virginia's most severe rural healthcare shortages. At 10.5%, the uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 7.9%, compounding access challenges for vulnerable residents.

Get insured and find care resources

If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or dmas.virginia.gov to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace options. Consider federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and telehealth services as supplements to limited local provider networks.

Schools in Amelia County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in Amelia County

Amelia County keeps its education simple with just three public schools serving a total of 1,663 students. This single-district system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, creating a clear pathway for students.

Outperforming the State Average

Amelia County achieves a strong 92% graduation rate, beating both the Virginia average of 89% and the national mark of 87%. This success is noteworthy given the per-pupil expenditure of $6,726 is lower than state and national benchmarks.

Unified Under Amelia County Public Schools

Amelia County Public Schools oversees all 1,663 students with no charter schools in the mix. This unified approach ensures that all children in the county transition together through the same three-school pipeline.

The Heart of a Rural Community

Education here is entirely rural, with schools averaging 554 students to provide a mid-sized learning environment. Amelia County Elementary is the busiest campus with 760 students, while the middle school remains the smallest with 365 students.

Finding Your Place in Amelia

The simplicity of a single school pipeline makes Amelia County an easy choice for families seeking consistency. If you value a close-knit rural setting with high graduation rates, this county is a prime target for your home search.

Disaster Risk in Amelia County

via RiskByCounty

Amelia ranks among Virginia's safest counties

Amelia County's composite risk score of 11.96 rates as very low and ranks well below Virginia's state average of 33.27. This piedmont county enjoys relative protection from major natural disaster hazards.

Among Virginia's lowest-risk jurisdictions

With a score of 11.96, Amelia ranks in Virginia's safest tier, placing it in the bottom quartile for disaster risk statewide. The county's inland piedmont location shields it from coastal threats.

Safest in a low-risk region

Amelia's 11.96 score is similar to nearby Appomattox (5.09) and notably lower than slightly more exposed Amherst (20.99). The county benefits from its central piedmont position away from coastal, mountain, and high-seismic zones.

Hurricane and earthquake are secondary concerns

Even Amelia's highest individual hazard scores—hurricane (67.75) and earthquake (49.49)—remain moderate compared to other Virginia counties. Flood (11.39), wildfire (6.30), and tornado (19.85) risks are all minimal.

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Your relatively low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance generally provides adequate protection for most hazards. Focus on routine maintenance and emergency preparedness rather than specialized coverage.

Weather & Climate in Amelia County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Rainy Southern Climate

Amelia averages 58.4°F, placing it well above the national temperature median. It receives 45.4 inches of rain, consistent with the humid climate of the American Southeast.

Leading the State in Heat

With an average of 58.4°F, Amelia is warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. It experiences 42 days over 90°F, nearly double the frequency of some neighboring counties.

Hotter Than the Piedmont Neighbors

Amelia's 42 extreme heat days distinguish it from Albemarle's 23. While it shares similar rainfall with the state average, its summer intensity is much higher.

Intense Summers and Gentle Winters

Summers are hot with a July average of 78.5°F. Winters stay relatively mild at 40.0°F, resulting in a modest 8.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Beat the Summer Heat

High-efficiency cooling systems are a priority for the frequent 90°F days. Residents should also plan outdoor activities for the morning to avoid peak afternoon heat.

Soil Quality in Amelia County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Piedmont Plains

Amelia's soil pH is quite low at 5.03, falling below the Virginia average of 5.23 and well under the national median of 6.5. The county's overall soil score of 17.4 is lower than the state average, suggesting the land requires careful management to be productive. These acidic conditions are typical of the weathered soils found across the Virginia Piedmont.

Sandy Dominance with Clay Texture

Sand dominates the soil here at 59.5%, while silt accounts for 25.3% and clay for 15.2%. This high sand percentage makes the soil feel gritty and allows for rapid water infiltration but can lead to lower nutrient stability. The moderate clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely granular.

Strong Hydration Despite Low Nutrients

Organic matter in Amelia is low at 1.34%, which is less than half the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.150 in/in actually exceeds the state average of 0.143. This means the soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture for plants, even if it lacks high natural nutrient levels.

Rapid Infiltration and Moisture Management

While drainage class data is missing, the nearly 60% sand content indicates that the soil drains quickly after heavy rain. This prevents root rot but may require more frequent fertilization, as water can carry nutrients deep into the ground. Gardeners should use mulch to help preserve the moisture that the silty-clay components try to hold.

Berries and Acid-Lovers in 7b

Amelia sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, where blueberries and azaleas will thrive in the naturally acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Vegetable gardeners should consider adding lime to raise the pH and compost to boost the low organic matter. With these simple steps, your sandy-loam soil can become a flourishing oasis.

Lawn Care in Amelia County

via LawnByCounty

Amelia Lawns Require Active Care

With a lawn difficulty score of 46.7, Amelia County falls below both the state and national averages for ease of maintenance. The zone 7b climate presents specific challenges that require a disciplined approach to lawn health.

Enduring Intense Summer Heat Waves

The county faces 42 extreme heat days per year, which is far above the state average of 28. These high temperatures, combined with 4,398 growing degree days, put immense stress on lawns during the peak growing season.

Navigating Sandy and Acidic Soil

Amelia’s soil is 59.5% sand and has a low pH of 5.03, creating a difficult environment for standard turf. You will need to amend the soil with lime to raise the pH and add organic matter to improve the water-holding capacity of the sand.

Managing Water in High-Heat Zones

Although only 55.3% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the 42 heat days make water conservation critical. Over the past year, the county endured 22 weeks of drought, necessitating a strategic irrigation plan.

Heat-Tolerant Choices for Amelia

Tall Fescue or heat-tolerant Bermudagrass are the best bets for this climate. Plan your seeding for early April or late October, keeping an eye on the typical frost dates of April 7th and November 2nd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amelia County's county score?
Amelia County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Amelia County rank among counties in Virginia?
Amelia County ranks #50 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Amelia County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Amelia County is $1,034, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Amelia County a tax score of 91.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Amelia County?
The median household income in Amelia County, Virginia is $66,339 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Amelia County earns an income score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Amelia County, Virginia a good place to live?
Amelia County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Amelia County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Amelia County with other counties side by side.