58.4
County Score
Property Tax 85.2Disaster Risk 79Weather & Climate 65.7

County Report Card

About Amherst County, Virginia

Well-Ranked on the National Scale

Amherst County earns an impressive 58.4 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score signals a high quality of life with balanced metrics across the board.

Beating Virginia’s Livability Benchmarks

With a 58.4, Amherst sits more than 7 points higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a top-tier choice for those looking beyond Northern Virginia’s high-cost areas.

Low Taxes and Strong Resilience

The county boasts a Tax Score of 85.2 and a Risk Score of 79.0. Residents enjoy a low tax rate of 0.506% and a solid median household income of $67,298.

Opportunities for Better Public Safety

Public safety is the primary area for improvement, with a Safety Score of 39.3. While other scores are high, this dimension lags behind the county’s strong environmental and tax rankings.

A Balanced Haven for Families

Amherst is an excellent choice for families seeking a stable, low-tax environment with good schools and manageable housing costs. It offers a higher-than-average quality of life for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Score breakdown

Tax85.2Cost49Safety39.3Health57.5Schools62.4Income59.6Risk79Water61Weather65.7
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼59.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡39.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓62.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
79
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧61
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨27.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱41.4
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

Amherst County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Amherst County

via TaxByCounty

Amherst's 0.506% rate beats the national average

At 0.506%, Amherst County's effective property tax rate sits notably below the national median of 0.71%, ranking it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The median tax of $997 is less than 37% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower rates and modest property values.

Amherst ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties

At 0.506%, Amherst's effective rate is 25% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the bottom tier statewide. The median tax of $997 is roughly half the state median of $1,960, making Amherst one of Virginia's most tax-friendly rural counties.

Amherst offers lower taxes than surrounding Piedmont areas

Amherst's 0.506% rate compares favorably to most Central Virginia neighbors, offering steady tax affordability for rural property owners. Median home values near $197,200 align with regional norms, but Amherst's lower rate provides genuine savings.

Amherst homeowners typically pay under $1,000 yearly

A median-value home at $197,200 generates approximately $997 in annual property taxes at Amherst's 0.506% rate. Those with mortgages pay $1,056, while owners without mortgages pay $940.

Amherst residents can appeal if overassessed

Despite low effective rates, individual properties in Amherst can still be overvalued on the assessment roll. Homeowners who believe their properties are assessed above fair market value should file an appeal—a process that could further reduce their annual tax obligation.

Cost of Living in Amherst County

via CostByCounty

Amherst delivers exceptional rental affordability

Amherst residents spend just 15.0% of household income on rent, well below the national average of 18.6%, with median rent of only $842 and household income of $67,298. This mountain county offers some of Virginia's most generous housing-to-income ratios.

Virginia's second-most affordable county

Amherst's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% ranks among Virginia's very best, 3.6 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. The median gross rent of $842 is the second-lowest in the state, beaten only by nearby Alleghany County.

Rivals Alleghany for best rural value

Amherst's $842 rent edges out Appomattox ($883) and Amelia ($972) while falling just above Alleghany's $774, offering comparable affordability among central Virginia's best options. Its rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% trails only Alleghany's 16.8%.

Balanced housing costs on modest incomes

Renters pay $842 monthly while homeowners pay $867—nearly identical burdens—on a median household income of $67,298. Together, housing consumes just 15% of income, exceptional value for working families seeking stability.

Amherst suits affordability-first families

If you're relocating with a household income around $65,000 and want to minimize housing costs, Amherst offers some of Virginia's best value alongside solid local schools and community stability. The county's proximity to Lynchburg adds educational and employment opportunities.

Income & Jobs in Amherst County

via IncomeByCounty

Amherst's incomes approach the national average

Amherst County's median household income of $67,298 runs about 10% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county slightly below the U.S. average. Households here earn roughly $7,457 less annually than the typical American family.

Slightly below Virginia's income mean

Amherst's median household income of $67,298 is about 10% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $36,275 is close to the state average of $39,155, indicating fairly distributed earnings.

Amherst compares solidly to surrounding counties

Amherst's $67,298 median income is comparable to nearby rural Virginia counties and slightly above the lowest-earning Appalachian peers. This middle-tier position reflects a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-sector employment.

Strong affordability for housing

Amherst's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the best in the state, indicating housing costs consume just 15% of median income. The median home value of $197,200 is highly accessible, making Amherst an affordable place to build home equity.

Capitalize on housing savings to invest wisely

Amherst's exceptional housing affordability frees up income for long-term investing and retirement savings. Consider setting up automatic transfers to an IRA or 401(k), exploring employer matches, and consulting a financial advisor about strategies that align with your timeline and goals.

Safety in Amherst County

via CrimeByCounty

Amherst County: Safer Than National Average

Amherst County carries a high safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,381.0 per 100K is much better than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Virginia Standard

With a 97.8 safety score, Amherst sits comfortably above the state average of 97.3. Three agencies provide comprehensive data to track the county's public safety performance.

Middle Ground for Regional Safety

Amherst's total crime rate of 1,381.0 is higher than Appomattox's 830.6 but much lower than Alleghany's 2,269.3. It serves as a relatively safe bridge between rural and urban Virginia.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 1,158.3 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 222.7. This violent crime rate is almost identical to the Virginia state average of 229.7.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Focusing on property security helps keep Amherst's crime rates on a downward trend. Locking vehicles and securing home entry points effectively reduces the risk of common thefts.

Health in Amherst County

via HealthByCounty

Amherst slightly above national average

Amherst County residents live to 75.5 years—about 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. At 18.2%, the poor/fair health rate exceeds the 17% national average, though only modestly, suggesting moderate health challenges.

Tracking near Virginia's state average

Amherst's 75.5-year life expectancy closely mirrors Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing the county at the midline of state health outcomes. The 18.2% poor/fair health rate sits above the state average, suggesting room for improvement.

Mid-range health outcomes for region

Amherst residents live longer than those in nearby Amelia (73.6 years) but shorter than Appomattox (77.2 years). The county's 22 primary care providers per 100K falls well below Albemarle (139 per 100K), indicating rural capacity constraints.

Moderate access challenges remain

With 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Amherst offers limited capacity compared to urban centers. At 7.8%, the uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 7.9%, though insured residents still navigate limited local provider networks.

Secure and review your coverage

Review your current plan at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure continuous coverage. For uninsured residents, explore Medicaid and marketplace options tailored to rural Virginia needs.

Schools in Amherst County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Rural-Suburban Infrastructure

Amherst County manages 10 public schools, including six elementary schools and two middle schools for its 3,987 students. The infrastructure is spread across two districts to serve various parts of the county.

Strong Graduation Rates and Value

Amherst County delivers a 93% graduation rate, which is higher than the Virginia average of 89%. The county spends $7,378 per pupil, slightly under the state average but seeing results that outperform the national graduation median of 87%.

Focused on Amherst County Public Schools

Amherst County Public Schools is the dominant district, serving all 3,987 students across nine schools. There are no charter schools, though the district does include a specialized special education facility to meet diverse needs.

From Suburban Heights to Rural Valleys

The county features a mix of seven rural and three suburban schools, with an average size of 443 students. Amherst County High is the central hub with 1,260 students, providing a larger secondary experience compared to the smaller elementary campuses.

Your Home Near Amherst Schools

With a mix of suburban and rural school settings, Amherst County offers families flexible lifestyle options without sacrificing academic quality. High graduation rates make this an attractive region for long-term home investment.

Disaster Risk in Amherst County

via RiskByCounty

Amherst's risk is well below state average

Amherst County's composite risk score of 20.99 rates as very low and falls significantly below Virginia's state average of 33.27. The county's piedmont location provides natural insulation from coastal and seismic extremes.

Very low risk in Virginia's middle tier

Amherst ranks among Virginia's safest 25 percent of counties with a score of 20.99, well removed from the state's higher-risk coastal and urban centers. The county maintains stable low-risk profile across multiple hazard categories.

Slightly elevated compared to nearest peers

Amherst's 20.99 score sits between rural Appomattox (5.09) and Albemarle (78.15), reflecting its piedmont position. The county enjoys similar safety margins to Amelia (11.96), though wildfire risk (45.13) is notably higher.

Wildfire and flood pose manageable risks

Amherst's wildfire risk (45.13) and flood risk (41.57) represent the county's most significant hazard exposures, though both remain moderate. Tornado, earthquake, and hurricane risks all stay well below state averages.

Focus on fire safety and drainage

Maintain defensible space around structures with cleared vegetation to reduce wildfire vulnerability, and ensure proper grading and drainage around foundations. Standard homeowners insurance should cover most local risks.

Weather & Climate in Amherst County

via WeatherByCounty

A Foothills Precipitation Profile

While specific temperature averages are unavailable, Amherst's 45.4 inches of rain matches the national median for the eastern U.S. It sits in a transition zone between the mountains and the Piedmont.

Consistent with Virginia Rainfall

The county's 45.4 inches of annual precipitation is almost identical to the Virginia average of 45.7 inches. Snowfall is a key feature, with 15.7 inches recorded annually.

Snowier Than Its Neighbors

Amherst's 15.7 inches of snow is higher than neighboring Appomattox. This increase reflects the rising elevation as the county moves toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A Traditional Four-Season Cycle

With over 15 inches of snow, Amherst experiences a true winter season. While temperature data is limited, the rainfall and snow patterns suggest a temperate, humid climate.

Prepare for Variable Terrain

Residents should keep snow removal gear ready for the significant winter accumulation. Monitor local weather closely, as the foothills can cause sudden shifts in precipitation.

Soil Quality in Amherst County

via SoilByCounty

Predictable Silt-Heavy Mountain Soils

Amherst County's soil pH is 5.17, which is very close to the state average of 5.23 but far below the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 27.3 is just under the state average of 30.6, indicating a fairly typical Virginia landscape. These soils are shaped by the county's elevation and proximity to the Blue Ridge.

Silt and Sand in Balance

The soil is comprised of 43.0% silt, 38.9% sand, and 17.1% clay, creating a texture that holds moisture well without being too heavy. This high silt percentage gives the soil a silky feel and provides a stable environment for plant roots. It offers a good middle ground for both farming and construction activities.

Superior Water Holding Potential

The organic matter content is 1.74%, which is lower than the state's 2.90% and the national 2.0%. Despite this, Amherst shines in available water capacity at 0.156 in/in, which is significantly better than the state average of 0.143. This allows the soil to act as a reliable reservoir for plants during the drier summer months.

Slow and Steady Water Movement

While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high silt and clay combination suggests the soil does not dry out as fast as sandy coastal soils. This steady moisture profile is excellent for established trees and deep-rooted perennials but requires monitoring for surface crusting. Active management of the soil surface will help maximize its natural water-holding strengths.

Vibrant Orchards in Zone 7b

Amherst is located in Zone 7b, where the high water capacity supports fruit trees and hardy native shrubs beautifully. The soil's silty texture is an asset for everything from small-scale vegetables to large ornamental landscapes. Adding organic amendments like leaf mold will help bridge the gap in nutrient levels.

Lawn Care in Amherst County

via LawnByCounty

Amherst Faces Difficult Growing Conditions

Amherst County scores a 41.4 on the difficulty scale, making it one of the toughest spots in Virginia for lawn care. This score is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0, requiring homeowners to be extra diligent.

Precipitation Supports Mountain Growth

The county receives a healthy 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the state average of 46.0 inches. While specific heat data is limited, the rainfall provides a strong foundation for maintaining moisture in this zone 7b region.

Correcting Acidic Piedmont Soils

The soil pH in Amherst is 5.17, well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With a 17.1% clay and 38.9% sand mix, the soil provides a decent balance of drainage and retention once the acidity is managed with lime.

Confronting Severe Local Drought

Drought is a major factor here, with 39.2% of the county currently in severe drought and 29 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Establishing a deep-rooting lawn through proper fertilization is key to surviving these periods.

Hardy Grasses for Amherst Slopes

Drought-hardy Tall Fescue is highly recommended for the variable terrain and 7b climate of Amherst. Because local frost dates vary, aim for early autumn seeding to allow roots to establish before the winter chill sets in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amherst County's county score?
Amherst County, Virginia has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Amherst County rank among counties in Virginia?
Amherst County ranks #27 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 Amherst County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Amherst County is $997, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Amherst County a tax score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Amherst County?
The median household income in Amherst County, Virginia is $67,298 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Amherst County earns an income score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Amherst County, Virginia a good place to live?
Amherst County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Amherst 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 Amherst County with other counties side by side.