Appomattox County

Virginia · VA

#9 in Virginia
75.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Appomattox County, Virginia

Appomattox outperforms national average

Appomattox's composite score of 76.0 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting strong overall livability compared to typical U.S. counties. The county delivers competitive fundamentals across affordability and tax metrics.

Above-average performer in Virginia

At 76.0, Appomattox exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it among the Commonwealth's higher-ranking counties. This positions it favorably against most peer jurisdictions statewide.

Strong housing affordability and taxes

Appomattox shines in cost (80.4) with median home values of $189,200 and monthly rents of $883, plus competitive taxes (87.3 score, 0.532% effective rate). These combined strengths create excellent value for budget-conscious residents.

Limited income and incomplete data

The income score of 24.1 reflects a median household income of $62,337, modestly below state levels. Missing school, health, safety, and water data means comprehensive livability assessment requires additional research.

Perfect for small-town, value-seeking families

Appomattox suits families and retirees seeking small-town charm with strong affordability and reasonable taxes. The county's balanced profile makes it attractive to households prioritizing financial stability over high incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.3Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth69.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.1Risk94.9WaterComing Soon
🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
94.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Appomattox County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Appomattox County

via TaxByCounty

Appomattox ranks well below the national tax average

At 0.532%, Appomattox County's effective property tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median tax of $1,006 is less than 37% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's rural character and modest property values.

Appomattox ranks among Virginia's lower-tax counties

At 0.532%, Appomattox's effective rate is 21% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it comfortably in the lower half statewide. Median taxes of $1,006 represent just 51% of the state median of $1,960, offering genuine savings for rural homeowners.

Appomattox taxes favorably compare to surrounding areas

Appomattox's 0.532% rate aligns with other affordable south-central Virginia counties, providing consistent tax predictability. With median home values around $189,200, residents benefit from both low rates and modest property valuations.

Appomattox homeowners pay approximately $1,000 annually

A median-value home at $189,200 generates approximately $1,006 in annual property taxes at Appomattox's 0.532% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,051, while those without mortgages pay $974.

Appomattox residents should verify assessment accuracy

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments, and even modest overvaluations add up over decades of homeownership. Appomattox residents are encouraged to review their property assessments and appeal if they believe their homes are valued above market rates.

Cost of Living in Appomattox County

via CostByCounty

Appomattox beats national housing burden

Appomattox residents spend 17.0% of household income on rent, below the national average of 18.6%, with median rent of $883 and household income of $62,337. This south-central Virginia county offers respectable affordability for working-class households.

Solid affordability in Virginia's middle tier

Appomattox's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks favorably against the state average of 18.6%, sitting 1.6 percentage points below. The median gross rent of $883 is modestly above Amherst and Alleghany but remains well below the state median of $1,140.

Comparable to central Virginia's best deals

Appomattox's $883 median rent sits between Amherst's $842 and Amelia's $972, offering middle-ground pricing among south-central Virginia options. Its rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% matches Accomack and beats rural neighbors like Albemarle when adjusted for income.

Modest ownership costs support renters

Renters pay $883 monthly while homeowners pay just $794—the county's lowest ownership burden—on a $62,337 median household income. Together, housing consumes 17% of income, manageable for working families considering homeownership.

Appomattox appeals to first-time homebuyers

If you're seeking affordable entry into homeownership with monthly costs under $800, Appomattox's $189,200 median home value and modest ownership costs make it attractive. The county's rural character and proximity to Petersburg offers a quieter life with real economic stability.

Income & Jobs in Appomattox County

via IncomeByCounty

Appomattox's incomes lag behind national median

Appomattox County's median household income of $62,337 falls about 17% short of the national median of $74,755. Households here earn roughly $12,418 less annually than the typical American family.

Below Virginia's average, rural economic base

Appomattox's median household income of $62,337 is about 17% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $33,468 is about 15% below the state average, reflecting its rural character.

Appomattox fits the rural Piedmont income profile

Appomattox's $62,337 median income aligns with other rural Piedmont Virginia counties like Alleghany ($55,160) and Amelia ($66,339). This modest income level is typical for counties with limited industrial and commercial development.

Excellent housing affordability in Appomattox

Appomattox's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% is very favorable, with renters spending well below the national 30% standard. The median home value of $189,200 is highly affordable relative to median income, supporting family homeownership.

Build wealth through disciplined saving and investing

Appomattox's low housing costs create genuine opportunity to save and invest for the future. Start by automating monthly contributions to a retirement account, explore employer benefits, and work toward building a diversified investment portfolio that compounds over time.

Health in Appomattox County

via HealthByCounty

Appomattox below U.S. life expectancy

Appomattox County residents live to 77.2 years—2.1 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. At 20.7%, the poor/fair health rate exceeds the 17% national average, indicating moderate population health concerns.

Slightly above Virginia's state average

At 77.2 years, Appomattox's life expectancy edges above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 2.1 years. However, the 20.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, suggesting underlying health disparities despite modest longevity gains.

Mid-range outcomes in rural cluster

Appomattox residents live longer than those in nearby Amelia (73.6 years) and Amherst (75.5 years), but health provider density lags significantly. The county's 12 primary care providers per 100K represents a rural shortage compared to more resourced regions.

Rural access challenges persist

With only 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Appomattox faces rural healthcare access constraints. At 8.8%, the uninsured rate sits slightly above the state average of 7.9%, leaving a small but vulnerable population without regular care access.

Ensure your family stays covered

Nearly 1 in 11 Appomattox residents lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact local health departments to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources.

Disaster Risk in Appomattox County

via RiskByCounty

Appomattox has minimal disaster risk

Appomattox County's composite risk score of 5.09 ranks as very low and represents one of Virginia's safest jurisdictions—well below the state average of 33.27. The rural piedmont county faces minimal exposure to natural hazards across all categories.

Virginia's safest county by risk score

With a composite score of 5.09, Appomattox ranks at or near the bottom of Virginia's risk distribution, indicating exceptional natural disaster safety. The county benefits from inland piedmont geography far from coastal, mountain, and seismic zones.

Safest in an already low-risk area

Appomattox's 5.09 score is lower than nearby Amelia (11.96) and Amherst (20.99), making it the safest jurisdiction in its rural cluster. The county's isolation from major geographic hazards creates its advantage.

All hazards present minimal threat

Even Appomattox's highest individual risk scores—hurricane (60.99) and earthquake (41.16)—remain well below state averages. Flood (14.66), wildfire (21.34), and tornado (15.08) risks are all exceptionally low.

Basic insurance and maintenance are sufficient

Your county's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners coverage typically provides ample protection. Maintain gutters and yard drainage to prevent localized flooding, and review your policy annually.

ByCounty Network

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