62.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.9Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.7

County Report Card

About Appomattox County, Virginia

Elite Standing in National Rankings

Appomattox County scores a 62.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high score suggests it is among the more livable counties in the United States.

Leading the Virginia State Average

The county's score of 62.4 is more than 11 points higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents one of the strongest overall profiles in the entire Commonwealth.

Unmatched Safety and Low Risk

Appomattox excels with a near-perfect Risk Score of 94.9 and a strong Water Score of 86.0. It also remains very tax-friendly, with a Tax Score of 82.7.

Lower Local Income Growth

While housing is affordable at a $883 median rent, the Income Score of 46.1 is the county's relative weak point. The median household income of $62,337 is lower than state urban centers.

Perfect for Safety-First Homeowners

Appomattox is a top-tier choice for those who value environmental resilience and public safety above all else. It is a peaceful, fiscally conservative community with high-quality water and low taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax82.7Cost49.8Safety64.5Health54.6Schools55.1Income46.1Risk94.9Water86Weather65.9
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠49.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼46.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡64.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
54.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
94.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨21.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱52.5
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

Appomattox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Appomattox County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Appomattox County

Appomattox County leads the region with a safety score of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 830.6 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average.

One of Virginia's Safest Jurisdictions

The county's 98.7 safety score is significantly higher than the state average of 97.3. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms Appomattox as a safety leader in Virginia.

Setting the Standard for Neighbors

Appomattox boasts the lowest total crime rate (830.6) among all its listed neighbors. It is nearly three times safer in terms of total incidents than neighboring Alleghany.

Remarkably Low Property Crime

Property crime is exceptionally low at 621.4 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 209.2, sitting below the state average.

Preserving a Safe Community

Residents play a major role in keeping Appomattox safe through neighborly watch programs. Simple home maintenance and security lighting help deter the few property crimes that do occur.

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.

Schools in Appomattox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Appomattox

Appomattox County operates a focused system of four public schools serving 2,361 students. This single-district landscape provides two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

High Success with Efficient Spending

The county reports a 92% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 89% and the national mark of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is efficient at $7,172, which is below the Virginia state average of $7,941.

Appomattox County's Unified District

Appomattox County Public Schools is the sole provider for the area, managing the entire student body of 2,361. There are no charter schools, ensuring a traditional and consistent public school experience for all families.

A Small-Town Rural Atmosphere

All four schools are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 590 students that fosters a tight-knit community feel. Appomattox County High is the largest school with 699 students, while the primary and middle schools are slightly smaller.

Settle in a High-Performing Rural County

Families value the consistency and high graduation rates found in Appomattox County's unified school system. Exploring homes here means joining a community where students and educators are achieving above state averages.

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.

Weather & Climate in Appomattox County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Central Virginia Climate

Appomattox's 56.4°F average temperature is slightly warmer than the national median. It receives 46.2 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the humid Mid-Atlantic.

Right on the State Average

The county's 56.4°F average closely mirrors the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its 46.2 inches of rain also sits right next to the state median of 45.7 inches.

Balanced Central Virginia Weather

Appomattox sees 11.3 inches of snow, which is less than Albemarle but more than coastal counties. It represents a middle ground between mountain cold and coastal warmth.

Steady Rain and Warm Summers

July averages 76.4°F with 27 days reaching over 90°F. Winters are manageable with a January average of 35.9°F and just under a foot of snow per year.

Plan for Year-Round Moisture

The consistent 46 inches of rain requires proper home sealing and gutter maintenance. A standard heat pump is usually sufficient for the moderate winter temperatures.

Soil Quality in Appomattox County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Historic Lands

Appomattox County has a soil pH of 5.26, which is remarkably close to the Virginia state average of 5.23. Though it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it represents a standard profile for the Commonwealth. The soil score of 21.6 reflects the moderate challenges present in this Piedmont terrain.

Gritty Loam with High Clay

The composition consists of 46.9% sand, 35.2% silt, and 17.9% clay, creating a diverse texture that is easy to manage. The sand ensures the soil doesn't become too compacted, while the clay and silt provide the body needed for plant support. This mix is versatile enough for both pasture land and traditional gardening.

Moderate Nutrients and Retention

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.59%, falling short of the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.138 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.143. This suggests that while the soil is capable, it benefits greatly from supplemental watering and regular fertilization.

Steady Drainage for Rolling Hills

Drainage and hydrologic group data are not specifically listed, but the nearly 47% sand suggests good internal drainage. The 17.9% clay content provides a necessary check, preventing water from moving through too rapidly and washing away nutrients. It is a stable soil that works well on the county's famous rolling landscapes.

Deep-Rooted Success in Zone 7b

Appomattox resides in Zone 7b, a climate that supports a wide variety of crops from tobacco to tomatoes. The sandy-clay soil is particularly good for crops that need a stable anchor and consistent, though not excessive, moisture. Start a garden today by focusing on building up the organic matter to unlock your soil's full potential.

Lawn Care in Appomattox County

via LawnByCounty

Appomattox Matches National Difficulty Levels

Appomattox County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, which is slightly higher than the national average of 50.0. While it is more challenging than the Virginia average of 55.4, it remains a viable area for lush lawns in zone 7b.

Stable Rains Meet Moderate Heat

The county receives 46.2 inches of annual rain and experiences 27 extreme heat days, mirroring the state average. This balance of moisture and 3,905 growing degree days supports a long and productive growing season for local turf.

Balancing Clay and Sand Content

The soil is a mix of 17.9% clay and 46.9% sand, creating a foundation that drains reasonably well but may compact over time. The pH of 5.26 is acidic, so regular soil testing and lime applications are vital for nutrient uptake.

Weathering a Severe Drought Cycle

Currently, 100% of Appomattox is experiencing severe drought conditions, marking a critical time for water management. With 29 weeks in drought over the last year, choosing drought-tolerant cultivars is no longer optional for local homeowners.

Targeting the Perfect Planting Window

Tall Fescue is the best choice for Appomattox to survive both the summer heat and winter frosts. For the best results, sow your seeds in early April after the April 7th frost date or during the cooling weeks of mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Appomattox County's county score?
Appomattox County, Virginia has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Appomattox County rank among counties in Virginia?
Appomattox County ranks #16 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 Appomattox County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Appomattox County is $1,006, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Appomattox County a tax score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Appomattox County?
The median household income in Appomattox County, Virginia is $62,337 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Appomattox County earns an income score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Appomattox County, Virginia a good place to live?
Appomattox County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Appomattox 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 Appomattox County with other counties side by side.