countyscore
74.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.7Property Tax 93.6Schools 86.7

County Report Card

About Bath County, Virginia

Bath County Reaches Elite National Standing

Earning a remarkable composite score of 74.4, Bath County ranks far above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates an exceptional standard of living that rivals the top-performing counties in the United States.

Dominating the Virginia Leaderboard

Bath County's 74.4 composite score dwarfs the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents one of the most livable regions in the Commonwealth, characterized by safety and stability.

Exceptional Safety and Low Risk

The county shines with a Risk Score of 94.7 and a Tax Score of 93.6, supported by an impressively low 0.405% tax rate. Education is another pillar of strength, with a School Score of 86.7.

Room to Grow in Health and Income

Despite its many strengths, the county has an Income Score of 44.3 and a Health Score of 49.0. Residents navigate a landscape where median incomes are $61,709, lower than many neighboring high-performers.

A Haven for Families and Retirees

Bath County is perfect for those prioritizing safety, elite schools, and a low tax burden in a secure environment. It offers an incredibly high quality of life for those whose careers or savings allow them to bypass the local income constraints.

2040608010093.666.1814986.744.394.78667Tax93.6Cost66.1Safety81Health49Schools86.7Income44.3Risk94.7Water86Weather6774.4/100
This county
National avg
7 above average

Bath County DNA

C+overall

How Bath County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bath County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (94.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.6+41.599999999999994
Cost
66.1+18.099999999999994
Safety
81+26
Health
49
Schools
86.7+32.7
Income
44.3
Risk
94.7+47.7
Water
86+28
Weather
67+11
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$206,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$825/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$206,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,709/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Deep Dives

Bath County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bath County

via TaxByCounty

Bath offers exceptional tax relief

At 0.405%, Bath County has the lowest effective tax rate in this region and sits in the bottom 15% nationally. The median property tax of $834 is roughly 69% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Bath is Virginia's most tax-friendly county

Bath's 0.405% effective rate is the lowest among all Virginia counties, well below the state average of 0.671%. At just $834 annually, the median property tax is less than 43% of the state median of $1,960.

Regional tax leader by a wide margin

Bath significantly undercuts every other county in the region, with a rate 22% lower than Buchanan (0.442%) and 40% lower than Bland (0.552%). On a median home value of $206,000, Bath residents enjoy some of the lowest property tax burdens in Virginia.

What homeowners pay annually

On Bath's median home value of $206,000, the typical annual property tax bill is $834. Homeowners with mortgages pay $917, while those owning outright pay $770.

Protect your low-tax advantage

Even at the state's lowest tax rate, some Bath County homeowners may still be overassessed based on comparable sales. Consider requesting a reassessment if your property hasn't been reviewed in several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bath County

via CostByCounty

Bath County's affordable rent surprises

Bath County renters pay just $825 monthly—one of Virginia's lowest rents—with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.0%, well below the 30% affordability ceiling. Though household income lags the national median at $61,709, residents here spend a lower percentage of earnings on housing than the typical American.

Stands out for rural Virginia affordability

Bath County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's 18.6% average, and its $825 median rent is $315 cheaper than the state average. This rural county ranks among the state's most affordable places to rent, though incomes are correspondingly modest.

The quiet affordable corner

Bath's $825 rent undercuts nearly all nearby counties—Augusta ($1,057), Bedford ($955), and Botetourt ($951) are all substantially pricier. The trade-off: Bath's median income of $61,709 is the lowest in this regional cluster, reflecting a more rural economic base.

Low rent, low income, tight budgets

Renters spend $825 monthly while homeowners pay $660, keeping housing costs remarkably low in absolute terms. Yet with a median income of $61,709, that $825 rent still consumes 16.0% of household earnings—tighter than wealthier counties despite lower nominal costs.

Bath County: housing won't break your bank

If affordability is your priority and you can work remotely or have flexible employment, Bath County's $825 rent is hard to beat in Virginia. Just factor in the lower local wages and ensure your income source is portable before making the move to this rural Allegheny region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bath County

via IncomeByCounty

Bath County trails the national income average

Bath County's median household income of $61,709 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $13,000 per year. This gap reflects economic conditions that differ from the national norm, highlighting local earning challenges.

Below-average earner in Virginia

At $61,709, Bath County's median household income falls about $13,200 below Virginia's state average of $74,957. This positioning places Bath among the lower-earning Virginia counties, signaling a need for economic development focus.

Mixed fortunes among mountain counties

Bath County ($61,709) earns more than Bland County ($61,375) but significantly less than nearby Botetourt ($80,467) and Augusta ($79,972). The regional income diversity reflects differences in industry presence and population dynamics across the Appalachian foothills.

Housing remains affordable here

Bath County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, offering residents breathing room in their budgets. A median home value of $206,000 is achievable for households earning the county median, making homeownership realistic.

Start small, aim big with Bath's affordability

Lower housing costs free up capital for emergency savings and retirement planning—often harder to prioritize in higher-income areas. Bath residents should leverage this affordability advantage to build savings accounts and consider employer retirement plans as foundational wealth-building tools.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bath County

via CrimeByCounty

Bath County ranks among the nation's safest

With an exceptional safety score of 99.3, Bath County reports a total crime rate of just 454.8 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-tier safety ranking within Virginia

Bath County far exceeds the Virginia average safety score of 97.3, placing it among the elite for public safety. Its total crime rate of 454.8 is a fraction of the state's 1728.8 average.

Setting the regional standard for security

Compared to its peers, Bath County maintains an incredibly low incident profile across its two reporting agencies. Its violent crime rate of 191.5 is lower than both the state and national averages.

Minimal crime across all categories

The county reports a property crime rate of 263.3, which is roughly eight times lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent incidents are also infrequent, totaling 191.5 per 100,000 people.

Securing your home in a quiet county

The low crime rates in Bath County reflect a peaceful community, but basic security measures remain wise. Simple steps like locking doors and notifying neighbors when away ensure these high safety levels continue.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bath County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Bath County

Bath County operates a compact educational network consisting of three total public schools across a single district. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools and one high school serving a total student body of 504. This intimate setup ensures a focused environment for the county's small but dedicated student population.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation Rates

Bath County achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the Virginia average of 89.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $9,916 remains below the national average, the county's school score of 62.5 exceeds the state average of 54.8. These metrics suggest high efficiency and academic success despite lower relative investment.

Bath County Public Schools Leads the Way

The Bath County Public Schools district manages all three campuses and provides for all 504 local students. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county, meaning public education is centralized through this single primary district. This structure allows for streamlined coordination and community-focused educational planning.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

All three schools in Bath County are situated in rural locales, offering a quiet and scenic atmosphere for education. The average school size is remarkably small at 168 students, with Bath County High serving 184 students and Millboro Elementary serving 145. This low enrollment fosters tight-knit relationships between teachers, students, and families.

Settle Near High-Achieving Rural Schools

For families seeking a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Bath County offers exceptional graduation outcomes. The small school sizes and dedicated faculty make it a prime choice for those prioritizing individual attention in their child's education. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-performing, rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bath County

via RiskByCounty

Bath County enjoys exceptionally low disaster risk

Bath County's composite risk score of 5.38 ranks among the lowest in the nation, earning a 'Very Low' rating. This is dramatically below the national average and reflects favorable geography, distance from major fault lines, and limited exposure to severe weather corridors. Your county is genuinely among America's safest from a natural disaster perspective.

Virginia's safest county from natural hazards

Bath County's score of 5.38 is less than one-sixth of Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the state's most resilient county against natural disasters. This distinction is meaningful: residents here face substantially lower property risk and insurance premiums than most of their neighbors statewide. The county's mountain topography and distance from hurricane tracks contribute significantly to this advantage.

Bath sits in Virginia's safest cluster

Neighboring Bland County (13.04) and Botetourt County (18.10) also rank very low, creating a pocket of natural disaster resilience in southwestern Virginia. Augusta County (68.61) to the south breaks this pattern dramatically, illustrating how quickly risk profiles shift across the state. You're fortunate to live in one of Virginia's most protected regions.

Hurricane exposure tops a very modest list

Even Bath County's highest risk category—hurricanes at 47.56—remains below state average, reflecting the county's inland mountain location. Earthquake risk (21.56), wildfire (20.99), and flood (16.70) all score in the low range, with tornado risk nearly negligible at 4.39. Overall, this is a remarkably balanced and low-risk hazard profile.

Standard homeowners insurance likely sufficient

Bath County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection without expensive specialized riders. However, don't assume no risk: evaluate your specific property's elevation and proximity to waterways, and review your coverage limits to ensure they reflect current replacement costs. Annual policy reviews remain a best practice regardless of county-level risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bath County

via WaterByCounty

Pristine Compliance Record for Bath County

Bath County secures a Grade A for its drinking water, recording zero health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 126.9. These results confirm that the county's public water systems are operating with maximum effectiveness.

Watersheds Are Among Virginia's Healthiest

Only 13.8% of the county's 116 assessed water bodies are listed as impaired, far below the Virginia average of 46.1%. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies E. coli, water temperature, and pH as the primary challenges for the 16 impacted streams. This low impairment rate highlights the high environmental quality of the county's rural landscape.

Targeted Monitoring of Mountain Streams

Environmental agencies maintain 28 monitoring sites across the county, collecting 8,101 measurements over the last five years. These efforts prioritize physical characteristics, nutrients, and microbiological data to ensure stream health. This baseline monitoring is essential for protecting the county's relatively pristine aquatic habitats.

Jackson River Flow Hits Historic Lows

The Jackson River near Bacova currently flows at 37 cfs, just 22% of its long-term average discharge. This represents a substantial drop from the mean flow of 168 cfs for this 157 square mile drainage area. Such low levels can stress trout populations and other temperature-sensitive aquatic life in the region.

Watch Temperature and Bacteria Levels

With the Jackson River at a critical 22% of typical flow, residents should be aware that water temperatures may rise and oxygen levels could drop. While the overall watershed health is excellent, the specific impairments of E. coli and temperature are exacerbated by these dry conditions. Protecting streamside shade trees remains the most effective way to address the top local impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bath County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Appalachian Climate

Bath County’s annual average temperature of 51.4°F is significantly cooler than the national median. This mountain climate keeps the region refreshed throughout the year.

Well Below the State Average

With an average of 51.4°F, the county sits more than 4 degrees cooler than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. It ranks among the state's more temperate highland regions.

Cooler than Neighboring Valleys

Bath County averages 25.3 inches of snow annually, which is much higher than many central Virginia neighbors. Its July average of 71.1°F provides a sharp contrast to the humid heat found further east.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county experiences only 5 extreme heat days above 90°F each year. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging 30.6°F and significant snowfall.

Prioritize Winter Readiness

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to manage the 25.3 inches of annual snow. While air conditioning is less critical, efficient home heating is essential for the 32.7°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bath County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly acidic profiles in Bath

Bath County features one of the more acidic soil profiles in the region with an average pH of 4.96. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.23 and the national benchmark of 6.5. This high acidity levels suggest a forest-influenced landscape that naturally favors acid-loving vegetation.

Silt leads the textural blend

The soil composition is dominated by 40.0% silt and 39.1% sand, creating a medium-textured ground. Clay remains relatively low at 17.0%, which helps prevent the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to plow. This silt-heavy mix allows for decent root penetration while maintaining soil structure.

Exceptional organic matter levels

Bath County's soil contains 4.04% organic matter, nearly double the national average of 2.0% and far exceeding Virginia's 2.90%. This fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, which beats the state average. These numbers indicate a soil that is highly capable of supporting robust plant growth and retaining vital nutrients.

High scores for moisture management

The county earns a soil score of 34.3, comfortably surpassing the state average of 30.6. Though specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high organic matter and silt content suggest excellent natural filtration and hydration. The soil's ability to hold more water than the state average makes it resilient during dry spells.

Cool climate gardening in Zone 6b

Bath's 6b hardiness zone and rich organic matter are perfect for berries, rhododendrons, and mountain-hardy perennials. The naturally acidic soil is an asset for blueberries and evergreens. Residents can take advantage of this superior fertility to establish lush, resilient gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bath County

via LawnByCounty

Bath County's Balanced Growing Conditions

Bath County scores 53.1 for lawn difficulty, placing it just below the state average of 55.4. As a Zone 6b region, it is slightly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0.

Cooler Summers Benefit Cool-Season Grass

With only 5 extreme heat days per year and 46.5 inches of rain, the climate is very gentle on turf. The growing season is supported by 2,878 growing degree days, ideal for steady but manageable mowing schedules.

Neutralizing Very Acidic Mountain Soils

The local soil pH is 4.96, which is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range grass prefers. The texture includes 17.0% clay and 39.1% sand, which helps the ground retain moisture even as you work to raise the pH.

Coping with Thirty-One Weeks of Drought

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought this past year, and 99.9% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Mulch your clippings to return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these extended dry periods.

Start Growing After the April Frost

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are well-suited for the cooler Zone 6b climate here. Wait for the final spring frost around April 26 to ensure your new seeds have the best chance to thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bath County's county score?
Bath County, Virginia has a composite county score of 74.4 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 Bath County rank among counties in Virginia?
Bath County ranks #1 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 Bath County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Bath County is $834, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Bath County a tax score of 93.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bath County?
The median household income in Bath County, Virginia is $61,709 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bath County earns an income score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bath County, Virginia a good place to live?
Bath County scores 74.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Bath 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 Bath County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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