countyscore
72.8
County Score
Cost of Living 92.8Disaster Risk 87Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bland County, Virginia

Bland County Surges Toward the Top Tier

Boasting a composite score of 72.8, Bland County is a national standout compared to the 50.0 median. It provides a level of affordability and safety that is rare in the current national landscape.

A Top-Ranked Virginia Treasure

Bland County’s score of 72.8 is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It outperforms the vast majority of its neighbors in providing a stable, low-risk environment for its residents.

Peak Affordability and High Safety

The county achieves an elite Cost Score of 92.8, with a median rent of just $683 and home values of $157,100. It combines this value with a high Risk Score of 87.0 and a Water Score of 86.0.

Bridging the Income Gap

The primary area for improvement is the Income Score, which sits at 43.4. While the cost of living is low, the median household income of $61,375 remains lower than many other high-scoring counties in the state.

Best for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

Bland County is a dream for retirees or remote workers who want their dollars to stretch further without sacrificing safety or environmental quality. It offers a rare combination of rock-bottom housing costs and top-tier infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax80.2Cost92.8Safety60.4Health67.7Schools64.9Income43.4Risk87Water86Weather66.6
🏛80.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.7
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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Nearby counties

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57.6
Mercer County
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55.9
Tazewell County
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Giles County
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Pulaski County
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Smyth County
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Radford city
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Deep Dives

Bland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bland County

via TaxByCounty

Bland's rates exceed national average

At 0.552%, Bland's effective tax rate is significantly higher than the national median of 0.96%, placing it above the 60th percentile nationally. However, the median property tax of $868 remains lower than the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Bland above Virginia's average rate

Bland's 0.552% effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671% somewhat, ranking slightly above the middle among state counties. The median tax of $868 is still below the state median of $1,960.

Mid-range taxes in the region

Bland's 0.552% rate falls between Augusta (0.490%) and Botetourt (0.655%), making it moderate within the eight-county comparison. On a median home value of $157,100, Bland residents pay slightly more in tax rate but less in absolute dollars than nearby counties.

What homeowners pay annually

On Bland's median home value of $157,100, the typical annual property tax bill is $868. Homeowners with mortgages pay $831, while those owning outright pay $892.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Bland homeowners with higher tax rates should especially verify their assessments, as even small overvaluations compound significantly year after year. An appeal could reduce your annual tax burden substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bland County

via CostByCounty

Bland County's rents are exceptionally cheap

Bland County's $683 monthly rent and 13.3% rent-to-income ratio represent some of Virginia's lowest housing costs anywhere. Despite a median income of $61,375—below the national average—residents here spend an even smaller percentage of earnings on rent than wealthier Americans.

Virginia's most affordable rental county

Bland's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest statewide, beating Virginia's 18.6% average by over five percentage points. At just $683 monthly, Bland's median rent is less than 60% of the state average, making it the uncontested affordability champion in Virginia's rental market.

The region's cheapest rents

Bland's $683 rent dramatically undercuts all regional peers: Buchanan ($712), Bath ($825), Brunswick ($864), and Augusta ($1,057). The median income of $61,375 is modest, but the exceptionally low rents mean housing affordability here surpasses wealthier counties with higher absolute costs.

Lowest costs in Virginia by far

Renters pay just $683 monthly while homeowners spend $466—the lowest figures in the dataset—on a median income of $61,375. At 13.3% of income for rent, Bland residents have the most comfortable housing burden in Virginia, with money left over for other essentials.

Bland: for those seeking rock-bottom housing

If you're prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and can navigate rural southwestern Virginia's economic constraints, Bland County is unmatched at $683 rent and 13.3% rent-to-income ratio. Just verify that remote work or portable income is realistic—local wage opportunities are limited compared to more urban areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bland County

via IncomeByCounty

Bland County faces national income gap

Bland County's median household income of $61,375 trails the national median of $74,755 by over $13,000 annually. This significant gap underscores economic challenges common to rural Appalachian communities.

Among Virginia's lower-earning counties

Bland's $61,375 median household income sits roughly $13,600 below Virginia's state average of $74,957. Bland ranks among the Commonwealth's lowest-income counties, reflecting limited job diversity and demographic shifts.

Part of Southwest Virginia's income challenge

Bland County ($61,375) earns similarly to Bath County ($61,709) but far less than the prosperous Piedmont counties like Botetourt ($80,467). This illustrates a regional economic divide between the mountains and the state's more developed areas.

Housing costs remain manageable

Bland County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% is the lowest among all eight counties, a bright spot in an otherwise constrained economy. With a median home value of just $157,100, housing affordability is not the primary financial burden here.

Protect and grow limited resources

Lower housing costs give Bland residents a rare advantage to save, but limited incomes require disciplined financial planning. Prioritize emergency funds, employer-matched retirement benefits, and free financial counseling to build stability amid economic headwinds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bland County

via CrimeByCounty

Bland County ranks as a national safety leader

Bland County boasts a total crime rate of 913.3, which is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This equates to an impressive safety score of 98.6 out of 100.

Among the safest counties in Virginia

Bland County's safety score of 98.6 exceeds the state average of 97.3 by a significant margin. Its total crime rate of 913.3 is roughly half the Virginia average of 1728.8.

Regional safety through dedicated reporting

Monitored by two reporting agencies, Bland County maintains crime levels well below its geographic peers. The area remains a benchmark for safety in Southwestern Virginia.

Violent crime is nearly non-existent

The county reports a violent crime rate of only 48.1 per 100,000 people, which is one-eighth of the national average. Property crime accounts for 865.2 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Keeping your property secure in Bland

Despite the very low crime rates, smart home habits like using deadbolts and alarm systems help maintain this peace. Most local incidents are property-related, making perimeter security a top priority.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bland County

via HealthByCounty

Bland County health outcomes near national average

Bland County's life expectancy of 75.5 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by less than a year, and 16.2% of residents report poor or fair health versus the national 18%. Overall health status appears roughly comparable to national benchmarks.

Slightly below Virginia's health rank

At 75.5 years, Bland County's life expectancy marginally exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 0.4 years. The county sits near the middle of Virginia's health performance distribution.

Middle ground among peer counties

Bland County's 75.5-year life expectancy falls between nearby Bath County (74.4 years) and Augusta County (78.0 years), indicating moderate regional health status. Mental health provider availability stands at 81 per 100,000 residents, though primary care data is unavailable.

Good insurance access, uncertain care availability

Bland County's 6.7% uninsured rate is the lowest among its peer counties, suggesting strong insurance penetration. However, limited data on primary care providers makes it unclear whether insured residents can readily find routine medical care without traveling.

Keep coverage current and accessible

With one of the region's best uninsured rates, focus on retaining and optimizing your coverage. Check healthcare.gov during open enrollment to ensure your plan covers the care you need most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in the Heart of Bland

Bland County provides public education through a lean system of just two schools: one elementary and one high school. A single district manages the entire county enrollment of 796 students. This streamlined infrastructure reflects the county's focus on maintaining close-knit educational community centers.

High Graduation Success in Bland County

Bland County boasts a standout 95.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 89.0% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $7,146, the county earns a school score of 56.5, which is higher than the state median. These metrics highlight an educational system that excels at guiding students to the finish line.

Bland County Public Schools District Focus

Bland County Public Schools is the exclusive provider for the county's 796 students across its two campuses. There are zero charter schools in the area, ensuring all educational resources are concentrated within the traditional public system. This centralization allows the district to maintain a high level of oversight and student support.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

Both schools in Bland County are classified as rural, serving an average of 398 students per campus. Bland County High is the larger of the two with 425 students, while Bland County Elementary serves 371. Students here benefit from a stable environment where they transition between only two primary campuses throughout their K-12 journey.

Invest in a Community with Exceptional Outcomes

Bland County is a hidden gem for families prioritizing high graduation rates and a personal, rural school experience. The community's commitment to education is evident in performance scores that beat state averages despite smaller budgets. Consider a home here to give your children the benefit of a focused, small-town education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bland County

via RiskByCounty

Bland County enjoys rare natural disaster protection

Bland County's composite risk score of 13.04 ranks among America's safest from natural disasters, earning a 'Very Low' rating that is dramatically below the national average. This exceptional standing reflects the county's mountainous terrain, distance from hurricane corridors, and low seismic activity. Few counties nationwide match Bland's combination of protections.

Second-safest county in Virginia

Bland's score of 13.04 represents less than 40% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the state's most resilient communities. Only Bath County (5.38) scores lower in Virginia. This distinction means significantly lower disaster-related property damage rates and insurance costs than most state residents experience.

Bland anchors Virginia's safest zone

Neighboring Bath County (5.38) and Botetourt County (18.10) share similarly low risk profiles, creating a haven for hazard-averse residents in southwestern Virginia. Augusta County (68.61) to the east represents a stark contrast, while Buchanan County (50.60) to the southwest shows measurably higher exposure. Bland's protected pocket is genuinely distinctive.

Flood risk barely exceeds all other threats

Even Bland's highest hazard—flood risk at 29.52—remains comfortably below state average, with wildfire (6.36) and tornado (4.99) risks nearly negligible. Earthquake (27.51) and hurricane (33.58) exposure round out an exceptionally favorable profile. This is one of Virginia's most benign natural disaster environments.

Basic homeowners insurance covers your needs

Bland County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices without costly specialized riders or flood coverage. That said, verify your policy limits reflect current replacement costs, and ensure adequate coverage for personal property. Even in low-risk areas, a solid insurance foundation protects against life's uncertainties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Refreshingly Cold Annual Average

Bland County is notably cool, with an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, well below the national median. This climate is defined by its high elevation and mountain geography.

One of Virginia's Coolest Counties

At 50.9°F, Bland County is 5 degrees cooler than the Virginia state average. It maintains one of the lowest annual temperature profiles in the entire Commonwealth.

A Snowy Regional Outlier

Bland County records a substantial 26.9 inches of snowfall annually, surpassing most of its regional neighbors. It also sees only 3 extreme heat days, far fewer than counties in the central Virginia plains.

Minimal Heat and Harsh Winters

July averages stay below 70°F, making for exceptionally mild summers. Winters are rigorous, with a December-to-February average of 33.5°F.

Gear Up for Heavy Snow

Winter tires and heavy-duty heating systems are vital for managing the 26.9 inches of annual snow. Air conditioning is rarely a priority, as the temperature almost never hits 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bland County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly sweet for the region

Bland County features a pH of 5.26, making it slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.23. While it still trends below the national 6.5 median, this profile is favorable for regional agriculture. The soil reflects the complex geology of the Ridge and Valley province.

Silt and sand create stability

The soil is a silty mix, containing 41.4% silt and 34.2% sand. Clay makes up a moderate 16.9%, providing enough binding power to hold nutrients without hindering drainage. This composition offers a stable base for both farming and construction projects.

Vibrant and rich organic content

Bland County boasts an impressive 5.85% organic matter, more than double the state average of 2.90%. This high fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.143 in/in, which exactly matches the Virginia average. This combination indicates a very healthy soil ecosystem capable of supporting intense plant growth.

Superior soil quality scores

The county earns a high soil score of 41.6, far outperforming the state average of 30.6. The balanced silt and sand levels suggest steady hydrological performance with minimal runoff risk. This high score reflects a landscape with naturally high productivity and good drainage characteristics.

A gardener's dream in 6b

Bland's 5.85% organic matter makes it one of the most fertile areas in Virginia for Zone 6b gardening. Brassicas, leafy greens, and hardy perennials will thrive here with very little supplemental fertilizer. The rich soil is ready for anyone looking to start a productive homestead garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bland County

via LawnByCounty

Bland County's High-Performing Lawns

Bland County earns a 63.7 lawn difficulty score, making it much easier to maintain than the state average of 55.4. This Zone 6b region is exceptionally favorable compared to the national median of 50.0.

Cooler Summers Lead to Less Stress

With only 3 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 28, grass here faces very little thermal stress. The 43.3 inches of annual rain is well-timed for the 2,661 growing degree days.

Balancing pH in Balanced Soil

The soil contains 16.9% clay and 34.2% sand, providing a stable foundation that isn't too heavy or too loose. You should still apply lime to raise the 5.26 pH toward the ideal range of 6.0-7.0.

Resilience During Mild Dry Spells

Bland saw 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and 85.9% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Because heat is low, your grass will generally require less water to recover than in hotter parts of the state.

Cool-Season Favorites for Zone 6b

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thrive in these cooler temperatures. Wait until after the late spring frost on May 6 to begin your seeding projects for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bland County's county score?
Bland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 72.8 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 Bland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Bland County ranks #2 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 Bland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Bland County is $868, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Bland County a tax score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bland County?
The median household income in Bland County, Virginia is $61,375 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bland County earns an income score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Bland County scores 72.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Bland 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 Bland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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