countyscore
65
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.4Health 82.9Disaster Risk 81.9

County Report Card

About Botetourt County, Virginia

Botetourt County Beats the National Median

With a composite score of 65.0, Botetourt County remains a strong national performer against the 50.0 median. Its profile suggests a high-functioning community with specific strengths in health and income.

A Regional Leader in Central Virginia

The county's score of 65.0 is far above the 50.9 Virginia average. This indicates that Botetourt provides a quality of life that is demonstrably better than many of its state peers.

Healthy Living and Financial Prosperity

Botetourt excels with an Income Score of 84.4 and a Health Score of 82.9. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $80,467 and an impressive Risk Score of 81.9.

Housing Affordability Pressures

The county's main challenge is housing cost, reflected in a Cost Score of 33.6. With median home values at $268,900, entry into the local market can be difficult for first-time buyers.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Professionals

Botetourt County is an ideal match for high-earning families who value wellness and a secure environment. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can manage the higher-than-average entry costs for housing.

2040608010067.933.667.182.97584.481.958.358.4Tax67.9Cost33.6Safety67.1Health82.9Schools75Income84.4Risk81.9Water58.3Weather58.465/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Botetourt County DNA

D+overall

How Botetourt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Botetourt County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (81.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.9+15.900000000000006
Cost
33.6-14.399999999999999
Safety
67.1+12.099999999999994
Health
82.9+32.900000000000006
Schools
75+21
Income
84.4+33.400000000000006
Risk
81.9+34.900000000000006
Water
58.3
Weather
58.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$268,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$951/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$268,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,467/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.9

per 100K

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
Compare Botetourt County with Breckinridge County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Bedford County
Virginia
58.6
Covington city
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47
Roanoke city
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27.7
Alleghany County
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Salem city
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Roanoke County
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Craig County
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Lexington city
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Deep Dives

Botetourt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Botetourt County

via TaxByCounty

Botetourt taxes exceed national norms

At 0.655%, Botetourt's effective tax rate is slightly below the national median of 0.96% but well above the bottom quartile. The median property tax of $1,761 is about 35% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate home values.

Botetourt near Virginia's state average

At 0.655%, Botetourt's rate is nearly identical to Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it squarely in the middle of the commonwealth. The median tax of $1,761 is slightly below the state median of $1,960.

Highest-taxed county in the region

Botetourt's 0.655% rate is the second-highest in the eight-county region, exceeded only by Bristol city (0.767%). On a median home value of $268,900, Botetourt residents face the steeper tax burden compared to most regional neighbors.

What homeowners pay annually

On Botetourt's median home value of $268,900, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,761. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,762, while those owning outright pay $1,759.

Higher taxes make appeals more valuable

Botetourt's above-average tax rate means that even modest assessment reductions can yield significant annual savings. If you haven't reviewed your assessment recently, it's especially worthwhile to request a reassessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Botetourt County

via CostByCounty

Botetourt residents earn more, pay less

Botetourt County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% sits well below the 30% affordability mark, and the median income of $80,467 exceeds the national average by over $5,700. This combination—higher-than-average income plus lower-than-average housing burden—positions Botetourt as one of Virginia's strongest housing values.

Best affordability in the region

Botetourt's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's 18.6% state average, and at $80,467, the median income ranks among the state's highest. The county delivers both strong local wages and reasonable rents, a rare combination in competitive housing markets.

Highest income, nearly lowest rent

Botetourt's median income of $80,467 tops nearby Augusta ($79,972) and Bedford ($77,644), while rents are nearly identical across the three at $951, $1,057, and $955 respectively. This income advantage makes Botetourt the most comfortable choice for renters and homebuyers in the central Virginia cluster.

Strong income cushion for all households

Renters allocate $951 monthly (14.2% of income) while homeowners spend $978 (also roughly 14.2%), both well within the affordable range on a median income of $80,467. The median home value of $268,900 is accessible to area earners, making both renting and buying realistic options.

Botetourt: buy or rent with confidence

Moving to Virginia's Blue Ridge region? Botetourt County combines the region's strongest median income ($80,467) with competitive rents ($951) and moderate home prices ($268,900). Its 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's best—a genuine advantage worth investigating before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Botetourt County

via IncomeByCounty

Botetourt leads Virginia in household income

Botetourt County's median household income of $80,467 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly $5,700. This strong performance places Botetourt among the nation's better-earning counties and reflects robust local economic opportunity.

Among Virginia's highest-earning counties

At $80,467, Botetourt exceeds the Virginia state average of $74,957 by 7.4%, standing as one of the Commonwealth's top earners. This achievement reflects manufacturing, professional services, and a diversified tax base.

Anchors the prosperous Piedmont-Blue Ridge corridor

Botetourt ($80,467) slightly edges Augusta ($79,972) and Bedford ($77,644) in this three-county prosperity zone. All three cluster well above state and national averages, showing consistent strength across the region.

Best-in-class housing affordability

Botetourt's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% is among the lowest in the state, meaning households keep more of their earnings for savings and investment. A median home value of $268,900 is highly accessible for median earners, enabling substantial home equity accumulation.

Leverage Botetourt's economic advantages

With the highest income and lowest housing burden among these eight counties, Botetourt residents should aggressively pursue investment goals. Consider real estate diversification, education savings plans, and retirement acceleration strategies to turn current advantage into generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Botetourt County

via CrimeByCounty

Botetourt County achieves high national safety marks

Botetourt County reports a total crime rate of 770.7 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate earns the county a high safety score of 98.8.

A standout for safety in the Commonwealth

The county's safety score of 98.8 is significantly higher than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 770.7 is less than half the state average of 1728.8.

Maintaining a secure regional profile

With two reporting agencies active, Botetourt County maintains a crime rate that is lower than many of its neighbors. This community continues to be one of the most secure areas in its region.

Low rates across all crime categories

Property crime in Botetourt sits at 631.4, which is roughly 70% lower than the national average. Violent crime is also remarkably low at 139.3 per 100,000 residents.

Proactive steps for home security

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing entry points and using smart locks. Keeping your property well-lit is a simple way to maintain this county's high safety standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Botetourt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Foundation in Botetourt County

Botetourt County supports 13 total public schools, including seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. A single district oversees this network, which provides education for 4,492 students. The county also includes two specialized or alternative schools to offer diverse learning pathways.

Elite Graduation Rates and Solid Scoring

Botetourt County achieves a high 95.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both state (89.0%) and national (87.0%) averages. With per-pupil spending at $7,965, the county's school score of 58.2 sits comfortably above the Virginia state average of 54.8. These numbers indicate that the county effectively translates its investment into high-level student achievement.

The Reach of Botetourt County Public Schools

Botetourt County Public Schools is the largest and primary district, managing 12 of the 13 campuses and the vast majority of the 4,492 students. The county currently has no charter schools, keeping the focus on a unified public school curriculum. This single-district model ensures consistent quality across the diverse geography of the county.

Balancing Suburban Growth and Rural Roots

The school locale mix features eight rural and five suburban schools, reflecting the county's varying landscapes. Enrollment varies by campus, with Lord Botetourt High serving 980 students and Read Mountain Middle serving 657. The average school size of 408 students allows for substantial extracurricular offerings while maintaining a community feel.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

Botetourt County is an ideal choice for families looking for high-performing schools in a scenic, growing area. The 95% graduation rate is a powerful indicator of the local school system's success in preparing students for the future. Look for homes in this district to secure a high-quality education in a mix of suburban and rural environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Botetourt County

via RiskByCounty

Botetourt ranks among America's safer counties

Botetourt County's composite risk score of 18.10 places it well below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' disaster rating. This strong standing reflects the county's Blue Ridge footprint and distance from major hurricane and tornado corridors. Residents enjoy substantially lower hazard exposure than most Americans.

Virginia's third-safest county overall

Botetourt's score of 18.10 is roughly 45% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the state's most protected communities. Only Bath County (5.38) and Bland County (13.04) rank safer statewide. This positioning reflects favorable geography and relative isolation from major storm tracks.

Botetourt sits in low-risk mountain cluster

Bath County (5.38) and Bland County (13.04) share similarly favorable profiles, while Augusta County (68.61) to the east and Buchanan County (50.60) to the southwest show substantially higher exposure. Botetourt anchors the state's safest subcategory. This neighborhood concentration of low risk is genuinely rare in Virginia.

Flood risk outpaces other relatively modest threats

Botetourt's highest hazard—flood risk at 42.37—remains solidly below state average, with hurricane (56.03) and earthquake (35.66) exposure also moderate. Wildfire (25.06) and tornado (12.02) risks are minimal. Overall, this county avoids the severe concentrations of any single hazard type.

Standard coverage is typically sufficient

Botetourt's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance generally provides adequate protection without expensive add-ons. However, examine your specific property's proximity to streams or low-lying terrain, and confirm policy limits match current rebuilding costs. Regular coverage reviews ensure your protection stays aligned with home value changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Botetourt County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance Record for Botetourt

Botetourt County holds a Grade C for drinking water quality, with one health violation recorded over the past five years. This results in a violation rate of 7.8 per 100,000 people, which is still significantly better than the state average of 126.9. While generally safe, the presence of a violation indicates a need for continued vigilance in system management.

Quarter of Water Bodies Face Impairment

Out of 140 water bodies assessed in 2022, 34 are considered impaired, representing a 24.3% impairment rate. The primary causes for these failures are E. coli, PCBs in fish tissue, and poor benthic macroinvertebrate health. This rate is nearly half the state average of 46.1%, indicating relatively strong watershed health overall.

Steady Tracking of Biological Health

The county operates 40 monitoring sites that have produced 5,960 measurements during the last five-year window. Monitoring efforts focus on physical characteristics, nutrients, and microbiological data to track the health of the James River basin. These records help environmental managers pinpoint where E. coli and other pollutants are entering the system.

James River Flow Below Historic Norms

The James River at Buchanan is currently flowing at 907 cfs, just 36% of its long-term mean. This is significantly lower than the typical 2,510 cfs expected for this 2,073 square mile drainage area. Low flows can impact recreational use and the concentration of pollutants like PCBs in the river system.

Filtration and Consumption Awareness Advised

Because of the recorded health violation and PCB impairments, residents may want to consider home water filtration and follow fish consumption advisories. The James River is currently at just 36% of its normal flow, which can lead to higher concentrations of E. coli in slow-moving sections. Protecting the 24.3% of water bodies already at risk requires careful management of agricultural and urban runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Botetourt County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Mid-Atlantic Warmth

Botetourt County’s average temperature of 56.6°F is slightly higher than the national median. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant seasonal variation.

Mirroring the State Average

The county’s 56.6°F average is very close to the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its precipitation of 43.6 inches is slightly drier than the state norm.

Higher Heat than Rural Neighbors

Botetourt endures 42 days of extreme heat per year, which is significantly higher than neighboring mountain counties. Despite the heat, it still receives 11.4 inches of snow annually.

Hot Summers, Moderate Winters

Summer temperatures average 75.1°F, but the 42 days above 90°F mark the season's intensity. Winter averages 37.5°F, providing a relatively mild cold season.

Prepare for Prolonged Summer Heat

Efficient cooling systems are a must to navigate the six weeks of extreme heat. Residents should also plan for moderate snow events during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Botetourt County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Valley and Ridge acidity

Botetourt's soil pH averages 5.31, placing it slightly above the state average of 5.23. While it is more alkaline than many neighbors, it remains well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity level is manageable for most local forage and timber species.

A balanced sandy-silt texture

The county's soil composition is 40.4% sand and 38.8% silt, creating a versatile texture. With clay at 19.0%, this soil has slightly more body and nutrient-holding capacity than sandier coastal regions. This mix provides excellent workability for local farmers and landscapers.

Strong water and nutrient storage

Botetourt features an available water capacity of 0.150 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.143. Its organic matter content of 3.20% is also higher than the state average of 2.90%. These figures point to a soil that can sustain crops through short dry periods effectively.

Reliable and high-performing ground

Botetourt earns a respectable soil score of 38.8, well above the state benchmark of 30.6. The combination of high water capacity and solid organic matter suggests reliable drainage and consistent plant hydration. This makes the county particularly suitable for diverse agricultural uses.

Prime conditions in Zone 7b

Zone 7b's mild climate and Botetourt's superior water capacity are perfect for fruit trees and perennial vegetables. Asparagus and strawberries will flourish in these well-structured soils. The higher-than-average fertility makes this an ideal time to expand your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Botetourt County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Heat Stress in Botetourt

Botetourt County has a 52.0 difficulty score, making it slightly harder to maintain than the state average of 55.4. This Zone 7b county presents more challenges than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat Increases Watering Needs

The county faces 42 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 28. While 43.6 inches of rain helps, the 3,986 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy all season.

Rich Clay Soil Requires Buffering

The soil features 19.0% clay, which helps retain moisture during those 42 heat days. However, the 5.31 pH is quite acidic, so you must add lime to unlock essential nutrients for your grass.

Surviving Long Periods of Abnormal Dryness

All 100% of Botetourt is currently abnormally dry after 28 weeks of drought over the last year. Raise your mower blades to three inches or higher to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation during the summer.

Tough Turf for a Hot Climate

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for the 7b zone to handle the high heat. Start your lawn work after the April 8 frost date to establish strong roots before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botetourt County's county score?
Botetourt County, Virginia has a composite county score of 65 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 Botetourt County rank among counties in Virginia?
Botetourt County ranks #7 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 Botetourt County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Botetourt County is $1,761, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Botetourt County a tax score of 67.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Botetourt County?
The median household income in Botetourt County, Virginia is $80,467 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Botetourt County earns an income score of 84.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Botetourt County, Virginia a good place to live?
Botetourt County scores 65/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Botetourt 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 Botetourt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.