countyscore
64.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.1Health 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.

204060801006730.667.182.97583.181.958.358.4Tax67Cost30.6Safety67.1Health82.9Schools75Income83.1Risk81.9Water58.3Weather58.464.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Botetourt County DNA

D+overall

How Botetourt County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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+15
Cost
30.6-17.4
Safety
67.1+12.099999999999994
Health
82.9+32.900000000000006
Schools
75+21
Income
83.1+32.099999999999994
Risk
81.9+34.900000000000006
Water
58.3
Weather
58.4
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Botetourt County

Whether buying or refinancing in Botetourt County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$289,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,035/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$289,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,213/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 Dade County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Dade County
Georgia
Median income: $64,568
64.2
Sheridan County
Kansas
Median income: $73,750
64.2
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $35,011
64.2
Vernon Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $57,270
64.2
Lexington city
Virginia
Median income: $84,517
64.2
Osceola County
Iowa
Median income: $69,239
64.3
Jackson County
Kentucky
Median income: $40,000
64.3
Fillmore County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,512
64.3

Nearby counties

Bedford County
Virginia
59.1
Covington city
Virginia
46.8
Roanoke city
Virginia
27.9
Alleghany County
Virginia
54.1
Salem city
Virginia
42.4
Roanoke County
Virginia
49
Craig County
Virginia
60.5
Lexington city
Virginia
64.2

Deep Dives

Botetourt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 64.2 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 #8 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 $1,862, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Botetourt County a tax score of 67/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Botetourt County?
The median household income in Botetourt County, Virginia is $81,213 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Botetourt County earns an income score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Botetourt County, Virginia a good place to live?
Botetourt County scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.