countyscore
55.9
County Score
Property Tax 75.1Disaster Risk 71.9Cost of Living 65.8

County Report Card

About Brunswick County, Virginia

Brunswick County Surpasses National Median

Brunswick County earns a composite score of 55.5, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid foundation for livability compared to the average American county.

Consistent with Virginia Standards

With a score of 55.5, Brunswick County performs slightly better than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It offers a balanced profile that aligns well with the Commonwealth’s typical quality of life.

Low Taxes and Manageable Risks

Taxation is a major draw here, with a Tax Score of 81.5 supported by an effective tax rate of 0.541%. The county also performs well in disaster resilience with a Risk Score of 71.9.

Infrastructure and Health Needs

The county faces a significant challenge with its Water Score of 3.8 and a Health Score of 31.0. These numbers suggest a critical need for investment in public utilities and medical access for its residents.

A Value Choice for Homeowners

Brunswick County is a strong option for those seeking low property taxes and affordable home values of $132,700. It best suits independent residents who are comfortable managing their own wellness and utility needs in exchange for low costs.

2040608010075.165.859.43161.117.671.93.864.9Tax75.1Cost65.8Safety59.4Health31Schools61.1Income17.6Risk71.9Water3.8Weather64.955.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Brunswick County DNA

Foverall

How Brunswick County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Brunswick County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (71.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.1+23.099999999999994
Cost
65.8+17.799999999999997
Safety
59.4
Health
31-19
Schools
61.1
Income
17.6-33.4
Risk
71.9+24.900000000000006
Water
3.8-54.2
Weather
64.9+8.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$834/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,084/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.9

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
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Nearby counties

Greensville County
Virginia
59.2
Emporia city
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39
Nottoway County
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44.3
Lunenburg County
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Dinwiddie County
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Warren County
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Sussex County
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Mecklenburg County
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Deep Dives

Brunswick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brunswick County

via TaxByCounty

Brunswick taxes below national average

At 0.541%, Brunswick's effective tax rate is significantly lower than the national median of 0.96%, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. The median property tax of $718 is roughly 73% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Brunswick below Virginia's state average

Brunswick's 0.541% rate is notably lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking in the bottom quartile of state counties. The median tax of $718 is less than 37% of the state median of $1,960.

Low-tax advantage among neighbors

Brunswick's 0.541% rate is lower than Bland (0.552%), Botetourt (0.655%), and Bristol (0.767%), making it one of the more affordable counties in the region. On a median home value of $132,700, Brunswick offers some of the lowest tax burden in the eight-county area.

What homeowners pay annually

On Brunswick's median home value of $132,700, the typical annual property tax bill is $718. Homeowners with mortgages pay $801, while those owning outright pay $646.

Verify your assessment stays accurate

Even with low tax rates, Brunswick homeowners should ensure their assessments reflect current market values to protect their advantage. A reassessment request can prevent paying taxes on inflated property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brunswick County

via IncomeByCounty

Brunswick County lags far behind national income

Brunswick County's median household income of $52,978 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $22,000 per year. This substantial gap reflects long-term economic challenges in this rural Southside Virginia community.

Among Virginia's lowest-income counties

At $52,978, Brunswick falls about $22,000 below Virginia's state average of $74,957, placing it among the Commonwealth's most economically disadvantaged counties. Population loss and limited job growth have constrained household earnings here.

Economic stress shared across rural South Hampton Roads

Brunswick ($52,978) earns more than Bristol city ($44,706) but significantly less than Southwest Virginia counties like Bland ($61,375). This suggests that Brunswick faces region-specific economic headwinds separate from mountain communities.

Housing burden limits savings potential

Brunswick's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is elevated, claiming nearly a fifth of median income for housing alone. With a median home value of just $132,700, even this low property cost strains household budgets and reduces capacity for long-term wealth building.

Start with emergency savings and local resources

Brunswick residents facing income constraints should focus on immediate financial stability before long-term investing. Build a small emergency fund first, then explore free tax filing services, employer retirement matching, and community development programs to anchor financial progress.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brunswick County

via CrimeByCounty

Brunswick County enjoys a safe national profile

Brunswick County's total crime rate of 933.3 per 100,000 residents is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 98.5.

Exceeding Virginia's safety benchmarks

With a safety score of 98.5, Brunswick County ranks above the Virginia state average of 97.3. The total crime rate is approximately 46% lower than the state's average of 1728.8.

Reliable safety through local agencies

Three reporting agencies contribute to Brunswick's low crime rate of 933.3. This collaborative effort helps maintain a safety profile that is stronger than the state average.

Violent crime is significantly below average

Brunswick reports a violent crime rate of 125.3, which is roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime is the main local concern at 808.0 per 100,000 residents.

Simple ways to enhance home safety

Property crime remains the most likely issue for residents, so securing vehicles and sheds is essential. Basic measures like home security signs and exterior lighting can effectively deter unwanted activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brunswick County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Profile

Brunswick County averages 58.6°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. This reflects its position in the southern tier of the state.

Above the Virginia Normal

The county is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the state average of 55.9°F. Its annual precipitation of 47.4 inches also exceeds the state average of 45.7 inches.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

Brunswick sees more rain and higher temperatures than many of its northern neighbors. It records 43 extreme heat days, showcasing a dominant summer season.

Intense Heat and Minimal Snow

July averages a warm 78.4°F, with extreme heat days occurring frequently. Annual snowfall is light, averaging just 9.6 inches per year.

Focus on Heat Mitigation

With 43 days over 90°F, high-efficiency air conditioning and hydration are essential for residents. Snow gear is rarely needed, as winter accumulation is typically minimal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brunswick County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Piedmont acidic soils

Brunswick County's soil pH averages 5.31, slightly higher than the state average of 5.23 but still acidic compared to the national 6.5. This chemistry is typical for the southern Virginia Piedmont region. It reflects a long period of mineral weathering and nutrient cycling.

High sand content aids drainage

The county's soil is notably sandy, with sand making up 51.6% of the mix. Silt at 31.5% and clay at 16.9% complete the texture, resulting in a loose, friable soil. This composition allows for excellent aeration but may require frequent irrigation during peak summer heat.

Low organic matter requires care

Brunswick's organic matter content is low at 1.43%, well below the Virginia average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is nearly on par with the state's 0.143 benchmark. Increasing organic inputs will be critical for any intensive agricultural or gardening efforts.

Lower soil scores but fast drainage

Brunswick has a soil score of 21.6, which is lower than the state average of 30.6. The high sand percentage ensures that water drains away quickly, preventing soggy roots after heavy rains. This makes the soil easy to work shortly after a storm, though it retains fewer nutrients over time.

Warm weather crops in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone and sandy soil are perfect for peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes. These crops thrive in the well-drained, light soils found across Brunswick County. With a little compost, your backyard garden can produce an abundance of summer favorites.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brunswick County

via LawnByCounty

Brunswick's Moderate Lawn Difficulty

Brunswick County scores 50.8 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly more challenging than the state average of 55.4. This Zone 7b area matches the national median score of 50.0.

Intense Summer Heat and Humidity

Residents deal with 43 extreme heat days, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 28. High humidity and 4,419 growing degree days mean your lawn will grow rapidly but face significant stress.

Sandy Soil and Acidic Conditions

With 51.6% sand, the soil drains very quickly, which can be a challenge during heat waves. The 5.31 pH means the soil is acidic and will require lime to support healthy, thick turf.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 34.3% of the county faces severe drought, and 100% is abnormally dry. After 15 weeks in drought this past year, focusing on water conservation and drought-tolerant grass is vital.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Zone 7b

Zoysia or Bermuda grass are excellent for Brunswick's heat, though tall fescue remains popular. Target your planting for after the April 7 frost date to give your lawn time to settle.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brunswick County's county score?
Brunswick County, Virginia has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Brunswick County rank among counties in Virginia?
Brunswick County ranks #46 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 Brunswick County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Brunswick County is $820, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Brunswick County a tax score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brunswick County?
The median household income in Brunswick County, Virginia is $53,084 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brunswick County earns an income score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brunswick County, Virginia a good place to live?
Brunswick County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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.