countyscore
55.5
County Score
Property Tax 81.5Disaster Risk 71.9Weather & Climate 64.9

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.

2040608010081.558.259.43161.120.671.93.864.9Tax81.5Cost58.2Safety59.4Health31Schools61.1Income20.6Risk71.9Water3.8Weather64.955.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Brunswick County DNA

Foverall

How Brunswick County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brunswick County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.5+29.5
Cost
58.2+10.200000000000003
Safety
59.4
Health
31-19
Schools
61.1
Income
20.6-30.4
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

$132,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$864/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$132,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,978/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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Deep Dives

Brunswick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Brunswick County

via CostByCounty

Brunswick stretches tight budgets further

Brunswick County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% approaches the 30% affordability threshold, with a median income of $52,978 that trails the national average by over $21,000. Even though nominal rent is modest at $864, the low local wages create genuine affordability pressure.

Among Virginia's least affordable counties

Brunswick's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Virginia's 18.6% state average and reflects the county's economic challenges. The median household income of $52,978 ranks among the state's lowest, making even reasonably priced rents ($864) proportionally burdensome compared to wealthier regions.

Low income compounds moderate rents

Brunswick's $864 rent is reasonable compared to central Virginia ($951–$1,057) but exceeds the very cheapest counties like Bland ($683) and Buchanan ($712). The real problem: at $52,978, Brunswick's median income is lower than Bland's ($61,375) and Buchanan's ($42,216)—note that Buchanan is actually lower—making proportional housing costs higher.

Income-to-housing mismatch

Renters allocate $864 monthly (19.6% of income) while homeowners spend $703 (15.9% of income) on a median household income of $52,978. The gap reveals that renting consumes more of household earnings than homeowning, an unusual pattern reflecting the county's modest wage base and relatively low property values ($132,700).

Brunswick: best for homeowners with income

Brunswick County's 15.9% homeowner burden and $132,700 median home value suit buyers with external income sources or remote work. Renters face a tighter 19.6% squeeze, so weigh job prospects carefully—Brunswick's $52,978 median income may not stretch far without specialized employment or outside income support.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Brunswick County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling in Brunswick County

Brunswick County operates six public schools, including three elementary campuses, one middle school, and one high school. Two districts oversee the education of 1,405 students throughout the county. The infrastructure is designed to serve a spread-out population with a focus on core primary and secondary education.

Strong Graduation Success in Southside Virginia

Brunswick County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state average (89.0%) and the national benchmark (87.0%). The county's school score of 55.9 also exceeds the state average of 54.8, despite a slightly lower per-pupil spending of $7,631. These metrics point to a school system that effectively prepares its students for post-secondary success.

Brunswick County Public Schools’ Core Role

Brunswick County Public Schools is the primary district, managing five campuses and all 1,405 students. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning public education is largely unified under this main district. A second district provides alternative project services to ensure every student has a pathway to completion.

Small-Town and Rural School Settings

The county's schools are mostly rural, with five located in countryside settings and one in a town locale. Average school size is small at 281 students, with Brunswick High being the largest at 426 and Meherrin Powellton Elementary the smallest at 174. This allows for a more personalized educational experience where every student is known by name.

A Rural Haven with High Graduation Rates

Brunswick County is a great choice for families looking for high academic performance in a quiet, rural setting. With graduation rates exceeding state averages, the local schools demonstrate a strong track record of student success. Look for a home in this community to enjoy peaceful living paired with a reliable and effective school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brunswick County

via RiskByCounty

Brunswick faces moderate, manageable disaster risk

Brunswick County's composite risk score of 28.12 sits just below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating despite moderate exposure to specific hazards. The county's inland southern location protects it from the worst hurricane impacts while presenting modest flood (28.79) and tornado (23.03) exposure. Overall risk remains well-controlled and manageable.

Near Virginia's average but slightly safer

Brunswick's score of 28.12 is marginally below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the state's safer half but not among the lowest-risk counties. This positioning reflects balanced, moderate exposure across most hazard categories. Brunswick represents a typical or slightly above-average Virginia safety profile.

Brunswick enjoys regional low-risk advantage

Bath County (5.38), Bland County (13.04), and Botetourt County (18.10) rank substantially safer, while Augusta County (68.61) and Bedford County (51.18) present significantly higher exposure. Brunswick's score places it in the comfortable middle of Virginia's regional risk spectrum. You're positioned better than many state neighbors, though not in the safest tier.

Hurricane exposure stands above other threats

Brunswick's highest risk category—hurricane at 79.89—reflects the county's southeastern position and vulnerability to tropical remnants, despite being inland. Flood (28.79) and tornado (23.03) risks remain moderate, while earthquake (44.12) and wildfire (21.50) exposure stay reasonable. Hurricane preparedness deserves priority attention here.

Consider wind and flood protection thoughtfully

Given your 79.89 hurricane risk score, ensure your homeowners policy includes adequate wind coverage and review deductible amounts before storm season. Flood insurance merits consideration if you're in a mapped floodplain or near drainage areas prone to tropical system rainfall. Work with a local agent to align coverage with Brunswick's specific threat profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Brunswick County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Violations Drive Failing Water Grade

Brunswick County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 71 health violations over the past five years. This results in a staggering violation rate of 1,038.8 per 100,000 residents, nearly ten times the state average of 126.9. These figures indicate significant and systemic challenges for the local water infrastructure.

Dissolved Oxygen Levels Threaten Stream Health

The 2022 assessment reports that 38.9% of the county's 126 assessed water bodies are impaired. Top causes for the 49 failing segments include E. coli, low dissolved oxygen, and poor biological health for benthic organisms. While the impairment rate is better than the state average of 46.1%, the oxygen issues pose a specific risk to aquatic life.

Active Testing Across County Waterways

Agencies maintain 31 monitoring sites in Brunswick County, collecting 4,084 measurements over the last five years. Testing efforts are largely concentrated on physical traits, nutrients, and microbiological markers. This data is critical for understanding the source of the county's high violation rates and tracking watershed recovery.

Meherrin River Flow Hits Critical Low

The Meherrin River near Lawrenceville is currently at 75 cfs, just 15% of its long-term mean discharge of 491 cfs. This dramatic shortfall in the 552 square mile drainage area indicates a period of extreme hydrological stress. Low river levels can make it harder for water systems to process raw water effectively.

Urgent Need for Water Filtration

Due to the exceptionally high health violation rate of 1,038.8 per 100,000, residents should use high-quality water filters for all drinking and cooking. The Meherrin River's critical flow at just 15% of normal levels may exacerbate existing issues with dissolved oxygen and bacterial concentrations. Awareness of these risks is essential for household safety while infrastructure improvements are pending.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 55.5 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 #47 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 $718, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Brunswick County a tax score of 81.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brunswick County?
The median household income in Brunswick County, Virginia is $52,978 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brunswick County earns an income score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brunswick County, Virginia a good place to live?
Brunswick County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 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 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.