countyscore
56.4
County Score
Property Tax 83.8Disaster Risk 81.1Weather & Climate 66

County Report Card

About Buckingham County, Virginia

Buckingham County Outpaces the National Median

Buckingham County earns a composite score of 56.4, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural locality that offers significantly more stability than many of its peers across the country.

Performing Above the Virginia State Average

With a 56.4 composite score, Buckingham outperforms the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a competitive mid-tier option within the Commonwealth, balancing rural lifestyle with relative fiscal stability.

A Low-Tax Haven with Minimal Natural Risk

The county excels in tax policy with an 83.8 score, driven by a low effective tax rate of just 0.521%. Residents also benefit from high environmental security, reflected in a robust risk score of 81.1.

Infrastructure and Health Services Need Attention

Water infrastructure is a primary concern with a low score of 9.1, alongside a health score of 38.6. Additionally, the income score of 36.4 reflects a median household income of $59,199, trailing wealthier state regions.

Ideal for Low-Tax, High-Security Rural Living

Buckingham County is best suited for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low property taxes and environmental safety. It offers an affordable entry point to Virginia living for those who don't require high-density urban infrastructure.

2040608010083.860.849.438.65836.481.19.166Tax83.8Cost60.8Safety49.4Health38.6Schools58Income36.4Risk81.1Water9.1Weather6656.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Buckingham County DNA

Foverall

How Buckingham County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Buckingham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (81.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.8+31.799999999999997
Cost
60.8+12.799999999999997
Safety
49.4
Health
38.6-11.399999999999999
Schools
58
Income
36.4-14.600000000000001
Risk
81.1+34.099999999999994
Water
9.1-48.9
Weather
66+10
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$874/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,199/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

41.4

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

Appomattox County
Virginia
62.4
Cumberland County
Virginia
51.6
Fluvanna County
Virginia
59.6
Prince Edward County
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Nelson County
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Charlottesville city
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Albemarle County
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Amherst County
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Deep Dives

Buckingham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Buckingham County

via TaxByCounty

Buckingham's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.521%, Buckingham's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.83%, placing homeowners in the bottom third nationally. The county's median property tax of $874 is roughly 68% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among Virginia's lowest-taxing counties

Buckingham's 0.521% rate ranks it in the bottom tier of Virginia counties, where the state average is 0.671%. This means Buckingham residents pay significantly less than their typical Virginia neighbor.

More affordable than nearby Campbell

Buckingham's $874 median tax is slightly higher than Campbell County's $913, despite Campbell's higher median home value of $199,200. Both counties are among the region's most tax-friendly options.

What your taxes look like here

On Buckingham's median home value of $167,800, you'd pay approximately $874 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $972, while those owning outright pay around $804.

Don't assume your assessment is correct

Many Virginia homeowners, including those in Buckingham, are overassessed on their property values. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your area, filing an appeal could reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buckingham County

via CostByCounty

Buckingham rents stay well below national burden

At 17.7%, Buckingham County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national average and Virginia's state average of 18.6%. Renters here spend notably less of their paychecks on housing than the typical American household earning nearly $15,000 more annually.

One of Virginia's most affordable counties

Buckingham ranks among Virginia's best performers for housing affordability, with rents running 23% below the state median of $1,140 per month. The county's median income of $59,199 pairs with low housing costs to create accessible conditions for renters and buyers alike.

More affordable than nearby Campbell

Buckingham's $874 monthly rent beats neighboring Campbell County by $21 and costs 27% less than Caroline County's $1,201. Yet owner costs remain higher here at $661 monthly compared to Campbell's $779, suggesting Buckingham appeals more strongly to renters.

Housing takes modest share of income

With median rent at $874 and owner costs at $661, Buckingham households spend roughly 17.7% of their $59,199 annual income on rent or 13.4% on mortgage payments. This balance leaves families room to save and spend on other essentials.

Consider Buckingham for balanced living costs

If you're seeking affordable renting or buying in rural Virginia, Buckingham delivers on both fronts with median home values around $167,800 and manageable monthly obligations. Compare its rent and ownership costs to neighbors Campbell and Charlotte to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buckingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Buckingham's income lags the nation

Buckingham County's median household income of $59,199 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects economic patterns common to rural Virginia counties competing with higher-income metros across the country.

Below Virginia's average income

At $59,199, Buckingham County earns about $16,000 less than Virginia's median of $74,957, placing it in the lower half of the state's 133 counties and cities. The county's per capita income of $28,353 also trails the state average of $39,155.

Comparison to nearby counties

Buckingham's $59,199 median sits between Campbell County ($62,608) to the south and Charlotte County ($48,892) to the west. Caroline County ($86,267) to the east demonstrates the income diversity across Virginia's central region.

Affordable housing supports stability

Buckingham's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is well below the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing costs are manageable on local incomes. The median home value of $167,800 remains accessible compared to state averages, easing wealth-building through homeownership.

Build wealth through deliberate planning

With housing costs under control, Buckingham households can prioritize savings and investment strategies. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement accounts and explore local economic development opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buckingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Buckingham County's High Safety Score

Buckingham's total crime rate of 1138.2 per 100K sits well below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of reported incidents earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Safe Among Virginia Counties

With a safety score of 98.2, Buckingham outperforms the Virginia state average of 97.3. It ranks as one of the safer rural jurisdictions in the Commonwealth according to 2022 data.

A Quiet Central Virginia Community

The county crime rate of 1138.2 is significantly lower than the state average of 1728.8 per 100K. Buckingham offers a notably calm environment compared to its more urbanized regional neighbors.

Understanding Local Crime Trends

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 100.8 per 100K compared to the 369.8 national benchmark. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1037.4 per 100K, though this remains less than half the national average.

Maintaining a Secure Household

While local rates are very low, basic precautions like outdoor lighting remain valuable for any homeowner. Staying aware of local trends helps keep Buckingham's safety standing high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Buckingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strategic Schooling in Buckingham County

Buckingham County operates five public schools, including two elementary, one middle, and one high school. This well-defined ladder system supports 1,992 students through a single county-wide district. The inclusion of a dedicated prekindergarten center emphasizes the county's focus on early childhood development.

Leading with High Graduation Rates

Buckingham County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, notably higher than both the national average (87.0%) and the Virginia average (89.0%). While spending $7,380 per pupil, the county’s school score of 55.4 also outpaces the state average of 54.8. This suggests that students in Buckingham are well-prepared to transition into higher education or the workforce.

Buckingham County Public Schools at a Glance

The Buckingham County Public Schools district manages all five campuses and serves the entire 1,992-student population. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a focused and streamlined public education strategy. This single-district approach provides a clear and consistent educational journey for all local children.

A Purely Rural Educational Path

The entire school system in Buckingham County is situated in rural locales, offering students a consistent environment throughout their education. Schools have an average size of 398 students, with Buckingham County High being the largest at 654. From the 100-student Prekindergarten Center up through high school, students benefit from intimate, manageable campus sizes.

Build a Future in Buckingham County

With its high graduation rates and dedicated early childhood resources, Buckingham County is an excellent choice for growing families. The rural setting and focused district structure make it a stable place to call home while ensuring academic excellence. Consider relocating here to give your children a top-tier education in a beautiful countryside setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buckingham County

via RiskByCounty

Buckingham sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 18.96 and a Very Low rating, Buckingham County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the average U.S. county. The county's exposure to major hazards—from flooding to tornadoes—remains below the national mean across nearly every category.

One of Virginia's safer counties

Buckingham's composite score of 18.96 ranks it well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the commonwealth's lower-risk jurisdictions. The county benefits from relatively modest exposure to the hazards that most threaten Virginia residents.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Buckingham's risk profile is notably more favorable than neighboring Campbell County (32.00) and Caroline County (20.71), though it faces similar hurricane and earthquake exposures. Among its peer group, Buckingham remains one of the more protected areas in central Virginia.

Hurricane and earthquake exposure tops list

While Buckingham's overall risk is very low, hurricane exposure ranks highest at 75.47, followed by earthquake risk at 62.95. Flooding and tornado risks are moderate, at 24.84 and 22.61 respectively, with wildfire presenting minimal concern at 20.74.

Standard coverage fits Buckingham well

Homeowners should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially in areas near waterways. Consider earthquake coverage as a supplemental policy, and maintain standard homeowners insurance to protect against the moderate tornado and wind risks that do exist in the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Buckingham County

via WaterByCounty

Water Compliance Struggles in Buckingham

Buckingham County holds a Grade F for drinking water compliance, recording 22 health violations over the last five years. The county's violation rate of 370.9 per 100,000 residents nearly triples the Virginia state average of 126.9.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Average

The 2022 ATTAINS assessment reveals that 22.2% of the county's 198 water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the state average of 46.1%. Primary pollution concerns include E. coli and PCBs found in fish tissue.

Active Water Quality Monitoring Efforts

Data collectors maintain 42 monitoring sites across the county, generating 4,278 measurements in the past five years. Researchers focus primarily on physical properties, nutrients, and microbiological characteristics to track local water safety.

Slate River Flows Well Below Normal

The Slate River near Arvonia currently records a discharge of 60 cfs, which represents only 27% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow indicates potential drought conditions or reduced groundwater recharge in the 226 square mile drainage area.

Priority on Filtration and Monitoring

Residents should prioritize water filtration and regular testing due to the high rate of SDWIS health violations. Additionally, stay informed about fish consumption advisories related to PCBs identified in recent watershed assessments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buckingham County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Wet Climate

While annual temperature data is limited, Buckingham County averages 45.0 inches of precipitation. This matches the typical moisture profile of the American East Coast.

Aligning with Virginia Rainfall

The county’s 45.0 inches of rain is almost identical to the Virginia state average of 45.7 inches. This ensures a lush, green environment throughout the growing season.

Standard Piedmont Snowfall

Buckingham receives 12.3 inches of snow per year, consistent with neighboring counties in central Virginia. This represents a moderate winter compared to the western mountains.

Predictable Winter Precipitation

The county sees 12.3 inches of annual snowfall during the winter months. Although temperature data is unavailable, this snowfall suggests typical mid-Atlantic winter conditions.

Prepare for Rain and Light Snow

Residents should focus on home drainage systems to handle the 45 inches of annual rain. Basic snow removal tools are sufficient for the moderate 12.3-inch winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buckingham County

via SoilByCounty

Buckingham's acidic soil profile

The county's soil features an average pH of 5.31, which is slightly higher than the Virginia state average of 5.23. While it beats the state mark, it remains significantly more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5.

A sandy, workable mix

With 50.5% sand and 32.1% silt, this soil offers easy workability for local farmers. The relatively low clay content of 15.4% suggests good initial drainage but limited long-term nutrient storage.

Bridging the fertility gap

The soil's organic matter stands at 1.47%, trailing both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.90%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in aligns perfectly with state benchmarks for crop resilience.

Drainage data and hydrology

Current datasets do not specify a dominant drainage class or taxonomic order for this specific region. Landowners should perform site-specific perk tests before starting major construction or complex irrigation projects.

Growing in Zone 7a

Buckingham sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, a region where cool-weather greens and summer staples like squash thrive. Gardeners should consider adding lime to balance the acidity and boost vegetable yields.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buckingham County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Buckingham

Buckingham County earns a lawn difficulty score of 45.3, making it notably tougher to maintain than the Virginia average of 55.4. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 7a face more uphill battles than the typical American property, which sits at a national median of 50.0.

Standard Rainfall with Seasonal Gaps

The county receives 45.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is just slightly below the state average of 46.0 inches. While this falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range for turfgrass, limited data on heat days suggests growers should monitor local temperature spikes carefully.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

With a soil pH of 5.31, Buckingham's ground is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range that lawns prefer. The soil composition is 50.5% sand, meaning water drains quickly and likely requires frequent nutrient supplementation.

Navigating Severe Local Drought

Lawns here face intense stress, with 71.2% of the county currently experiencing severe drought conditions. After 29 weeks in drought over the past year, residents must prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems.

Top Grass Choices for Zone 7a

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are the most reliable performers for Buckingham's Hardiness Zone 7a climate. Aim to aerate and overseed during the early fall to take advantage of the remaining growing season before the first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buckingham County's county score?
Buckingham County, Virginia has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Buckingham County rank among counties in Virginia?
Buckingham County ranks #42 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 Buckingham County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Buckingham County is $874, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Buckingham County a tax score of 83.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buckingham County?
The median household income in Buckingham County, Virginia is $59,199 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buckingham County earns an income score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buckingham County, Virginia a good place to live?
Buckingham County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Buckingham 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 Buckingham 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.