Buckingham County's composite score of 76.9 places it significantly above the national median of 50.0, putting the county in the upper tier of livability across America. This 54% advantage over the national midpoint reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Above average for Virginia overall
Buckingham ranks above the Virginia state average composite score of 70.3, indicating it outperforms most peers in the Commonwealth on livability measures. The county's 76.9 score positions it as a solid performer within Virginia's county landscape.
3 / 5
Tax burden and affordability shine
The county excels with a tax score of 87.6 and a cost score of 82.6, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.521% and median home values of $167,800. Median rent runs just $874 monthly, making Buckingham accessible for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income growth lags, data gaps remain
The income score of 22.0 reflects a median household income of $59,199, below state and national averages, suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious families and retirees
Buckingham suits households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes, making it attractive to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking rural Virginia living. The strong tax and cost profile offers real financial relief, though prospective residents should research schools and services independently.
Buckingham County's composite score of 76.9 places it significantly above the national median of 50.0, putting the county in the upper tier of livability across America. This 54% advantage over the national midpoint reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
Above average for Virginia overall
Buckingham ranks above the Virginia state average composite score of 70.3, indicating it outperforms most peers in the Commonwealth on livability measures. The county's 76.9 score positions it as a solid performer within Virginia's county landscape.
Tax burden and affordability shine
The county excels with a tax score of 87.6 and a cost score of 82.6, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.521% and median home values of $167,800. Median rent runs just $874 monthly, making Buckingham accessible for budget-conscious households.
Income growth lags, data gaps remain
The income score of 22.0 reflects a median household income of $59,199, below state and national averages, suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured.
Ideal for cost-conscious families and retirees
Buckingham suits households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes, making it attractive to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking rural Virginia living. The strong tax and cost profile offers real financial relief, though prospective residents should research schools and services independently.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Buckingham's life expectancy trails national average
At 74.8 years, Buckingham residents live about 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, a rate slightly above the national median, signaling persistent health challenges across the county.
Ranking below Virginia's health standard
Buckingham's 74.8-year life expectancy falls just short of Virginia's 75.1-year average, placing it in the lower half of the state's health rankings. The county's 22.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds Virginia's typical burden, reflecting deeper underlying health disparities.
Health gaps versus surrounding counties
Buckingham lags behind neighboring Campbell County (76.5 years) and Caroline County (74.9 years) in life expectancy. Its uninsured rate of 10.3% is notably higher than both neighbors and the state average of 7.9%, limiting healthcare access for 1 in 10 residents.
Primary care shortage affects daily care
Buckingham has only 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below state and national benchmarks—making it harder for residents to access preventive care. The county does better on mental health support with 65 providers per 100,000, offering some relief for behavioral health needs.
Explore health coverage options now
With 10.3% of Buckingham residents uninsured, checking Virginia's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid eligibility could unlock access to care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find a plan that fits your family's needs and budget.
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.