47.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.5Property Tax 79.4Disaster Risk 79.3

County Report Card

About Caroline County, Virginia

Close Contention with National Averages

Caroline County earns a composite score of 47.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While incomes are high, other cost factors prevent it from breaking into the top tier.

Trailing the Commonwealth Average Score

At 47.9, the county sits below the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it maintains high earning potential, the local cost of living and infrastructure scores temper its overall ranking.

High Earning Potential and Low Taxes

The county shines with an income score of 89.5, driven by a median household income of $86,267. This financial strength is bolstered by a tax score of 79.4, thanks to an effective tax rate of 0.560%.

Expensive Housing and Aging Infrastructure

Housing affordability is a major challenge with a cost score of 12.9 and median home values at $283,100. Water infrastructure also ranks low at 17.0, and school performance sits at 33.3.

Best for High-Earning Professional Commuters

Caroline County is ideal for high-income professionals who want low property taxes and don't mind a higher cost of entry for housing. It serves as a strong home base for those who can leverage its high earning potential.

Score breakdown

Tax79.4Cost12.9Safety51.6Health53.5Schools33.3Income89.5Risk79.3Water17Weather63.8
🏛79.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠12.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼89.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡51.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓33.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
79.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧17
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨24.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱54.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Caroline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caroline County

via TaxByCounty

Caroline's taxes track with national norms

At 0.560%, Caroline County's effective tax rate is below the national median of 0.83%. The median property tax of $1,585 is roughly 41% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Below Virginia's average tax burden

Caroline County's 0.560% rate is lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Virginia counties. Homeowners here pay less than the typical state resident.

Higher taxes reflect higher home values

Caroline's $1,585 median tax is notably higher than Buckingham ($874) and Campbell ($913), primarily because its median home value of $283,100 rivals the national median. The county's rate of 0.560% remains competitive despite these higher values.

What your taxes look like here

On Caroline's median home value of $283,100, you'd pay approximately $1,585 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,694, while those owning outright pay around $1,316.

Higher values warrant careful assessment review

With higher home values in Caroline County, assessment accuracy becomes particularly important to your tax bill. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales in their area and appeal if overassessed.

Cost of Living in Caroline County

via CostByCounty

Caroline's affluence supports higher home costs

Caroline County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio remains below Virginia's 18.6% state average, anchored by the state's highest median household income of $86,267. The county's wealth enables residents to absorb median home values of $283,100—well above national norms.

Virginia's wealthiest county, affordable too

Caroline ranks among Virginia's top earners with incomes $12,000 above the state average, yet maintains a respectable 16.7% rent-to-income ratio. The county balances premium housing prices with premium paychecks.

Premium pricing reflects premium incomes

Caroline's $1,201 rent and $1,425 owner costs far exceed those in neighboring Buckingham ($874 rent, $661 owners) and Campbell ($853 rent, $779 owners), but median income here also exceeds both by $24,000 or more. The county represents an entirely different economic tier.

High income absorbs premium housing costs

Caroline residents earning $86,267 annually spend 16.7% on rent ($1,201) or 19.8% on owner costs ($1,425), leaving substantial room for savings despite prices others might find unaffordable. The county's wealth makes its premium housing costs manageable.

Caroline suits high-income relocating professionals

Consider Caroline County if your household income matches or exceeds $86,000, where $283,100 median home values and $1,201 rents feel proportional to earnings. Compare to more modest Campbell or Buckingham if your income is lower.

Income & Jobs in Caroline County

via IncomeByCounty

Caroline County outearns the nation

Caroline County's median household income of $86,267 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 15%. The county ranks among higher-income communities nationwide, driven by proximity to Richmond's employment and a strong commercial corridor.

Above Virginia's average, strong performer

At $86,267, Caroline County earns $11,000 more than Virginia's median of $74,957, placing it in the upper tier of the state's counties. The per capita income of $38,847 approaches the state average of $39,155, suggesting relatively even income distribution.

Regional income leader

Caroline County's $86,267 median significantly outpaces all neighboring counties: Buckingham ($59,199), Campbell ($62,608), and Charles City ($70,339). It ranks as the clear economic leader in this central Virginia cluster.

Higher costs offset strong incomes

Caroline County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% remains manageable, though the median home value of $283,100 reflects appreciation tied to its economic strength. Higher incomes effectively cover the higher property costs characteristic of growing suburban areas.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities now

Caroline County's above-average income positions households well for aggressive savings and investment. Maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and consider real estate or small business opportunities to continue building intergenerational wealth.

Safety in Caroline County

via CrimeByCounty

Low Crime Rates in Caroline

Caroline County maintains a total crime rate of 1087.2 per 100K, less than half the national figure of 2,385.5. This low activity level earns the county a high safety score of 98.3.

Caroline County Above State Average

Caroline's safety score of 98.3 beats the Virginia average of 97.3. This ranking highlights the county's relative security compared to more densely populated areas in the Commonwealth.

Comparing Regional Safety Levels

The county's crime rate of 1087.2 per 100K is much lower than the state average of 1728.8. It serves as a quieter corridor between the Richmond and Fredericksburg metropolitan regions.

Crime Type and Frequency

The violent crime rate of 234.1 per 100K is slightly above the state average but remains lower than the national 369.8. Property crime is very low at 853.1 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 2,015.7.

Securing Homes in Caroline

High-visibility security measures like motion-sensor lights can further discourage property-related incidents. Keeping homes secure helps maintain the peace in this historically safe community.

Health in Caroline County

via HealthByCounty

Caroline's life expectancy approaches national average

Caroline residents live to 74.9 years on average, about 4.4 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health, Caroline performs near national medians, suggesting moderate health challenges shared with many U.S. communities.

In line with Virginia's health profile

Caroline County's 74.9-year life expectancy sits just below Virginia's 75.1-year average, placing it near the state median. The county's 18.6% poor/fair health rate matches the state's best-performing counties, signaling reasonable health management.

Similar health outcomes to nearby counties

Caroline's 74.9-year life expectancy closely mirrors Buckingham (74.8 years) and trails only Campbell (76.5 years) among close neighbors. Its 8.0% uninsured rate essentially matches the state average of 7.9%, providing healthcare access comparable to surrounding areas.

Limited primary care, modest mental health support

Caroline County has just 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region—making preventive care access challenging. Mental health support is more available at 46 providers per 100,000, though gaps remain for comprehensive behavioral care.

Secure coverage to improve access

With limited primary care availability, ensuring continuous health insurance coverage becomes even more critical for Caroline residents. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find affordable plans that help you reach the care you need.

Schools in Caroline County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education Across Caroline County

Caroline County operates five public schools that serve a total student body of 4,337. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single district. This concentrated setup allows for large, centralized campuses that serve the entire county population.

Stable Performance and Growing Outcomes

The county reports an 88.0% graduation rate, placing it just above the national average of 87.0% and slightly below the state's 89.0%. Spending remains modest at $6,580 per pupil compared to the state average of $7,941. With a composite school score of 51.6, the county performs better than the national median of 50.0.

A Single District Serving All Students

Caroline County Public Schools manages the entire local education landscape with no charter school competition. The district serves 4,337 students, focusing heavily on a traditional K-12 pathway. Caroline High School stands as the largest single institution, housing over 1,200 students on its campus.

Rural Roots with Large Campus Sizes

While four of the five schools are in rural settings, they maintain a high average enrollment of 867 students per school. Caroline High leads the county with 1,251 students, while Madison Elementary provides a more mid-sized experience with 466 students. This structure combines the feel of a rural community with the resources of a large-scale school environment.

Find Your Home in a Country Setting

Prospective residents often choose Caroline County for its rural charm and centralized school system. Proximity to the county's core schools is a major factor for local home buyers seeking a balance of space and community. Look for properties that offer easy access to the main education corridor for a convenient daily commute.

Disaster Risk in Caroline County

via RiskByCounty

Caroline's risk sits below national average

Caroline County's composite risk score of 20.71 and Very Low rating reflect below-average natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties. The county's diversified hazard profile shows notable hurricane exposure balanced by lower flood and wildfire concerns.

Among Virginia's safer communities

Caroline County's composite score of 20.71 falls well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, positioning it among the commonwealth's more protected jurisdictions. The county benefits from geography that limits some hazards while retaining moderate exposure to others.

Less risky than most surrounding areas

Caroline County's risk score of 20.71 compares favorably to Campbell County (32.00) and Charlottesville city (24.33) but closely mirrors Charlotte County (17.37). The county's tornado exposure at 30.25 stands out as its most notable hazard concentration among local peers.

Hurricanes and tornadoes top Caroline's list

Caroline County faces its highest risks through hurricane exposure at 78.97 and tornado risk at 30.25, with flooding at 26.78 representing a secondary concern. Earthquake (59.92) and wildfire (19.43) risks remain relatively contained within the county's overall low-risk profile.

Hurricane preparation and flood coverage essential

Homeowners should prepare for hurricane season with secured shutters, roof inspections, and tree trimming, given the county's 78.97 hurricane exposure score. Obtain flood insurance if in any flood zone, and maintain standard homeowners coverage to address tornado and wind damage risks.

Weather & Climate in Caroline County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate climate above the national median

Caroline County averages 56.6°F annually, making it notably warmer than the typical U.0053. county. The region enjoys a balanced climate with distinct seasonal transitions.

Matching the heart of Virginia weather

At 56.6°F, the county sits roughly 0.7 degrees above the Virginia state average. Its annual precipitation of 44.8 inches almost perfectly mirrors the state average of 45.7 inches.

Warmer than Northern Virginia neighbors

Caroline County's 56.6°F average is significantly warmer than Culpeper County to the northwest, which averages 54.2°F. This creates a longer growing season for local agriculture compared to its northern peers.

Thirty-two days of intense summer heat

July temperatures average 77.1°F, contributing to 32 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. Winters are chilly but manageable, featuring 11.5 inches of snow and a January average of 35.7°F.

Invest in cooling and moisture control

Residents need robust air conditioning to navigate over a month of 90-degree days. With 44.8 inches of rain, ensure gutters are clear to handle the consistent year-round precipitation.

Soil Quality in Caroline County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic sandy profiles

The soil in Caroline County has an average pH of 5.29, sitting just above the state average of 5.23. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful management for pH-sensitive plants.

Dominated by sand and silt

At 63.5% sand, these soils are the sandiest in the region, promoting rapid drainage and easy tilling. However, the low 11.0% clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto essential fertilizers during heavy rains.

Healthy organic levels

Organic matter content is 2.32%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0%. While better than many neighbors, it still falls short of the Virginia state average of 2.90%, limiting the available water capacity to 0.117 in/in.

Rapid drainage and hydrology

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content implies a very well-drained landscape. This makes the soil excellent for building foundations but may require more frequent irrigation for thirsty crops.

Zone 7b gardening success

The warm 7b climate allows for a variety of perennial herbs and long-season fruits. Take advantage of the sandy texture by planting root vegetables like carrots and parsnips that can expand easily in loose soil.

Lawn Care in Caroline County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Caroline County

Caroline County holds a lawn difficulty score of 54.2, placing it almost exactly on par with the state average. Property owners in Hardiness Zone 7b deal with typical Virginia challenges but enjoy a slight advantage over the national median score of 50.0.

Hot Summers and Ample Rainfall

Lawns must endure 32 extreme heat days each year, which is higher than the Virginia average of 28. Fortunately, 44.8 inches of annual rain helps cool the turf and supports a robust 4,018 growing degree days.

Navigating Sandy, Acidic Ground

The soil is notably sandy at 63.5%, which provides excellent drainage but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. With a pH of 5.29, most lawns in the county will require lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Resilience During Dry Stretches

While 100.0% of the area is abnormally dry, the county currently avoids severe drought levels. Residents have managed 26 weeks of drought over the past year, making water-smart landscaping a vital skill for local homeowners.

Planting Success in Zone 7b

Transition-zone grasses like tall fescue are popular here, though heat-loving varieties also perform well. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 14 to maximize the long growing season that lasts until late October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caroline County's county score?
Caroline County, Virginia has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Caroline County rank among counties in Virginia?
Caroline County ranks #89 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 Caroline County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Caroline County is $1,585, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Caroline County a tax score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caroline County?
The median household income in Caroline County, Virginia is $86,267 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caroline County earns an income score of 89.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caroline County, Virginia a good place to live?
Caroline County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Caroline 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 Caroline County with other counties side by side.