Caroline County

Virginia · VA

#74 in Virginia
70.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Caroline County, Virginia

Caroline outperforms national baseline significantly

Caroline County's composite score of 69.8 runs 40% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating solid livability fundamentals. The county's income profile particularly distinguishes it from its peers on this Virginia list.

Slightly below Virginia average on balance

Caroline's score of 69.8 falls just short of Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it near the middle of the Commonwealth's livability hierarchy. The county performs competitively on cost and tax measures but faces income-related tradeoffs.

Strong incomes offset higher housing costs

Caroline posts the highest income score in this cohort at 39.7, backed by a median household income of $86,267. The tax score of 86.5 and effective rate of 0.560% provide tax relief that partially offset higher home values of $283,100.

Housing costs rise significantly for the area

The cost score of 64.8 is the lowest in this group, with median rent at $1,201 and median home values 41% above Buckingham County. Safety, health, school, and environmental metrics lack data, leaving important questions unanswered.

Suits affluent families seeking suburban Virginia access

Caroline County appeals to higher-income households willing to pay more for premium living but who value reasonable tax burdens. The county offers Virginia suburban convenience paired with meaningful household incomes, though prospective residents should verify school quality independently.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.5Cost64.8SafetyComing SoonHealth69.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.7Risk79.3WaterComing Soon
🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
79.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Caroline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.