countyscore
63.4
County Score
Cost of Living 92.3Water Quality 86Property Tax 74.9

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Virginia

A National Leader in Livability

Carroll County boasts an impressive composite score of 63.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it among the more desirable rural counties in the United States.

Top-Tier Performance within Virginia

Exceeding the state average of 50.9 by a wide margin, Carroll's 63.4 score makes it a standout performer in the Commonwealth. It offers a combination of affordability and resource quality that few neighbors can match.

Elite Affordability and Pristine Water

Carroll County dominates in cost of living with a 92.3 score, featuring a median gross rent of only $687. It also provides excellent water quality (86.0 score) and a strong tax score of 74.9.

Low Local Incomes and Health Access

The county faces an income score of 19.8, with median household earnings sitting at $52,575. Health scores are also modest at 41.6, reflecting limited access to specialty medical services.

A Paradise for Remote Workers and Retirees

Carroll County is a premier choice for those who bring their own income or are living on a fixed pension. The combination of ultra-low costs, low taxes, and clean water makes it a high-quality, high-value destination.

Score breakdown

Tax74.9Cost92.3Safety55.2Health41.6Schools56.6Income19.8Risk54.9Water86Weather71.7
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30
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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Nearby counties

Galax city
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41.7
Grayson County
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65.7
Surry County
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50.3
Wythe County
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Alleghany County
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Patrick County
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Pulaski County
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Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll's tax rate below national median

At 0.597%, Carroll County's effective tax rate is lower than the national median of 0.83%. The median property tax of $861 is roughly 68% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Moderate taxes for Virginia standards

Carroll County's 0.597% rate is slightly lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Virginia counties. Homeowners pay modestly less than the typical state average.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Carroll's $861 median tax is among the lowest in the profiled region, rivaling Charlotte County ($739) and Campbell County ($913). The county offers affordable property taxes on lower-valued homes.

What your taxes look like here

On Carroll's median home value of $144,200, you'd pay approximately $861 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $979, while those owning outright pay around $804.

Small assessments still deserve scrutiny

Even on modest home values, Carroll County homeowners should verify their assessments match market reality. Filing an appeal can help ensure you're not paying taxes on an inflated property value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County offers America's cheapest housing

Carroll County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's lowest, powered by $687 monthly rents and $470 owner costs. At these prices, even households earning below the national median find housing highly affordable.

Virginia's most affordable rental market

Carroll County claims Virginia's lowest median rent at $687 monthly—40% below the state median of $1,140—while maintaining a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio better than the state average. The county stands alone as Virginia's housing bargain.

Half the rent of most neighbors

Carroll's $687 rent costs 21% less than Charlotte ($682) and dramatically undercuts Buckingham ($874), Campbell ($853), and Buena Vista ($1,067). Only Charlotte approaches Carroll's ultra-low pricing in the region.

Housing expenses shrink to bare minimum

Carroll County renters allocate just 15.7% of their $52,575 income to $687 monthly rent, while owner-occupants spend 10.7% on $470 mortgage payments. Few American counties offer such low absolute costs and low affordability burdens combined.

Carroll County is the ultimate budget choice

If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Carroll County delivers unmatched affordability with $144,200 median homes and $687 rents available nowhere else in Virginia. Compare its ultra-low prices to Charlotte County's similar but slightly higher costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County significantly below national income

Carroll County's median household income of $52,575 falls 30% short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among the lowest-income communities in America, reflecting limited job diversity and rural economic constraints.

Among Virginia's lowest earners

Carroll County's $52,575 median is more than $22,000 below Virginia's average of $74,957, placing it among the state's most economically challenged regions. The per capita income of $29,946 trails Virginia's $39,155 by 23%.

Second-lowest in southwest Virginia cluster

Carroll County's $52,575 median exceeds only Charlotte County ($48,892) in its region. Buckingham County ($59,199) earns notably more, highlighting economic disparities across southwest Virginia.

Affordable housing provides stability

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% is among the lowest in Virginia, reflecting affordable rental and homeownership costs. The median home value of $144,200 is highly accessible, allowing households to build equity despite modest incomes.

Start small, think long-term

Low housing costs offer Carroll County households a foundation for financial stability; use this advantage to build savings gradually. Explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources, take advantage of any employer retirement benefits, and consider asset-building programs designed for lower-income communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County National Comparison

Carroll County shows a total crime rate of 1023.2 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 98.4.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

Carroll County's safety score of 98.4 is notably higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Local law enforcement data from three agencies confirms a high level of public safety.

Safe in Southwest Virginia

Compared to the Virginia state average of 1728.8, Carroll's rate of 1023.2 per 100K stands out as very low. It maintains a more secure profile than many of its rural neighbors in the Southwest region.

Property and Violent Incidents

Property crime sits at 892.7 per 100K, roughly 44% of the national average. Violent crime is also infrequent, occurring at a rate of 130.5 per 100K in 2022.

Keep Your Household Secure

While crime is infrequent, basic home security remains a smart investment for every household. Locking doors and installing cameras help keep Carroll County's crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll's life expectancy lags U.S. standard

At 74.5 years, Carroll residents live about 4.8 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years, reflecting significant health challenges in the county. Nearly 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health, placing Carroll's wellness burden above many national comparisons.

Below Virginia's average health outcomes

Carroll's 74.5-year life expectancy falls below Virginia's 75.1-year average, positioning the county in the lower half of state health rankings. Its 20.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state benchmark, indicating concentrated health disparities in the community.

Mixed performance against nearby counties

Carroll County's 74.5-year life expectancy trails Campbell (76.5 years) by 2 years but slightly exceeds Buckingham (74.8 years). However, its 9.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.9%, leaving roughly 1 in 10 residents without coverage.

Exceptional primary care capacity stands out

Carroll County's 93 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding state and national averages—ensures robust preventive care access. Mental health support is also solid at 58 providers per 100,000, offering reasonably comprehensive behavioral health services despite overall health disparities.

Use strong care network with insurance

Carroll's abundant primary care providers are most valuable when residents have insurance to access them. Check your coverage today at healthcare.gov, and if uninsured, explore Virginia's options to connect with Carroll's strong healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Network in Carroll County

Carroll County provides 12 public schools to its 3,505 students, featuring seven elementary schools and a variety of specialized centers. The landscape includes one high school and one middle school supported by two separate school districts. This system ensures that even remote parts of the county have access to primary education.

Leading the Way in Academic Results

The county boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national benchmarks by a wide margin. Its per-pupil expenditure of $7,279 is closer to the state average than many neighbors, helping drive a strong school score of 55.2. This performance places Carroll County schools above the Virginia state average of 54.8.

Carroll County Public Schools at the Core

The primary district, Carroll County Public Schools, manages 11 campuses and serves the entire 3,505-student population. No charter schools operate within the county, though a second district provides alternative education programming via the RAE Center. The district’s focus remains on providing comprehensive services across a large geographic area.

A Fully Rural Academic Experience

All 12 schools in Carroll County are classified as rural, offering a consistent environment for every student. Carroll County High is the largest facility with 1,069 students, while elementary schools like Gladeville maintain smaller sizes around 267 students. This creates a transition from small, intimate primary years to a larger, diverse high school experience.

Invest in a County with Top-Tier Schools

High graduation rates and a well-regarded school system make Carroll County a premier choice for families. If you value a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, this is an ideal location to plant roots. Explore homes near Hillsville or Gladeville to take advantage of these local educational assets.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll faces above-average national risk

Carroll County's composite risk score of 45.13 and Relatively Low rating indicate above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties. The county's elevated wildfire and flood risks distinguish it as more hazard-prone than many American communities.

Higher risk than most Virginia counties

Carroll County's composite score of 45.13 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's higher-risk jurisdictions. The county's wildfire exposure at 55.88 ranks among the highest in Virginia, reflecting its mountain terrain and forestry.

Riskiest among nearby western counties

Carroll County's score of 45.13 significantly exceeds neighboring Buckingham County (18.96), Charlotte County (17.37), and Charles City County (9.32). Its 55.88 wildfire risk notably surpasses all regional peers, reflecting the county's higher elevation and forest coverage.

Wildfire dominates Carroll's hazard profile

Carroll County faces exceptional wildfire risk at 55.88, substantially above state and national averages, alongside notable flood exposure at 42.65. Hurricane (61.28) and earthquake (47.49) risks complement the county's concentrated wildfire vulnerability in a relatively rare high-risk profile for Virginia.

Wildfire preparation is critical priority

Residents should create and maintain defensible space around homes—clearing dead vegetation, trimming overhanging branches, and using fire-resistant landscaping materials. Supplement standard homeowners insurance with flood coverage for stream-adjacent properties, and develop a family evacuation plan given the county's elevated wildfire risk at 55.88.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent acidic soil baseline

Carroll County maintains a pH of 5.25, which mirrors the Virginia state average of 5.23. Like much of the state, it is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced and versatile mix

The soil composition is a balanced 46.5% sand and 37.6% silt, providing a sturdy structure for roots. With 16.0% clay, this mix retains moisture better than sandier neighbors while remaining workable for home gardeners.

Superior water retention

The organic matter content is 2.15%, beating the national average of 2.0%. This supports an available water capacity of 0.156 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.143, offering excellent drought resistance.

Stable hydrologic properties

The specific drainage class and taxonomic order are not defined in the current survey. However, the higher water capacity suggests these soils hold moisture effectively without becoming immediately saturated.

Abundance in Zone 7a

Carroll's 7a hardiness zone is ideal for apple orchards and berries. The high water capacity of your soil makes this an excellent place to start a high-yield fruit or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climb for Carroll Lawns

Carroll County presents a difficult environment with a lawn score of just 30.0, the lowest in this group. Maintaining a lush yard here is significantly harder than the national average, requiring extra attention to local conditions.

Managing Unpredictable Mountain Weather

While specific local temperature data is unavailable, the Hardiness Zone 7a classification suggests a shorter window for warm-season growth. Homeowners should focus on monitoring soil moisture closely since rainfall totals can vary across the county's terrain.

Amending Acidic Mountain Soils

A soil pH of 5.25 indicates highly acidic conditions that can lock away essential nutrients from grass roots. The soil contains 46.5% sand and 16.0% clay, a mix that often requires organic compost to improve water retention.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Carroll County has spent 27 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Vigilant watering during these periods is the only way to prevent permanent damage to sensitive turfgrass.

Starting Your Carroll County Lawn

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are best suited for the 7a climate found here. Because of the lower difficulty score, starting with high-quality sod may be more successful than traditional seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Virginia has a composite county score of 63.4 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Virginia?
Carroll County ranks #13 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 Carroll County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $861, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 74.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Virginia is $52,575 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Virginia a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 63.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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