countyscore
58.3
County Score
Cost of Living 87.9Property Tax 84.5Disaster Risk 82.7

County Report Card

About Charlotte County, Virginia

Outperforming the National Median Score

Charlotte County earns a 58.3 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This rural locality provides a quality of life that exceeds many urban and suburban counterparts.

A Strong Contender in Rural Virginia

Charlotte's 58.3 score is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands out as one of the best-valued rural counties in the southern part of the state.

Superior Affordability and Low Tax Burden

The county shines with a cost score of 87.9 and a tax score of 84.5. With median rent at $682 and an effective tax rate of 0.513%, it is one of the most wallet-friendly places in the region.

Economic Growth and Health Infrastructure

Income is a major challenge with a score of 12.4 and median earnings of $48,892. Health (31.7) and water (18.9) scores are also on the lower end, indicating a need for better local services.

Best for Value-Driven Rural Enthusiasts

Charlotte County is the ultimate destination for those looking to stretch their dollar as far as possible. It is perfect for those who prioritize low overhead and environmental safety over proximity to major job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax84.5Cost87.9Safety54.7Health31.7Schools39.5Income12.4Risk82.7Water18.9Weather65.1
🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.6
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

Prince Edward County
Virginia
56.6
Halifax County
Virginia
55.6
Appomattox County
Virginia
62.4
Lunenburg County
Virginia
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Campbell County
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Mecklenburg County
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Lynchburg city
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Buckingham County
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Deep Dives

Charlotte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Charlotte County

via TaxByCounty

Charlotte ranks among nation's cheapest

At 0.513%, Charlotte County's effective tax rate is one of the lowest in America, well below the national median of 0.83%. The median property tax of $739 is roughly 73% lower than the national median of $2,690.

One of Virginia's most affordable counties

Charlotte County's 0.513% rate ranks near the bottom of Virginia counties, significantly below the state average of 0.671%. Property tax burden here is among the lightest in the commonwealth.

Lowest taxes in the eight-county region

Charlotte's $739 median tax is the lowest among all profiled counties, with only Campbell County coming close at $913. The county's 0.513% rate offers exceptional tax savings for rural Virginia residents.

What your taxes look like here

On Charlotte's median home value of $144,000, you'd pay approximately $739 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $714, while those owning outright pay around $765.

Even rock-bottom taxes warrant checking

Charlotte County homeowners enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in Virginia, but assessment accuracy still matters. Verify your assessed value reflects true market value and appeal if you believe it's inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charlotte County

via CostByCounty

Charlotte offers exceptional affordability to low-income earners

Charlotte County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both Virginia's state average of 18.6% and national benchmarks, achieved with just $682 monthly rent on a median income of $48,892. The county makes housing accessible even for households earning significantly below national medians.

Virginia's best deal for working families

Charlotte ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, combining ultra-low rents of $682 with respectable affordability ratios that rival much wealthier peers. The county serves working and lower-income families exceptionally well.

Matches Carroll's low costs with modest homes

Charlotte's $682 rent nearly equals Carroll County's $687, while owner costs of $574 run slightly higher than Carroll's $470 but remain among the region's lowest. Both counties offer equally tight budgets, making them region-wide bargains.

Minimal housing expense opens household budget

Charlotte residents earning just $48,892 annually spend 16.7% on rent ($682) or 14.1% on owner costs ($574), leaving maximum room in tight budgets. Few Virginia counties offer such low absolute costs for working-class households.

Charlotte suits budget-conscious relocators

If you earn under $55,000 and prioritize maximum affordability, Charlotte County matches Carroll's rock-bottom costs at $144,000 median homes and $682 rents. Compare these ultra-affordable options to nearby Campbell County's higher but still reasonable prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charlotte County

via IncomeByCounty

Charlotte County significantly lags national income

Charlotte County's median household income of $48,892 is 35% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among America's lowest-income communities, facing structural economic challenges typical of rural, post-industrial regions.

Virginia's lowest-income county region

Charlotte County's $48,892 median ranks among the lowest in Virginia, trailing the state average of $74,957 by more than $26,000. The per capita income of $28,682 is the lowest among these eight counties, underscoring severe income concentration.

Lowest earner in its cluster

Charlotte County's $48,892 median is the lowest in central Virginia, well below Buckingham ($59,199), Campbell ($62,608), and all other peers listed. Only Buena Vista ($54,458) comes close regionally.

Housing affordability shields households

Charlotte County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is surprisingly healthy despite low incomes, reflecting very modest housing costs. The median home value of $144,000 is among the lowest in the state, allowing households to achieve homeownership relatively easily.

Focus on stability and opportunity

Charlotte County's low income requires disciplined financial management, but affordable housing provides a solid foundation. Prioritize emergency savings, explore workforce development programs and skills training, and connect with community development organizations offering financial coaching and asset-building support.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Charlotte County

via CrimeByCounty

National Context for Charlotte County

Charlotte County reports a total crime rate of 1029.1 per 100K, roughly 43% of the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.4 indicates a very secure environment for residents.

Leading in Commonwealth Safety

The county's safety score of 98.4 exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. This puts Charlotte County in the top tier of safe jurisdictions across the Commonwealth.

Safety Comparisons to Neighbors

At 1029.1 crimes per 100K, Charlotte County is significantly safer than the state average of 1728.8. It offers a peaceful alternative to neighboring counties with higher population densities.

Property and Violent Crime Data

The local property crime rate of 899.4 per 100K is less than half the national average. Violent crime is also rare, with only 129.7 incidents per 100K reported in the latest cycle.

Vigilance in a Rural County

Residents can help maintain these low numbers by participating in neighborhood watch programs and securing outbuildings. Simple precautions are effective in keeping Charlotte County's crime rate near historic lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Charlotte County

via HealthByCounty

Charlotte faces severe life expectancy deficit

At 71.7 years, Charlotte residents live roughly 7.6 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years—among Virginia's lowest life expectancies. With 23.3% reporting poor or fair health, Charlotte faces one of the highest wellness burdens in the state, demanding urgent intervention.

Among Virginia's poorest health outcomes

Charlotte's 71.7-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Virginia counties, falling 3.4 years short of the state average of 75.1 years. Its 23.3% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst, reflecting concentrated and serious health challenges.

Significantly lagging surrounding county health

Charlotte's 71.7-year life expectancy trails Campbell (76.5 years) by almost 5 years and Buckingham (74.8 years) by over 3 years. While its 8.5% uninsured rate is near the state average, the county's provider shortage compounds healthcare access barriers.

Surprisingly strong mental health, weak primary care

Charlotte offers 79 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—above many neighboring counties—yet provides only 52 primary care providers per 100,000. This imbalance means residents may struggle to access routine preventive care despite adequate behavioral health support.

Prioritize coverage and preventive care now

Charlotte residents need continuous insurance access to prevent health crises and improve outcomes through preventive care. Check healthcare.gov immediately to explore coverage options, and partner with a healthcare provider to establish routine care before problems escalate.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Charlotte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Charlotte County’s Public School Network

Charlotte County maintains 6 public schools that serve a total of 1,668 students across the region. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, plus a specialized governor's school. Two districts cooperate to provide this variety of educational pathways.

Meeting National Standards for Graduation

The graduation rate in Charlotte County is 87.0%, exactly matching the national average. Local education is supported by a $7,257 per-pupil expenditure, which helps the county maintain a school score of 52.5. This score places the county in a competitive position relative to the national median of 50.0.

Traditional and Gifted Learning Districts

Charlotte County Public Schools is the primary district, managing 5 schools and all 1,668 students. The county also hosts the Governor's School of Southside Virginia, which provides advanced opportunities for local students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

Uniformly Rural and Community-Focused

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, emphasizing the region's agricultural and open-space character. Randolph-Henry High is the largest institution with 478 students, while the smallest elementary school serves 169. With an average size of 334 students, these schools act as vital hubs for rural family life.

Find Your Peace in Charlotte County

If you are looking for a home in a region where schools meet national benchmarks and offer rural charm, Charlotte County is a strong candidate. The presence of a Governor's school adds value for families seeking advanced academic tracks. Explore properties near the Eureka or Phenix communities to stay close to these local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charlotte County

via RiskByCounty

Charlotte's risk sits below national average

Charlotte County's composite risk score of 17.37 and Very Low rating reflect below-average natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county's manageable hazard profile spans multiple threat types with no single dominant concern dominating the risk landscape.

Among Virginia's lowest-risk counties

Charlotte County's composite score of 17.37 falls substantially below Virginia's state average of 33.27, positioning it among the commonwealth's safer jurisdictions. The county benefits from a geographic position that moderates exposure to most major natural disaster categories.

Safer than most peer counties nearby

Charlotte County's risk score of 17.37 compares favorably to Campbell County (32.00) and Caroline County (20.71), though it trails the safety of Charles City County (9.32). Its low wildfire risk at 11.32 stands out as notably lower than other regional peers.

Hurricane and earthquake top concern list

Charlotte County faces its highest exposure through hurricanes at 74.09 and earthquakes at 45.74, with flooding at 19.82 and tornadoes at 17.78 presenting minimal concern. Wildfire risk at 11.32 represents one of the county's strongest protective factors.

Standard insurance typically adequate here

Homeowners should maintain robust standard insurance to address hurricane and wind damage, given the county's 74.09 hurricane exposure. Flood insurance remains prudent for properties near streams, and consider supplemental earthquake coverage as a low-cost option in this otherwise low-risk community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Charlotte County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm pocket in the Mid-Atlantic

Charlotte County maintains an average annual temperature of 57.3°F, well above the national median. This climate supports a long outdoor season with limited winter interference.

Among Virginia's warmer inland counties

The county's 57.3°F average is 1.4 degrees warmer than the Virginia state average. It receives 45.2 inches of precipitation, placing it right in line with the statewide norm of 45.7 inches.

Warmer than its western neighbors

Charlotte County is roughly a full degree warmer on average than Campbell County to the west. While it shares similar rainfall, it experiences significantly less snowfall than many nearby inland areas.

Extended heat with light snow

Summers are intense with 34 days of extreme heat and a July average of 77.5°F. Snowfall is relatively light at just 6.1 inches annually, and winters stay mild with a 39.1°F average.

Prioritize heat relief and light winterwear

Plan for frequent 90-degree days by ensuring outdoor workspaces have ample shade. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed given the low 6.1-inch annual snowfall total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Charlotte County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly acidic Piedmont soils

Charlotte County's soil pH of 5.43 is one of the highest in the region, beating the state average of 5.23. However, it still requires amendments to reach the national median pH of 6.5 preferred by many garden plants.

Gritty and clay-rich

The soil is comprised of 54.8% sand and a notable 16.8% clay. This relatively high clay percentage helps the soil hold onto nutrients and minerals better than many of the sandier coastal counties.

Low organic matter challenges

With only 1.26% organic matter, Charlotte County trails the state average of 2.90% significantly. This results in a water capacity of 0.138 in/in, suggesting that adding compost is vital for healthy plant growth.

Moderate water capacity

No dominant drainage class is officially recorded for the county. The clay content suggests a moderate hydrologic response, meaning the ground will hold moisture but may drain slowly after heavy storms.

Productive Zone 7b summers

The 7b hardiness zone provides ample heat for corn and beans. Improve your 1.26% organic matter with mulch and organic fertilizer, and you will see your garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Charlotte County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Virginia Lawn Care Conditions

Charlotte County’s lawn difficulty score of 53.6 is very close to the state average of 55.4. Gardeners in this Zone 7b region can expect a familiar mix of Southern humidity and typical maintenance requirements.

Abundant Sunshine and Steady Rain

The county experiences 34 extreme heat days, requiring turf that can stand up to the sun. Fortunately, 45.2 inches of annual precipitation provides the water needed to fuel 4,113 growing degree days.

Treating Naturally Acidic Soil

The soil pH of 5.43 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning most lawns will benefit from a lime application. The soil texture is a balanced mix with 54.8% sand and 16.8% clay, which generally offers decent drainage.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

A staggering 97.2% of Charlotte County is currently in severe drought, posing a major risk to lawn health. With 27 weeks of drought recorded this year, water conservation is no longer optional for local homeowners.

Growing Success in Charlotte County

Planting should ideally happen after the last frost on April 10 to take advantage of the long growing season. Tall fescue is a local favorite, but heat-hardy warm-season grasses are better equipped for the 34 days of 90-degree weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charlotte County's county score?
Charlotte County, Virginia has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Charlotte County rank among counties in Virginia?
Charlotte County ranks #28 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 Charlotte County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Charlotte County is $739, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Charlotte County a tax score of 84.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Charlotte County?
The median household income in Charlotte County, Virginia is $48,892 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Charlotte County earns an income score of 12.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Charlotte County, Virginia a good place to live?
Charlotte County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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.