CountyScore

Charlotte County

Virginia · VA

#16 in Virginia
74.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Charlotte County, Virginia

Charlotte ranks among America's most livable counties

Charlotte County's composite score of 78.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 57%, placing it in the nation's top livability tier. Exceptional housing affordability and low taxes drive this strong national performance.

Third-strongest performer in this Virginia cohort

Charlotte's score of 78.6 ranks third in this group behind Campbell and Carroll counties, and significantly outpaces Virginia's state average of 70.3. The county demonstrates outstanding livability relative to its Commonwealth peers.

Unmatched affordability and tax savings

Charlotte leads with a cost score of 87.5 and tax score of 87.8, the lowest effective tax rate at 0.513%, plus median rent of just $682 and home values of $144,000. The county offers the most aggressive affordability profile in this entire group.

Low incomes limit household financial capacity

The income score of 15.3 with median household income of $48,892 is the lowest in this cohort, constraining purchasing power despite low costs. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality leave critical livability questions unanswered.

Perfect for retirees and minimalist households

Charlotte County suits fixed-income retirees, digital nomads, and households prioritizing maximum affordability and tax relief over income opportunities. The county's exceptional cost profile makes rural Virginia living extraordinarily accessible, though residents should verify essential services and school quality independently.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.8Cost87.5SafetyComing SoonHealth62.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.3Risk82.7WaterComing Soon
🏛87.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Charlotte County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Brown County
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Median income: $72,644
Allen Parish
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74.9
Median income: $51,138
Pickett County
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Median income: $44,591

Deep Dives

Charlotte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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