CountyScore

Clarke County

Virginia · VA

#49 in Virginia
72.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Virginia

Clarke ranks in nation's top tier

Clarke County's 68.7 composite score beats the national median of 50.0 by 37%, placing it among the most livable counties nationally. The county's exceptional tax efficiency and income levels drive this strong national positioning.

Competitive with Virginia's best

Clarke's 68.7 score sits just below Virginia's state average of 70.3, nearly matching the state's typical performance and competing with the commonwealth's stronger communities. This near-parity shows Clarke performs at or near Virginia's benchmark.

Lowest taxes and highest incomes

Clarke County leads these eight counties with a tax score of 87.9 and an extraordinary effective tax rate of 0.512%, offering exceptional fiscal relief. Median household income of $114,185—the highest in this group—combines with moderate rent ($1,360/month) to create strong economic footing.

High housing values and data gaps

While relatively affordable for the region, Clarke's median home value of $538,900 remains steep for many buyers, and the cost score of 57.0 reflects this reality. Safety, health, and school data are unavailable, limiting the full picture of livability.

Perfect for wealthy, tax-efficient buyers

Clarke suits high-income families and retirees seeking the lowest tax burden and strong earning potential in a competitive Virginia market. The county delivers excellent national livability and near-peak Virginia performance for those who can afford premium home values.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.9Cost57SafetyComing SoonHealth75.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome57.9Risk93.1WaterComing Soon
🏛87.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.1
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 Clarke County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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72.5
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Benewah County
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72.5
Median income: $56,553
White County
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72.5
Median income: $66,143
Kossuth County
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72.5
Median income: $65,656

Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clarke County

via TaxByCounty

Clarke's low rate belies high home values

Clarke County's effective tax rate of 0.512% ranks among America's lowest, well below the national median of 0.72%. Yet median homes here command $538,900—nearly double the national median of $281,900—resulting in a middle-tier tax bill of $2,757.

Virginia's most tax-friendly county

Clarke County boasts Virginia's lowest effective tax rate at 0.512%, significantly undercutting the state average of 0.671%. This favorable rate means homeowners on expensive properties enjoy substantial tax savings compared to other state jurisdictions.

Rural Northern Virginia haven

Clarke County's 0.512% rate is far lower than surrounding suburban counties like Culpeper (0.548%) and state-wide peers, making it a tax haven for affluent rural homeowners. The median $2,757 tax bill reflects expensive historic and country properties in Virginia's wine country.

Modest taxes on premium properties

Clarke's median-valued home of $538,900 generates an annual property tax of approximately $2,757—a bargain given the property's worth. The low effective rate makes Clarke especially attractive for buyers seeking rural luxury at favorable tax rates.

Even low-tax counties see overassessments

Clarke County homeowners benefit from a favorable tax rate, but assessments can still miss the mark during market fluctuations. Challenging valuations—particularly after major property improvements or market downturns—remains worthwhile regardless of jurisdiction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarke County

via CostByCounty

Clarke County's rents are remarkably affordable for wealthy residents

At 14.3%, Clarke County boasts one of Virginia's lowest rent-to-income ratios, well below the national comfort threshold of 18.6%, leaving renters ample income for savings and other expenses. The county's median household income of $114,185 is 53% above the national average, creating substantial housing affordability cushion despite a $1,360 monthly rent.

Clarke County leads Virginia in housing affordability rankings

Clarke's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Virginia's 18.6% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties in the state—though with the caveat of exceptionally high incomes. This rare combination of low rent burden and high earnings makes Clarke an outlier among Virginia's housing markets.

Clarke offers luxury living with small-town affordability

Clarke's $1,360 rent is cheapest among comparable affluent counties (Culpeper at $1,417, Chesterfield at $1,542), yet its median home value of $538,900 is the region's highest. Clarke appears to attract wealthy residents willing to pay for property ownership while maintaining reasonable rental markets.

Owners carry premium costs; renters enjoy exceptional deals

Renters pay just $1,360 monthly while homeowners carry $1,743 in monthly costs, a $383 difference reflecting Clarke's expensive real estate market. At 14.3% of their $9,515 monthly income, renters spend only $1,362 on housing—among Virginia's best housing-income ratios.

Clarke County rewards well-earning relocators handsomely

If you're moving with a household income above $100K and seeking small-town Virginia character with exceptional affordability, Clarke County delivers—especially for renters willing to enjoy its Shenandoah Valley location. Aspiring homebuyers should understand that property values here ($539K median) demand substantial down payments despite affordable rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarke County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarke County: Virginia's wealthiest

Clarke County's median household income of $114,185 towers 53% above the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the richest counties in America. This substantial advantage reflects a highly educated, professional population concentrated in Northern Virginia.

Number one in Virginia by far

Clarke County's $114,185 median household income stands $39,228 ahead of Virginia's state average of $74,957 and leads all Virginia jurisdictions by a commanding margin. No other Virginia county comes close to Clarke's earning power.

Dramatically outpaces surrounding counties

Clarke County's $114,185 median income significantly exceeds Culpeper ($96,098), Chesterfield ($98,910), and Chesapeake ($94,189), establishing it as the clear economic powerhouse of Northern Virginia. Median home values of $538,900 reflect the county's elite status.

Exceptional affordability despite high home prices

Clarke County's rent-to-income ratio of just 14.3% is the lowest among Virginia counties, meaning residents spend minimal income on housing despite median home values of $538,900. The county's ultra-high incomes make even premium housing highly affordable.

Clarke's elite income enables serious investing

With per capita income of $54,763 and minimal housing cost burden, Clarke County households have substantial capacity for wealth accumulation. Focus on tax-efficient investment strategies, estate planning, and diversified portfolios to compound your considerable advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clarke County

via HealthByCounty

Clarke's life expectancy edges above state

At 77.3 years, Clarke County residents live 2.2 years longer than Virginia's state average, reflecting relatively good health outcomes overall. The county's 14.2% poor or fair health rate is slightly better than the state's typical health status, though provider access remains limited.

Clarke ranks among Virginia's healthier counties

Clarke County's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks above Virginia's 75.1-year average, and its 14.2% poor health rate beats the state norm. The county's 7.8% uninsured rate is nearly at the state average of 7.9%, indicating reasonably good health coverage across the community.

Health edge over rural peer counties

Clarke County's 77.3-year life expectancy surpasses Craig County (73.8 years) and Culpeper County (77.0 years), placing it solidly in the region's healthier tier. However, with only 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clarke faces significant provider shortages compared to larger urban counties.

Adequate coverage but thin primary care

Clarke's 7.8% uninsured rate is near the state average, so most residents have health insurance access. However, with just 34 primary care providers per 100,000 people and 91 mental health providers per 100,000, residents may face longer wait times or travel for routine care.

Review your health insurance for 2024

Nearly 8% of Clarke County residents lack health coverage, leaving families vulnerable to medical costs. Check healthcare.gov or your state marketplace during open enrollment to explore plans with lower premiums or out-of-pocket costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarke County

via RiskByCounty

Clarke County sits well below national average

With a composite risk score of 6.93, Clarke County ranks as very low risk and stands far below the national average. This favorable profile reflects its rural, piedmont location with minimal exposure to major hazards.

Among Virginia's safest communities

Clarke County's score of 6.93 represents one of the lowest in Virginia, drastically below the state average of 33.27. Only a handful of Virginia counties achieve comparable risk levels.

Comparable to other western piedmont areas

Clarke County's 6.93 score aligns closely with Craig County (6.23) and Colonial Heights (6.04) to the south and west. All three share rural, inland characteristics that minimize multi-hazard exposure.

Hurricane and earthquake risks remain modest

Clarke County's highest risks are hurricane (55.69) and earthquake (34.83), both moderate-to-low compared to state standards. Flood risk of 16.60 and tornado risk of 14.47 round out a generally low-hazard profile.

Standard coverage meets most needs here

Clarke County residents can typically rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized flood or earthquake riders. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, particularly if property sits near streams or springs.

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.