countyscore
63.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.1Disaster Risk 93.1Property Tax 84.6

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Virginia

Exceptional quality on a national scale

Clarke County earns a composite score of 63.6, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high score places it among the top tier of counties for overall livability in the United States.

Outpacing the Virginia average

With a score of 63.6, Clarke stands well above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a premier location in the Commonwealth by balancing wealth, safety, and high-performing schools.

Wealth, safety, and low taxes

The county excels with a near-perfect Income Score of 98.1 and a high Risk Score of 93.1, indicating both financial prosperity and environmental safety. A low effective tax rate of 0.512% further bolsters its high Tax Score of 84.6.

High home values and water concerns

Real estate is expensive here, with a Cost Score of 7.3 and home values reaching $538,900. Additionally, the Water Score of 5.8 indicates a significant need for infrastructure investment.

A sanctuary for affluent professionals

Clarke is a perfect match for high-income families seeking a safe, low-tax environment with excellent schools. It is a premium destination for those who prioritize security and financial efficiency over housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax84.6Cost7.3Safety78.3Health75.2Schools77.5Income98.1Risk93.1Water5.8Weather70.7
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57
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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Berkeley County
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Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Clarke County

via CrimeByCounty

Clarke County Among Nation's Safest

Clarke County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.2, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 517.4 per 100,000 people is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect one of the most secure environments in the country.

Outperforming the Commonwealth Average

While Virginia is generally safe with a 97.3 average score, Clarke County's 99.2 score places it in the top tier of counties. Its crime rate is nearly 70% lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Three agencies work together to maintain this impressive level of public safety.

Superior Safety Compared to Neighbors

Clarke County provides a stark contrast to nearby Culpeper County, which reports a crime rate of 1,071.5. At just 517.4 incidents per 100,000 people, Clarke is significantly quieter than its regional peers. This makes it a preferred destination for those prioritizing peace and security.

Record Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent here, with a rate of only 40.3 per 100,000 people compared to the national 369.8. Property crime accounts for most activity but still remains very low at 477.1 per 100,000. These figures suggest that most residents will rarely encounter serious crime.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Even in a county with a 99.2 safety score, basic home security remains a smart investment. Residents benefit from high levels of community vigilance and a low incident volume. Continue to support local neighborhood watch programs to keep Clarke County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Clarke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Scenic County

Clarke County maintains a focused educational landscape with just 4 public schools serving a total of 1,892 students. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, all managed within a single district.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Achievement

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 89.0% and the national average of 87.0%. This success is backed by a school score of 58.9 and a per-pupil expenditure of $7,771, which aligns closely with the Virginia average.

Clarke County Public Schools District Focus

Clarke County Public Schools serves the entire student population across its four locations, with no charter schools currently available. This traditional public school model ensures consistent standards and close-knit community ties for all 1,892 enrolled students.

Intimate Schools in Rural and Town Settings

Students attend schools in a mix of rural and town locales, where the average school size is a manageable 473 students. Clarke County High is the largest institution with 693 students, while Boyce Elementary provides a smaller environment with only 311 students.

High Performance in a Peaceful Setting

If you are searching for a home where academic success is the norm, Clarke County's exceptional graduation rates make it a top contender. Explore properties in this scenic area to give your children access to a high-performing, intimate school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Clarke County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Clarke County's average annual temperature of 52.7°F makes it cooler than most U.S. counties. This northern Virginia location benefits from milder summers and more pronounced winters.

Colder than the Virginia average

Clarke is over 3 degrees cooler than the state average of 55.9°F. However, it receives slightly more precipitation, with 46.4 inches compared to the state's 45.7 inches.

The cool corner of the region

At 52.7°F, Clarke is notably cooler than Culpeper County to the south. It also receives significantly more rainfall than Covington City, making it both cooler and wetter than many neighbors.

Mild summers with very little heat

The county enjoys remarkably mild summers with only 5 days reaching 90°F. Winters are much colder than the state average, with January temperatures dipping to 31.0°F.

Focus on heating and insulation

Prioritize home heating and insulation as winter averages stay below freezing. Cooling costs are typically low here, given the rare occurrence of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarke County

via SoilByCounty

Clarke County's Silty Soil Identity

At a pH of 5.22, Clarke County's soil is nearly identical to the state average but remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. The soil score of 25.8 reflects a more favorable growing environment than many of its neighbors.

Balanced Texture for Better Retention

A mix of 42.9% silt and 32.7% sand creates a soil that is smoother and better at holding nutrients than sandy coastal regions. The 18.7% clay content adds structure, helping the ground stay productive through varying weather.

Efficient Moisture for Valley Farming

The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in exceeds the Virginia state average of 0.143, indicating excellent drought resistance. However, organic matter remains low at 1.76%, which is below the 2.90% state benchmark.

Understanding Local Hydrology Patterns

Specific drainage classifications are not available, but the high silt concentration suggests moderate permeability. This composition typically supports stable foundations and effective agricultural drainage for valley farms.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone is perfect for cool-weather greens and hardy perennials. With its superior water capacity, Clarke County is an ideal place to establish a reliable home garden or orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarke County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing in Northern Virginia

Clarke County holds a lawn difficulty score of 57.0, slightly above the state average of 55.4. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, the region offers a classic transition zone environment for turf. This score suggests that while conditions are generally favorable, local weather patterns require consistent attention.

Moderate Temperatures, Reliable Rain

Clarke County enjoys a cooler climate with only 5 extreme heat days per year, far below the Virginia average of 28. Annual precipitation is healthy at 46.4 inches, providing a strong foundation for cool-season grasses. The 3,269 growing degree days suggest a manageable mowing pace compared to hotter southern counties.

Managing Heavier Silt and Clay

The soil in Clarke is more substantial, with only 32.7% sand and a higher clay content of 18.7%. The pH of 5.22 is acidic and will require amendments like pelletized lime to reach the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range. These heavier soils retain moisture well but can become compacted, making aeration a vital part of your maintenance routine.

Coping With Prolonged Dry Periods

The county has endured a significant 39 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. This prolonged water stress can be hard on turf despite the cooler temperatures. Mulching clippings back into the lawn helps retain what little soil moisture is available during these extended dry cycles.

Timing Your Clarke County Seeding

Tall fescue is the gold standard for Zone 7a and should be seeded in the fall or after the last frost on April 17. The first fall frost typically arrives by November 1, giving your grass a solid window to establish roots. Focus on deep watering during those frequent dry weeks to keep your lawn resilient.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarke County's county score?
Clarke County, Virginia has a composite county score of 63.6 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Virginia?
Clarke County ranks #12 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 Clarke County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Clarke County is $2,757, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 84.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Virginia is $114,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Virginia a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Clarke 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 Clarke County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.