CountyScore

Colonial Heights city

Virginia · VA

#79 in Virginia
70.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Colonial Heights city, Virginia

Colonial Heights exceeds national norms

Colonial Heights scores 67.6, surpassing the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it among above-average livable U.S. counties. Strong housing affordability and tax efficiency drive this solid national standing.

Just below Virginia's standard

Colonial Heights' 67.6 score sits modestly below Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it near the middle tier of Virginia communities. The city performs slightly below regional norms despite outperforming most U.S. peers.

Exceptional housing affordability

Colonial Heights shines with a cost score of 69.5—the highest among these eight counties—offering median rent of just $1,162/month and home values of $231,700. These figures make it the most accessible housing market in this group for budget-conscious buyers.

Lower incomes and incomplete data

The income score of 33.2 and median household income of $76,250 lag behind most peers, limiting purchasing power despite affordable housing. Critical information on safety, schools, and health remains unavailable for comprehensive assessment.

Best for budget-conscious newcomers

Colonial Heights suits first-time homebuyers, young families, and retirees on fixed incomes seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing national-level livability. The trade-off is lower average incomes, making it ideal for those prioritizing housing costs over earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.4Cost69.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.2Risk94WaterComing Soon
🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94
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 Colonial Heights city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Petersburg Borough
Alaska
70.3
Median income: $77,026
Trinity County
California
70.3
Median income: $53,498
Johnson County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $54,183
Pulaski County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $47,688
Webster County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $40,764

Deep Dives

Colonial Heights city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colonial Heights city

via TaxByCounty

Colonial Heights levies nation's steepest taxes

Colonial Heights' effective tax rate of 0.918% stands among the nation's highest, towering above the national median of 0.72%. The median property tax of $2,127 sits modestly above the national median of $2,690, a quirk reflecting Colonial Heights' smaller median homes worth $231,700.

Virginia's most aggressive tax rate

Colonial Heights leads all Virginia jurisdictions with a crushing effective tax rate of 0.918%, nearly 37% above the state average of 0.671%. The city's median tax of $2,127 ranks high statewide, despite lower-priced homes at $231,700.

Steep burden in the Petersburg region

Colonial Heights' 0.918% rate far outpaces neighbors like Chesterfield County (0.783%) and Covington (0.784%), making it by far the region's most expensive tax jurisdiction. The city's higher rate partly reflects its urban infrastructure demands and compact footprint.

Highest rates for modest-priced homes

A Colonial Heights homeowner with the median-valued home of $231,700 pays approximately $2,127 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay closer to $2,040, while owners without mortgages pay $2,246—a difference reflecting local assessment practices.

Appeal your assessment aggressively

Colonial Heights' steep rate makes assessment accuracy especially critical—even modest overvaluations compound yearly on this burden. Filing a reassessment appeal is free and could unlock meaningful savings given the city's aggressive tax environment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colonial Heights city

via CostByCounty

Colonial Heights hits national affordability sweet spot

At 18.3%, Colonial Heights' rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably near the national affordability standard, giving residents healthy income left for savings and other necessities. Though the city's median household income of $76,250 barely exceeds the national average of $74,755, the modest $1,162 monthly rent keeps housing costs proportional and manageable.

Colonial Heights edges out Virginia's housing affordability average

At 18.3%, Colonial Heights performs slightly better than Virginia's state average of 18.6%, making it one of the more affordable cities in the state. The city's $1,162 median rent also runs below Virginia's state median of $1,140—a rare combination of modest income and modest housing costs.

Colonial Heights offers working-class affordability near wealthy suburbs

Colonial Heights' $1,162 rent is the cheapest among comparable Virginia cities, significantly undercutting nearby Chesapeake ($1,523) and surrounding counties like Chesterfield ($1,542). For military families, retirees, and working-class households seeking Richmond-area access, Colonial Heights delivers exceptional value.

Renters and owners pay nearly identical amounts monthly

Colonial Heights renters pay $1,162 monthly while homeowners carry $1,165—nearly identical, suggesting a balanced market. At 18.3% of a typical $6,354 monthly household income, housing costs consume roughly $1,161, leaving approximately $5,200 for all other expenses.

Colonial Heights suits budget-conscious relocators seeking stability

If you're moving on a modest income ($76K range) and value working-class stability over trendy amenities, Colonial Heights delivers both affordability and military-community support structures. This city works especially well for empty-nesters, retirees, and first-time renters seeking maximum housing affordability in central Virginia.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colonial Heights city

via IncomeByCounty

Colonial Heights slightly above national average

Colonial Heights' median household income of $76,250 edges past the national median of $74,755 by just $1,495, placing the city near the U.S. middle. The city matches national income trends without significant advantage or disadvantage.

Moderate earners in Virginia context

Colonial Heights' $76,250 median household income sits just $1,293 above Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking it in the middle tier of Virginia jurisdictions. The city performs slightly better than Virginia's typical county.

Lower income than wealthier neighbors

Colonial Heights' $76,250 median income trails Chesapeake ($94,189), Culpeper ($96,098), and Chesterfield ($98,910) significantly, though it exceeds Craig ($67,778) and Cumberland ($57,057). Median home values of $231,700 reflect Colonial Heights' more modest market tier.

Solid affordability for modest incomes

Colonial Heights' rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% falls comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning households dedicate minimal income to housing costs. Median home values of $231,700 remain accessible to median earners.

Build steady wealth in Colonial Heights

With per capita income of $38,272 and low housing burden, Colonial Heights households can prioritize savings and modest investments. Focus on consistent retirement contributions, emergency funds, and incremental portfolio growth to strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Colonial Heights city

via HealthByCounty

Colonial Heights faces serious health gaps

At 71.8 years, Colonial Heights residents live 3.3 years below Virginia's state average—a significant health disadvantage with roots in socioeconomic factors and healthcare access. The city's 16.7% poor or fair health rate signals higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges than state peers.

Colonial Heights struggles against state average

Colonial Heights ranks among Virginia's least healthy jurisdictions, with 71.8-year life expectancy falling 3.3 years below the state average. At 7.0% uninsured, coverage rates are better than the state average, yet health outcomes remain poor—suggesting access to care alone doesn't solve deeper health disparities.

Trailing peer cities in life expectancy

Colonial Heights' 71.8-year life expectancy lags significantly behind Chesapeake (76.9 years) and faces similar challenges to Covington (69.1 years). The city does offer stronger provider access with 126 primary care providers and 256 mental health providers per 100,000, yet health outcomes remain poor.

Good provider access, complex health needs

Colonial Heights has strong provider availability with 126 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above many county peers—and 256 mental health providers per 100,000. Yet at 16.7% poor or fair health, residents face complex health challenges that may reflect poverty, housing instability, or chronic disease burden.

Explore health coverage and community resources

With 7% of residents uninsured, Colonial Heights still has significant coverage gaps that compound existing health challenges. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to enroll in coverage and access disease management programs that can help improve health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colonial Heights city

via RiskByCounty

Colonial Heights ranks among safest places

With a composite risk score of 6.04, Colonial Heights is very low risk and substantially below the national average. This protective profile reflects the city's inland piedmont location with limited multi-hazard exposure.

Among the lowest-risk communities in Virginia

Colonial Heights' score of 6.04 ranks it among Virginia's safest jurisdictions, well below the state average of 33.27. Few Virginia communities achieve comparable risk reduction.

Similar risk profile to nearby inland areas

Colonial Heights' 6.04 score closely mirrors Craig County (6.23) and Clarke County (6.93) in the piedmont region. All three share quiet, inland characteristics that naturally minimize disaster risk.

Minor hurricane and earthquake exposure only

Colonial Heights' highest risks are hurricane (58.99) and earthquake (41.13), both low compared to state averages. Flood and tornado risks remain negligible at 43.00 and 21.63 respectively.

Basic homeowners insurance typically suffices

Colonial Heights residents can generally rely on standard homeowners coverage without expensive flood or earthquake additions. Maintain regular home maintenance and a basic emergency kit as sensible precautions.

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.