countyscore

Colonial Heights city, Virginia — County Report Card

VA

#118 in Virginia

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 94Income & Jobs 78.9Lawn Care 67.6

County Report Card

About Colonial Heights city, Virginia

Affordable but challenging landscape

Colonial Heights city scores 36.9, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it offers more accessible housing than many areas, it faces significant hurdles in community safety and tax burden.

Trailing state livability benchmarks

The city's score is notably lower than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It struggles to compete with state peers in safety and health, though it offers a relatively resilient environmental profile.

Environmental resilience and steady income

A Risk Score of 94.0 highlights the city's excellent protection from natural hazards. It also maintains a respectable Income Score of 78.9, with a median household income of $76,250.

Safety concerns and tax pressure

The city faces a major challenge in public safety with a very low score of 2.9. Residents also deal with a higher effective tax rate of 0.918%, while water data is currently unavailable for assessment.

Practical choice for resilient earners

This city best suits middle-income individuals who value protection from natural disasters and moderate housing costs. It is a functional option for those who can prioritize environmental safety over higher-end community amenities.

2040608010043.918.52.95348.978.99465.5Tax43.9Cost18.5Safety2.9Health53Schools48.9Income78.9Risk94Water—Weather65.536.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Colonial Heights city DNA

Foverall

How Colonial Heights city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Colonial Heights city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94/100) but notably weak in Safety (2.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.9-8.100000000000001
Cost
18.5-29.5
Safety
2.9-52.1
Health
53
Schools
48.9
Income
78.9+27.900000000000006
Risk
94+47
Weather
65.5+9.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Colonial Heights city

Whether buying or refinancing in Colonial Heights city, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$231,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,162/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$231,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Colonial Heights city with St. Francis County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

St. Francis County
Arkansas
Median income: $41,784
36.9
Los Angeles County
California
Median income: $87,760
36.9
Bay County
Florida
Median income: $70,188
36.9
Warren County
North Carolina
Median income: $45,279
36.9
Jackson County
Oklahoma
Median income: $61,497
36.9
Texas County
Oklahoma
Median income: $59,275
36.9
Chittenden County
Vermont
Median income: $94,310
36.9
Lynchburg city
Virginia
Median income: $59,808
36.9

Nearby counties

Petersburg city
Virginia
29
Chesterfield County
Virginia
43.3
Hopewell city
Virginia
29.7
Prince George County
Virginia
49.4
Dinwiddie County
Virginia
44.1
Henrico County
Virginia
39.1
Charles City County
Virginia
50.3
Richmond city
Virginia
27.4

Deep Dives

Colonial Heights city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Colonial Heights city

via CrimeByCounty

Colonial Heights Faces Higher Activity

Colonial Heights reports a safety score of 93.5, which is lower than many of its Virginia counterparts. The total crime rate of 4,124.9 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Data reflects high activity levels for a city of its size.

Below the Virginia Safety Average

The city's safety score of 93.5 falls below the state average of 97.3, indicating more frequent law enforcement contact. Its crime rate of 4,124.9 is more than double the Virginia average of 1,728.8. As a single-agency city, these numbers represent a high volume of work for local police.

Higher Crime Rates Than Chesterfield

Colonial Heights has a much higher crime density than its neighbor, Chesterfield County, which reports a rate of 1,661.4. While Chesterfield maintains a higher safety score, Colonial Heights deals with more than twice the incident volume. This localized intensity reflects the city's role as a busy commercial hub.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

The city sees a violent crime rate of 424.1, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is the primary driver at 3,700.8 per 100,000 residents. This indicates that retail theft and property incidents dominate the local safety landscape.

Priority Security for Local Homes

With property crime rates exceeding national averages, home security systems and visible cameras are highly recommended. Residents should be proactive about locking vehicles and securing valuables. Awareness is key to managing risks in this high-activity city environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Colonial Heights city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Suburban School System

Colonial Heights city operates 6 public schools that serve a compact community of 2,843 students. The infrastructure is comprised of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 1 specialized facility.

Strategic Investment in Every Student

The district invests $8,929 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Virginia state average of $7,941. While the graduation rate of 84.0% trails the state average, the city maintains a competitive school score of 54.5, nearly matching the state's overall performance of 54.8.

Colonial Heights City Public Schools

The Colonial Heights City Public Schools district oversees all 6 schools in the city, managing a total enrollment of 2,843. The system is purely traditional, with 0.0% of the student population attending charter schools.

Uniformly Suburban Learning Environments

Every school in the city is classified as a suburban locale, creating a consistent neighborhood feel with an average size of 569 students. Colonial Heights High is the largest school with 876 students, while North Elementary offers a smaller setting with 331 students.

Find Your Place in a Growing Community

Homebuyers seeking a suburban lifestyle with higher-than-average educational funding will find Colonial Heights city appealing. The district's focused layout makes it easy for families to settle near their neighborhood schools and build lasting community connections.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Colonial Heights city

via WaterByCounty

Monitoring Federal Compliance in Colonial Heights

Specific health violation grades are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction, but state-level data provides context with an average violation rate of 126.9 per 100,000. Residents are encouraged to review the annual Consumer Confidence Report provided by their water utility. This document remains the primary tool for verifying Safe Drinking Water Act adherence.

Extremely High Impairment in City Waters

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle indicates that 83.3% of the city's 6 assessed water bodies are impaired. This is nearly double the Virginia state average of 46.1%. Primary stressors include E. coli, excessive aquatic plants, and poor benthic macroinvertebrate health.

Limited Federal Monitoring Data Available

There are currently no monitoring records for this city in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for the last five years. While local utilities conduct their own tests, this gap in federal data reduces transparency for watershed-wide trends. Advocacy for broader data sharing could help illuminate local water health.

Leveraging Compliance Data for Water Insight

Colonial Heights does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage for real-time flow monitoring. Residents should pivot to drinking water compliance records as their primary source of water intelligence. Maintaining awareness of local utility updates is the best way to track the safety of the city's supply.

Prioritizing Health Amidst High Impairment

The 83.3% impairment rate suggests that urban runoff is significantly impacting local stream health, particularly regarding E. coli. Residents should exercise caution near surface waters and ensure pets do not drink from local streams. Because federal monitoring data is sparse, private testing or professional filtration can offer peace of mind.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Colonial Heights city

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in Colonial Heights

Colonial Heights boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 67.6, making it one of the easier places in Virginia to grow a lawn. This score is significantly higher than both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 55.4. While specific hardiness zone data is missing, the high score indicates a very hospitable environment for turf.

Ample Rainfall and Warm Summers

The city receives 47.0 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the state average of 46.0 inches. However, 43 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn will face more stress than the typical Virginia yard. This combination of high rain and high heat often leads to rapid growth that requires frequent mowing.

Local Soil Vigilance is Key

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Colonial Heights, making a professional soil test your most important first step. Most Virginia soils trend toward acidity, so checking your pH level is essential before applying fertilizer. Knowing your specific sand and clay balance will help you determine how often you need to irrigate.

Excellent Recent Drought Resilience

The city has recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, a rare and beneficial statistic for lawn health. Despite this, 100% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry, so the streak of good luck may be ending. Staying proactive with water conservation now will protect your lawn if a true drought develops.

Maximize Your Growing Potential

Given the high difficulty score, you have a great chance of success with either cool-season fescue or warm-season Bermuda grass. Because local frost dates are not provided, monitor the soil temperature to ensure it is above 55 degrees before planting. A little preparation will go a long way in this high-performing region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colonial Heights city's county score?
Colonial Heights city, Virginia has a composite county score of 36.9 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 Colonial Heights city rank among counties in Virginia?
Colonial Heights city ranks #118 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 Colonial Heights city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Colonial Heights city is $2,127, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Colonial Heights city a tax score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colonial Heights city?
The median household income in Colonial Heights city, Virginia is $76,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colonial Heights city earns an income score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colonial Heights city, Virginia a good place to live?
Colonial Heights city scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #118 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Colonial Heights city 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 Colonial Heights city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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