61.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.8Property Tax 90.2Safety 67

County Report Card

About Craig County, Virginia

High livability in a rural setting

Craig County boasts a composite score of 61.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a combination of deep financial efficiency and strong public safety.

A top-tier Virginia rural option

Craig significantly outperforms the Virginia average of 50.9. It serves as a standout choice for residents seeking a secure environment with one of the lowest tax burdens in the Commonwealth.

Tax haven with high safety

Taxpayers thrive here with a Tax Score of 90.2 and an effective rate of just 0.455%. The county is also very safe and resilient, earning a Risk Score of 93.8 and a Safety Score of 67.0.

Infrastructure and health limitations

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 12.8, indicating infrastructure needs. Furthermore, lower scores in Health (49.9) and Schools (36.4) suggest more limited local services than urban areas.

Ideal for remote-working efficiency

This county is perfect for remote workers or self-sufficient families looking to minimize taxes and maximize safety. It offers a peaceful, secure lifestyle for those who can manage their own healthcare and utility needs.

Score breakdown

Tax90.2Cost61.5Safety67Health49.9Schools36.4Income61.2Risk93.8Water12.8Weather63.5
🏛90.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠61.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼61.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡67
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
49.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓36.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
93.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧12.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤63.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨40.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱58
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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Deep Dives

Craig County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Craig County

via TaxByCounty

Craig's low rate reflects rural simplicity

Craig County's effective tax rate of 0.455% ranks among the nation's absolute lowest, dramatically undercutting the national median of 0.72%. The median property tax of $958 is just 36% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Craig's rural character and limited property valuations.

Second-lowest Virginia tax rate

Craig County's 0.455% effective rate trails only Clarke County (0.512%) statewide, providing exceptional tax advantages for rural residents. The median tax bill of $958 ranks lowest among Virginia's 95 jurisdictions, a reflection of both low rates and modest home values.

Rural haven amid Appalachian region

Craig's $958 median property tax is significantly lower than neighboring Covington city's $629—the difference reflects Covington's slightly more developed property base. Craig's 0.455% rate is the region's most favorable, attracting rural residents seeking minimal tax burden.

Lowest absolute tax bills statewide

A Craig County homeowner with the median-valued property of $210,500 pays approximately $958 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay $809, while owners without mortgages pay $1,131, reflecting local assessment variation.

Appeals worth checking despite low rates

Craig County's minimal tax bills make assessment accuracy less urgent economically, yet any overvaluation still represents unfair burden. A straightforward appeal costs nothing and takes minimal effort given the county's small, accessible bureaucracy.

Cost of Living in Craig County

via CostByCounty

Craig County delivers exceptional affordability for rural Virginia

At 12.9%, Craig County's rent-to-income ratio is among Virginia's best, well below the national standard of 18.6%, offering residents substantial income cushion beyond housing. The median household income of $67,778 is below the national average, yet the $728 monthly rent creates genuine affordability for rural working families.

Craig County ranks near top in Virginia affordability

At 12.9%, Craig's rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The county's $728 median rent—36% below Virginia's state median of $1,140—reflects rural living costs without sacrificing income proportion.

Craig offers best rent-to-income balance among rural areas

Craig's $728 rent and 12.9% rent-to-income ratio outpace nearby rural options like Cumberland ($847 rent, 17.8% ratio), making it the region's most affordable choice. Compared to remote Covington, Craig offers both cheaper absolute rents and slightly stronger income stability.

Renters gain significant income advantage in Craig County

Renters pay $728 monthly while homeowners carry $884, reflecting Craig's modestly priced real estate market across both tenure types. At 12.9% of a typical $5,648 monthly household income, housing consumes roughly $729, leaving approximately $4,900 for other necessities and savings—a healthy ratio for rural Virginia.

Craig County rewards rural enthusiasts and remote workers

If you're relocating to work remotely or semi-retired with external income, Craig County delivers exceptional affordability and mountain-valley living while maintaining income safety nets. This county suits those seeking genuine rural character without Covington's economic distress, though job-seeking relocators should research local opportunities carefully.

Income & Jobs in Craig County

via IncomeByCounty

Craig County lags national income levels

Craig County's median household income of $67,778 falls 9% below the national median of $74,755, representing a $6,977 disadvantage. The county's rural economy generates incomes below the U.S. benchmark.

Below-average earners in Virginia

Craig County's $67,778 median household income ranks below Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $7,179, placing it in the lower income tier statewide. Rural composition and limited employment diversity contribute to this gap.

Moderate income in rural context

Craig County's $67,778 median income exceeds Cumberland ($57,057) and Covington ($42,724) but trails Clarke ($114,185), Culpeper ($96,098), and Chesterfield ($98,910). Median home values of $210,500 reflect an affordable rural market.

Excellent housing affordability despite lower wages

Craig County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% is the second-lowest in Virginia, meaning residents dedicate minimal income to housing despite modest earnings. Median home values of $210,500 are highly accessible to the median household.

Maximize savings in affordable county

Craig County's per capita income of $34,122 and exceptionally low housing costs create opportunity to save and invest beyond survival expenses. Focus on maximizing retirement contributions, building emergency reserves, and exploring side income streams to accelerate wealth growth.

Safety in Craig County

via CrimeByCounty

Craig County Ranks High for Safety

Craig County is exceptionally safe, scoring 98.8 on the national safety scale. Its total crime rate of 775.8 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This low volume of crime makes it one of the most secure counties in the region.

Surpassing Virginia's Safety Standards

With a safety score of 98.8, Craig County exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. The county's crime rate of 775.8 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8. Two reporting agencies effectively cover this quiet and secure community.

The Safest Choice in the Region

Craig County is safer than neighboring Covington city, which has a crime rate of 1,310.7. It also offers a significantly more secure profile than Danville's 3,514.7. For those seeking low-crime living, Craig County stands out as a regional leader.

Low Risk Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is just 183.7 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at 592.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. These figures represent a very low probability of crime for the average resident.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Home

A safety score of 98.8 means crime is rare, but preparation still matters. Ensure your property is well-lit and your neighbors are connected. Maintaining community ties is the best way to keep Craig County safe.

Health in Craig County

via HealthByCounty

Craig County lags state health benchmarks

At 73.8 years, Craig County residents live 1.3 years below Virginia's state average, reflecting health challenges in this rural region. The county's 19.0% poor or fair health rate is the second-worst among these eight counties, signaling high rates of chronic disease and health hardship.

Craig County faces rural health disadvantages

Craig County's 73.8-year life expectancy falls below Virginia's 75.1-year average, and its 19.0% poor health rate ranks among the state's worst outcomes. At 7.7% uninsured, coverage rates are near the state average, yet health disparities persist—suggesting rural infrastructure and economic challenges compound care access issues.

Weaker outcomes than similar rural peers

Craig County's 73.8-year life expectancy trails Clarke County (77.3 years) and Culpeper County (77.0 years), and its 19.0% poor health rate exceeds both neighbors. With only 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and no data on mental health providers, Craig faces acute rural healthcare shortages.

Severe provider shortages in rural Craig

Craig County's 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent a significant shortage compared to state needs, and no mental health provider data is available—a gap that likely reflects the county's rural isolation. These shortages force residents to travel for care and contribute to delayed diagnoses and preventive service gaps.

Secure coverage despite rural barriers

Craig County's 7.7% uninsured rate means some residents lack health protection in a region with serious provider shortages. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Virginia's Medicaid office to explore coverage options, and ask about telehealth services that can bridge care gaps in rural areas.

Schools in Craig County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Minimalist and Rural School Landscape

Craig County features one of the smallest public school footprints in Virginia, with just 2 schools serving 476 students. The county provides education through 1 elementary school and 1 combined high school facility.

Personalized Education with Competitive Funding

The graduation rate stands at 84.0%, just below the national average of 87.0% but reflecting a focused rural environment. The county invests $7,527 per pupil, which is nearly on par with the Virginia state average of $7,941.

Craig County Public Schools

Craig County Public Schools manages the entirety of the county's student body across its two schools. No charter schools exist in this district, ensuring that all 476 students receive a standardized public education in a close-knit setting.

Exclusively Rural and Exceptionally Small

Both schools in the county are located in rural areas, offering an average enrollment of just 238 students per school. Craig County High serves 265 students, while McCleary Elementary is even smaller with 211 students, ensuring significant individual attention.

Escape to a Quiet Educational Retreat

If you value a rural lifestyle where your child will never be just a number, Craig County's tiny school system is an ideal fit. Explore homes in this quiet county to benefit from the intimate learning environments that only a small district can provide.

Disaster Risk in Craig County

via RiskByCounty

Craig County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 6.23, Craig County is very low risk and significantly below the national average. Its rural mountain location provides natural protection against major disaster hazards.

Among Virginia's lowest-risk areas

Craig County's score of 6.23 ranks among the state's safest communities, far below Virginia's average of 33.27. The county's geographic position in the Appalachian foothills minimizes multi-hazard exposure.

Matches other piedmont and mountain counties

Craig County's 6.23 score aligns closely with Colonial Heights (6.04) and Clarke County (6.93) across Virginia. These neighboring areas share similar inland, rural characteristics.

Hurricane and earthquake pose minimal threat

Craig County's highest risks are hurricane (34.63) and earthquake (18.32), both modest compared to state standards. Flood, tornado, and wildfire risks all remain low to negligible.

Basic homeowners insurance covers essential needs

Craig County residents can rely on standard homeowners policies without additional specialized coverage riders. Regular home maintenance and preparedness planning remain the best protective investments.

Soil Quality in Craig County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Highlands of Craig

Craig County features a soil pH of 5.15, which is more acidic than both the state average and the 6.5 national median. Despite this acidity, the county boasts an impressive soil score of 40.6, well above the Virginia average of 30.6.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil composition is 40.8% silt and 35.6% sand, providing a fine-textured earth that is relatively easy to till. With 16.6% clay, the soil strikes a balance between drainage speed and the ability to hold onto plant nutrients.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 5.60%, the organic matter in Craig County is nearly double the state average of 2.90% and far exceeds the national 2.0% average. This high fertility is paired with a strong available water capacity of 0.147 in/in.

Reliable Water Movement and Stability

Though formal hydrologic groups are unlisted, the high organic content and balanced silt levels suggest resilient soil structure. These traits help prevent erosion while maintaining moisture for the county’s lush mountain forests.

Mountain Harvests in Zone 7a

Zone 7a combined with elite organic matter makes this a gardener's paradise for root vegetables and berries. Adding a bit of lime will help balance the acidity and unlock the soil's full biological potential.

Lawn Care in Craig County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Craig County

Craig County's lawn difficulty score of 58.0 indicates a slightly easier-than-average environment compared to the state score of 55.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county provides a standard climate for most Virginia turf types. This score suggests that a healthy lawn is very achievable with routine seasonal care.

Cooler Summers and Leaner Rainfall

Craig County is drier than the state average, receiving 39.7 inches of rain annually compared to Virginia's 46.0. However, the county only faces 13 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the state average of 28. This cooler summer weather reduces the amount of evaporation and heat stress your grass must endure.

Addressing Acidic Soils for Turf

The soil pH in Craig County is quite acidic at 5.15, which can limit the availability of nutrients to your lawn. The soil is a mix of 35.6% sand and 16.6% clay, creating a texture that holds some moisture while still draining. Regular lime applications are necessary to bring the pH closer to the 6.0-7.0 range that lawns prefer.

Half the Year in Drought

The county spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and 95% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Because annual rainfall is lower than the state average, drought periods can hit local lawns harder. Investing in a rain gauge will help you track if your lawn is getting the 1 inch of water it needs weekly.

Zone 7a Grass Recommendations

Tall fescue is the most resilient choice for Craig County's 7a climate and moderate rainfall. Since specific local frost dates are not available, aim for early fall seeding to take advantage of the cooler air and warm soil. Your moderate difficulty score means that once established, your lawn should be relatively low-maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craig County's county score?
Craig County, Virginia has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Craig County rank among counties in Virginia?
Craig County ranks #18 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 Craig County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Craig County is $958, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Craig County a tax score of 90.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Craig County?
The median household income in Craig County, Virginia is $67,778 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Craig County earns an income score of 61.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Craig County, Virginia a good place to live?
Craig County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Craig 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 Craig County with other counties side by side.