CountyScore

Craig County

Virginia · VA

#5 in Virginia
77
County Score

County Report Card

About Craig County, Virginia

Craig ranks among America's best

Craig County's 78.0 composite score crushes the national median of 50.0 by 56%, placing it in the top tier of livable U.S. counties. Exceptional tax efficiency and affordable housing propel this exceptional national ranking.

Exceeds Virginia performance

Craig's 78.0 score significantly surpasses Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking it among the commonwealth's strongest communities on livability. The county stands out as one of Virginia's most competitive performers.

Lowest taxes and stellar affordability

Craig County leads all eight counties with a tax score of 89.5 and the lowest effective tax rate at 0.455%, offering unparalleled fiscal advantages. A cost score of 82.0 with median rent of just $728/month and home values of $210,500 makes it exceptionally affordable.

Minimal income opportunity

The income score of 27.6 and median household income of $67,778 are the lowest in this group, reflecting limited local employment prospects. Essential data on safety, health, and schools remain unavailable for a complete evaluation.

Perfect for tax-averse, self-sufficient residents

Craig County appeals to remote workers, retirees, and those with outside income seeking maximum tax savings and living affordability in rural Virginia. It delivers top-tier national livability for those unconcerned with local earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.5Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk93.8WaterComing Soon
🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.8
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 Craig County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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77
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77.1
Median income: $57,063
Oneida County
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77.1
Median income: $72,563
Hayes County
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76.9
Median income: $60,313
White Pine County
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76.9
Median income: $72,294

Deep Dives

Craig County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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.

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.