countyscore
50.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.3Property Tax 80.9Water Quality 64.8

County Report Card

About Culpeper County, Virginia

Perfectly balanced on a national scale

Culpeper County aligns almost perfectly with the national median, earning a composite score of 50.1. It provides a stable middle ground between high-cost urban living and rural seclusion.

The benchmark for Virginia livability

Matching the state average of 50.9 nearly exactly, Culpeper represents the typical Virginia experience. It balances high earnings against the state's characteristic housing cost pressures.

Strong incomes and favorable taxes

Financial health is a major asset, with an Income Score of 94.3 and a median household income of $96,098. A low effective tax rate of 0.548% also helps residents keep more of what they earn.

Real estate costs and school quality

Housing is a significant expense, resulting in a Cost Score of 7.2 and median home values of $386,400. The School Score of 41.8 also indicates that education resources are average rather than exceptional.

Best for the commuting professional

Culpeper is a great fit for professionals who want strong salaries and low taxes without the extreme congestion of Northern Virginia. It offers a balanced, high-income lifestyle in a historic, secure setting.

2040608010080.97.252.26141.894.353.864.860.7Tax80.9Cost7.2Safety52.2Health61Schools41.8Income94.3Risk53.8Water64.8Weather60.750.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Culpeper County DNA

Foverall

How Culpeper County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Culpeper County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.9+28.900000000000006
Cost
7.2-40.8
Safety
52.2
Health
61+11
Schools
41.8-12.200000000000003
Income
94.3+43.3
Risk
53.8
Water
64.8
Weather
60.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Culpeper County

Whether buying or refinancing in Culpeper County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$386,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,417/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$386,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,098/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

per 100K

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
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Deep Dives

Culpeper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Culpeper County

via TaxByCounty

Culpeper's moderate rate, premium valuations

Culpeper County's effective tax rate of 0.548% falls below the national median of 0.72%, offering favorable tax treatment on increasingly valuable properties. The median property tax of $2,119 sits below the national median of $2,690, despite Culpeper homes averaging $386,400—37% above the national median.

Virginia's third-lowest tax rate

Culpeper County's 0.548% effective rate ranks third-best statewide behind Clarke (0.512%) and Craig (0.455%), delivering substantial tax savings. The median tax bill of $2,119 is 8% above Virginia's state median of $1,960, thanks to rising residential values in this exurban region.

Best rates in the Piedmont region

Culpeper's 0.548% rate undercuts Chesterfield County (0.783%) and Chesapeake (0.818%), making it the tax leader among Northern Virginia's increasingly suburban counties. The median $2,119 tax reflects Culpeper's mix of rural and developing areas with climbing property values.

Tax breaks on premium properties

A Culpeper County homeowner with the median-valued property of $386,400 pays approximately $2,119 in annual property taxes. Those carrying mortgages typically pay $2,211, while owners without mortgages pay $1,834, suggesting local assessment practices favor mortgage holders.

Growing county, reassessments matter

Culpeper's rapid development and rising property values mean assessments can lag reality—or overshoot it during market volatility. Filing a reassessment appeal is especially worthwhile when property values fluctuate, potentially saving hundreds on your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Culpeper County

via CostByCounty

Culpeper balances prosperity with reasonable housing costs

At 17.7%, Culpeper's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national affordability standard of 18.6%, leaving residents healthy income for savings and discretionary spending. The county's median household income of $96,098 is 29% above the national average, making the $1,417 monthly rent proportionally manageable.

Culpeper performs well above Virginia's affordability average

At 17.7%, Culpeper's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Virginia's state average of 18.6%, making it one of the state's more affordable prosperous counties. The county's $1,417 rent runs above Virginia's state median of $1,140, yet strong household incomes maintain overall affordability balance.

Culpeper offers middle ground between rural and affluent options

Culpeper's $1,417 rent falls between rural affordable areas (Craig at $728) and wealthy suburbs (Clarke at $1,360, Chesterfield at $1,542), positioning it as a prosperous yet accessible county. For families seeking rural-suburban balance with strong incomes and reasonable costs, Culpeper delivers both.

Renters and owners share similar monthly housing costs

Renters pay $1,417 monthly while homeowners carry $1,645 in mortgage costs, a modest $228 difference reflecting a balanced property market. At 17.7% of a typical $8,008 monthly household income, renters spend roughly $1,417 on housing, preserving approximately $6,600 for other living expenses and savings.

Culpeper suits families balancing rural charm and prosperity

If you're relocating with household income near $96K and seeking small-town Virginia character with genuine affordability, Culpeper delivers strong value without premium pricing. The county works especially well for families wanting rural-suburban hybrid living with good schools, historic charm, and reasonable housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Culpeper County

via IncomeByCounty

Culpeper surpasses U.S. income benchmark

Culpeper County's median household income of $96,098 runs 29% above the national median of $74,755, reflecting strong economic performance in Northern Virginia. This $21,343 advantage positions Culpeper among America's higher-earning counties.

Third-highest earners in Virginia

Culpeper County's $96,098 median household income ranks third statewide, trailing only Clarke ($114,185) and Chesterfield ($98,910), and exceeds the state average of $74,957 by $21,141. The county's growth corridor attracts affluent professionals.

Wealthiest of central Virginia counties

Culpeper's $96,098 median income exceeds Clarke ($114,185), Chesterfield ($98,910), and Chesapeake ($94,189), making it the income leader in its immediate peer group. Median home values of $386,400 reflect strong property demand.

Strong affordability in growing market

Culpeper's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, enabling households to manage even premium home values of $386,400. Income growth outpaces housing cost inflation.

Invest Culpeper's strong earnings strategically

With per capita income of $40,304 and moderate housing burden, Culpeper households have capacity for robust wealth-building. Explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts, real estate investment opportunities, and diversified portfolios to capitalize on your income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Culpeper County

via CrimeByCounty

Culpeper County Exceeds Safety Averages

Culpeper County holds a high safety score of 98.3, marking it as a very secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,071.5 per 100,000 people is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county consistently manages lower crime volumes than the rest of the country.

Leading the Commonwealth in Safety

Culpeper's 98.3 safety score is better than the Virginia average of 97.3. The county reports a total crime rate of 1,071.5, which is much lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Three law enforcement agencies coordinate to keep these numbers low.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Culpeper is safer than Cumberland County, which has a crime rate of 3,011.2, but higher than Clarke County's 517.4. It represents a solid middle ground of safety for the region. Residents benefit from a rate that is 64% lower than Cumberland's.

Violent Crime Remains Very Low

The violent crime rate in Culpeper is 185.5, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 886.0 incidents per 100,000 people. This breakdown shows that serious safety incidents are relatively infrequent.

Strengthen Your Home Defense

A safety score of 98.3 is excellent, but property crime is still the most common incident type. Residents should use basic security measures like sturdy locks and exterior lighting. Staying informed through local alerts helps maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Culpeper County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing District in the Heart of Virginia

Culpeper County supports a robust education system with 11 public schools serving 8,352 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools, plus one alternative learning center.

Meeting State Benchmarks for Success

Culpeper County hits the Virginia state average graduation rate of 89.0%, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0%. The district achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,029, maintaining a school score of 53.1.

Culpeper County Public Schools

The Culpeper County Public Schools district oversees the education of all 8,352 students in the county. There are no charter schools in the district, meaning 100% of students attend traditional public institutions.

A Mix of Town and Rural Living

The county features 8 schools in town settings and 3 in rural areas, with an average school size of 759 students. Eastern View High is the largest school with 1,558 students, while Emerald Hill Elementary provides a typical primary school experience for 699 students.

Find a Home in a Balanced Community

With a mix of town amenities and rural charm, Culpeper County is a fantastic place for families to settle. The district's steady graduation rates and diverse school locations make it a strong choice for homebuyers prioritizing education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Culpeper County

via RiskByCounty

Culpeper moderately exceeds national average

With a composite risk score of 46.25, Culpeper is relatively low risk but sits above the national average. Earthquake risk of 65.11 and hurricane risk of 70.88 are the primary drivers of exposure.

Mid-range risk among Virginia counties

Culpeper's score of 46.25 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the moderate-risk range for the commonwealth. The county's piedmont location exposes it to multiple seismic and weather-related hazards.

Riskier than western peers, safer than coastal areas

Culpeper's 46.25 score exceeds Craig County (6.23) and Clarke County (6.93) to the west but lags well behind Chesterfield County (84.83) to the east. The county occupies a middle ground in Virginia's risk spectrum.

Earthquakes and hurricanes drive risk profile

Culpeper faces significant earthquake risk (65.11) and hurricane risk (70.88), with flood risk of 61.99 adding further concern. Tornado risk of 31.33 rounds out a moderately elevated hazard profile.

Consider flood insurance and seismic coverage

Culpeper residents should evaluate flood insurance options, particularly near waterways, and consider earthquake coverage given the county's 65.11 seismic score. Annual policy reviews help ensure adequate protection as risks evolve.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Culpeper County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance with B Grade in Culpeper

Culpeper County maintains a solid 'B' grade with only one health violation recorded in the last five years. At 3.6 violations per 100,000 residents, the county's rate is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 126.9. This indicates a high level of reliability in the public drinking water supply.

Slightly Elevated Impairment in Local Streams

The 2022 assessment shows that 50.6% of Culpeper's 85 water bodies are impaired, slightly exceeding the state average of 46.1%. Primary causes of impairment include E. coli, poor benthic life health, and PCBs. These results highlight a need for continued focus on reducing runoff and pollutants.

Active Monitoring Network with 39 Sites

A robust network of 39 sites has produced 18,381 measurements over the last five years. Data collection primarily targets physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. This high volume of data allows officials to track watershed changes with significant precision.

Rapidan River Flowing at One-Quarter Typical

The Rapidan River near Culpeper currently flows at 144 cfs, which is 26% of its long-term mean of 549 cfs. Such low flow levels can impact the health of aquatic insects and the overall concentration of pollutants. This real-time gauge is a critical indicator of the county's available water resources.

Practical Steps for Culpeper Residents

Because E. coli is a top impairment cause, residents should ensure that private wells are properly capped and tested annually. During current low-flow periods on the Rapidan, be mindful of local water conservation requests to preserve supply. Overall, the strong compliance grade suggests that municipal water remains very safe for daily use.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Culpeper County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-Atlantic annual temperatures

Culpeper County averages 54.2°F annually, which aligns closely with the national median. While precipitation data is unavailable, the temperature suggests a standard four-season climate.

Cooler than the Virginia mean

Culpeper is roughly 1.7 degrees cooler than the statewide average of 55.9°F. Its 35.5°F winter average is also slightly colder than the state's typical December-to-February range.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Culpeper's 54.2°F average is nearly 1.5 degrees warmer than Clarke County to the north. However, it remains cooler than Caroline County as you move toward the southeastern coast.

Moderate heat and freezing winters

The county experiences 22 days of extreme heat above 90°F, mostly concentrated in a 74.8°F July. Winters are cold, with a January average of 33.2°F and a winter seasonal average of 35.5°F.

Balance heating and cooling needs

Plan for roughly three weeks of 90-degree weather by servicing AC units in late spring. Ensure your home is winter-ready by January, as temperatures frequently drop toward the freezing mark.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Culpeper County

via SoilByCounty

Culpeper's Acidic Silt Dominance

Culpeper County has a pH level of 5.08, which is the most acidic in this group and far below the national 6.5 median. Its soil score of 29.5 sits right near the state average of 30.6, indicating typical Piedmont growing conditions.

Silt-Heavy Soils with Strong Structure

With a high silt content of 46.5%, this soil feels velvety and offers significant nutrient storage potential. The 36.8% sand and 16.7% clay mix provides a solid framework that resists compaction better than clay-heavy soils.

Top-Tier Water Storage Capacity

Culpeper boasts a high available water capacity of 0.166 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.143. Organic matter is 1.87%, which is slightly below the national 2.0% average but provides a good base for improvement.

Predicting Moisture in Silt Soils

The specific drainage class is currently unclassified in central data, but high silt levels generally indicate moderate drainage. This profile makes the county well-suited for a variety of agricultural uses provided water is managed during wet seasons.

Piedmont Planting in Zone 7a

The 7a climate is excellent for everything from grapes to grain crops. With the county's superior water-holding ability, your garden will stay hydrated even during the dry spells of late summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Culpeper County

via LawnByCounty

Higher Difficulty in Culpeper County

Culpeper County presents a more challenging environment for lawn care with a difficulty score of 47.7, falling below the state average of 55.4. Hardiness Zone 7a means your lawn must withstand cold winters and humid summers. Homeowners here need to be more precise with their maintenance to keep grass healthy.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Growth

Culpeper experiences 22 extreme heat days per year, which is slightly better than the Virginia average of 28. With 3,472 growing degree days, the pace of growth is steady throughout the season. While annual precipitation data is missing, the heat levels suggest that lawns will require careful monitoring during the summer peak.

Acidic and Clay-Heavy Soil

The soil pH of 5.08 is well below the ideal lawn range, meaning significant lime is needed to improve turf health. The soil contains 16.7% clay and 36.8% sand, which can lead to drainage issues and compaction if not managed correctly. Aerating your lawn once a year is a critical step to ensure water and air reach the root zone.

Persistent Drought Challenges

Culpeper has struggled with 36 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. This high frequency of drought makes irrigation or drought-tolerant grass selections essential for long-term success. Raising your mower height during these dry periods will help shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Timing is Everything in Culpeper

Fall is the best time to seed in this zone, ideally after the first frost on October 22 or well after the last frost on April 21. Tall fescue is highly recommended for its ability to handle the local soil and drought conditions. Despite the lower difficulty score, a well-timed seeding and liming plan will lead to a beautiful lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Culpeper County's county score?
Culpeper County, Virginia has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Culpeper County rank among counties in Virginia?
Culpeper County ranks #81 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 Culpeper County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Culpeper County is $2,119, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Culpeper County a tax score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Culpeper County?
The median household income in Culpeper County, Virginia is $96,098 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Culpeper County earns an income score of 94.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Culpeper County, Virginia a good place to live?
Culpeper County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Culpeper 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 Culpeper County 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.