51.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 80.3Schools 75

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, Virginia

Outperforming the national average

Cumberland County earns a composite score of 51.6, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score is driven by high marks in public services and environmental safety.

High-value living in rural Virginia

Cumberland exceeds the Virginia state average of 50.9, offering a high quality of life for its residents. It provides a unique mix of high-performing schools and reliable infrastructure for a rural locale.

Top-tier schools and utilities

The county shines with a School Score of 75.0 and a Water Score of 86.0, reflecting excellent local services. It is also very resilient, with a Risk Score of 80.3 and a solid Health Score of 61.9.

Safety gaps and lower incomes

Community safety is a primary concern, as shown by a low Safety Score of 7.7. Additionally, an Income Score of 30.6 suggests that career opportunities are more limited than in state urban centers.

The rural family's service-rich choice

Cumberland is ideal for families who prioritize quality education and reliable utilities in a quiet setting. It offers excellent local services for those who do not require a high-growth urban job market.

Score breakdown

Tax70.3Cost49.8Safety7.7Health61.9Schools75Income30.6Risk80.3Water86Weather55.2
🏛70.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠49.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡7.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
61.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓75
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
80.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨29
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱50.6
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

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland balances moderate rates, values

Cumberland County's effective tax rate of 0.635% sits modestly above the national median of 0.72%, maintaining a reasonable burden across its tax base. The median property tax of $1,398 trails the national median of $2,690 by roughly half, reflecting Cumberland's rural character and lower median home values at $220,100.

Middle-of-the-road Virginia burden

Cumberland County's 0.635% effective rate falls near Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax spectrum. The median tax bill of $1,398 sits below the state median of $1,960, benefiting rural and moderate-income households.

Lower taxes than suburban peers

Cumberland's $1,398 median property tax significantly undercuts Chesterfield County's $2,636 and Culpeper County's $2,119, reflecting its more rural, less developed character. The 0.635% rate provides a middle ground in the greater Richmond region.

Moderate tax burden for rural living

A Cumberland County homeowner with the median-valued property of $220,100 pays approximately $1,398 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,346, while owners without mortgages pay $1,486, a relatively small difference.

Verify your county assessment

Even rural homeowners with modest tax bills should verify their property valuations—errors can accumulate across decades of ownership. Cumberland's straightforward appeal process offers a free way to ensure you're not overpaying on already-modest assessments.

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland offers genuine affordability for modest incomes

At 17.8%, Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national affordability standard of 18.6%, delivering modest but healthy income reserves for working-class families. The median household income of $57,057 is 24% below the national average, yet the $847 monthly rent creates proportional affordability for rural Virginia.

Cumberland edges above Virginia's affordability threshold

At 17.8%, Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, though the county's $847 median rent significantly undercuts the state median of $1,140. For working-class renters, Cumberland delivers below-average absolute rents that offset modest household incomes.

Cumberland balances affordability between rural extremes

Cumberland's $847 rent sits between the extremely affordable Craig ($728) and the more costly Culpeper ($1,417), positioning it as a middle-ground rural option. Compared to more distressed Covington ($822, but with worse income ratios), Cumberland offers more economic stability.

Owners and renters enjoy similar affordability paths

Renters pay $847 monthly while homeowners carry $850 in costs—virtually identical, reflecting Cumberland's balanced residential market. At 17.8% of a typical $4,755 monthly household income, housing consumes roughly $848, leaving approximately $3,900 for food, utilities, transportation, and limited savings—tight but functional.

Cumberland suits working-class families seeking stability

If you're relocating with household income in the $57K range and prioritize maximum housing affordability in a stable rural setting, Cumberland delivers genuine value. This county works best for families with stable employment or those retiring on modest fixed incomes seeking low housing burdens.

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland falls short of national earnings

Cumberland County's median household income of $57,057 trails the national median of $74,755 by 24%, a $17,698 shortfall indicating below-average economic performance. The county's rural economy generates incomes well below U.S. benchmarks.

Among Virginia's lowest earners

Cumberland County's $57,057 median household income ranks near the bottom in Virginia, falling $17,900 below the state average of $74,957. Only a handful of Virginia jurisdictions earn less.

Struggles compared to regional peers

Cumberland's $57,057 median income trails Craig ($67,778), Culpeper ($96,098), Chesterfield ($98,910), and Chesapeake ($94,189), though it exceeds Covington ($42,724). Median home values of $220,100 remain modest and affordable.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% approaches the upper limit of affordability for lower-income households, consuming significant household resources. Median home values of $220,100 strain the typical household budget relative to earnings.

Build wealth despite economic constraints

Cumberland's per capita income of $36,142 leaves limited room for savings, requiring households to prioritize carefully. Focus on accessible retirement programs, emergency fund building, and incremental income growth through career advancement or additional employment.

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Cumberland Faces Safety Challenges

Cumberland County has a safety score of 95.2, which is lower than many of its neighbors. Its total crime rate of 3,011.2 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers indicate a higher-than-average volume of reported incidents.

Below the Virginia Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.2 trails the Virginia state average of 97.3. With a crime rate of 3,011.2, it is nearly double the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people. Three reporting agencies work to manage this above-average crime volume.

High Crime Relative to Neighbors

Cumberland County's crime rate of 3,011.2 is much higher than nearby Chesterfield's 1,661.4. While Chesterfield maintains a 97.4 safety score, Cumberland faces a more active crime landscape. This comparison highlights a significant regional difference in public safety.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Violent crime in Cumberland is 443.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the national 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2,567.8 per 100,000 residents. These statistics suggest that both personal and property safety require extra attention.

Take Proactive Home Security Steps

With a crime rate above national and state averages, residents should invest in high-quality home security. Monitoring systems and community watch participation can help deter both property and violent crime. Increased awareness is essential for local families.

Health in Cumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Cumberland's health above state average

At 76.6 years, Cumberland County residents live 1.5 years above Virginia's state average, reflecting solid health outcomes in this rural community. The county's 18.4% poor or fair health rate sits slightly above state norms, suggesting some health challenges despite reasonable life expectancy.

Cumberland outperforms Virginia baseline

Cumberland County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's 75.1-year average, and at 7.6% uninsured, the county's coverage rate beats the state average of 7.9%. These metrics suggest relatively good health protection, though the 18.4% poor health rate hints at underlying chronic disease or socioeconomic health barriers.

Solid health outcomes in rural tier

Cumberland's 76.6-year life expectancy ranks above Craig County (73.8 years) and approaches Culpeper County (77.0 years), placing it in the region's healthier rural communities. Yet with only 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Cumberland faces rural access challenges common to less-densely populated areas.

Good coverage, limited primary care access

Cumberland's 7.6% uninsured rate is below the state average, ensuring most residents have health coverage, but the county's 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent a significant rural shortage. With only 71 mental health providers per 100,000, residents seeking behavioral health care may face long waits or travel.

Maintain coverage in rural Cumberland

At 7.6% uninsured, Cumberland County has lower coverage gaps than state average, but residents should confirm their health insurance is current. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment to review plan options and ensure your family stays protected, especially given rural care access constraints.

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education with High Standards

Cumberland County operates 4 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 1,283 students. The county's infrastructure is built around 1 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school, along with one additional service facility.

Top-Tier Results and Significant Investment

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state (89.0%) and national (87.0%) averages. This excellence is supported by a significant per-pupil expenditure of $9,486 and an impressive school score of 59.9.

Cumberland County Public Schools

All 1,283 students in the county are served by Cumberland County Public Schools, a single-district system. There are no charter schools, ensuring a consistent and well-funded educational experience for every student in the county.

Quiet Rural Schools for Personalized Learning

All schools in Cumberland are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 428 students per school. Cumberland Elementary is the largest school with 541 students, while Cumberland Middle maintains a smaller environment with 352 students.

Excellence in a Rural Retreat

For families seeking a high-performing rural district, Cumberland County offers some of the best graduation rates and funding levels in the region. Consider moving here to enjoy a quiet lifestyle without sacrificing your child's educational quality.

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland ranks below national average risk

With a composite risk score of 19.72, Cumberland County is very low risk and well below the national average. The county's inland piedmont location protects it from major coastal and seismic hazards.

Below-average risk for Virginia communities

Cumberland's score of 19.72 falls well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the state's safer jurisdictions. The county's rural character and distance from coastal areas contribute to this favorable profile.

Safer than Culpeper, comparable to western areas

Cumberland's 19.72 score is significantly lower than Culpeper County (46.25) but slightly higher than Craig County (6.23) and Clarke County (6.93). The county sits in the lower range of Virginia's risk distribution.

Hurricane and earthquake present modest risks

Cumberland's highest risks are hurricane (72.88) and earthquake (60.53), both elevated compared to flood (16.51) and tornado (17.56) risks. The county's relative safety reflects its inland distance from coastal hazards.

Standard homeowners coverage generally adequate

Cumberland residents can typically rely on basic homeowners insurance, though those near waterways should evaluate flood coverage options. Periodic home maintenance and emergency preparedness provide solid protection.

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Cumberland's Sandy Coastal Plain Influence

Cumberland’s pH of 5.66 is actually less acidic than the state average of 5.23, though it still falls below the national 6.5 median. The soil score of 29.0 is very close to the Virginia average, reflecting a stable agricultural base.

High Sand and Easy Workability

Composed of 61.6% sand and 23.9% silt, this soil is exceptionally easy to dig and cultivate. The 14.5% clay content is relatively low, which prevents the ground from becoming heavy or waterlogged after heavy rain.

Consistent Water for Sandy Earth

Available water capacity sits at 0.142 in/in, which matches the state average almost exactly. However, the organic matter is low at 1.43%, meaning the soil requires regular amendments to stay fertile for demanding crops.

Natural Drainage and Management

While specific hydrologic data is not provided, the high sand percentage suggests rapid infiltration and low runoff risk. This makes it a great candidate for low-impact development and gardening that requires well-aerated roots.

Starting Strong in Zone 7a

Cumberland’s 7a zone is perfect for starting a home orchard or a vegetable patch. Focus on adding leaf mold or compost to boost that organic matter and take advantage of the county's respectable water capacity.

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Average Growing Conditions in Cumberland

Cumberland County has a lawn difficulty score of 50.6, sitting right at the national average but slightly below the Virginia average of 55.4. In Hardiness Zone 7a, your lawn faces a standard set of Mid-Atlantic challenges. You can expect moderate success if you follow a consistent seasonal care routine.

High Heat and Typical Rainfall

Cumberland receives 45.3 inches of annual rainfall, nearly matching the state average of 46.0. However, the 43 extreme heat days each year put extra stress on turf compared to the state's average of 28. This combination requires a careful watering schedule to keep the grass from burning out during hot July and August afternoons.

Sandy Loam Needs pH Adjustment

The soil is quite sandy at 61.6%, which ensures good drainage but can lead to faster drying. While the pH of 5.66 is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many neighbors, it still requires lime to reach its full potential. Regular applications of organic matter will help the sandy soil retain both moisture and nutrients.

Managing a Half-Year of Drought

With 26 weeks of drought over the past year, Cumberland lawns have faced significant water stress. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, requiring supplemental watering to prevent the grass from going dormant. Focusing on soil health will help your lawn's root system survive these frequent dry periods.

Prepare for a Successful Season

Tall fescue is the most reliable choice for Zone 7a, though warm-season grasses can also work given the high number of heat days. Since local frost dates are unavailable, aim to seed in the early fall when air temperatures begin to drop but the soil remains warm. With your average difficulty score, persistence and basic soil amendments are your best tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Cumberland County ranks #74 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 Cumberland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $1,398, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 70.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Virginia is $57,057 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 30.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland County with other counties side by side.