37.5
County Score
Property Tax 66.1Cost of Living 64.1Weather & Climate 62.6

County Report Card

About Danville city, Virginia

Danville Trails Behind National Medians

With a composite score of 37.5, Danville falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community facing substantial hurdles compared to the typical American city.

Falling Short of the Virginia Average

The city's composite score of 37.5 remains well below the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks among the lower-scoring independent cities in the Commonwealth for overall quality of life.

Lower Costs and Tax Burdens

Danville excels in affordability, boasting a cost score of 64.1 and a median home value of only $110,200. Residents also benefit from a favorable tax score of 66.1, supported by a low 0.674% effective tax rate.

Economic and Safety Hurdles

The city struggles with an income score of 5.1 and a safety score of 5.0, reflecting a median household income of just $42,778. Health outcomes also remain low at 23.2, and water data is currently unavailable for this jurisdiction.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

Danville is best suited for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs, with median rents at just $808. However, those seeking high-paying local jobs or top-tier public safety may find the profile challenging.

Score breakdown

Tax66.1Cost64.1Safety5Health23.2Schools38.5Income5.1Risk32WaterComing SoonWeather62.6
🏛66.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼5.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
23.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
32
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱56
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

Danville city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Danville city

via TaxByCounty

Danville taxes far below national average

Danville's effective tax rate of 0.674% sits well below the national median of 0.92%, making it among the most affordable places to own property. The typical $743 annual tax bill here is just 28% of the national median of $2,690, putting Danville in roughly the 15th percentile nationally.

Nearly average for Virginia

Danville's 0.674% rate matches Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it squarely in the middle of Virginia's property tax landscape. The city's median tax of $743 trails the state median of $1,960 because home values here are lower than the state average.

Lower taxes than regional peers

Danville's tax rate edges Dickenson County (0.497%) but falls below Emporia city (0.755%) and Dinwiddie County (0.601%) in the same region. The median home value of $110,200 keeps Danville's absolute tax bill modest despite a rate near the state average.

What a typical home costs in taxes

Own a median-priced home worth $110,200 in Danville? Expect to pay roughly $743 annually in property taxes. That breaks down to about $62 per month, or about $789 with mortgage-related taxes included.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Many property owners across Virginia, including Danville, are unaware they can appeal their home's assessed value if they believe it's too high. A successful appeal could lower your $743 annual bill—making it worth exploring local assessment records to see if your home is fairly valued.

Cost of Living in Danville city

via CostByCounty

Danville rents strain budgets nationwide

At 22.7%, Danville's rent-to-income ratio sits 4.1 percentage points above the national benchmark of 18.6%, meaning renters here spend significantly more of their paychecks on housing. The median household income of $42,778 falls roughly 43% below the national average of $74,755, yet median rent of $808 remains affordable in absolute terms. This gap highlights how modest local incomes make even modest rents proportionally burdensome.

Among Virginia's least affordable cities

Danville ranks among Virginia's less affordable communities, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% compared to the state average of 18.6%. The city's $808 median rent is 29% cheaper than Virginia's state average of $1,140, yet local incomes are too low to reap that benefit. Housing affordability here is squeezed by wages rather than rents.

Comparable rents, tighter budgets

Danville's $808 rent is nearly identical to Dickenson County's $733, but Danville's rent burden is steeper at 22.7% versus Dickenson's 20.1% due to lower median incomes. Both cities are among the region's most affordable places to rent in absolute dollars, yet both demand a larger share of income than Virginia's average. For renters prioritizing low nominal housing costs, these southeastern communities stand out.

Renting claims nearly a quarter of income

Danville renters spend $808 monthly on gross rent while earning a median household income of $42,778 annually—that's 22.7% of gross income devoted to housing alone. Homeowners fare slightly better, with median monthly owner costs of $707 on median home values around $110,200, absorbing roughly 19.9% of household income. Both figures exceed comfortable affordability thresholds, leaving little margin for other necessities.

Consider Danville if wages match local opportunity

Danville offers the region's cheapest rents and home prices, making it attractive for households whose jobs keep pace with local income levels. However, remote workers earning regional or national salaries would find exceptional purchasing power here—$808 rents and sub-$110k home values would consume far less than the local median percentages. Prospective residents should verify that job prospects or remote arrangements justify the lower wage environment.

Income & Jobs in Danville city

via IncomeByCounty

Danville falls well below national income average

Danville's median household income of $42,778 sits 43% below the national median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects economic challenges facing many post-industrial communities across the country.

Among Virginia's lower-income communities

Danville ranks substantially below Virginia's state median of $74,957, trailing by nearly $32,000 per household. The city's per capita income of $27,537 also lags the state average of $39,155 by about 30%.

Danville versus surrounding areas

Danville's income of $42,778 places it alongside Dickenson County ($43,831) as one of the region's lowest-earning areas. Nearby Essex County residents earn $56,481—about 32% more—suggesting significant economic variation across Virginia's communities.

Housing costs are manageable but tight

Danville's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% falls within affordable range, meaning renters spend roughly a quarter of income on housing. However, with low median income, residents have limited margin for unexpected expenses or saving for future goals.

Building savings creates security and opportunity

Even modest regular contributions to savings or retirement accounts can compound significantly over time. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about accessible savings plans that fit your budget—small steps today build long-term financial resilience.

Safety in Danville city

via CrimeByCounty

Danville Safety Score and National Standing

Danville city reports a safety score of 94.5, placing it below the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 3,514.7 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the national rate of 2,385.5. This single-agency city experiences a high frequency of law enforcement activity.

Comparing Danville to the Virginia Average

Danville's safety score of 94.5 is lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. The city's total crime rate of 3,514.7 is more than double the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement manages a high volume of calls compared to other Virginia jurisdictions.

Higher Crime Than Regional Peers

Danville's crime rate of 3,514.7 is higher than Cumberland County's 3,011.2 and Chesterfield's 1,661.4. While it faces significant safety challenges, its violent crime rate remains lower than Cumberland's. This regional data shows Danville is an active hub for crime reporting.

High Volume of Property Crimes

Violent crime in Danville is 319.9 per 100,000, which is actually lower than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is very high at 3,194.8 per 100,000 residents. Most police activity in the city involves thefts, burglaries, and other property-related issues.

Secure Your Property in Danville

Because property crime is the primary concern in Danville, home security systems are a vital deterrent. Residents should focus on securing valuables and improving outdoor lighting. Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Health in Danville city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap signals urgent need

Danville residents live to 68.3 years on average—nearly 9 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over one-quarter of the population (26.5%) reports poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, suggesting widespread chronic disease burden.

Among Virginia's least healthy cities

Danville ranks near the bottom of Virginia's health outcomes, with life expectancy 6.8 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The city's poor/fair health rate of 26.5% nearly doubles the state's typical level, reflecting concentrated health challenges.

Isolation in regional health profile

Danville's life expectancy of 68.3 years is substantially lower than nearby counties like Dinwiddie (74.7 years) and Dickenson (71.9 years). The city's poor/fair health rate of 26.5% exceeds all neighboring jurisdictions, indicating local factors driving worse outcomes.

Providers present but uninsured rate rising

Danville has 111 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—matching the state need—but 8.4% of residents remain uninsured, above Virginia's 7.9% average. Mental health capacity at 414 providers per 100,000 exceeds most rural areas, yet health outcomes suggest barriers to accessing care.

Health coverage is your foundation

One in twelve Danville residents lacks health insurance, creating financial and health risks during illness or emergency. Check your coverage options through Virginia's healthcare marketplace or local federally qualified health centers to ensure you're protected.

Schools in Danville city

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Hub of the Southside

Danville city operates a diverse network of 15 public schools serving 5,684 students. The system includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools, plus 4 additional specialized or alternative centers.

Investing Heavily in Student Potential

Danville invests $8,436 per pupil, surpassing the Virginia state average of $7,941. While the graduation rate of 76.0% currently trails state and national benchmarks, the city continues to leverage its resources to support its student population.

Danville City Public Schools

Danville City Public Schools manages 14 of the city's facilities, serving the vast majority of the 5,684 enrolled students. The district includes 2 alternative schools but does not currently feature any charter school options.

Uniform Town Locale with Accessible Schools

All 15 schools in the district are located in a town setting, offering an average size of 437 students. George Washington High is the system's largest institution with 1,309 students, while elementary schools like G.L.H. Johnson serve roughly 545 students.

Connect with a Community on the Rise

Families looking for a town environment with significant per-pupil investment should explore the residential opportunities in Danville. The city's wide variety of school levels and specialized centers provide a range of options for your child's education.

Disaster Risk in Danville city

via RiskByCounty

Danville faces above-average disaster risk

Danville's composite risk score of 68.03 places it in the relatively low category nationally, but this masks significant vulnerabilities in specific hazards. The city scores well above the U.S. average for flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks, indicating concentrated exposure to water and seismic events.

Among Virginia's higher-risk communities

Danville's score of 68.03 far exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's more disaster-prone localities. This elevated risk reflects the city's geographic exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and hurricanes.

Danville stands out in the region

Danville's composite score of 68.03 significantly outpaces nearby Emporia city (4.99) and Dinwiddie County (19.34), both in the very low risk category. The city's vulnerability to flood (81.52) and hurricane (76.64) events is substantially higher than these adjacent areas.

Floods and hurricanes pose greatest threat

Danville residents face the highest risk from flooding, with a risk score of 81.52, and hurricane exposure at 76.64—both well above state averages. Tornado risk (61.55) and earthquake risk (64.19) also merit attention, though they pose secondary threats compared to water-related hazards.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance today

Given Danville's elevated flood risk of 81.52, flood insurance is essential—standard homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Ensure your home insurance includes strong wind and hurricane coverage, and review your policy annually to keep pace with your property's exposure.

Weather & Climate in Danville city

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Hub in the Southside

Danville's average annual temperature of 58.5°F is significantly warmer than the national median. Its humid subtropical climate brings consistent warmth throughout the year.

Warmer Than the Virginia Average

The city sits nearly three degrees above the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This makes it one of the toastier urban centers in the Commonwealth.

Outpacing Neighbors in Summer Intensity

While neighboring rural counties experience cooling breezes, Danville reaches a July average of 78.6°F. This heat is paired with 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the region.

Sweltering Summers and Mild Winters

The city endures 47 extreme heat days annually where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Conversely, winters are mild with just 6.1 inches of snow and a January average of 38.3°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

Residents should invest in high-efficiency air conditioning to manage the frequent 90-degree days. Heavy snow gear is rarely needed, but a sturdy umbrella is essential for the 45.4 inches of rain.

Lawn Care in Danville city

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Ease in Danville

Danville earns a lawn difficulty score of 56.0, slightly outpacing both the Virginia average of 55.4 and the national median of 50.0. While the hardiness zone is not specified, the city offers a generally favorable environment for turfgrass compared to many U.S. regions. Maintaining a green space here is manageable but requires attention to the city's unique summer stressors.

Hot Summers and Ample Rainfall

The city receives 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. However, residents face 47 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 28 days. These 4,374 growing degree days mean grass grows quickly, but the intense heat necessitates careful mowing height adjustments to protect roots.

Local Soil Profiles Require Testing

Specific data on Danville's soil pH and texture is currently limited. To achieve the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range, homeowners should conduct a local soil test before applying any significant amendments. Proper drainage and nutrient balance are essential to support the high growth potential suggested by the local climate.

Severe Drought Challenges Turf Resilience

Currently, 100% of the city is experiencing Severe Drought (D2+) conditions, a significant stressor for any lawn. With 20 weeks spent in drought over the past year, deep and infrequent watering is crucial to keep grass dormant but alive. Prioritize moisture conservation during these high-stress periods to prevent permanent turf loss.

Planning Your Danville Planting Schedule

With a last spring frost around April 10th and a first fall frost on November 1st, the growing window is substantial. Transition-zone grasses like Tall Fescue or heat-tolerant Bermuda work best for this climate. Aim to seed in early fall to allow roots to establish before the next cycle of extreme summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Danville city's county score?
Danville city, Virginia has a composite county score of 37.5 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 Danville city rank among counties in Virginia?
Danville city ranks #116 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 Danville city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Danville city is $743, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Danville city a tax score of 66.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Danville city?
The median household income in Danville city, Virginia is $42,778 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Danville city earns an income score of 5.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Danville city, Virginia a good place to live?
Danville city scores 37.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #116 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Danville 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 Danville city with other counties side by side.