countyscore
45.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.4Disaster Risk 80.7Property Tax 78.8

County Report Card

About Dinwiddie County, Virginia

Dinwiddie County Below National Median

Dinwiddie County earns a composite score of 44.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. The county faces a mix of high income potential and high living costs.

Trailing the Virginia Average

With a score of 44.1, the county sits roughly six points below the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a middle-tier county when compared to its regional neighbors.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

The county's primary strength is an impressive income score of 87.7, fueled by a median household income of $83,898. It also scores well in environmental resilience with a risk score of 80.7.

Cost and Infrastructure Pressures

Affordability is a major hurdle, as evidenced by a low cost score of 15.2 and median gross rents of $1,242. Public schools and water quality also lag, with scores of 36.0 and 23.1 respectively.

Best for High-Earning Commuters

Dinwiddie is an ideal spot for professionals who can leverage the high median income while navigating the steeper cost of living. It suits families who value financial security and environmental safety over modern infrastructure.

2040608010078.818.130.853.73685.480.723.165.5Tax78.8Cost18.1Safety30.8Health53.7Schools36Income85.4Risk80.7Water23.1Weather65.545.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Dinwiddie County DNA

Foverall

How Dinwiddie County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dinwiddie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.8+26.799999999999997
Cost
18.1-29.9
Safety
30.8-24.2
Health
53.7
Schools
36-18
Income
85.4+34.400000000000006
Risk
80.7+33.7
Water
23.1-34.9
Weather
65.5+9.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Dinwiddie County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$257,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,224/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$257,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,704/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Dinwiddie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dinwiddie County

via TaxByCounty

Dinwiddie taxes well below national average

Dinwiddie County's effective tax rate of 0.601% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the 20th percentile nationally. The median tax of $1,478 is 55% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a moderate rate and moderate home values.

Below average for Virginia

Dinwiddie County's 0.601% rate trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's more affordable jurisdictions. The median tax of $1,478 is about 25% below the state median of $1,960, benefiting from a combination of a lower rate and below-average home values.

Moderate taxes in the region

Dinwiddie County's 0.601% rate falls between Dickenson County's 0.497% and Emporia city's 0.755%, placing it in the middle of the local pack. A median home value of $246,100 means the county's median tax is higher in absolute dollars than nearby Danville and Dickenson despite a lower rate.

What a typical home costs in taxes

Own a median-priced home worth $246,100 in Dinwiddie County? You'll pay approximately $1,478 in annual property taxes. That breaks down to about $123 per month, or roughly $1,490 when mortgage-related taxes are factored in.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Dinwiddie homeowners should verify their property assessments—even here, overassessments are possible and can be challenged at no cost. A successful appeal could reduce your $1,478 annual bill and put money back in your pocket.

Income & Jobs in Dinwiddie County

via IncomeByCounty

Dinwiddie County income exceeds national standard

Dinwiddie County's median household income of $83,898 runs 12% ahead of the nation's $74,755 median. This above-average standing reflects the county's stronger economic position compared to most U.S. communities.

Dinwiddie ranks above Virginia's median income

At $83,898, Dinwiddie County's median household income surpasses Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $9,000. Per capita income of $37,955 approaches the state average of $39,155, indicating solid middle-class earnings.

Dinwiddie outearns most nearby counties

Dinwiddie's $83,898 median income significantly outpaces lower-income neighbors like Dickenson ($43,831) and Essex ($56,481). The county's economic performance places it among the stronger-earning areas in its region.

Strong income supports homeownership and goals

Dinwiddie's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $246,100 indicate housing is affordable relative to income. With median household income comfortably supporting homeownership costs, residents can pursue additional financial objectives.

Leverage your income advantage strategically

Dinwiddie's above-average income creates opportunities for meaningful wealth building through diversified investments and retirement accounts. Consider maximizing tax-advantaged savings options like 401(k)s and IRAs to accelerate long-term financial growth.

Safety in Dinwiddie County

via CrimeByCounty

Dinwiddie County Offers Stronger Security Than Average

Dinwiddie County maintains a safety score of 97.4, placing it slightly above the average for Virginia and the nation. The total crime rate of 1,639.5 per 100,000 is roughly 30% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers indicate a relatively stable environment for local families.

Keeping Pace with Virginia Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 1,639.5 per 100,000 is just below the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.4 aligns almost perfectly with the statewide average of 97.3. Dinwiddie effectively represents the typical safety experience found across the Commonwealth.

Analyzing Security Trends Near Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie’s total crime rate of 1,639.5 per 100,000 is lower than nearby urban centers like Emporia, which sees rates near 3,996.4. However, the county faces a higher violent crime rate of 452.6 compared to the state average of 229.7. Local law enforcement from two reporting agencies works to manage these specific regional challenges.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 1,186.9 per 100,000 residents. While the property crime rate is lower than the national average, the violent crime rate of 452.6 exceeds the national average of 369.8. Understanding this mix helps residents prioritize their personal and home security efforts.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

With property crime occurring at a rate of 1,186.9, simple home security measures go a long way. Installing smart doorbells and keeping valuables out of sight can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent community awareness helps maintain the county’s overall safety score of 97.4.

Soil Quality in Dinwiddie County

via SoilByCounty

Dinwiddie's Landscapes Awaiting Data

Detailed chemical profiles for Dinwiddie County are currently limited in the national registry, though it shares the same general geography as the 30.6 state soil average. Without a specific pH reading, local testing is the best way to understand your property.

The Local Texture Puzzle

Regional data suggests a mix of sand and silt typical of the Virginia Piedmont, but specific percentages are not yet available for the county. Observing how your soil feels when wet can help you determine if it is sand-dominant or clay-heavy.

Building Fertility From Scratch

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are unlisted, Dinwiddie typically mirrors the region’s moderate fertility. Most Virginia soils benefit from consistent mulching to reach the 2.90% state organic matter benchmark.

Planning for Site-Specific Drainage

In the absence of formal drainage classifications, residents should look for signs of pooling or rapid drying on their land. Site-specific hydrologic assessments are recommended before any major construction or agricultural expansion.

Gardening Success in Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, you have an exceptionally long window to grow everything from kale to watermelons. Don't let the lack of data stop you; a simple home soil test kit is the first step toward a legendary garden.

Lawn Care in Dinwiddie County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success Rates for Dinwiddie Lawns

Dinwiddie County features a lawn difficulty score of 65.9, well above the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 7b, the environment supports a wide variety of turf types with relatively high success rates. While the climate is warmer than the state average, it remains favorable for consistent lawn maintenance.

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rainfall

The county receives 47.0 inches of precipitation annually, perfectly matching the requirements for thick turf. However, residents must manage 43 extreme heat days each year, which is significantly higher than the Virginia average of 28 days. These hot peaks mean your watering schedule must be proactive during the mid-summer months.

Soil Preparation is Key to Success

While specific local soil texture and pH data are not available, regional trends suggest the need for regular testing. Aiming for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 will ensure your lawn can absorb the necessary nutrients to survive the 79.2°F July heat. Adding organic matter can help improve water retention in the absence of specific drainage data.

High Resistance to Prolonged Drought

Dinwiddie displays strong drought resilience, with only 3 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. Although 58.8% of the county is currently abnormally dry, there are zero areas under severe drought (D2+). This reliability makes it easier to keep lawns green throughout the summer without constant emergency measures.

Warm-Season Choices for Zone 7b

In Hardiness Zone 7b, heat-tolerant species like Zoysia or Bermuda are excellent choices for lasting durability. Because specific frost dates are unavailable, monitor local soil temperatures and aim for spring planting once the ground consistently stays above 65°F. These varieties will thrive during the county's extended warm season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dinwiddie County's county score?
Dinwiddie County, Virginia has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Dinwiddie County rank among counties in Virginia?
Dinwiddie County ranks #95 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Dinwiddie County is $1,409, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Dinwiddie County a tax score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dinwiddie County?
The median household income in Dinwiddie County, Virginia is $83,704 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dinwiddie County earns an income score of 85.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dinwiddie County, Virginia a good place to live?
Dinwiddie County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.