countyscore
41
County Score
Disaster Risk 95Schools 74.6Weather & Climate 68.8

County Report Card

About Emporia city, Virginia

Emporia Lags National Benchmarks

Emporia city holds a composite score of 41.0, which is nearly 10 points lower than the national median of 50.0. This suggests a more difficult livability environment than the average American locale.

Underperforming the State Average

The city's score of 41.0 is well below the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks among the lower-tier jurisdictions in the state despite some localized strengths.

Environmental Safety and Schools

Emporia excels in environmental stability with a near-perfect risk score of 95.0. It also shows promise in education, carrying a school score of 74.6.

High Crime and Low Wages

Public safety is a significant concern with a score of just 3.2, while the income score of 13.2 reflects a modest $49,375 median income. Additionally, data for local water quality is not currently available.

Suited for School-Focused Households

Emporia offers a unique combination of high-performing schools and very low environmental risk. It is best for families who can prioritize education while remaining mindful of local safety challenges.

2040608010057.248.33.221.374.613.29568.8Tax57.2Cost48.3Safety3.2Health21.3Schools74.6Income13.2Risk95Water—Weather68.841/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Emporia city DNA

Foverall

How Emporia city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Emporia city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.2
Cost
48.3
Safety
3.2-51.8
Health
21.3-28.7
Schools
74.6+20.599999999999994
Income
13.2-37.8
Risk
95+48
Weather
68.8+12.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$131,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,060/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$131,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,375/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Nearby counties

Greensville County
Virginia
56.9
Sussex County
Virginia
49.8
Brunswick County
Virginia
55.5
Northampton County
North Carolina
45
Southampton County
Virginia
54.7
Dinwiddie County
Virginia
44.1
Halifax County
North Carolina
31.6
Franklin city
Virginia
35.5

Deep Dives

Emporia city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Emporia city

via TaxByCounty

Emporia's rates exceed national average

Emporia city's effective tax rate of 0.755% surpasses the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. The median tax of $990 is 37% of the national median of $2,690, kept lower by Emporia's below-average home values of $131,100.

Above average for Virginia

Emporia city's 0.755% rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's higher-tax jurisdictions. The median tax of $990 is about half the state median of $1,960, reflecting Emporia's much lower median home value.

Highest rate among nearby counties

Emporia city's 0.755% rate is the highest in the immediate region, exceeding Danville (0.674%), Dinwiddie County (0.601%), and significantly outpacing Dickenson County (0.497%). This higher rate somewhat offsets the advantage of lower home values.

What a typical home costs in taxes

A median-priced home worth $131,100 in Emporia city carries an annual tax bill of roughly $990. That translates to about $83 per month, though mortgage-related taxes could push the total toward $1,399 annually.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Emporia homeowners should consider reviewing their property assessments, especially given the city's above-average tax rate. If your home is overvalued, an appeal could lower your $990 tax bill—a process that costs nothing but could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emporia city

via CostByCounty

Emporia's rent burden strains household budgets

Emporia's rent-to-income ratio of 25.8% significantly exceeds the national benchmark of 18.6%, placing it among the least affordable rental markets in the nation. Median household income of $49,375 falls 34% below the national average, yet median rent of $1,060 is higher than many peer communities. The city presents a challenging affordability squeeze for renters.

Among Virginia's least affordable cities

Emporia's 25.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Virginia's worst, far exceeding the state average of 18.6% and even surpassing Danville's 22.7%. The $1,060 median rent approaches Virginia's statewide average despite wages that rank among the state's lowest. Emporia residents face the worst of both worlds—modest incomes and above-modest rents.

Emporia's rents outpace its wages

Emporia's $1,060 rent is 45% higher than Danville's $808 and 45% higher than Dickenson's $733, yet median income is similar or slightly higher. At 25.8%, Emporia's rent-to-income ratio is the poorest in this peer group, suggesting local rent growth has outpaced wage growth. Emporia renters face a tighter squeeze than comparable nearby communities.

Renters sacrifice heavily for housing

Emporia renters spend $1,060 monthly on $49,375 annual income—consuming 25.8% of gross earnings, nearly 40% above the recommended 18% threshold. Homeowners fare better with $678 monthly costs on $131,100 median home values, claiming 16.4% of income. The rental market here is significantly stressed compared to the homeownership option.

Renters should explore homeownership seriously

Emporia's rental market is notably expensive relative to local wages, but homeownership offers significant relief with monthly costs under $680 and homes near $131k. Prospective residents considering relocation should prioritize buying over renting if finances permit, or compare Emporia to neighboring communities with better rental-to-income ratios. Remote workers earning above-local wages would find better overall value in more affordable peer communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emporia city

via IncomeByCounty

Emporia's income falls below national average

Emporia city's median household income of $49,375 sits 34% below the nation's median of $74,755. This shortfall reflects economic challenges facing small Virginia communities transitioning away from traditional industries.

Emporia ranks among Virginia's lower-income areas

At $49,375, Emporia's median household income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by roughly $25,500. Per capita income of $25,570 also significantly underperforms the state average of $39,155.

Emporia faces tighter income constraints than some neighbors

Emporia's $49,375 median income exceeds Danville ($42,778) but lags behind Essex County ($56,481) and Dinwiddie ($83,898). The city occupies a challenging middle position among surrounding communities.

Housing costs consume a notable income share

Emporia's rent-to-income ratio of 25.8% is above the standard 20-30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs stretch budgets tighter. With median income relatively modest, residents have limited financial cushion for savings or emergencies.

Prioritize emergency savings even with tight budgets

Building an emergency fund of even $500-1,000 provides crucial protection against unexpected costs. Look into employer retirement plans or low-fee community investment programs that let you contribute small amounts regularly.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Emporia city

via CrimeByCounty

Emporia City Faces Higher Crime Challenges

Emporia city reports a total crime rate of 3,996.4 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, its safety score remains at 93.7, indicating moderate overall protection. Data should be interpreted with caution as it comes from a single reporting agency.

Measuring Safety Against State Benchmarks

Emporia's total crime rate of 3,996.4 is more than double the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 93.7 falls below the state average of 97.3. Local officials focus on targeted enforcement to address these disparities compared to statewide norms.

High Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

The crime rate in Emporia city is much higher than in nearby Dinwiddie County, which sits at 1,639.5 per 100,000. While Emporia is a small city, its property crime rate of 3,556.3 is notably elevated for the region. Residents must stay aware of these higher local trends when traveling through the area.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern in Emporia, with 3,556.3 incidents per 100,000 people—well above the national 2,015.7 average. The violent crime rate of 440.1 is also higher than the national benchmark of 369.8. These figures highlight the importance of proactive crime prevention strategies.

Proactive Security for City Residents

Given the property crime rate of 3,556.3, home security systems and neighborhood watch programs are highly recommended. Always lock vehicle doors and use timers for indoor lighting when away. High visibility is often the best defense against property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Emporia city

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Secondary Education in Emporia

Emporia City features a streamlined educational landscape centered around Greensville County High School. This facility serves 607 students, providing a singular focus for the city's secondary education needs. The city relies on a town-centered infrastructure to support its student population.

High Graduation Rates and Strategic Spending

Emporia achieves an impressive 92% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. The city invests $9,419 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Virginia state average. These investments contribute to a strong school score of 59.8, well above the national median.

Unified Under Greensville County Schools

Greensville County Public Schools manages the city's primary secondary hub, Greensville County High. There are no charter schools available in this area, ensuring all public resources are concentrated into the local high school. This structure creates a unified academic identity for all city residents.

Small-Town Feel in a Single Campus

The local educational experience is defined by its town locale, offering a walk-able and accessible campus environment. Greensville County High maintains a mid-sized enrollment of 607 students. This single-school structure fosters a tight-knit community where every high schooler in the city shares the same academic home.

Invest in a Community with Strong Results

Emporia is an excellent choice for families seeking high graduation rates and a focused educational environment. With per-pupil spending that exceeds state norms, the city demonstrates a clear commitment to its youth. Look for homes near the central high school to stay connected to the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emporia city

via RiskByCounty

Emporia enjoys exceptional safety

Emporia's composite risk score of 4.99 ranks among the lowest in the nation, indicating minimal overall natural disaster vulnerability. The city scores exceptionally low across flood (13.45), wildfire (0.92), and tornado (16.25) risks, though hurricane exposure is more moderate at 73.88.

One of Virginia's safest places

Emporia's score of 4.99 is less than one-seventh of Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it near the top tier of safe communities statewide. Only a handful of Virginia localities rival Emporia's exceptional low-risk profile.

Emporia is the region's safest city

Emporia's composite score of 4.99 is substantially lower than nearby Dinwiddie County (19.34) and far below Danville city's 68.03. The city's minimal wildfire risk (0.92) is particularly notable compared to Dickenson County's 83.27.

Hurricane exposure is Emporia's sole concern

Emporia's hurricane risk of 73.88 stands in sharp contrast to the city's extremely low scores across other hazards, making tropical systems the primary natural disaster threat. All other risk categories—flood (13.45), wildfire (0.92), tornado (16.25), earthquake (37.60)—remain minimal.

Ensure adequate hurricane coverage

Emporia residents should maintain homeowner's insurance with comprehensive wind and water damage coverage to handle tropical storms. Review your policy's deductibles and replacement cost valuations to ensure adequate protection during hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Emporia city

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Data

Compliance data for Emporia is currently unavailable in the federal SDWIS database. This makes it difficult to benchmark the city against the state average violation rate of 126.9 per 100K residents.

Watershed Health and Impairment

Three out of 10 assessed water bodies in Emporia fail to meet federal standards, representing a 30.0% impairment rate. These impairments are primarily driven by mercury and PCBs found in fish tissue.

Limited Monitoring Presence

Data collection in Emporia is currently limited to a single monitoring site that recorded 504 measurements over the last five years. This site tracks physical, microbiological, and nutrient indicators to monitor local trends.

Meherrin River Flow Status

The Meherrin River at Emporia currently measures 107 cfs, just 16% of its long-term average of 673 cfs. Such low flow can lead to stagnant conditions and higher concentrations of chemical runoff in the riverbed.

Protecting Local Water Quality

Because mercury and PCBs are top impairment causes, residents should strictly follow state fish consumption advisories for local rivers. The currently low streamflow means contaminants may be more concentrated than usual in the Meherrin River.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Emporia city

via WeatherByCounty

One of Virginia's Warmest Spots

Emporia's 59.7°F annual average temperature is well above the national median. This southern city enjoys a long growing season and a consistently warm climate.

Leading the State in Heat

At nearly 60°F, Emporia is significantly warmer than the 55.9°F state average. It ranks as one of the warmest jurisdictions in all of Virginia.

A Coastal Plain Climate Profile

Emporia shares the humid characteristics of its neighbors but sees even less snow at just 1.4 inches per year. It receives 46.2 inches of rain, slightly above the state average.

Intense Heat and Negligible Snow

Summer temperatures average 77.7°F, featuring 42 days where the thermometer tops 90°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with a January average of nearly 40°F.

Expect a Long Cooling Season

Homeowners should prioritize HVAC maintenance for the 42 extreme heat days. Winter tires and snow shovels are rarely used here, given the minimal 1.4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Emporia city

via LawnByCounty

Comfortable Growing in Emporia

Emporia city scores a 58.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly ahead of the state average of 55.4. This score indicates that while challenges exist, the baseline environment is more supportive than half of the United States. Success here depends largely on managing the city's intense summer heat.

High Growth Potential and Heat Stress

Emporia records 4,675 growing degree days, indicating a very active growing season for local turf. This growth is fueled by 46.2 inches of annual rain but is challenged by 42 extreme heat days per year. Mowing heights should be raised in July to shade the soil and protect grass from the 79.6°F average highs.

Professional Soil Testing Recommended

Specific soil metrics for Emporia are currently unavailable, necessitating a cautious approach to fertilization. To maintain the health of your lawn, aim for a target pH of 6.5 through local testing and amendments. Good soil structure will be your best defense against the heavy rains and heat cycles common to the region.

Managing Dry Spells in Emporia

The city has experienced 10 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Only a trace amount of the city faces severe drought, suggesting that most lawn stress is manageable with standard irrigation. Consistent monitoring of soil moisture is vital during the peak summer months.

Timing Your Planting for Maximum Results

With a late March frost date and a first fall frost on November 6th, Emporia offers a long window for lawn establishment. Tall Fescue is a popular choice here due to its balance of shade tolerance and heat resistance. Start your seeding in the early fall to take advantage of the long, mild autumn days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emporia city's county score?
Emporia city, Virginia has a composite county score of 41 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 Emporia city rank among counties in Virginia?
Emporia city ranks #108 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 Emporia city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Emporia city is $990, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Emporia city a tax score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Emporia city?
The median household income in Emporia city, Virginia is $49,375 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Emporia city earns an income score of 13.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Emporia city, Virginia a good place to live?
Emporia city scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #108 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Emporia 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 Emporia city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.