countyscore
51.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.5Property Tax 77.5

County Report Card

About Essex County, Virginia

Essex County Matches National Norms

Essex County posts a composite score of 51.1, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

Aligning with the Virginia Average

With a score of 51.1, Essex sits right at the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents a typical Virginia county experience, balancing rural character with stable metrics.

Clean Water and Low Risk

The county excels in essential utilities with a water score of 86.0 and maintains high environmental safety with a risk score of 81.5. It also benefits from a competitive tax score of 77.5.

Economic and Health Limitations

Essex faces obstacles in health outcomes with a score of 31.0 and a relatively low income score of 28.7. Median household income remains modest at $56,481.

A Reliable Mid-Sized County

Essex is a solid choice for those seeking high environmental quality and reliable infrastructure. It suits residents who value consistency and a low tax burden over high-growth economic opportunities.

2040608010077.534.539.13173.128.781.58663Tax77.5Cost34.5Safety39.1Health31Schools73.1Income28.7Risk81.5Water86Weather6351.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Essex County DNA

Foverall

How Essex County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Essex County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (81.5/100) but notably weak in Income (28.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.5+25.5
Cost
34.5-13.5
Safety
39.1-15.899999999999999
Health
31-19
Schools
73.1+19.099999999999994
Income
28.7-22.3
Risk
81.5+34.5
Water
86+28
Weather
63
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$228,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$967/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$228,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,481/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.3

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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Nearby counties

Richmond County
Virginia
62.9
Westmoreland County
Virginia
55.4
King and Queen County
Virginia
63.7
King William County
Virginia
57
Caroline County
Virginia
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King George County
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54.7
Northumberland County
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St. Mary's County
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52.3

Deep Dives

Essex County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Essex County

via TaxByCounty

Essex taxes well below national average

Essex County's effective tax rate of 0.574% sits well below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile nationally. The median tax of $1,312 is 49% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting a below-average rate despite moderate home values.

Below average for Virginia

Essex County's 0.574% rate trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's more affordable jurisdictions. The median tax of $1,312 is about 33% below the state median of $1,960, benefiting from a lower rate and slightly below-average home values.

Moderate taxes for the region

Essex County's 0.574% rate places it between Dickenson County's 0.497% and Dinwiddie County's 0.601%, making it a middle option in the local area. A median home value of $228,600 gives it more expensive properties than nearby Danville and Dickenson, but still below state average.

What a typical home costs in taxes

Own a median-priced home worth $228,600 in Essex County? You'll pay approximately $1,312 in annual property taxes. That breaks down to about $109 per month, or roughly $1,495 when mortgage-related taxes are included.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Essex County homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate—overassessments can happen anywhere, and appeals are free. A successful challenge could reduce your $1,312 annual bill and deliver meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Essex County

via CostByCounty

Essex balances modest income with modest cost

Essex County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% moderately exceeds the national standard of 18.6%, though not dramatically so. Median household income of $56,481 trails the nation by 24%, while median rent of $967 reflects a middle ground between rural and suburban Virginia. The county presents a stable, if slightly stretched, rental market.

Moderate affordability for rural Virginia

Essex County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, ranking it among mid-range affordability communities statewide. The $967 median rent is 15% below Virginia's statewide median of $1,140, partially offset by below-average local incomes. Essex represents a typical rural Virginia housing balance.

Essex between affordability extremes

Essex's $967 rent falls between Danville's $808 and Emporia's $1,060, and its 20.5% rent-to-income ratio similarly occupies middle ground. The median income of $56,481 exceeds Danville and Dickenson but falls short of Dinwiddie's $83,898, making Essex a moderate option. For renters seeking reasonable but not exceptional affordability, Essex offers balance.

Housing remains manageable for owners

Essex renters spend $967 monthly on $56,481 annual income—a moderate 20.5% of gross earnings—leaving adequate room for other expenses. Homeowners enjoy better terms with $942 monthly costs on median value of $228,600, consuming just 19.9% of household income. Both renting and owning remain relatively balanced options here.

Essex suits flexible relocators seeking balance

Essex County offers neither the absolute lowest costs nor the highest incomes, but rather a balanced middle ground where $967 rents and $229k homes remain manageable. The county appeals to workers with regional job flexibility seeking small-town living without extreme affordability constraints. Prospective residents comparing multiple Virginia options should view Essex as a solid compromise between rural affordability and suburban opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Essex County

via IncomeByCounty

Essex County moderately underperforms national average

Essex County's median household income of $56,481 runs 24% below the national median of $74,755. While this gap is notable, the county performs better than many rural Virginia communities nationwide.

Essex County income below but closer to state average

Essex County's $56,481 median income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $18,500. Per capita income of $32,839 approaches the state average of $39,155, reflecting moderate economic standing within the state.

Essex County sits in the middle income range

Essex's $56,481 income places it above lower-income communities like Emporia ($49,375) but well below Dinwiddie ($83,898). The county represents a transitional tier between Virginia's most and least prosperous regions.

Housing remains reasonably affordable here

Essex County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% falls comfortably within the affordable range. Despite modest income, median home values of $228,600 are accessible to many households, enabling property ownership.

Homeownership can be a wealth-building strategy

Essex County's reasonable housing costs relative to income make property ownership viable for many residents. Building home equity through ownership often serves as a primary wealth-accumulation strategy for working families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Essex County

via CrimeByCounty

Essex County Maintains Above-Average Safety

Essex County earns a safety score of 97.8, making it safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 1,386.5 per 100,000 is roughly 42% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a relatively low-risk environment for its residents.

Outperforming the Virginia State Average

Essex County’s total crime rate of 1,386.5 is comfortably below the Virginia average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.8 also edges out the state's average score of 97.3. These statistics place Essex among the more secure counties in the Commonwealth.

A Secure Profile in the Region

Essex County's crime rate of 1,386.5 per 100,000 is lower than the rates seen in many Virginia cities. With three reporting agencies providing data, the county shows a consistent track record of safety. It offers a quieter alternative to more densely populated areas nearby.

Reviewing Violent and Property Crime Data

Violent crime in Essex stands at 301.8 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is reported at 1,084.7, nearly half the national rate of 2,015.7. Residents experience fewer than 1,400 total crimes per 100,000 people annually.

Keeping Essex County Secure

With a property crime rate of 1,084.7, basic home security still provides significant peace of mind. Ensure all sheds and outbuildings are properly locked to prevent equipment theft. Community vigilance helps maintain the county’s strong safety score of 97.8.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Essex County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Four-School System

Essex County provides education through four public schools, including elementary, middle, and high school levels. The system supports 1,181 students across two distinct districts. This small scale allows for a focused approach to student development in a close-knit community.

Outperforming State and National Averages

The county's 92% graduation rate is a point of pride, beating the national average by five percentage points. Essex invests $9,113 per student, which is well above the Virginia average of $7,941. This commitment results in a robust school score of 59.1, reflecting high academic quality.

Essex County Public Schools Leads Enrollment

Essex County Public Schools is the dominant district, serving 1,181 students across three primary campuses. The Chesapeake Bay Governor's School also operates within the county to provide specialized regional opportunities. No charter schools are present, keeping the focus on these established public institutions.

Town-Based Schools with Intimate Sizes

All four schools are located in town settings, making them central hubs for the local population. Essex High is the largest facility with 514 students, while Tappahannock Elementary and James H. Cary Intermediate each serve around 330 students. The average school size of 394 ensures that students receive personalized attention from faculty.

Secure Your Family's Future in Tappahannock

Buying a home in Essex County means joining a community that prioritizes school funding and student success. The high graduation rates and above-average spending make this a smart choice for education-focused buyers. Explore properties within the town limits to enjoy proximity to these high-performing schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Essex County

via RiskByCounty

Essex ranks in the very low category

Essex's composite risk score of 18.58 places it solidly in the very low category nationally, well below average disaster vulnerability. However, the county's flood risk (55.60) and hurricane risk (80.02) are notably elevated, reflecting its coastal location and water exposure.

Below average but not exceptional

Essex's score of 18.58 sits below Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking the county among the commonwealth's safer communities. The county's low tornado (22.87) and wildfire (10.24) risks contribute significantly to this favorable standing.

Essex comparable to Dinwiddie County

Essex's composite score of 18.58 closely mirrors nearby Dinwiddie County's 19.34, suggesting similar overall resilience. Both counties significantly outperform Danville city (68.03), though Essex's flood and hurricane scores exceed Dinwiddie's due to coastal proximity.

Hurricanes and floods are primary threats

Essex residents face substantial hurricane risk at 80.02 and moderate flood risk at 55.60, reflecting the county's Chesapeake Bay location and tidal influences. Tornado (22.87), earthquake (43.16), and wildfire (10.24) risks remain minimal by comparison.

Prioritize flood and hurricane insurance

Given Essex's flood risk of 55.60 and hurricane exposure of 80.02, flood insurance is critical—standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage. Ensure wind and water damage coverage is adequate, and consider elevated structures or flood vents if you live in vulnerable areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Essex County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Drinking Water Quality

Essex County maintains an A grade with zero drinking water health violations over the last five years. This performance is superior to the Virginia state average violation rate of 126.9 per 100K people.

Watershed Impairment Challenges

Roughly 56.0% of the county's 84 assessed water bodies are impaired, exceeding the state average failure rate of 46.1%. Low dissolved oxygen and PCB levels are the primary drivers of these environmental issues.

Comprehensive Water Monitoring

A strong monitoring network of 22 sites has generated 12,250 measurements over the past five years. This high density of data focuses heavily on nutrients and physical water characteristics.

Piscataway Creek Flow Data

Piscataway Creek near Tappahannock is running at 12 cfs, which is 37% of its typical 32 cfs flow. While the creek is relatively small, the current low volume impacts the estuarine health of the surrounding watershed.

Safe Drinking and Fishing

While tap water is consistently safe, the high percentage of impaired waterways suggests caution when eating locally caught fish. Low dissolved oxygen levels during this period of reduced flow can also impact local aquatic ecosystems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Essex County

via SoilByCounty

Essex's Tidewater Soil Identity

Essex County has an acidic pH of 5.05, significantly lower than the national 6.5 median and the state average of 5.23. The soil score of 23.8 reflects the challenges and opportunities of the coastal plain landscape.

Sandy Shores and Easy Digging

With 59.2% sand and 26.8% silt, this soil is light, airy, and very easy to manage with hand tools. The 11.7% clay content is low, ensuring that the ground warms up quickly in the spring for early planting.

Healthy Organic Levels for Growth

Organic matter measures 2.49%, which beats the national average of 2.0% even if it trails the state’s 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.130 in/in is slightly low, so plan for supplemental irrigation during hot spells.

Hydrology of the Riverlands

While specific drainage classes are not in the central database, the high sand content points toward rapid drainage toward the Rappahannock River. This makes it important to manage runoff to protect local water quality and keep nutrients in the soil.

Coastal Bounty in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b allows for a massive variety of crops, from figs to summer squash. Leverage the sandy texture for root vegetables like carrots and radishes, which will grow straight and true in this light earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Essex County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tough Conditions in Essex

Essex County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 47.4, which falls below both the state and national averages. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the combination of soil quality and heat makes lawn care more demanding than in neighboring regions. Homeowners here need a more strategic approach to maintain a lush landscape.

Managing Intense Heat and Humidity

Lawn care in Essex is complicated by 44 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 28. While the 45.2 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, the high heat increases evaporation rates. This requires a precise watering schedule to ensure that turf survives the 78.2°F average July temperatures.

Combatting Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil in Essex is quite acidic with a pH of 5.05, well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Additionally, the 59.2% sand content means the ground drains quickly but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular liming and the addition of organic matter are critical steps for any successful lawn here.

Frequent Drought Impacts Turf Health

With 17 weeks spent in drought over the past year, Essex County lawns face significant water stress. The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry (D0), although severe drought remains at zero percent. Investing in drought-resistant grass varieties is a smart move for long-term sustainability in this region.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Essex

In Zone 7b, heat-hardy choices like Bermuda or Centipede grass are well-suited to handle the sandy soil and hot summers. Because frost dates are not specified, wait until the soil is reliably warm in the spring before planting warm-season varieties. Focus on deep-rooting species to overcome the challenges of the county's fast-draining soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Essex County's county score?
Essex County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Essex County rank among counties in Virginia?
Essex County ranks #76 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 Essex County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Essex County is $1,312, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Essex County a tax score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Essex County?
The median household income in Essex County, Virginia is $56,481 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Essex County earns an income score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Essex County, Virginia a good place to live?
Essex County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Essex 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 Essex 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.