countyscore
57.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 99Health 83.6Safety 74.9

County Report Card

About Fauquier County, Virginia

Fauquier County Outpaces National Benchmarks

Fauquier County earns a composite score of 57.9, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living relative to most U.S. counties.

A Top Contender in Virginia

The county's overall score of 57.9 is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It maintains a competitive position among the Commonwealth's high-performing Northern Virginia neighbors.

Economic Powerhouse with Exceptional Health

Fauquier excels with an elite Income Score of 99.3, fueled by a median household income of $129,495. It also boasts a Health Score of 83.6, indicating excellent local wellness outcomes.

High Costs Limit Housing Accessibility

The county faces significant affordability hurdles with a Cost Score of 3.7. A median home value of $543,700 and rents averaging $1,561 per month create a high barrier to entry for new residents.

The Ideal Choice for High-Earning Professionals

Fauquier is best suited for established families and high-income professionals who value health and safety. The combination of high earnings and top-tier schools justifies the premium cost of living.

2040608010054.94.274.983.669.79952.361.364.4Tax54.9Cost4.2Safety74.9Health83.6Schools69.7Income99Risk52.3Water61.3Weather64.457.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Fauquier County DNA

Foverall

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

Fauquier County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Income (99/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (4.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.9
Cost
4.2-43.8
Safety
74.9+19.900000000000006
Health
83.6+33.599999999999994
Schools
69.7+15.700000000000003
Income
99+48
Risk
52.3
Water
61.3
Weather
64.4+8.400000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$573,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,613/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$573,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$64,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $130,189/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.3

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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Counties with similar scores

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Preble County
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Presidio County
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Marion County
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Park County
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Nearby counties

Rappahannock County
Virginia
60.7
Manassas city
Virginia
32.2
Culpeper County
Virginia
50.3
Prince William County
Virginia
39.7
Manassas Park city
Virginia
36
Warren County
Virginia
51.9
Clarke County
Virginia
64
Loudoun County
Virginia
57.1

Deep Dives

Fauquier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fauquier County

via TaxByCounty

Fauquier taxes rank well above national median

At 0.770%, Fauquier's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.579% by 33%, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. Median property taxes here reach $4,185 annually—56% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both the county's higher home values and its tax policy.

Fauquier leads Virginia with highest rate

Fauquier County's 0.770% effective tax rate ranks it first among all Virginia counties, significantly above the state average of 0.671%. This distinction means Fauquier homeowners pay more per dollar of assessed value than residents anywhere else in the commonwealth.

Fauquier taxes dwarf surrounding counties

Fauquier's 0.770% rate towers over neighboring Frederick County (0.509%) and Fluvanna County (0.651%), making Fauquier the highest-taxing jurisdiction in its region. A homeowner with a $355,000 home pays roughly $1,807 in Frederick but $2,734 in Fauquier—a difference of $927 annually.

Fauquier homeowners pay $4,185 annually

With a median home value of $543,700 and an effective rate of 0.770%, a typical Fauquier homeowner pays $4,185 in property taxes each year. This is more than double what the average American homeowner pays nationally, reflecting the county's premium property values and tax rates.

Fauquier owners should check assessments

With high effective tax rates and home values, Fauquier homeowners may be overassessed compared to recent market sales. Consider appealing your assessment to the county—many homeowners discover they're paying taxes on inflated property valuations and recover hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fauquier County

via IncomeByCounty

Fauquier leads the nation in income

At $129,495, Fauquier's median household income is 73% higher than the national median of $74,755. This places the county among the wealthiest in the United States, reflecting its proximity to Northern Virginia's job centers and high-income corridors.

Fauquier ranks highest statewide

Fauquier's median household income of $129,495 far exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957, making it the top-earning county in the state. Per capita income of $55,864 is 43% above the state average of $39,155.

Fauquier outpaces nearby counties

Fauquier households earn $34,536 more annually than Frederick County ($95,603) and $37,536 more than Fluvanna County ($91,959). This income advantage reflects the county's access to federal government and professional services employment.

Housing costs stay affordable

At 14.5%, Fauquier's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a manageable share of household earnings. A median home value of $543,700 remains achievable for the county's high-earning households.

High earners should invest strategically

With median household income nearly 75% above the national average, Fauquier residents have substantial capacity to build wealth through diversified investments and retirement planning. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings vehicles and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fauquier County

via CrimeByCounty

Fauquier County: One of the Safest in the US

Fauquier County boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.1, making it a national leader in public safety. Its total crime rate of 597.6 per 100,000 is about 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This region offers some of the highest levels of security in the country.

Setting the Standard for Virginia Safety

Fauquier’s safety score of 99.1 easily beats the Virginia state average of 97.3. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 597.6 is less than half the statewide average of 1,728.8. This performance makes it a standout county for families seeking a low-crime environment.

Top-Tier Safety Compared to Neighbors

Fauquier County is significantly safer than nearby Fairfax County, which has a crime rate of 1,654.8 per 100,000. With data from four reporting agencies, the numbers consistently show that Fauquier is a regional sanctuary. It maintains a quiet atmosphere that is rare for areas so close to major hubs.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is just 88.7 per 100,000, which is over four times lower than the national average. Property crime is also extremely low at 508.9 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. In Fauquier, crime is the exception rather than the rule.

Protecting a High-Security Environment

Despite the record-low property crime rate of 508.9, basic precautions like lighting and secure fencing help maintain this standard. Rural properties benefit from driveway alarms and gate locks to prevent unwanted access. Community engagement is the cornerstone of Fauquier’s 99.1 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fauquier County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate National Climate Standing

Fauquier County averages 54.9°F annually, which is consistent with national median temperatures. The climate is categorized as humid temperate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Trailing the State Average

With an annual average of 54.9°F, Fauquier is cooler than the Virginia-wide average of 55.9°F. This cooling is driven by its inland location and rolling Piedmont hills.

Mirroring Northern Neighbors

Fauquier’s weather patterns, including its 19.8 inches of annual snow, closely match those of neighboring Fairfax. It receives 46.1 inches of precipitation, just above the state average.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

The county averages 21 days of 90-degree heat, slightly fewer than its eastern neighbors. Winter lows average 33.5°F in January, supporting several measurable snow events each year.

Prepare for All Extremes

The 19.8 inches of annual snow require reliable winter prep and insulated pipes. Outdoor plans should account for the 21 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fauquier County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Virginia Acidity in the Foothills

Fauquier County displays an average pH of 5.19, aligning closely with the state average of 5.23. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the region's weathered landscapes. Specific taxonomic order data is not available, but the pH suggests a need for soil testing before planting.

Silt and Sand Driving Soil Texture

The soil contains 43.4% silt and 39.5% sand, creating a silty-sand balance with 17.1% clay. This composition prevents the soil from being too 'tight,' allowing for good root penetration and air exchange. It provides a stable foundation for the county's extensive agricultural and pastoral lands.

Superior Water Storage Potential

The organic matter content is 1.71%, which is lower than both the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0% average. Despite this, the available water capacity is a robust 0.162 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.143 in/in. This high capacity is vital for sustaining the county's famed pastures during dry months.

Limited Data on Water Movement

Formal drainage class and hydrologic group classifications are not provided for this area. Based on the sand and silt percentages, the soil likely offers moderate drainage, but local topography will play a major role. Landowners should observe their fields after rain to identify any slow-draining pockets.

Hardiness Zone 7a Planting

Fauquier County sits in hardiness zone 7a, supporting a wide array of cool-season and warm-season crops. The soil’s water capacity makes it particularly good for hay, grapes, and deep-rooted perennials. Grab your tools and take advantage of these reliable foothills soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fauquier County

via LawnByCounty

Fauquier’s Near-Average Lawn Challenge

Fauquier County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.4, sitting just above the national median of 50.0 but trailing the Virginia state average of 55.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a standard environment for growers that is neither exceptionally easy nor overly difficult.

Ample Rain Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns perfectly with the state average and the ideal range for turf. With 21 extreme heat days and 3,630 growing degree days, the climate supports steady growth but requires attention during the peak of summer.

Managing Acidic Soils and Sand

The local soil pH of 5.19 is well below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, necessitating regular lime applications to neutralize acidity. A composition of 39.5% sand and 17.1% clay means the soil provides decent aeration but may struggle to hold onto nutrients without organic amendments.

Enduring Long Dry Spells

Fauquier spent 39 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. To maintain resilience, homeowners should water deeply twice a week rather than using frequent, shallow sprays to encourage deeper root systems.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is the recommended choice for this region, as it handles the 21 heat days better than most cool-season grasses. Plan to seed after the last frost on April 9 or during the prime fall window before the first frost on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fauquier County's county score?
Fauquier County, Virginia has a composite county score of 57.9 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 Fauquier County rank among counties in Virginia?
Fauquier County ranks #34 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 Fauquier County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Fauquier County is $4,320, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Fauquier County a tax score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fauquier County?
The median household income in Fauquier County, Virginia is $130,189 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fauquier County earns an income score of 99/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fauquier County, Virginia a good place to live?
Fauquier County scores 57.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Fauquier 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 Fauquier County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.