Fauquier County scores 62.5 on the CountyScore index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier nationally, suggesting strong overall livability compared to most American counties.
2 / 5
Below Average in Virginia's Rankings
With a composite score of 62.5, Fauquier trails Virginia's state average of 70.3, indicating other Virginia counties offer somewhat better overall livability. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier within the state.
3 / 5
Tax-Friendly, Income-Strong Appeal
Fauquier excels in its tax score of 80.6, with an effective tax rate of just 0.77%, making it highly competitive for tax-conscious residents. The county also boasts strong incomes averaging $129,495 annually, among the highest in the state.
4 / 5
Housing Affordability Lags Significantly
The county's cost score of 47.6 reflects a major affordability challenge, with median home values at $543,700 and gross rents averaging $1,561 monthly. This makes Fauquier less accessible to middle- and lower-income households despite its strong tax advantages.
5 / 5
For Affluent Families Seeking Tax Breaks
Fauquier County best suits high-income households and retirees who prioritize low tax burdens and strong earning potential over housing affordability. The county delivers excellent financial conditions for the wealthy, though young families and budget-conscious movers may find housing costs prohibitive.
Fauquier County scores 62.5 on the CountyScore index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier nationally, suggesting strong overall livability compared to most American counties.
Below Average in Virginia's Rankings
With a composite score of 62.5, Fauquier trails Virginia's state average of 70.3, indicating other Virginia counties offer somewhat better overall livability. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier within the state.
Tax-Friendly, Income-Strong Appeal
Fauquier excels in its tax score of 80.6, with an effective tax rate of just 0.77%, making it highly competitive for tax-conscious residents. The county also boasts strong incomes averaging $129,495 annually, among the highest in the state.
Housing Affordability Lags Significantly
The county's cost score of 47.6 reflects a major affordability challenge, with median home values at $543,700 and gross rents averaging $1,561 monthly. This makes Fauquier less accessible to middle- and lower-income households despite its strong tax advantages.
For Affluent Families Seeking Tax Breaks
Fauquier County best suits high-income households and retirees who prioritize low tax burdens and strong earning potential over housing affordability. The county delivers excellent financial conditions for the wealthy, though young families and budget-conscious movers may find housing costs prohibitive.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Fauquier County residents spend just 14.5% of their income on rent, well below the national norm and significantly better than the typical American renter. With a median household income of $129,495—73% above the national median of $74,755—housing remains comfortably affordable for most renters here.
Virginia's Most Affordable Region
Fauquier ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage stems from both strong incomes and relatively moderate rents for the region.
Pricier Than Rural Neighbors
Fauquier's median rent of $1,561 significantly exceeds nearby Floyd County ($826) and Franklin County ($797), reflecting its proximity to Northern Virginia's job markets. However, Fauquier's higher incomes—$129,495 vs Floyd's $61,401—keep the affordability burden in check.
Income Comfortably Covers Costs
Renters in Fauquier spend $1,561 monthly while homeowners pay $2,110, leaving households with strong income cushion after housing expenses. Just 14.5% of median income goes toward rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold that most experts recommend.
Consider Fauquier for Balance
If you're relocating for better affordability without sacrificing income potential, Fauquier offers strong regional wages and reasonable housing costs. Compare this county's rent-to-income ratio (14.5%) against your current market to assess the financial gain of a move here.
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.
At 79.0 years, Fauquier County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by about 5 years, reflecting strong overall health outcomes in the region. Only 14.0% of residents report poor or fair health, well below typical county rates, signaling a generally healthy population.
Among Virginia's healthiest counties
Fauquier's 79.0-year life expectancy ranks significantly above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it in the upper tier of the state's health rankings. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 14.0% further confirms its position as a health leader within Virginia.
Outpaces similar Northern Virginia regions
Fauquier's life expectancy of 79.0 years beats Frederick County (78.5 years) and Floyd County (76.4 years), neighboring areas with comparable demographics. With 45 primary care providers per 100K residents, Fauquier maintains robust access to preventive care compared to most regional peers.
Strong insurance coverage, solid provider access
Fauquier's 7.0% uninsured rate is slightly below Virginia's state average of 7.9%, meaning most residents have coverage for routine care. The county offers 45 primary care providers and 134 mental health providers per 100K residents, supporting comprehensive healthcare access.
Check your coverage this year
With 7.0% of residents uninsured, there's room to improve. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to review your coverage options and ensure you're protected for the year ahead.
With a composite risk score of 47.68, Fauquier County ranks in the relatively low category—but still exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27. The county's exposure to hurricanes (72.13), earthquakes (61.20), and floods (65.78) outpaces most communities across the nation.
Among Virginia's higher-risk counties
Fauquier's composite score of 47.68 places it well above the state average of 33.27, making it one of Virginia's more hazard-exposed areas. This elevated risk reflects the county's geographic positioning along major flood corridors and seismic zones.
Fauquier outpaces nearby Frederick County
Frederick County (44.72) sits slightly below Fauquier's 47.68, while nearby Floyd County (6.62) and Galax (6.81) face dramatically lower risks. Fauquier's higher composite score is driven primarily by hurricane (72.13) and earthquake (61.20) exposure that its western neighbors do not share equally.
Hurricanes and earthquakes lead threats
Hurricane risk (72.13) is Fauquier's most significant hazard, with tropical systems regularly reaching the region and bringing heavy rainfall and flooding. Earthquake risk (61.20) and flood risk (65.78) also pose considerable concerns, while tornado risk (16.48) remains comparatively low.
Secure flood and earthquake coverage now
Standard homeowners policies exclude both flood and earthquake damage—two of Fauquier's top three risks. Residents should obtain separate flood insurance and evaluate earthquake coverage to protect against the county's most probable hazards.