Floyd County scores 78.0 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0. This superior national ranking places Floyd among the more livable counties across the entire United States.
2 / 5
Outperforms Virginia's Average
Floyd's composite score of 78.0 exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, putting it among the better-performing counties statewide. The county stands out as one of Virginia's stronger choices for overall livability.
3 / 5
Affordability and Low Tax Paradise
Floyd shines with a cost score of 84.4 and tax score of 87.6, offering median home values of just $215,500 and rents at $826 monthly. The effective tax rate of 0.521% is among the lowest statewide, making this county exceptionally accessible.
4 / 5
Income Levels Remain Below Average
The county's income score of 23.5 reflects median household earnings of only $61,401, well below state and national standards. Limited income opportunities may constrain career prospects for residents seeking higher-wage employment.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Self-Sufficient Residents
Floyd County excels for retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing affordable living over high local wages. The county's exceptional housing affordability and low taxes make it perfect for anyone seeking a rural, budget-friendly lifestyle independent of local employment.
Floyd County scores 78.0 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0. This superior national ranking places Floyd among the more livable counties across the entire United States.
Outperforms Virginia's Average
Floyd's composite score of 78.0 exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, putting it among the better-performing counties statewide. The county stands out as one of Virginia's stronger choices for overall livability.
Affordability and Low Tax Paradise
Floyd shines with a cost score of 84.4 and tax score of 87.6, offering median home values of just $215,500 and rents at $826 monthly. The effective tax rate of 0.521% is among the lowest statewide, making this county exceptionally accessible.
Income Levels Remain Below Average
The county's income score of 23.5 reflects median household earnings of only $61,401, well below state and national standards. Limited income opportunities may constrain career prospects for residents seeking higher-wage employment.
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Self-Sufficient Residents
Floyd County excels for retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing affordable living over high local wages. The county's exceptional housing affordability and low taxes make it perfect for anyone seeking a rural, budget-friendly lifestyle independent of local employment.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Floyd County's effective rate of 0.521% sits 10% below the national median of 0.579%, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. At $1,122 annually, median property taxes are less than half the national median of $2,690, making Floyd an affordable option by national standards.
Floyd ranks low among Virginia counties
Floyd County's 0.521% effective tax rate sits 22% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it among the lowest-taxing counties in the commonwealth. Residents here enjoy tax bills roughly 43% lower than the state median, saving money on property assessments.
Floyd offers region's lowest tax burden
Floyd County's 0.521% rate undercuts neighboring Franklin County (0.533%) and significantly beats Fauquier County (0.770%) across the region. A homeowner with a $215,500 property pays just $1,122 in Floyd versus $1,188 in Franklin—a modest difference that adds up over time.
Floyd homeowners pay just $1,122 yearly
With a median home value of $215,500 and a 0.521% effective rate, typical Floyd homeowners pay approximately $1,122 in annual property taxes. This modest burden reflects the county's lower property values and light tax rates compared to wealthier Virginia counties.
Even low rates warrant assessment review
Floyd County's affordability doesn't mean assessments are always accurate—properties may still be overvalued relative to comparable recent sales. A formal appeal costs little and could reveal you're paying taxes on outdated valuations, potentially saving hundreds.
Floyd County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing, below both the national benchmark and the Virginia average of 18.6%. While the median income here ($61,401) lags the national median ($74,755), exceptionally low rents of $826 monthly create genuine affordability.
Virginia's Most Affordable County
Floyd County ranks as one of Virginia's most affordable places to live, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% and median monthly rent of just $826. The county's rural character and lower cost of living make it attractive for those prioritizing affordability over urban amenities.
Cheapest Rents in the Region
Floyd's $826 median rent is substantially lower than Frederick County ($1,402) and Fauquier County ($1,561), making it the region's most budget-friendly option. The trade-off is lower median incomes ($61,401 vs Fauquier's $129,495), reflecting its rural economy.
Modest Costs, Modest Incomes
Floyd renters spend just $826 monthly while homeowners pay $601, among the lowest housing costs in Virginia. At 16.1% of income dedicated to rent, Floyd provides genuine housing relief even as the county's overall wage levels remain below state averages.
Floyd Rewards Budget-Conscious Movers
If remote work or retirement allows you to maintain current income while relocating, Floyd County delivers exceptional value with $826 monthly rents. Factor in that you'd spend just 16.1% of median income on housing compared to 18.6% statewide.
Floyd County's median household income of $61,401 falls 18% short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks below the national midpoint, reflecting its rural Appalachian character and limited access to high-wage employment centers.
Floyd ranks in lower third statewide
Floyd's median household income of $61,401 is 18% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, placing it among the lower-earning counties in the state. Per capita income of $36,681 trails the state average by 6%.
Floyd earns less than surrounding areas
Floyd County households earn $30,558 less annually than Fluvanna County ($91,959) and $27,202 less than Frederick County ($95,603). Despite its lower income profile, the county offers significantly lower housing costs, with homes valued at $215,500.
Rent consumes growing share of income
Floyd's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% remains below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's trending upward relative to the county's moderate income levels. Rising housing costs could strain budgets without corresponding income growth.
Build savings despite modest income
Floyd residents earning $61,401 annually can prioritize emergency savings and employer retirement benefits to establish financial stability. Even small, consistent contributions to savings accounts and IRAs compound over time to build long-term security.
Floyd County residents have a life expectancy of 76.4 years, roughly in line with the U.S. average but reflecting regional health challenges. With 15.8% reporting poor or fair health, Floyd faces slightly elevated health burden compared to national norms.
Performing modestly within Virginia
Floyd's 76.4-year life expectancy sits just above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. The 15.8% poor/fair health rate suggests room for improvement in chronic disease prevention and health management.
Below health outcomes of regional peers
Floyd's 76.4-year life expectancy trails Fauquier County (79.0 years) and Fluvanna County (79.7 years), indicating weaker health outcomes than similar Piedmont and mountain communities. With only 32 primary care providers per 100K residents, Floyd has fewer providers than most neighboring counties.
Uninsured rate slightly above state average
At 7.6% uninsured, Floyd is marginally better than Virginia's 7.9% state average, yet still leaves over 1 in 13 residents without coverage. The county's 32 primary care providers per 100K means residents may face longer waits or travel distances for routine medical care.
Explore your health insurance options now
Floyd's 7.6% uninsured rate shows opportunity to expand coverage. Check healthcare.gov or Virginia's marketplace to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Floyd County's composite risk score of 6.62 places it in the very low category—well below Virginia's state average of 33.27 and among the safest counties nationwide. The county benefits from geographic and demographic factors that minimize exposure to most major hazards.
Floyd ranks among Virginia's safest areas
With a composite score of 6.62 compared to the state average of 33.27, Floyd County is one of Virginia's lowest-risk jurisdictions. The county's mountainous terrain and rural character contribute to its favorable risk profile.
Floyd is safer than all nearby counties
Floyd's 6.62 score significantly underperforms Franklin County (42.72), Fauquier (47.68), and Frederick (44.72). Only Galax (6.81) comes close to Floyd's low-risk status, making this region a relative haven within Virginia's hazard landscape.
Wildfire and hurricane are minor concerns
Even Floyd's highest risks—hurricane (53.27) and wildfire (49.36)—remain moderate and well below state averages. Flood (17.27), earthquake (28.24), and tornado (10.97) risks all register as low, offering residents substantial protection from major natural hazards.
Standard homeowners policy likely sufficient
Floyd's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection for most residents. However, those in forested areas should verify wildfire coverage, and any property near water should confirm flood exclusions with their insurer.