countyscore
70
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.4Property Tax 78.1Safety 76.3

County Report Card

About Floyd County, Virginia

Floyd County Surges Past National Median

With a composite score of 71.5, Floyd County ranks among the elite livability performers in the United States. It sits significantly higher than the national median score of 50.0.

Far Exceeding the Virginia Average

Floyd County’s 71.5 score dwarfs the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents one of the highest-rated rural living environments in the Commonwealth.

Unmatched Stability and Tax Efficiency

The county shines with a Risk Score of 93.4 and a Tax Score of 83.8, reflecting low disaster vulnerability and a lean 0.521% effective tax rate. This makes it an exceptionally secure and affordable place to own property.

Water Infrastructure and Lower Income

Floyd’s primary challenge is its Water Score of 26.6, suggesting a need for better resource management. Additionally, an Income Score of 43.5 reflects a median household income of $61,401, which is lower than many neighboring areas.

A Haven for Safety and Value

Floyd County is a premier destination for retirees and remote workers who prioritize low taxes and physical safety. It offers incredible peace of mind for those who don't rely on a high-local-wage economy.

2040608010078.16776.368.671.240.393.426.669.7Tax78.1Cost67Safety76.3Health68.6Schools71.2Income40.3Risk93.4Water26.6Weather69.770/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Floyd County DNA

Coverall

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

Floyd County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (93.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.1+26.099999999999994
Cost
67+19
Safety
76.3+21.299999999999997
Health
68.6+18.599999999999994
Schools
71.2+17.200000000000003
Income
40.3-10.700000000000003
Risk
93.4+46.400000000000006
Water
26.6-31.4
Weather
69.7+13.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Floyd County

Whether buying or refinancing in Floyd County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$225,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$878/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$225,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,191/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.9

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
Compare Floyd County with Assumption Parish →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Assumption Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $51,423
70
Butler County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,268
70
Griggs County
North Dakota
Median income: $61,711
70
Brown County
Indiana
Median income: $78,528
69.9
Marshall County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,543
69.9
McHenry County
North Dakota
Median income: $80,733
69.9
McCreary County
Kentucky
Median income: $33,750
69.8
Hinsdale County
Colorado
Median income: $75,972
69.7

Nearby counties

Radford city
Virginia
47.8
Montgomery County
Virginia
49.3
Patrick County
Virginia
58.9
Pulaski County
Virginia
46.5
Franklin County
Virginia
59.7
Carroll County
Virginia
62.8
Roanoke County
Virginia
49
Salem city
Virginia
42.4

Deep Dives

Floyd County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Floyd County

via TaxByCounty

Floyd taxes fall well below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Floyd County

via IncomeByCounty

Floyd earns below national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Floyd County

via CrimeByCounty

Floyd County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Floyd County achieves an elite safety score of 99.1, far exceeding the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 566.6 per 100,000 residents is roughly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data positions the county as one of the most secure regions in the United States.

Outperforming Virginia's Strong Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 566.6 per 100,000 is significantly better than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its 99.1 safety score also sits comfortably above the Commonwealth's already high average of 97.3. Floyd remains a standout performer for public safety within Virginia.

Regional Safety Leader in Southwest Virginia

Floyd is considerably safer than neighboring Franklin County, which sees 1,223.6 crimes per 100,000 residents. While nearby Giles County reports a rate of 1,310.5, Floyd maintains its rate at less than half those levels. Residents here enjoy a uniquely low-crime environment compared to their neighbors.

Very Low Violent Crime Risks

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 103.0 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays remarkably low at 463.6, which is a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average. These numbers suggest that local crime is infrequent and mostly non-violent.

Maintaining Peace in Floyd County

Even in low-crime areas, basic security like motion-sensor lights and deadbolts provide peace of mind. Staying connected with the two local reporting agencies helps keep the community informed about local trends. Maintaining neighborly awareness is the best way to preserve this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Floyd County

via WeatherByCounty

High Elevation Cools the Air

Floyd County’s 51.3°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. This mountain plateau climate offers a refreshing break from typical Southern heat.

One of Virginia's Coolest Counties

Floyd is significantly cooler than the state average of 55.9°F. Its mountain location creates a climate profile that feels more like the Northeast than the Mid-Atlantic.

Wet and Snowy Mountains

The county receives 48.4 inches of precipitation annually, notably higher than the Virginia average. This moisture translates to 20.1 inches of snow during the long winter months.

A Rare Haven from Heat

Floyd experiences only 1 day of extreme heat over 90°F per year. Conversely, its winter average is a chilly 33.6°F, making for a robust cold season.

Focus on Winter Warmth

Invest heavily in home insulation and heating, as winters are the primary climate challenge. Air conditioning is rarely a priority given the July average of just 70.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Floyd County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Highlands Soil Profile

Floyd County boasts a soil score of 46.0, well above the state average of 30.6. Its average pH of 5.40 is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.23, though still below the national 6.5 median. This county represents some of the most robust soil characteristics in the region.

Sand-Dominant and Easily Worked

The soil is 46.5% sand, the highest sand percentage among these neighboring counties, paired with 38.6% silt and 15.0% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration and makes the soil exceptionally easy to work. It resists the heavy, sticky feel common in high-clay Virginia soils.

Rich Organic Matter and Water Retention

Floyd County shines with an organic matter content of 3.31%, surpassing both the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.167 in/in, this soil is highly fertile. It offers a nutrient-rich and moisture-stable environment for any crop.

Predicting Flow in the Blue Ridge

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed, the high sand content suggests naturally rapid drainage. This is beneficial for mountain gardening where slopes can lead to erosion if water is not managed. The rich organic matter helps stabilize this sandier structure against runoff.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 7a

Located in hardiness zone 7a, Floyd County is famous for its productive farms and gardens. The high organic matter and sand-rich texture are perfect for specialty crops like potatoes and high-quality berries. Your soil is among the best in the state, so start planting with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Floyd County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Growing Ease in Floyd

Floyd County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 61.5, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7a county benefits from cooler temperatures that reduce the stress often seen in other parts of Virginia.

A Haven for Cool-Season Grass

With only 1 extreme heat day per year, Floyd avoids the scorching summer dormancy typical of the state average of 28 heat days. The 48.4 inches of annual precipitation provides a lush environment that requires less supplemental irrigation than neighboring regions.

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

The soil contains 46.5% sand and 15% clay, suggesting high drainage but a lower capacity for nutrient retention. At a pH of 5.40, the soil is acidic, so homeowners should apply lime to bring it closer to the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal for turfgrass.

Consistent Moisture Despite Recent Dryness

The county experienced 21 weeks of drought in the past year, though current conditions show 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Residents can preserve moisture by keeping grass height at 3.5 inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Timing the Floyd Growing Season

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this mild climate with its 2,745 growing degree days. Aim to seed after April 30 once the threat of spring frost passes, or prepare for fall planting before the October 25 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Floyd County's county score?
Floyd County, Virginia has a composite county score of 70 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 Floyd County rank among counties in Virginia?
Floyd County ranks #3 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 Floyd County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Floyd County is $1,245, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Floyd County a tax score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Floyd County?
The median household income in Floyd County, Virginia is $62,191 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Floyd County earns an income score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Floyd County, Virginia a good place to live?
Floyd County scores 70/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Floyd 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 Floyd 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.