countyscore
59.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.8Disaster Risk 86.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Fluvanna County, Virginia

Strong National Standing for Fluvanna

Fluvanna County earns a composite score of 59.6, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that outranks the majority of counties across the country.

Outperforming the Virginia Average

At 59.6, Fluvanna exceeds the Virginia state average composite score of 50.9. It holds its own as a desirable residential hub within Central Virginia.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

The county boasts an Income Score of 92.8, with households earning a median of $91,959. It also scores highly in Risk (86.5) and Water (86.0), providing residents with environmental stability and clean resources.

Affordability and School Rankings

Fluvanna’s Cost Score is just 14.1, indicating that housing is relatively expensive compared to national levels. The School Score of 51.8 also suggests there is room for improvement in local educational metrics.

Best for Environmentally Conscious Earners

Fluvanna suits families who earn above-average incomes and value environmental safety and water quality. It offers a stable, low-risk lifestyle for those who can afford the local real estate market.

2040608010068.414.170.481.951.892.886.58655.2Tax68.4Cost14.1Safety70.4Health81.9Schools51.8Income92.8Risk86.5Water86Weather55.259.6/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Fluvanna County DNA

Foverall

How Fluvanna County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fluvanna County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (92.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.4+16.400000000000006
Cost
14.1-33.9
Safety
70.4+15.400000000000006
Health
81.9+31.900000000000006
Schools
51.8
Income
92.8+41.8
Risk
86.5+39.5
Water
86+28
Weather
55.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Fluvanna County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$281,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,173/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$281,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,959/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.4

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 Fluvanna County with Franklin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6
Anderson County
Kentucky
Median income: $71,747
59.6
Tensas Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $36,074
59.6
Caswell County
North Carolina
Median income: $59,407
59.6
Ottawa County
Ohio
Median income: $75,728
59.6
Jasper County
Illinois
Median income: $71,094
59.7
Starke County
Indiana
Median income: $62,933
59.7

Nearby counties

Louisa County
Virginia
51.9
Charlottesville city
Virginia
40.3
Cumberland County
Virginia
51.6
Albemarle County
Virginia
44.7
Goochland County
Virginia
64
Buckingham County
Virginia
56.4
Powhatan County
Virginia
54.7
Orange County
Virginia
52.9

Deep Dives

Fluvanna County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fluvanna County

via TaxByCounty

Fluvanna taxes track below national median

At 0.651%, Fluvanna's effective tax rate sits 12% above the national median of 0.579%, placing it near the national 60th percentile. Median property taxes of $1,835 remain well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in this rural Virginia county.

Fluvanna slightly above Virginia average

Fluvanna County's 0.651% effective rate sits just 3% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a middle-of-the-pack performer statewide. Annual median taxes of $1,835 are 6% below the state median of $1,960, keeping costs manageable for residents.

Fluvanna rates cluster with regional peers

Fluvanna's 0.651% rate falls between neighboring Floyd County (0.521%) and Fauquier County (0.770%), positioning it as a moderate option in the region. Homeowners here pay intermediate rates compared to the region's extremes.

Fluvanna homeowners pay $1,835 annually

With a median home value of $281,700 and a 0.651% effective rate, typical Fluvanna homeowners pay roughly $1,835 in annual property taxes. This closely mirrors national median home values while keeping tax bills 32% lower than the national median.

Fluvanna homeowners should verify assessments

Even in moderate-tax counties, properties may be overassessed based on market conditions—especially if your home hasn't sold recently. Filing an appeal with Fluvanna's assessor's office is straightforward and could reduce your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fluvanna County

via CostByCounty

Fluvanna Balances Income and Costs

Fluvanna County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, outperforming both the Virginia average (18.6%) and staying well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $91,959—23% above the national median—Fluvanna offers solid middle-ground affordability.

Upper-Middle Tier for Virginia

Fluvanna's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% ranks it among Virginia's more affordable counties, better than the state average of 18.6%. The county combines moderate incomes ($91,959) with reasonable housing costs, making it accessible to working professionals.

Moderate Costs, Moderate Incomes

Fluvanna's $1,173 median rent falls between affordable rural counties (Floyd at $826) and expensive Northern Virginia (Fauquier at $1,561). Incomes here ($91,959) similarly position it as the middle option, offering balance between cost and wage opportunity.

Housing Takes Modest Share

Fluvanna renters pay $1,173 monthly while homeowners spend $1,386, combining for strong housing affordability in a single-income household. Just 15.3% of median income goes to rent, leaving families substantial resources for other needs.

Fluvanna Works for Balanced Living

Relocating to Fluvanna positions you between rural affordability and urban opportunity, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio and median incomes near $92,000. It's an ideal choice for workers seeking reasonable housing costs without rural isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fluvanna County

via IncomeByCounty

Fluvanna exceeds national income average

At $91,959, Fluvanna County's median household income is 23% higher than the national median of $74,755. The county ranks comfortably above the national average, driven by its position between Richmond and Charlottesville employment markets.

Fluvanna ranks well above state average

Fluvanna's median household income of $91,959 exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $16,912, placing it in the upper third of Virginia counties. Per capita income of $42,987 is 10% above the state average of $39,155.

Fluvanna outearns Floyd, trails Fauquier

Fluvanna households earn $30,558 more annually than Floyd County ($61,401) but $37,536 less than Fauquier County ($129,495). Frederick County ($95,603) and Fluvanna remain close competitors in regional income rankings.

Housing remains reasonably affordable

At 15.3%, Fluvanna's rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain manageable for most households. Median home values of $281,700 are attainable for the county's above-average-income residents.

Invest beyond savings accounts

With median household income 23% above the national average, Fluvanna residents have meaningful capacity to invest in stocks, bonds, and real estate beyond emergency savings. A diversified investment strategy aligned with your timeline and risk tolerance builds wealth more effectively than savings accounts alone.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fluvanna County

via CrimeByCounty

Fluvanna County Boasts High Safety Scores

Fluvanna County earns an impressive safety score of 98.9, placing it well above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 699.6 per 100,000 residents is less than one-third of the national rate of 2,385.5. These figures indicate a very secure environment for local families.

Surpassing Virginia's Average Safety Metrics

The county outperforms the Virginia state average safety score of 97.3 with its own score of 98.9. At 699.6 crimes per 100,000, Fluvanna stays well below the state average rate of 1,728.8. It is consistently ranked among the safer counties in the Commonwealth.

Competitive Safety Among Regional Peers

Fluvanna maintains a safer profile than nearby Giles County, which reports 1,310.5 crimes per 100,000 people. While it is slightly higher than Floyd County's 566.6 rate, Fluvanna remains a regional leader in low crime frequency. It serves as a secure suburban and rural anchor for the area.

Focus on Property Crime Prevention

Property crime accounts for 572.1 incidents per 100,000, which is nearly four times lower than the national average. Violent crime is also minimal at 127.5, compared to the 369.8 national benchmark. In practical terms, crime is a rare occurrence for the average Fluvanna resident.

Keeping Fluvanna Homes Secure

Securing your property with smart cameras and reliable locks helps maintain these low crime statistics. Two local agencies actively report data to ensure transparency and community safety. Continued vigilance ensures Fluvanna remains a top-tier safe haven in Virginia.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fluvanna County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Infrastructure Supporting Over 3,000 Students

Fluvanna County maintains six public schools serving a total of 3,438 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to support the local student body.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county achieves a strong 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Virginia average of 89.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite this success, per-pupil spending sits at $7,268, which is lower than the state's $7,941 average.

One District Leads the County’s Public Education

Fluvanna County Public Schools is the dominant district, managing four schools and the entire enrollment of 3,438 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.

Quiet Rural Schools With Moderate Campus Sizes

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, offering a consistent environment with an average enrollment of 860 students. Fluvanna County High is the largest facility with 1,488 students, while Carysbrook Elementary serves a smaller group of 472.

Find a Home Near Successful Rural Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates in a rural setting will find Fluvanna's school system a compelling reason to settle here. Researching local home listings near these high-performing schools can help you secure a place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fluvanna County

via RiskByCounty

Fluvanna enjoys very low composite risk

Fluvanna County's composite risk score of 13.49 ranks in the very low category—less than half of Virginia's state average of 33.27. The county's relatively rural landscape and distance from major urban hazard clusters position it favorably in the national risk spectrum.

Fluvanna ranks safely below state average

At 13.49 compared to Virginia's 33.27 average, Fluvanna County sits comfortably in the state's lower-risk tier. This favorable standing reflects the county's geographic advantages and lower population density.

Similar risk profile to nearby counties

Fluvanna's 13.49 score aligns closely with Floyd County (6.62) and Franklin city (7.54), though it exceeds Galax (6.81). The area benefits from a consistent pattern of low-risk characteristics across central Virginia's rural counties.

Hurricanes and earthquakes pose modest risks

Fluvanna's highest risks are hurricane (67.71) and earthquake (67.30)—both notably high despite the county's low composite score, indicating these hazards affect the region unevenly. Flood risk (26.11) and tornado risk (23.54) remain moderate, while wildfire (16.25) stays minimal.

Add earthquake coverage for peace of mind

While Fluvanna's overall risk is low, the elevated earthquake (67.30) and hurricane (67.71) scores suggest residents should explore earthquake and flood insurance options. Standard homeowners policies exclude both, leaving gaps despite the county's generally favorable risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fluvanna County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record for Drinking Water

Fluvanna County achieves a perfect A grade with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the Virginia state average of 126.9. This indicates that local public water systems are operating with exceptional reliability and safety.

Watershed Health Surpasses State Performance

Only 29.1% of Fluvanna's 103 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the 46.1% state average. The 2022 assessment identifies E. coli, benthic macroinvertebrate health, and PCBs in fish tissue as the primary concerns. Most local streams meet federal standards for their designated uses.

High Density Monitoring Tracks Microbiological Health

Fluvanna County hosts 25 monitoring sites that have produced 7,682 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and microbiological indicators. This active oversight helps maintain the county's high water quality standards.

Rivanna River Flow Drops to Critical Levels

The Rivanna River at Palmyra is currently flowing at just 153 cfs, which represents only 21% of its long-term average of 719 cfs. This significant drop in volume affects a massive 663 square mile drainage area within the county. These drought-like conditions can stress local aquatic ecosystems despite the county's clean water record.

Safe Drinking Water with Moderate Fish Concerns

While drinking water systems are performing perfectly, anglers should be aware of PCB impairments listed in the 2022 watershed report. The extremely low flow of the Rivanna River means residents should conserve water to protect the health of local ecosystems. Overall, the data supports high confidence in municipal tap water safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fluvanna County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Central Virginia Profile

Fluvanna County's 55.9°F average temperature is slightly above the national median. It serves as a textbook example of the humid subtropical transition zone.

The Heart of the State

Fluvanna perfectly matches the Virginia state average temperature of 55.9°F. Its weather patterns represent the statistical middle ground for the entire Commonwealth.

Typical Regional Precipitation Levels

With 45.3 inches of rain, Fluvanna stays right in line with the state average of 45.7 inches. It sees 12.3 inches of snow, which is common for Central Virginia counties.

Surging Summer Temperatures

The county sees 43 extreme heat days annually, significantly more than its northern neighbors. July is hot, averaging 76.6°F, while January stays above freezing at 35.3°F.

Budget for Summer Electricity

Expect high cooling bills to combat the 43 days of extreme heat each year. While 12.3 inches of snow fall annually, it usually melts quickly in the 37.2°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fluvanna County

via SoilByCounty

Challenging Entisols in the Piedmont

Fluvanna County's soil score of 22.9 is lower than the state average of 30.6, indicating some local challenges. The soil consists of Entisols with an average pH of 5.33, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.23. These young soils often require more management to reach peak productivity.

Sandy Texture with Lower Clay

Compositionally, the soil is 44.2% sand, 38.8% silt, and 17.0% clay. This creates a relatively light texture that drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients compared to heavier soils. The moderate sand levels help keep the ground from compacting under heavy use.

Lower Organic Levels, Average Water Storage

Organic matter is quite low at 1.46%, roughly half of the Virginia state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, which exactly matches the state average. Gardeners here should focus on adding compost and mulching to build up the soil's natural biology.

Limited Drainage Data for Entisols

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for Fluvanna County in this set. However, Entisols on sandy-silt bases typically offer decent drainage unless a restrictive layer exists below. Monitoring moisture levels during the peak of summer is essential given the lower organic matter.

Gardening in Zone 7a

As a zone 7a county, Fluvanna supports a standard range of Virginia crops from tomatoes to peppers. Because the soil is sandy and lower in organic matter, it is an ideal candidate for 'no-till' gardening to preserve structure. Start your garden today and focus on building your soil's health over time.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fluvanna County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Heat in Fluvanna

Fluvanna County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.3, which is slightly more challenging than the Virginia state average of 55.4. Located in Zone 7a, the county presents unique hurdles for homeowners despite having a score above the national median.

Intense Summer Heat Cycles

Fluvanna experiences 43 extreme heat days annually, which is much higher than the state average of 28. These high temperatures combined with 3,862 growing degree days can lead to rapid moisture loss and heat stress for traditional lawns.

Acidic Soil and Clay Mix

The soil pH sits at 5.33, well below the preferred 6.0 range, which often locks out essential nutrients like phosphorus. With a composition of 17.0% clay and 44.2% sand, the ground needs regular aeration and organic matter to improve its structure.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 34% of Fluvanna faces severe drought (D2+), and the county has endured 27 weeks of drought over the last year. During these severe cycles, it is vital to prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Turf

Due to the 43 heat days, heat-tolerant species like Turf-Type Tall Fescue or Zoysia are the best performers for Fluvanna. Start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 28 to ensure the young grass is established before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fluvanna County's county score?
Fluvanna County, Virginia has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Fluvanna County rank among counties in Virginia?
Fluvanna County ranks #22 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 Fluvanna County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Fluvanna County is $1,835, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Fluvanna County a tax score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fluvanna County?
The median household income in Fluvanna County, Virginia is $91,959 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fluvanna County earns an income score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fluvanna County, Virginia a good place to live?
Fluvanna County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Fluvanna 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 Fluvanna 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.