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.

Score breakdown

Tax68.4Cost14.1Safety70.4Health81.9Schools51.8Income92.8Risk86.5Water86Weather55.2
🏛68.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠14.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼92.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡70.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
81.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
86.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨22.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱52.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Fluvanna County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

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.

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.

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.

Health in Fluvanna County

via HealthByCounty

Fluvanna tops national life expectancy benchmarks

At 79.7 years, Fluvanna County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average, reflecting strong preventive health practices and disease management. The county's 16.8% poor/fair health rate is moderate, suggesting good overall wellness despite some chronic health challenges.

Virginia's longest-living residents

Fluvanna's 79.7-year life expectancy is among the highest in Virginia, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 4.6 years. This outstanding longevity ranking places Fluvanna at the very top of Virginia's health performance tiers.

Best-in-region health outcomes

Fluvanna's 79.7-year life expectancy edges out Fauquier County (79.0 years) and Frederick County (78.5 years) to claim the highest life expectancy in its region. However, the county's 22 primary care providers per 100K residents is the lowest among peers, suggesting residents may need to travel further for care.

Excellent insurance coverage, limited local providers

Fluvanna boasts the lowest uninsured rate in the region at 5.9%, well below Virginia's 7.9% state average, ensuring strong coverage for residents. With only 22 primary care providers per 100K residents, however, Fluvanna residents may experience longer wait times or need to seek care outside the county.

Keep your coverage strong

With 5.9% uninsured, Fluvanna leads the region in health coverage. Review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it still meets your needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.