countyscore
54.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.1Water Quality 86Property Tax 84.8

County Report Card

About Frederick County, Virginia

Frederick County Stands Above Median

Frederick County earns a composite score of 54.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It is a solid performer on the national stage.

Exceeding the Virginia Average

With a 54.7 composite score, Frederick County remains ahead of the Virginia state average of 50.9. It serves as a reliable economic anchor in the Shenandoah Valley.

High Earnings and Low Taxes

The county shines with an Income Score of 94.1 and a Tax Score of 84.8. Residents enjoy a median household income of $95,603 while benefiting from a low 0.509% effective tax rate.

Housing Affordability Pressures

The Cost Score is a low 9.4, as the median home value has risen to $355,000. Additionally, school data is not yet available, which is a key consideration for families moving to the area.

Great for Commuters and Tax-Sensitive Earners

Frederick County is an excellent choice for high-earning individuals who want to keep more of their paycheck. It is best for those who can manage higher housing costs in exchange for tax efficiency.

Score breakdown

Tax84.8Cost9.4Safety51.4Health70.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome94.1Risk55.3Water86Weather55
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.3
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
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.2
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

Frederick County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Frederick County

via TaxByCounty

Frederick County offers lowest rate nationally

At 0.509%, Frederick County's effective tax rate is among the lowest in the nation, sitting 12% below the national median of 0.579% and placing it in the 25th percentile. Yet despite the low rate, median property taxes of $1,807 remain below the national median of $2,690, thanks to the county's lower home values relative to national norms.

Frederick ranks lowest in Virginia

Frederick County's 0.509% effective rate is the lowest in Virginia, sitting 24% below the state average of 0.671%. This makes Frederick the most tax-friendly county in the commonwealth for property owners.

Frederick dominates region with lowest rate

Frederick County's 0.509% rate dramatically undercuts neighboring Fauquier County (0.770%) and beats all surrounding jurisdictions across the Northern Virginia and Shenandoah region. A homeowner with a $355,000 home pays $1,807 in Frederick versus $2,734 in Fauquier—saving $927 annually.

Frederick homeowners pay just $1,807 yearly

With a median home value of $355,000 and a 0.509% effective rate, typical Frederick County homeowners pay approximately $1,807 in annual property taxes. This exceptional value—paying low taxes on relatively substantial home values—makes Frederick a standout for tax-conscious buyers.

Frederick owners should confirm assessments

Frederick's low tax rate is genuine, but assessment accuracy still matters—properties may be overvalued relative to recent comparable sales. Verifying your assessment against market data costs nothing and could unlock additional savings on an already affordable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Frederick County

via CostByCounty

Frederick County Fairly Affordable

Frederick County renters spend 17.6% of income on housing, beating both the Virginia average (18.6%) and positioning affordably against national standards. With a median household income of $95,603—28% above the national median—Frederick offers solid middle-class housing value.

Upper-Middle Affordability Tier

Frederick County ranks in Virginia's more affordable regions with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.6%, better than the state average of 18.6%. The county attracts working professionals with reasonable housing costs relative to regional wage levels.

Pricier Than Rural, Less Pricey Than Suburbs

Frederick's $1,402 median rent sits between affordable rural counties (Floyd at $826) and expensive Northern Virginia (Fauquier at $1,561), with incomes ($95,603) positioned similarly. It's a transitional zone between rural and suburban Virginia markets.

Strong Income Supports Housing

Frederick County renters pay $1,402 monthly while homeowners spend $1,448, claiming 17.6% of median income for rent. This leaves households robust income for savings and other expenses, well within recommended affordability guidelines.

Frederick Fits Growing Families

Frederick County appeals to relocating professionals seeking affordable suburban living with median incomes near $95,600 and 17.6% rent-to-income ratio. Explore Frederick alongside Fauquier and Fluvanna to find your ideal balance of cost and opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Frederick County

via IncomeByCounty

Frederick County earns well above average

Frederick County's median household income of $95,603 is 28% higher than the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among the wealthier counties in the United States, benefiting from proximity to Washington D.C. and regional employment centers.

Frederick County ranks in top tier

Frederick County's median household income of $95,603 exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $20,646, placing it in the top quartile of Virginia counties. Per capita income of $45,248 is 16% above the state average.

Frederick competes with peer counties

Frederick County households earn $34,202 less annually than Fauquier County ($129,495) but $4,000 more than Fluvanna County ($91,959). Frederick's strategic location supports above-average incomes across the region.

Housing costs rising faster than incomes

At 17.6%, Frederick's rent-to-income ratio remains below the 30% threshold, but it's creeping upward as home values ($355,000) appreciate faster than wage growth. Prospective homebuyers should budget carefully as housing demand pressures local markets.

Diversify investments strategically

With median household income 28% above the national average, Frederick County residents can maximize retirement account contributions and explore real estate investment opportunities. Consider working with a financial planner to develop a comprehensive wealth-building strategy aligned with your long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Frederick County

via CrimeByCounty

Frederick County: Low Crime, High Safety

Frederick County reports a total crime rate of 1,089.0 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a safety score of 98.3, reflecting a very secure community. This makes the county one of the safer regions in the United States today.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.3 is higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Additionally, its total crime rate is over 600 points lower than the state average of 1,728.8. Frederick County is a strong contributor to Virginia's reputation for public safety.

Comparing Frederick to Regional Neighbors

Frederick County is safer than neighboring Giles County, which has a higher crime rate of 1,310.5. It also far outpaces nearby Fredericksburg City, which sees a much higher rate of 4,494.3. The county provides a notably more secure environment than the surrounding urban centers.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Frederick County is exceptionally rare, with a rate of just 65.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime stands at 1,023.8, which is less than half the national average of 2,015.7. The risk of encountering violent crime here is statistically minimal.

Proactive Protection for Frederick Homes

Investing in home security cameras and reliable window locks helps deter the property crimes that do occur. Five different agencies report data here, providing a clear and comprehensive picture of local safety. Keeping your property well-maintained is a simple but effective deterrent.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Frederick County

via HealthByCounty

Frederick County enjoys strong health outcomes

Frederick County's 78.5-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average by about 5 years, indicating strong disease prevention and health management. With 16.8% reporting poor or fair health, outcomes are moderate to good relative to national benchmarks.

Among Virginia's healthiest counties

Frederick County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks well above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it solidly in the state's top tier for longevity. The county's health performance positions it as a regional leader in disease prevention and management.

Strong regional health standing

Frederick County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks behind Fluvanna County (79.7 years) and Fauquier County (79.0 years), but outperforms Floyd County (76.4 years) and Franklin County (75.7 years). With 45 primary care providers per 100K residents, Frederick offers competitive provider access similar to Fauquier.

Higher uninsured rate despite strong outcomes

Frederick County's 8.2% uninsured rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 7.9%, suggesting some residents lack coverage despite the county's strong health outcomes. The county's 45 primary care providers per 100K residents support access to preventive care for those with insurance.

Ensure you're covered this year

Frederick County's 8.2% uninsured rate shows there's work to do. Visit healthcare.gov to check your options and ensure continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Frederick County

via RiskByCounty

Frederick County carries above-average risk

Frederick County's composite risk score of 44.72 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it in the relatively low category but with significant hazard exposure. Hurricanes (76.39), floods (59.99), and wildfires (57.82) all register as considerable threats.

Frederick ranks in Virginia's riskier half

At 44.72 versus the state average of 33.27, Frederick County sits among Virginia's higher-risk jurisdictions. The county's Shenandoah Valley location exposes it to multiple hazard pathways, from tropical weather systems to seismic activity.

Frederick rivals Fauquier in risk exposure

Frederick's 44.72 score closely mirrors Fauquier County (47.68) and exceeds Franklin County (42.72), while dramatically outpacing Floyd (6.62) and Fluvanna (13.49). The northern Virginia counties share similar geographic vulnerabilities to Atlantic hurricane systems.

Hurricanes, wildfires, and floods converge

Frederick County faces its highest risks from hurricanes (76.39), wildfire (57.82), and floods (59.99)—an unusual triple threat rarely seen in Virginia. Earthquake risk (59.73) and tornado risk (33.37) add additional complexity to the county's hazard profile.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential

Frederick County residents face diverse, elevated risks requiring comprehensive insurance planning: separate flood insurance (excluded from standard policies) and wildfire coverage verification are both critical. Consider earthquake insurance as well, given the county's 59.73 score and proximity to seismic zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Frederick County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Mountain Air in Frederick County

Frederick County averages 52.8°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median for temperature. The region experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal shifts and moderate precipitation of 40.0 inches.

Below the State Temperature Average

The county's annual average of 52.8°F is cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This lower temperature profile reflects its position in the northern Shenandoah Valley.

Snowier Peaks Than Eastern Neighbors

Frederick receives 25.1 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than coastal or central Virginia neighbors. It maintains a cooler summer average of 72.1°F compared to the warmer urban corridors to the east.

Cold Winters and Managed Summer Heat

Winter temperatures average 33.4°F, supporting the county's robust annual snowfall. While summers reach a July average of 74.2°F, residents only face about 24 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Seasonal Shifts

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to manage over two feet of annual snowfall. Reliable home heating systems are essential for the sub-freezing January nights that average 31.3°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Frederick County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performing Soils of the Shenandoah

Frederick County boasts a soil score of 48.2, which is significantly higher than the state average of 30.6. The average pH of 5.58 is also notably less acidic than the state average of 5.23. These characteristics reflect the high productivity often found in the soils of the Shenandoah Valley.

Balanced Texture for Diverse Use

The soil composition is 41.0% silt, 36.5% sand, and 18.8% clay. This balanced distribution provides enough clay for nutrient retention and enough sand for aeration. It is a versatile mix that supports both the heavy agriculture and the famous apple orchards of the region.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is an impressive 4.11%, which is more than double the national average and well above the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.151 in/in also exceeds the state average of 0.143 in/in. This makes Frederick County some of the most naturally fertile land in the Commonwealth.

Water Movement in Rich Soil

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not provided, the very high organic matter likely improves both drainage and water storage. This soil acts like a rich sponge, providing a buffer against both heavy rain and dry spells. Proper management will maintain this naturally superior structure.

Prime Zone 7a Orchard Country

Located in hardiness zone 7a, Frederick County is prime territory for fruit trees and intensive vegetable production. Your soil’s high organic matter is a massive head start for any garden project. Plant your favorite crops now and take advantage of this top-tier Virginia soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Frederick County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in Frederick

Frederick County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 61.2, making it one of the more favorable places in Virginia for lawn care. This Zone 7a county provides a climate that is easier to manage than both the national and state averages.

Drier Air and Moderate Heat

At 40 inches of annual precipitation, the county is drier than the state average of 46 inches, making supplemental watering more important. However, the 24 extreme heat days are fewer than the state average, which helps grass avoid heat exhaustion.

Acidic Ground with Good Balance

The soil pH of 5.58 is closer to the ideal range than many other Virginia counties but still requires some lime. A mix of 36.5% sand and 18.8% clay provides a balanced foundation that allows for moderate drainage and nutrient capacity.

Overcoming Chronic Dry Spells

Frederick County endured 39 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a key strategy here to retain soil moisture and naturally recycle nutrients.

Targeting the Spring Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in the 3,247 growing degree days of Frederick County. Aim to start your projects after the April 26 frost date to ensure consistent spring growth before the midsummer dry period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frederick County's county score?
Frederick County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54.8 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 Frederick County rank among counties in Virginia?
Frederick County ranks #51 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 Frederick County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Frederick County is $1,807, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Frederick County a tax score of 84.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Frederick County?
The median household income in Frederick County, Virginia is $95,603 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Frederick County earns an income score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Frederick County, Virginia a good place to live?
Frederick County scores 54.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Frederick 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 Frederick County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.