Frederick County scores 69.0 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0. This solid national ranking reflects the county's competitive advantages compared to most American counties.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Virginia's Average
Frederick County's composite score of 69.0 trails Virginia's state average of 70.3 by a small margin. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier within Virginia's county landscape.
3 / 5
Exceptional Tax Rates Drive Value
Frederick County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this comparison at 0.509%, with a tax score of 88.0 that rewards residents' paychecks. Median household income of $95,603 provides solid earning potential for regional standards.
4 / 5
Housing Costs Remain Elevated
The county's cost score of 60.6 reflects elevated housing prices, with median home values at $355,000 and rents at $1,402 monthly. Housing affordability presents a meaningful challenge relative to other Virginia counties.
5 / 5
Suits Tax-Conscious Mid-Income Families
Frederick County appeals to middle-to-upper income families who value exceptional tax benefits and solid incomes over rock-bottom housing costs. The county delivers strong financial advantages for those willing to invest more in housing for tax savings elsewhere.
Frederick County scores 69.0 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0. This solid national ranking reflects the county's competitive advantages compared to most American counties.
Slightly Below Virginia's Average
Frederick County's composite score of 69.0 trails Virginia's state average of 70.3 by a small margin. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier within Virginia's county landscape.
Exceptional Tax Rates Drive Value
Frederick County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this comparison at 0.509%, with a tax score of 88.0 that rewards residents' paychecks. Median household income of $95,603 provides solid earning potential for regional standards.
Housing Costs Remain Elevated
The county's cost score of 60.6 reflects elevated housing prices, with median home values at $355,000 and rents at $1,402 monthly. Housing affordability presents a meaningful challenge relative to other Virginia counties.
Suits Tax-Conscious Mid-Income Families
Frederick County appeals to middle-to-upper income families who value exceptional tax benefits and solid incomes over rock-bottom housing costs. The county delivers strong financial advantages for those willing to invest more in housing for tax savings elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛88
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.