countyscore
55
County Score
Income & Jobs 94Property Tax 86.3Water Quality 86

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.

2040608010086.39.451.470.19455.38655Tax86.3Cost9.4Safety51.4Health70.1Schools—Income94Risk55.3Water86Weather5555/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Frederick County DNA

Foverall

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

Frederick County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (94/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.3+34.3
Cost
9.4-38.6
Safety
51.4
Health
70.1+20.099999999999994
Income
94+43
Risk
55.3+8.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
55
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Compare mortgage rates in Frederick County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$386,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,507/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$386,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,606/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.5

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
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Nearby counties

Winchester city
Virginia
35.7
Clarke County
Virginia
64
Hampshire County
West Virginia
63.4
Warren County
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51.9
Jefferson County
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56.6
Berkeley County
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Shenandoah County
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Morgan County
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59.3

Deep Dives

Frederick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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

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

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 55 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 #53 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 $1,846, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Frederick County a tax score of 86.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Frederick County?
The median household income in Frederick County, Virginia is $97,606 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Frederick County earns an income score of 94/100 on CountyScore.
Is Frederick County, Virginia a good place to live?
Frederick County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 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.
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.