CountyScore

Fredericksburg city

Virginia · VA

#106 in Virginia
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Fredericksburg city, Virginia

Above Median with Room to Improve

Fredericksburg City scores 61.5 on the CountyScore index, exceeding the national median of 50.0. While the city ranks above average nationally, it trails many peer communities in overall livability.

Below Virginia's State Average

Fredericksburg's composite score of 61.5 falls below Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the lower-middle tier among Virginia communities. The city faces tougher livability comparisons within the state.

Tax Efficiency Provides Real Benefit

Fredericksburg offers a tax score of 84.9 with an effective rate of 0.618%, providing meaningful tax advantages for residents. The city's urban location combines with favorable tax treatment to create financial relief.

Housing Affordability and Modest Incomes Constrain

The city's cost score of 49.5 and median home value of $461,500 create significant affordability barriers, while income score of 39.1 with median household earnings of $85,368 limits household capacity to absorb housing costs. This combination makes Fredericksburg less accessible for many families.

Best for Established Professionals and Retirees

Fredericksburg City suits established professionals and retirees with solid incomes who value urban amenities and tax advantages over maximum affordability. The city is less ideal for young families or those prioritizing housing accessibility.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.9Cost49.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.1Risk91.3WaterComing Soon
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡91.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Fredericksburg city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
Delaware
65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308

Deep Dives

Fredericksburg city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fredericksburg city

via TaxByCounty

Fredericksburg taxes track national average

At 0.618%, Fredericksburg city's effective tax rate sits 7% above the national median of 0.579%, placing it at the 55th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $2,853 nearly match the national median of $2,690, reflecting the city's higher home values and moderate tax policy.

Fredericksburg slightly below state average

Fredericksburg city's 0.618% effective rate sits 8% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it as a moderate-tax jurisdiction statewide. Annual median taxes of $2,853 exceed the state median of $1,960 due to the city's higher home values, not aggressive tax policy.

Fredericksburg rates reflect urban premium

Fredericksburg city's 0.618% rate sits between neighboring Frederick County (0.509%) and Fauquier County (0.770%), but its significantly higher home values ($461,500 vs. $355,000 and $543,700) drive higher absolute tax bills. The city's tax rate is moderate; home values drive the higher total tax burden.

Fredericksburg residents pay $2,853 yearly

With a median home value of $461,500 and a 0.618% effective rate, typical Fredericksburg residents pay approximately $2,853 in annual property taxes. This tax bill reflects premium urban property values combined with a moderate tax rate.

Fredericksburg homeowners should appeal high values

Urban properties like those in Fredericksburg are often overassessed, particularly when assessed values diverge from actual market sales prices. Filing an appeal based on recent comparable sales could significantly reduce tax bills for city homeowners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fredericksburg city

via CostByCounty

Fredericksburg Strains Housing Budgets

Fredericksburg city renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—well above both the Virginia average (18.6%) and the national comfort zone. With a median household income of $85,368 and steep median rents of $1,521, housing affordability is a real concern for renters here.

Virginia's Least Affordable City

Fredericksburg ranks among Virginia's least affordable cities, with a rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% compared to the state average of 18.6%. The city's proximity to Richmond and Washington markets drives housing pressure on lower-income residents.

Expensive Urban Center

Fredericksburg's $1,521 median rent is comparable to Fauquier County ($1,561) but paired with lower incomes ($85,368 vs Fauquier's $129,495), creating affordability strain. The city functions as a regional urban center with corresponding cost pressures.

Housing Squeezes Household Budgets

Fredericksburg renters spend $1,521 monthly while homeowners pay $2,036, consuming 21.4% of median income on rent alone. This high burden leaves residents less financial flexibility compared to surrounding counties, approaching the threshold where housing costs become genuinely unaffordable.

Consider Fredericksburg Carefully

Fredericksburg's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio is high compared to Virginia alternatives; compare this against your current city before relocating. If you move here, prioritize the income gains—Fredericksburg's appeal lies in job access rather than housing affordability itself.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fredericksburg city

via IncomeByCounty

Fredericksburg meets national income level

Fredericksburg's median household income of $85,368 is 14% above the national median of $74,755. As an independent city serving a broader regional market, Fredericksburg attracts professional workers and government employees.

Fredericksburg ranks above state average

Fredericksburg's median household income of $85,368 exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $10,411, placing it in the upper half of Virginia municipalities. Per capita income of $46,503 is 19% above the state average of $39,155.

Fredericksburg earns above surrounding areas

Fredericksburg households earn $20,243 more annually than Franklin city ($65,125) and $17,020 more than Franklin County ($68,348). However, higher home values ($461,500) in Fredericksburg reflect strong demand and appreciation pressures.

Housing costs pose affordability challenge

At 21.4%, Fredericksburg's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the surveyed counties, indicating significant housing affordability stress for residents. Rising home values and rents are outpacing income growth, squeezing household budgets.

Balance housing and long-term investing

Fredericksburg residents earning $85,368 should carefully balance housing costs with wealth-building investments, especially given the 21.4% rent burden. Prioritize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and explore first-time homebuyer programs to manage housing affordability while investing for the future.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fredericksburg city

via HealthByCounty

Fredericksburg falls below national health standards

Fredericksburg City's life expectancy of 74.6 years trails the U.S. average by roughly 3 years, reflecting localized health challenges typical of urban lower-income communities. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health, residents face elevated rates of chronic disease and poor health perception.

Below-average health rank within Virginia

Fredericksburg's 74.6-year life expectancy falls slightly below Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's health rankings. The city's 18.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds most state averages, indicating concentrated health challenges.

Worse outcomes despite exceptional provider density

Fredericksburg's 74.6-year life expectancy lags the surrounding rural counties, including Fluvanna (79.7 years) and Fauquier (79.0 years), despite having far more providers. With 176 primary care providers and 861 mental health providers per 100K residents—the highest concentrations in the region—the provider surplus hasn't translated to better population health, suggesting access barriers or systemic challenges.

Coverage gaps amid abundant healthcare resources

Fredericksburg's 8.7% uninsured rate is the highest among peer counties and exceeds Virginia's 7.9% state average, meaning nearly 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. Despite having exceptional provider availability (176 primary care, 861 mental health per 100K), residents face barriers that abundant providers alone cannot overcome.

Coverage is the first step to better health

Fredericksburg's 8.7% uninsured rate is the highest in its region. Go to healthcare.gov today to find affordable coverage and connect with the abundant healthcare resources in your city.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fredericksburg city

via RiskByCounty

Fredericksburg city enjoys very low risk

Fredericksburg city's composite risk score of 8.71 sits well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the very low category nationally. The compact urban setting and inland position minimize exposure to most major natural hazards.

Fredericksburg ranks among Virginia's safest

With a composite score of 8.71 compared to Virginia's 33.27 average, Fredericksburg city ranks as one of the state's lowest-risk communities. The city's modest population density and geographic position provide substantial hazard protection.

Fredericksburg matches Franklin city's safety

Fredericksburg city's 8.71 score closely aligns with Franklin city (7.54) and far exceeds nearby Fauquier (47.68) and Frederick counties (44.72). The two cities share similar low-risk profiles despite their geographic separation.

Earthquake and hurricane pose modest concerns

Fredericksburg's highest risks are earthquake (57.47) and hurricane (57.86)—both elevated despite the city's low composite score. Flood risk (20.58) and tornado risk (21.02) remain moderate, while wildfire risk (1.75) is negligible in this urban setting.

Standard coverage handles most scenarios

Fredericksburg residents' primary concern should be the moderate earthquake and hurricane risks, suggesting consideration of supplemental coverage for these hazards. Flood insurance is optional given the city's 20.58 score, though properties near the Rappahannock River should verify their specific flood zone status.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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