CountyScore

Giles County

Virginia · VA

#8 in Virginia
76.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Giles County, Virginia

Giles ranks well above national average

With a composite score of 77.6, Giles County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 55% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency.

Above-average performer in Virginia

Giles ranks above Virginia's state average of 70.3, making it one of the stronger counties across the commonwealth. The county's 77.6 score puts it in the upper quartile statewide.

Tax efficiency and affordability shine

Giles excels at cost with an 85.4 score and taxes with an 84.5 score, backed by a low effective tax rate of 0.632% and median home values of $143,500. Renters benefit from a median gross rent of just $780 per month, among Virginia's most affordable.

Income levels need strengthening

The county's income score of 25.7 reflects a median household income of $64,819, notably below state and national averages. Additional economic development and higher-wage job opportunities could boost this dimension considerably.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Giles County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes. Its exceptional housing costs and minimal tax burden make it perfect for those seeking rural Virginia living without breaking the budget.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.5Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth69.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.7Risk83.5WaterComing Soon
🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.5
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 Giles County with another county →

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Eddy County
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Sherman County
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Median income: $59,500

Deep Dives

Giles County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Giles County

via TaxByCounty

Giles County's tax burden falls well below national average

At 0.632%, Giles County's effective property tax rate is significantly lower than the national median of 0.80%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax bill here is just $907 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of nearly $1,800 per year.

Among Virginia's lowest tax rates statewide

Giles County ranks in the lower half of Virginia's 95 counties and independent cities, with an effective rate of 0.632% versus the state average of 0.671%. The median tax bill of $907 trails Virginia's state median of $1,960, reflecting both lower home values and a competitive rate.

Comparable to rural Appalachian neighbors

Giles County's 0.632% rate sits between Grayson County (0.620%) and Greene County (0.637%), typical for the region's mountainous communities. At $907 in median taxes, Giles residents pay significantly less than Greene County ($2,009) but similar amounts to Grayson County ($820).

Median home costs $143,500—taxes run $907 yearly

A typical Giles County homeowner with a $143,500 property pays approximately $907 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, the effective bill rises to $1,038, while those owning outright pay closer to $784.

You may be overassessed—consider an appeal

Many Virginia homeowners don't realize their properties are assessed above fair market value, and Giles County is no exception. Filing a property tax appeal can reduce your assessment and cut your annual bill—the process is typically straightforward and costs nothing to pursue.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Giles County

via CostByCounty

Giles beats national affordability

Giles County residents spend just 14.4% of their income on rent, well below the national average and significantly better than Virginia's state average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $64,819—about 13% below the national median of $74,755—this county punches above its weight on housing affordability.

Most affordable county in Virginia

Giles County ranks among Virginia's most affordable places to rent, with a rent-to-income ratio that outperforms 95% of state counties. The median rent of $780 per month is 32% cheaper than the state average of $1,140, making it a standout option for renters statewide.

Cheaper than mountain neighbors

Giles rents run $364 less per month than Grayson County to the north, despite similar regional character and median incomes. The affordability gap grows wider when compared to eastern Virginia counties like Gloucester and Goochland, where rents exceed $1,100.

Rent and ownership both manageable

At $780 monthly, median rent consumes just 14.4% of household income, while homeownership costs $595 monthly and takes 11% of earnings. Together, housing absorbs roughly one-quarter of a typical Giles household budget, leaving room for other necessities and savings.

Affordable living meets small-town character

If rural Virginia appeals to you and housing costs matter, Giles County deserves your consideration—you'll find the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the state. Compare it to nearby Grayson, or explore eastern alternatives like Gloucester if you prefer proximity to urban centers while maintaining affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Giles County

via IncomeByCounty

Giles trails national income average

Giles County's median household income of $64,819 sits 13% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Per capita income here is $33,792, compared to the national median, reflecting a community where individual earnings are more modest. This gap suggests residents face tighter household budgets than the typical American family.

Below-average within Virginia

Giles County ranks below Virginia's state average median household income of $74,957, lagging by about $10,000 annually per household. The county's per capita income of $33,792 also underperforms Virginia's $39,155 average, indicating lower earning potential across the board. This places Giles in Virginia's lower income quartile.

More modest earnings than nearby peers

Giles County's $64,819 median income falls short of neighboring Greene County ($85,268) and Gloucester County ($83,689), though it exceeds struggling Halifax ($49,244) and Grayson ($42,864) counties. Among its peer group, Giles represents a middle-income rural community with room to grow. The $20,000+ gap to Greene County suggests economic disparities even within the same region.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.4%, Giles County households dedicate just over one week's paycheck monthly to rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $143,500 is accessible relative to local incomes, making homeownership realistic for many families. This affordability advantage helps offset the county's lower absolute income levels.

Build financial security with modest means

Giles County residents should prioritize building emergency savings given the county's below-average income; even three months of expenses provides crucial stability. Starting retirement contributions early—even small amounts—compounds significantly over time and offsets lower current earnings. Consider employer matches and low-cost index funds as accessible starting points for long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Giles County

via HealthByCounty

Giles lags on life expectancy

Residents of Giles County live an average of 72.2 years—nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years. The county's 17.2% poor or fair health rating matches national patterns of rural health challenges, where limited hospital capacity and provider shortages compound chronic disease burden.

Bottom quartile among Virginia counties

At 72.2 years, Giles ranks among the lowest in Virginia, where the state average is 75.1 years. This 2.9-year gap signals that residents face steeper health barriers than most other Virginians.

Grayson and Halifax face steeper odds

Among neighboring Appalachian counties, Grayson (74.6 years) and Halifax (72.1 years) show similar challenges. Giles sits in the middle of this cluster, though all three trail state and national averages significantly.

Primary care access is thin on ground

With only 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Giles has roughly half the provider density found in better-served counties. At 7.1% uninsured, the county sits slightly below Virginia's 7.9% average, but those with insurance often must travel significant distances for routine care.

Ensure your family has coverage

Even with rates near state average, uninsured residents face delayed care and emergency-room visits. Check your coverage options at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find plans that fit your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Giles County

via RiskByCounty

Giles County faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 16.57, Giles County ranks well below the national average and sits in the "Very Low" risk category. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Virginia's safest counties

Giles County's risk score of 16.57 is less than half the Virginia state average of 33.27, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the commonwealth. This advantage reflects the county's geography and climate patterns.

Safer than most neighboring counties

Giles County's score of 16.57 outperforms nearby Grayson County (24.65) and Greene County (9.29), positioning it as a relatively protected area in southwestern Virginia. Only Greene County in the immediate region shows lower overall risk.

Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats

Earthquakes (43.23) and floods (42.18) are Giles County's primary natural hazards, though both remain moderate concerns. Tornadoes (10.21) and wildfires (12.91) present minimal risk to the county.

Earthquake and flood insurance recommended

While Giles County's overall risk is low, homeowners should secure flood insurance for properties near waterways and consider earthquake coverage given the region's seismic activity. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude both hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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