countyscore
56.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 83.5Cost of Living 73.9Property Tax 70.4

County Report Card

About Giles County, Virginia

Outperforming the National Median

Giles County earns a solid 57.4 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher quality of life than the average American county.

Leading the Virginia Average

The county's 57.4 score exceeds the Virginia state average of 50.9. It maintains a competitive edge within the Commonwealth by balancing affordability with environmental stability.

Affordability and Low Risk

Giles excels in safety from natural disasters with a risk score of 83.5 and housing affordability at 75.8. Median gross rent is an accessible $780 per month, far below many neighboring regions.

Water and School Improvements

Infrastructure remains a focus area, as evidenced by a water score of 36.9 and a school score of 41.3. These metrics indicate a need for continued investment in local utilities and educational resources.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

Giles County is a perfect fit for individuals seeking low-cost living in a geographically secure area. With median home values at $143,500, it offers a high entry-level value for young families.

2040608010070.473.942.152.241.35083.536.969Tax70.4Cost73.9Safety42.1Health52.2Schools41.3Income50Risk83.5Water36.9Weather6956.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Giles County DNA

Foverall

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

Giles County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (83.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (36.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.4+18.400000000000006
Cost
73.9+25.900000000000006
Safety
42.1-12.899999999999999
Health
52.2
Schools
41.3-12.700000000000003
Income
50
Risk
83.5+36.5
Water
36.9-21.1
Weather
69+13
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Many homeowners in Giles County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$151,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$789/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$151,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,691/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.1

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

Pulaski County
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46.5
Radford city
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Mercer County
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55.8
Monroe County
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Montgomery County
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Summers County
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Bland County
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Craig County
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Deep Dives

Giles County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Giles County

via CrimeByCounty

Giles County Maintains Strong Safety

Giles County reports a total crime rate of 1,310.5 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 97.9 indicates a very secure environment for residents. This score reflects a community where crime is far less frequent than in the average U.S. county.

Exceeding State Safety Standards

Giles County’s safety score of 97.9 is higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,310.5 is also well below the statewide average of 1,728.8. The county remains a safe choice for those living in the Commonwealth.

Comparing Giles to Regional Neighbors

Giles County has a slightly higher crime rate than neighboring Franklin County, which sits at 1,223.6. However, it is much safer than the city of Galax, where the rate climbs to 4,082.5 per 100,000. It serves as a relatively quiet and secure area within the region.

Low Violent Crime in Giles

The violent crime rate in Giles County is just 143.6 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,166.9, which is also well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents face a very low risk of serious crime in their daily lives.

Ensuring Continued Safety in Giles

With six reporting agencies, Giles County has a well-monitored safety network that keeps the community informed. Using basic security measures like sturdy locks and property lighting can help keep property crime rates low. Community involvement remains a key factor in the county's high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Giles County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Giles County averages 52.6°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. It receives 40.4 inches of precipitation, which is lower than the typical Virginia county.

Well Below the State Average

Giles County is notably cooler than the state average of 55.9°F. This temperature gap is driven by its high-elevation terrain and mountain valley geography.

Less Rainy Than Other Mountain Districts

Compared to Galax city, Giles is much drier, recording about 8 inches less precipitation annually. However, it sees more snow than central Virginia, with 22.7 inches falling each year.

Seven Days of Extreme Heat

Summer heat is manageable here, with only 7 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are brisk, featuring a January average of 32.7°F and a winter-long average of 34.7°F.

Prepare for Winter Mountain Conditions

Residents should prioritize winter home weatherization to handle the 22.7 inches of annual snow. The mild July average of 71.7°F makes ceiling fans a viable alternative to heavy AC use.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Giles County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity in the mountain highlands

Giles County maintains an average soil pH of 5.32, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.23 but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level supports a wide variety of native Appalachian flora and forest growth.

A versatile mix of sand and silt

The soil features a balanced blend of 41.3% sand and 39.8% silt, creating a texture that is easy to cultivate. With 17.5% clay, the soil offers a good compromise between drainage speed and the ability to hold essential minerals.

Strong water capacity supports resilient crops

The organic matter content of 2.91% aligns perfectly with the state average, providing a solid foundation for fertility. Furthermore, the available water capacity of 0.154 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.143, ensuring plants have access to moisture during dry spells.

Reliable moisture retention for valley farming

Though specific drainage classifications are not listed, the high silt and clay levels indicate moderate drainage that resists rapid drying. This profile supports consistent plant growth in both agricultural fields and residential gardens across the county.

Hardiness zone 7a favors cool-season staples

In zone 7a, Giles County is ideal for growing apples, root vegetables, and leafy greens. The soil's above-average water capacity makes it an excellent choice for establishing a productive and self-sustaining backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Giles County

via LawnByCounty

Giles County: An Easier Path to Green

Giles County earns a 68.1 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the Virginia state average of 55.4. This Zone 7a region benefits from milder conditions that favor steady growth compared to the national median of 50.0.

Mild Summers Help Turf Thrive

The county receives 40.4 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. With only 7 extreme heat days per year—far below the state average of 28—cool-season grasses face much less summer stress here.

Liming for Acidic Mountain Soils

Local soil has a pH of 5.32, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most lawn types. Because it contains 41.3% sand and 17.5% clay, homeowners likely need lime applications to balance the acidity and improve nutrient uptake.

Deep Watering Protects Against Dry Spells

The area spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and 71.6% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems during these dry stretches.

Optimal Seasons for Fescue and Bluegrass

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this 7a climate, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 27. Leverage the 3034 growing degree days to establish strong roots before the first frost arrives in mid-October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Giles County's county score?
Giles County, Virginia has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Giles County rank among counties in Virginia?
Giles County ranks #39 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 Giles County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Giles County is $928, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Giles County a tax score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Giles County?
The median household income in Giles County, Virginia is $65,691 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Giles County earns an income score of 50/100 on CountyScore.
Is Giles County, Virginia a good place to live?
Giles County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Giles 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 Giles 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.