countyscore
53.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.6Weather & Climate 77.5Disaster Risk 77.4

County Report Card

About Gloucester County, Virginia

Above the National Baseline

Gloucester County scores a 53.6 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It represents a stable community that ranks in the upper half of counties nationwide.

A Strong Virginia Contender

With a score of 53.6, the county sits slightly above the Virginia state average of 50.9. This indicates a consistent lifestyle that aligns well with the Commonwealth's overall standards.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

The county boasts a strong income score of 87.6, supported by a median household income of $83,689. Residents also benefit from a favorable tax score of 75.1, thanks to an effective tax rate of 0.594%.

Housing Affordability Pressures

The cost score of 16.3 reflects a challenging real estate market where median home values reach $289,200. Maintaining a lower water score of 42.9 also suggests room for utility infrastructure growth.

Best for Established Professionals

Gloucester suits families and professionals who value high earning potential and tax efficiency. While housing costs are higher, the strong economic metrics provide a sturdy foundation for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax75.1Cost16.3Safety52.4Health66.1Schools50.7Income87.6Risk77.4Water42.9Weather77.5
🏛75.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤77.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Gloucester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gloucester County

via TaxByCounty

Gloucester County taxes lag behind the nation

Gloucester County's effective rate of 0.594% ranks below the national median of 0.80%, placing it among the lowest-taxing counties nationally. At $1,718 annually, the median property tax bill is about 36% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among Virginia's most tax-friendly counties

Gloucester County's 0.594% effective rate is the fourth-lowest among Virginia's 95 counties and cities, well below the state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $1,718, though higher than rural counties, still falls below Virginia's statewide median of $1,960.

Lowest rate among Tidewater peer counties

Gloucester County offers the most competitive tax rate in its region, undercutting Hampton city (0.965%) by 37 percentage points and its neighbors to the west. The $1,718 median tax here reflects higher home values ($289,200) paired with restraint in tax rates.

Median home of $289,200 yields $1,718 annual tax

Gloucester County's median home value of $289,200 translates to approximately $1,718 in annual property taxes. Whether you carry a mortgage ($1,726) or own outright ($1,694), the effective bill remains remarkably stable across ownership structures.

Assessment disputes can save you hundreds

Even in tax-friendly Gloucester County, overassessments happen—and you have the right to challenge them. A successful appeal could reduce your $1,718 annual bill by hundreds of dollars and ensure you're only paying taxes on your home's true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gloucester County

via CostByCounty

Gloucester balances income and affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.4%, Gloucester County residents spend less on rent than the Virginia state average of 18.6%, though slightly above the national average. The county's median household income of $83,689 exceeds the national median by $8,934, providing cushion against Virginia's higher housing costs.

Upper-middle housing affordability

Gloucester ranks in the top third of Virginia counties for rent affordability, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio beating about 70% of state peers. At $1,144 monthly, median rent runs just $4 below the state average, reflecting a stable housing market.

Sweet spot between rural and wealthy

Gloucester's rent sits $364 above rural Giles County but $423 below wealthy Goochland, positioning it as a middle ground on Virginia's housing spectrum. Compared to Hampton, Gloucester rents are $202 cheaper while offering lower ownership costs and better affordability ratios.

Renting and buying both costly here

Renters spend 16.4% of income on a $1,144 monthly apartment, while homebuyers face $1,294 monthly payments—reflecting a median home value of $289,200. Combined with property taxes and insurance, housing takes roughly 30% of household earnings in Gloucester.

Gloucester offers suburban Virginia comfort

If you want Virginia's Tidewater region with above-average income and moderate affordability, Gloucester delivers both residential stability and reasonable costs. Compare it to neighboring communities—Giles offers cheaper rent if you go rural, while Goochland provides luxury if you go wealthy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gloucester County

via IncomeByCounty

Gloucester exceeds national income bar

Gloucester County's median household income of $83,689 tops the national median of $74,755 by over $9,000, placing it comfortably in the upper-middle income tier nationwide. Per capita income of $40,924 also outpaces national norms, signaling strong individual earning power. Gloucester ranks above average for American counties overall.

Solid performer within Virginia

Gloucester County exceeds Virginia's state median household income of $74,957 by about $8,700, positioning it in the upper third of the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $40,924 surpasses Virginia's $39,155 average, reflecting above-average earning potential. This makes Gloucester one of the state's stronger-performing communities.

Strong income next to wealthier Goochland

Gloucester's $83,689 median income ranks second among nearby peers, trailing only the affluent Goochland County ($118,695) but outpacing Greene County ($85,268) by a narrow margin. Compared to struggling southern neighbors Halifax ($49,244) and Grayson ($42,864), Gloucester is markedly wealthier. The county represents solid middle to upper-middle class prosperity in the region.

Housing requires larger income share

Gloucester's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% means households dedicate roughly two weeks of earnings to rent monthly—elevated but still sustainable. The median home value of $289,200 is substantial, requiring solid dual incomes or significant down payments to afford comfortably. Residents should budget carefully for housing, which represents the largest household expense.

Leverage above-average income strategically

Gloucester households should capitalize on above-average earnings by prioritizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts and investment diversification. With median income exceeding state averages, there's room to build wealth through consistent investing in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Consider working with a financial planner to optimize tax efficiency and long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gloucester County

via CrimeByCounty

Gloucester County maintains a high safety profile

The county reports a total crime rate of 1,067.6 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the community an exceptional safety score of 98.3 out of 100. Local law enforcement maintains a secure environment that significantly outpaces national standards.

A leader in Virginia safety rankings

Gloucester’s safety score of 98.3 sits comfortably above the Virginia state average of 97.3. Residents experience total crime rates far lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. These figures establish the county as one of the more secure regions in the Commonwealth.

Comparing safety with regional neighbors

Gloucester's crime rate of 1,067.6 is lower than Greene County's 1,206.9 and Hanover's 1,293.1. While it remains very safe, it sees slightly more activity than Goochland County, which reports just 915.5 incidents per 100,000. Overall, the county holds its own as a low-crime alternative in the region.

Property crimes dominate local reports

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 951.8 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate remains low at 115.8, which is less than a third of the national violent crime average. This suggests that most public safety concerns involve non-violent theft or vandalism.

Stay proactive about home security

Because property crime makes up nearly 90% of local reports, basic home security makes a significant difference. Motion-activated lighting and smart doorbells help deter opportunistic property crimes. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the two local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gloucester County

via HealthByCounty

Gloucester beats national averages

At 76.1 years, Gloucester County residents live about 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.0 years. The county's 15.7% poor or fair health rating is better than the national norm, reflecting above-average access and engagement with healthcare.

Above Virginia's health benchmark

Gloucester's 76.1-year life expectancy outpaces Virginia's 75.1-year average by a full year. This edge positions the county in the upper-middle tier of Virginia health outcomes.

Peers with stronger mental health access

Gloucester mirrors the health profile of nearby counties but stands out with 222 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding most rural Virginia benchmarks. This exceptional mental health infrastructure supports both acute and preventive care.

Good coverage, moderate provider gaps

The uninsured rate of 8.0% is slightly above state average, but residents benefit from 46 primary care providers per 100,000—adequate for most routine needs. The county's strong mental health provider network ensures behavioral health is accessible for those seeking treatment.

Close the coverage gap today

Even in a relatively healthy county, 8% of residents remain uninsured and vulnerable to unexpected costs. Explore your options at healthcare.gov or call your county health department to find affordable coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gloucester County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Network of Nine Public Schools

Gloucester County provides nine public schools serving 5,054 students through one unified district. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

Graduation Success Above State and National Averages

The county reports a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 89.0%. Per-pupil spending is $7,440, supporting a school score of 54.5.

Centralized Management for Growing Student Populations

Gloucester County Public Schools is the sole district for the area, educating all 5,054 students without charter schools. This centralized approach provides a clear pipeline from elementary through secondary education.

Spacious Campuses in Primarily Rural Locales

The majority of schools are in rural settings, though the county also features suburban and town locales. Gloucester High is a significant presence with 1,531 students, while the average school size across the county is 632.

Target Homes Near Highly-Rated Gloucester Schools

With graduation rates that exceed state averages, Gloucester County is a strong choice for education-minded homebuyers. Investigating homes near these rural and suburban schools can help your family thrive.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gloucester County

via RiskByCounty

Gloucester County faces low disaster risk

Gloucester County's composite risk score of 22.61 places it in the "Very Low" category but notably higher than inland Virginia counties. This reflects its coastal location in the Mid-Atlantic, which elevates hurricane and flood exposure.

Below Virginia's average risk profile

At 22.61, Gloucester County scores well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking among the lower-risk counties statewide. However, coastal geography distinguishes it from purely inland counties.

Higher risk than inland neighbors

Gloucester County's score of 22.61 exceeds inland neighbors like Goochland County (15.52) but mirrors the elevated coastal exposure seen across Virginia's Peninsula region. Proximity to the Atlantic creates unique hazard patterns.

Hurricanes and floods dominate coastal threats

Hurricane risk (75.76) and flood risk (66.60) tower over all other hazards in Gloucester County, reflecting its waterfront location on the York River and Chesapeake Bay approaches. Tornado risk (29.87) and wildfire risk (45.20) remain secondary concerns.

Hurricane and flood insurance essential

Gloucester County residents should prioritize flood insurance, especially those within mapped floodplains or near tidal areas vulnerable to storm surge. Homeowners should also reinforce roofs and windows against hurricane-force winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Gloucester County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic coastal soils near the Chesapeake

Gloucester County features an average pH of 5.15, placing it on the more acidic side of Virginia's 5.23 average. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for traditional vegetable gardening.

High sand content defines the texture

With 64.9% sand and only 11.5% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and well-aerated. Such a high sand percentage allows for excellent root penetration but may lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

State-average organic matter sustains growth

The soil contains 2.83% organic matter, which is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is below the state average, meaning supplemental irrigation is often necessary.

Rapid drainage in sandy coastal plains

Although formal drainage data is unavailable, the 64.9% sand concentration typically ensures very fast drainage. This prevents waterlogging in coastal areas but requires gardeners to be diligent about watering during the peak of summer.

Zone 8a offers a long growing season

The warm 8a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of crops, including heat-tolerant figs and peppers. Focusing on drought-resistant varieties will help you make the most of Gloucester's sandy and fast-draining soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gloucester County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Coastal Zone 8a Lawn

Gloucester County scores a 52.7 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the national average but below the Virginia state average. Growing in Zone 8a presents unique challenges, as the coastal environment influences moisture levels and grass selection.

Ample Rain but Moderate Heat

At 51.9 inches per year, annual precipitation is higher than the state average and exceeds the ideal range for many lawns. While heat stress is moderate with 16 extreme heat days, this high moisture requires careful monitoring for fungal diseases.

Quick Drainage in Sandy Soils

The soil is predominantly sandy at 64.9%, which ensures quick drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. With a pH of 5.15, substantial lime treatments are necessary to reach the 6.0 benchmark required for optimal grass health.

Moisture Retention in Dry Conditions

Although the county faced 10 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Homeowners should use mulch-mowing techniques to retain soil moisture and protect the grass during periods of limited rainfall.

Warm-Season Grasses for the Coast

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia are excellent choices for this Zone 8a climate. While specific frost dates are unavailable, planting in late spring ensures the lawn establishes itself before the peak summer humidity arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gloucester County's county score?
Gloucester County, Virginia has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Gloucester County rank among counties in Virginia?
Gloucester County ranks #60 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 Gloucester County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Gloucester County is $1,718, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Gloucester County a tax score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gloucester County?
The median household income in Gloucester County, Virginia is $83,689 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gloucester County earns an income score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gloucester County, Virginia a good place to live?
Gloucester County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Gloucester 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 Gloucester County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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