CountyScore

Gloucester County

Virginia · VA

#56 in Virginia
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Gloucester County, Virginia

Gloucester outpaces national standards

Gloucester's 70.8 composite score beats the national median of 50.0 by 42%, putting it solidly in the top half of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates balanced livability across multiple dimensions.

Right at Virginia's state midline

Gloucester scores 70.8, essentially matching Virginia's state average of 70.3, making it a representative county for the commonwealth. It performs evenly with its peer counties across the state.

Low taxes and rising incomes

Gloucester boasts a tax score of 85.6 and an effective rate of 0.594%, among Virginia's lowest, while its 38.0 income score reflects a median household income of $83,689—well above the national median. This combination supports a moderate upper-middle-class lifestyle.

Housing costs moderate affordability gains

The cost score of 67.9 reflects higher median home values ($289,200) and gross rent ($1,144/month) compared to rural Virginia counties. Homebuyers here face steeper prices that offset the tax advantages.

Best for middle-income professionals

Gloucester attracts established professionals and families with solid incomes seeking suburban Virginia comfort with low tax burdens. The county balances affordability with community stability and earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.6Cost67.9SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome38Risk77.4WaterComing Soon
🏛85.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.4
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 Gloucester County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $54,237
Marion County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $46,953
Nevada County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $41,761
Archuleta County
Colorado
72
Median income: $76,524
Echols County
Georgia
72
Median income: $61,723

Deep Dives

Gloucester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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