CountyScore

Goochland County

Virginia · VA

#25 in Virginia
74
County Score

County Report Card

About Goochland County, Virginia

Goochland scores well above American median

At 69.1, Goochland's composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 38%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The county delivers meaningful livability advantages across cost and income measures.

Slightly below Virginia's average

Goochland scores 69.1 compared to Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it just below the commonwealth median. It remains competitive among Virginia's 134 counties despite this marginal shortfall.

Exceptional tax rates and high incomes

Goochland's 88.2 tax score reflects the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.500%, while its 60.8 income score backs a median household income of $118,695—the highest among these eight counties. This combination supports affluent living standards.

Premium housing prices limit affordability

The cost score of 56.8 reflects expensive housing, with median home values at $483,700 and gross rent at $1,567/month. Goochland's livability gains are primarily accessible to high-income households.

Haven for affluent suburbanites

Goochland appeals to wealthy professionals and executives seeking minimal tax burdens and excellent earning environments near Richmond. It's a premium county for those with substantial incomes and assets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.2Cost56.8SafetyComing SoonHealth83.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome60.8Risk84.5WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.5
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 Goochland County with another county →

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Trimble County
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Deep Dives

Goochland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Goochland County

via TaxByCounty

Goochland County offers rare tax relief for upscale homes

At 0.500%, Goochland County's effective rate ranks among the lowest in America, falling well below the national median of 0.80%. Despite median home values of $483,700—well above the national median—residents pay $2,418 in annual taxes, just slightly more than the national median of $2,690.

Virginia's second-lowest tax rate on expensive homes

Goochland County ranks second among Virginia's 95 jurisdictions with an effective rate of only 0.500%, paired with the highest median home value in this analysis at $483,700. This combination means affluent homeowners here enjoy substantial tax relief compared to statewide averages.

Significantly cheaper than wealthy peers like Greene County

Goochland County's 0.500% rate substantially undercuts Greene County's 0.637%, despite similar neighborhood status and home values. A $483,700 home in Goochland pays $2,418 in taxes versus $3,180 across the border in Greene County—a $762 annual savings.

Median home of $483,700 costs just $2,418 yearly

Goochland County homeowners with a median-priced $483,700 property pay approximately $2,418 in annual property taxes. This remarkably low rate holds steady whether you finance ($2,426) or own free and clear ($2,404).

Even favorable rates warrant assessment review

Goochland County's low rates don't guarantee your home isn't overassessed—many wealthy homeowners overpay without realizing it. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your $2,418 bill further, ensuring your assessment reflects actual market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Goochland County

via CostByCounty

Goochland's wealth works for renters

Goochland County has the highest median household income of any county in this comparison at $118,695—59% above the national average—and a rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% that beats Virginia's state average. This combination means residents have strong earning power despite paying premium prices for housing.

Wealthy county, strong affordability

Goochland ranks in the top 10% of Virginia counties for housing affordability relative to income, with its 15.8% ratio outperforming nearly all wealthy peers. The county's $1,567 median rent reflects its upscale character and proximity to Richmond's western suburbs.

Premium prices, premium incomes

Goochland rents exceed Gloucester's by $423 monthly and Giles's by $787, but household incomes run $35,000 higher than Gloucester and $53,900 higher than Giles. This income advantage makes rent-to-income ratios more favorable despite nominal prices that rank highest in the region.

Luxury living takes steady income

At $1,567 monthly, median rent consumes 15.8% of income, while homeownership costs $1,495 and claims 15.1% of earnings. With a median home value of $483,700, Goochland residents spend roughly 30% of household income on housing—sustainable only because incomes are exceptional.

Goochland for those with premium incomes

Goochland County suits high-earning households seeking suburban Richmond's upscale living—your six-figure income will make these costs comfortable. If you prefer lower absolute prices, Giles and Gloucester offer substantial savings; if you want comparable wealth with lower costs, explore other metro-Richmond options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Goochland County

via IncomeByCounty

Goochland ranks among nation's wealthiest

Goochland County's median household income of $118,695 is 59% above the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the nation's top income tier. Per capita income of $68,258 is exceptionally high, indicating substantial earning potential across the community. Goochland ranks among the most affluent counties in America.

Virginia's wealthiest county stands apart

Goochland County's median household income of $118,695 towers over Virginia's state average of $74,957 by a stunning $43,738—nearly 58% higher. Per capita income of $68,258 dwarfs the state average of $39,155, reflecting an exceptionally wealthy community. Goochland is unmistakably the state's premier income performer.

Dramatically outpaces every nearby county

Goochland's $118,695 median income exceeds neighboring Gloucester County ($83,689) by $35,000 and Greene County ($85,268) by $33,000, creating a stark wealth gap. Compared to struggling rural neighbors, the differential is even more dramatic: Grayson County's $42,864 is less than 36% of Goochland's income. Goochland is fundamentally wealthier than all surrounding counties.

High incomes support premium housing

Despite a rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%, Goochland's median home value of $483,700 reflects a truly affluent housing market accessible primarily to top earners. The high absolute incomes make even expensive housing manageable relative to earnings. This is a community of significant wealth concentration.

Optimize wealth with sophisticated strategies

Goochland's highest earners should prioritize comprehensive tax strategies, including maxing retirement contributions, charitable giving, and investment diversification. With six-figure household incomes, there's substantial capacity for real estate investment, private equity, and alternative assets. Consulting a fee-only financial advisor is prudent at this income level to structure wealth efficiently.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Goochland County

via HealthByCounty

Goochland leads health outcomes

At 80.2 years, Goochland County residents enjoy some of the longest life expectancy in the nation—more than 2 years above the U.S. average of 78.0 years. With only 12.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates how strong healthcare access and economic stability fuel better outcomes.

Virginia's healthiest county profile

Goochland's 80.2-year life expectancy ranks among Virginia's very best, substantially above the state average of 75.1 years. This 5.1-year advantage reflects sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and preventive services.

Clear advantage over surrounding counties

Goochland's 80.2-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Giles (72.2) and Greensville (71.4), a gap driven largely by provider density and income. With 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Goochland has invested deeply in accessible medical infrastructure.

Nearly universal coverage, abundant providers

Just 3.9% of residents lack health insurance—the lowest rate among these eight counties and well below Virginia's 7.9% average. With 71 primary care providers and 118 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Goochland residents find expert care nearby.

Maintain your health advantage

With nearly everyone covered, Goochland shows what universal access looks like. If you're among the uninsured 3.9%, visit healthcare.gov to secure protection for your family's health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Goochland County

via RiskByCounty

Goochland County ranks among safest

With a composite risk score of 15.52, Goochland County achieves "Very Low" risk status and sits well below the national average. This inland central Virginia location provides natural protection from most major hazards.

Virginia's lowest-risk counties

Goochland County's score of 15.52 is less than half Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's safest counties for natural disasters. Geography and distance from coast and mountains create this advantage.

Safest in the central Virginia region

Goochland County's 15.52 score beats all nearby counties including Giles County (16.57) and Grayson County (24.65), establishing it as the region's lowest-risk location. Inland piedmont geography favors disaster resilience.

Earthquakes and hurricanes top risk list

Earthquake risk (71.50) and hurricane risk (60.16) rank highest for Goochland County, though these remain moderate concerns at the county level. Flood (28.72), tornado (24.81), and wildfire (9.48) risks all remain well below state averages.

Earthquake coverage and flood awareness key

Goochland County homeowners should evaluate earthquake insurance for protection against seismic events and maintain flood insurance for properties in mapped risk zones. Standard policies 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.