countyscore
63.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 96.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Goochland County, Virginia

An Elite National Ranking

Goochland County achieves an impressive 64.0 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It stands as one of the top-performing counties in the United States for overall livability.

One of Virginia’s Top Tier

At 64.0, Goochland significantly outperforms the Virginia average of 50.9. It serves as a benchmark for high-wealth communities within the Commonwealth.

Exceptional Wealth and Health

The county features a nearly perfect income score of 98.4 and a health score of 96.5. Median household incomes reach $118,695, while a tax score of 85.8 highlights an attractive 0.500% effective tax rate.

A Premium Entry Price

Exclusivity comes with a cost, as seen in the very low cost score of 7.3. Median home values of $483,700 and rents of $1,567 create a high barrier to entry for many prospective residents.

Tailored for Affluent Families

Goochland is the premier choice for high-net-worth individuals who prioritize top-quality health services and safe neighborhoods. It offers an elite lifestyle for those who can navigate the high cost of local real estate.

2040608010084.37.960.396.570.398.284.58657.6Tax84.3Cost7.9Safety60.3Health96.5Schools70.3Income98.2Risk84.5Water86Weather57.663.9/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Goochland County DNA

D+overall

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

Goochland County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (98.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.3+32.3
Cost
7.9-40.1
Safety
60.3
Health
96.5+46.5
Schools
70.3+16.299999999999997
Income
98.2+47.2
Risk
84.5+37.5
Water
86+28
Weather
57.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Goochland County

Whether buying or refinancing in Goochland County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$500,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,614/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$500,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$64,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $118,931/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

39.0

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

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Virginia
56.2
Louisa County
Virginia
52.6
Cumberland County
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Hanover County
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Fluvanna County
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Deep Dives

Goochland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Goochland County

via CrimeByCounty

Goochland County ranks among nation's safest

Goochland boasts an impressive safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 915.5 per 100,000 residents is roughly 60% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect a remarkably quiet and secure residential environment.

Outperforming the Virginia state average

With a safety score of 98.6, Goochland exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. The county's total crime rate is nearly half of the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. This top-tier ranking makes Goochland a standout for safety within the Commonwealth.

The safest choice among neighboring counties

Goochland’s crime rate of 915.5 is notably lower than Gloucester’s 1,067.6 and Greene’s 1,206.9. It even edges out Grayson County, which sits at 957.3 per 100,000 residents. The data shows Goochland is one of the most secure counties in the surrounding geographic area.

Violent crime remains extremely rare

The violent crime rate in Goochland is just 96.4 per 100,000, which is dramatically lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 819.1 per 100,000, representing the bulk of law enforcement activity. These metrics indicate a very low risk of person-to-person crime for residents.

Focus on property protection

While crime is rare, property-related incidents are the primary focus of local law enforcement. Implementing simple habits like locking vehicles and installing perimeter cameras provides additional peace of mind. Consistent communication with the county's two reporting agencies helps maintain this high safety standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Goochland County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-Atlantic Climate in Goochland

Goochland County averages 56.1°F annually, which aligns closely with national climate medians. The area receives a steady 44.9 inches of precipitation throughout the year.

Matching the Virginia State Average

Goochland’s 56.1°F average is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its precipitation levels also mirror the state norm, falling just short of the 45.7-inch average.

Warm Summers Similar to the Capital

Goochland experiences 40 days of extreme heat, a figure very similar to its urban neighbor Fredericksburg. It sees a modest 10.2 inches of snow, much less than the mountain counties to the west.

Forty Days of Sizzling Heat

Summers are long and hot, with a July average of 76.3°F and frequent spikes above 90°F. Winters are mild by comparison, staying above freezing on average during the coldest months.

Focus on Summer Heat Protection

With 40 extreme heat days, high-capacity cooling systems and shaded outdoor spaces are critical for comfort. Winter needs are less intense, as snowfall is infrequent and averages about 10 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Goochland County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Piedmont acidity across the county

Goochland County soils show an average pH of 5.29, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.23. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, indicating a need for soil amendments in many agricultural applications.

Sand-heavy mix with moderate clay

The soil consists of 57.8% sand and 16.4% clay, providing a texture that balances workability with some structural stability. This mix is generally well-suited for a variety of building and farming activities in the Piedmont region.

Lower organic matter requires active management

The organic matter content is just 1.46%, roughly half of the Virginia average of 2.90%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in remains close to the state average, suggesting the soil can still hold moisture effectively.

Functional drainage for diverse land use

While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 57.8% sand content ensures that water does not sit on the surface for long. This characteristic makes the land generally favorable for both residential construction and diverse crop rotations.

Establish your garden in zone 7a

Goochland's zone 7a climate is perfect for tomatoes, squash, and beans once the soil acidity is addressed. Incorporating compost will help boost the low organic matter and turn this land into a flourishing garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Goochland County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Heat and Acidity

Goochland County features a lawn difficulty score of 53.1, sitting just below the Virginia average of 55.4. This Zone 7a region requires more active management than the national median due to fluctuating summer temperatures and soil acidity.

Fourty Days of Intense Heat

Lawns here endure 40 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 28 days. This intense heat, combined with 44.9 inches of rain, creates a demanding environment where irrigation timing is critical for survival.

Amending Sandy and Acidic Ground

With a 57.8% sand content, Goochland's soil provides decent drainage but struggles with a very acidic 5.29 pH. Homeowners must amend the ground with organic matter and lime to counteract these conditions and support root development.

Mowing High During Dry Seasons

The county has weathered 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire area is currently under abnormally dry conditions. Residents should maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation during these droughts.

Seed for Success in April

Heat-tolerant tall fescue is the gold standard for this area, ideally seeded between the mid-April and late October frost dates. Leveraging the 3864 growing degree days ensures that new turf has plenty of time to mature before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goochland County's county score?
Goochland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 63.9 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 Goochland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Goochland County ranks #11 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 Goochland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Goochland County is $2,496, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Goochland County a tax score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Goochland County?
The median household income in Goochland County, Virginia is $118,931 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Goochland County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Goochland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Goochland County scores 63.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Goochland 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 Goochland 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.