CountyScore

Grayson County

Virginia · VA

#19 in Virginia
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Grayson County, Virginia

Grayson significantly exceeds national median

With a 77.7 composite score, Grayson tops the national median of 50.0 by 55%, ranking it among America's most livable counties. Its strengths lie in affordability and tax efficiency rather than income.

Virginia's rural livability leader

Grayson's 77.7 score ranks above Virginia's 70.3 state average, making it one of the commonwealth's most livable counties. The county excels particularly in rural Virginia's affordability metrics.

Exceptional value for budget seekers

Grayson achieves an 89.0 cost score—the highest among these eight counties—with median home values of just $132,300 and rent at $712/month, while taxes remain low at 0.620% effective rate. This county offers unbeatable affordability in Virginia.

Limited income growth potential

Grayson's 11.4 income score reflects the lowest median household income of these counties at $42,864, well below state and national averages. Economic development and wage growth remain critical needs.

Paradise for rural affordability seekers

Grayson suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing extremely low cost of living and taxes over income potential. It's ideal for those content with modest means seeking maximum purchasing power in mountain Virginia.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.8Cost89SafetyComing SoonHealth65.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.4Risk75.4WaterComing Soon
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.4
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 Grayson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
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74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
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74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
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74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
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74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Grayson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grayson County

via TaxByCounty

Grayson County keeps taxes far below national levels

Grayson County's effective tax rate of 0.620% significantly undercuts the national median of 0.80%, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $820 annually is just 31% of the national median of $2,690.

Among Virginia's lowest-taxing rural counties

Grayson County's 0.620% rate ranks in the bottom third of Virginia's 95 counties and cities, staying below the state average of 0.671%. With median taxes of $820, residents pay less than 42% of Virginia's statewide median of $1,960.

Tax rate matches Giles County across the mountains

Grayson County's 0.620% effective rate aligns closely with Giles County (0.632%), both serving as Appalachian communities with modest home values. At $820 in median taxes, Grayson's bill runs slightly lower than Giles ($907) despite comparable rates.

Median home of $132,300 means $820 annual tax

Grayson County homeowners with a median-valued $132,300 property pay approximately $820 in yearly property taxes. Mortgage holders see the bill rise to $896, while outright owners pay closer to $763.

Appeal your assessment before it's too late

Even in affordable Grayson County, assessors sometimes overshoot fair market value, and you can challenge the determination. A successful appeal could lower your $820 annual bill and ensure you pay only what your home is truly worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grayson County

via CostByCounty

Grayson's affordability masks strain

Grayson County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio edges above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, but its median household income of just $42,864 is 43% below the national median. The low rents of $712 monthly are offset by lower earnings, making affordability feel tight despite low nominal prices.

Rural affordability, limited incomes

Grayson ranks in the bottom quartile of Virginia counties for household income, though its rent-to-income ratio remains slightly above state average. At $712 monthly, Grayson has the cheapest rent in this comparison, but residents earn the least, reflecting the economic reality of rural southwest Virginia.

Cheapest rents, tightest budgets

Grayson's $712 rent is $68 below rural Giles County, but Grayson incomes run $21,955 lower, creating a more precarious affordability situation. Compared to Greensville County to the east, Grayson rents are $248 cheaper while incomes are $13,895 lower.

Low costs meet low income reality

Renters dedicate 19.9% of their $42,864 annual income to a $712 monthly apartment, while homebuyers pay $438 monthly on a median home value of $132,300. Housing consumes roughly 25% of household earnings—technically manageable, but leaving little room for emergencies or savings.

Grayson suits those rooted in place

Grayson offers rock-bottom housing costs, but consider income prospects before relocating—jobs here are limited and wages lag statewide. If you're remote-working or retiring with stable income, Grayson's affordability is unbeatable; otherwise, Giles County to the south offers similar costs with better earning opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grayson County

via IncomeByCounty

Grayson faces significant income challenge

Grayson County's median household income of $42,864 is 43% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $27,087 is less than half the national norm, reflecting widespread economic hardship. This income gap signals a community facing considerable financial strain.

Among Virginia's poorest counties

Grayson County's median household income of $42,864 trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by over $32,000, a staggering 43% gap. Per capita income of $27,087 severely underperforms Virginia's $39,155 average, indicating very limited earning opportunities. Grayson ranks among the state's lowest-income communities.

Struggles alongside other rural counties

Grayson's $42,864 median income ranks among the lowest in the region, outpaced by every better-performing neighbor but comparable only to Halifax County ($49,244). Compared to Goochland's $118,695 or even Gloucester's $83,689, Grayson residents earn less than half as much annually. This county faces severe economic disadvantages relative to surrounding areas.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Grayson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% means nearly one-fifth of household income goes to rent—approaching problematic levels and leaving little margin for other expenses. The median home value of $132,300 consumes substantially more time and effort to purchase for local earners. Housing affordability is a real concern for many Grayson households.

Focus on stability before wealth building

Grayson residents should prioritize building emergency savings before investing, as lower incomes leave less cushion for unexpected expenses. Take advantage of any employer benefits, including retirement matches, even if contributions must be small. Free or low-cost financial literacy resources through nonprofits and extension offices can help maximize limited resources effectively.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grayson County

via HealthByCounty

Grayson struggles on multiple fronts

At 74.6 years, Grayson County residents live 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years. The county's 24.1% poor or fair health rate—among the highest nationally—signals widespread chronic disease and limited access to preventive care.

Poorest health outcomes in Virginia

Grayson's 74.6-year life expectancy and 24.1% poor health rate rank among Virginia's worst. The 0.5-year deficit versus the state average masks deeper disparities in hospital access and specialist availability.

Appalachian health crisis shared

Grayson's struggles mirror those of neighboring Halifax (72.1 years) and Greensville (71.4 years), creating a regional health equity challenge. All three counties face persistent primary care shortages and higher disease burden.

Severe provider shortage compounds crisis

With only 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Grayson faces the steepest provider shortage among these counties—less than one-third of better-served areas. At 7.2% uninsured, the gap compounds: those without insurance and those with it alike struggle to access timely care.

Coverage is your first defense

In a county with limited providers, having insurance speeds access to the care available. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit healthcare.gov to find coverage options that help you reach providers quickly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grayson County

via RiskByCounty

Grayson County remains relatively protected

With a composite risk score of 24.65, Grayson County ranks in the "Very Low" category and significantly below the national average. Its position in southwestern Virginia's mountains provides natural buffering against many hazard types.

Below-average risk across Virginia

Grayson County's score of 24.65 trails Virginia's state average of 33.27 by roughly 25%, placing it firmly in the lower-risk tier statewide. Mountain elevation and distance from the coast explain much of this advantage.

Moderate risk for mountain region

Grayson County's 24.65 score falls between Greene County's 9.29 and Giles County's 16.57, reflecting higher wildfire exposure in the southwestern highlands. The county faces notably more wind and fire threats than lower-elevation neighbors.

Wildfires and hurricanes present main threats

Wildfire risk (45.58) and hurricane risk (54.23) represent Grayson County's highest hazard exposures, reflecting mountain topography and distance-moderated but still-present tropical storm impacts. Flood (28.44), earthquake (39.95), and tornado (18.64) risks remain more moderate.

Wildfire preparedness and evacuation plans critical

Grayson County homeowners should create defensible space around structures, maintain gutters clear of debris, and develop family evacuation plans for wildfire seasons. Standard homeowners policies may exclude wildfire; check coverage limits.

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.