countyscore
50.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.7Income & Jobs 88.7Property Tax 70.1

County Report Card

About Greene County, Virginia

Aligning with National Norms

Greene County matches the national median with a composite score of 50.6. It offers a life experience that mirrors the typical American county, balancing several key metrics.

Consistent with Virginia’s Profile

The county's score of 50.6 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 50.9. It provides a reliable and representative Virginia lifestyle for its residents.

High Incomes and Environmental Safety

Greene County shines with an environmental risk score of 90.7 and a strong income score of 88.7. Median household incomes are a robust $85,268, supporting a comfortable standard of living.

Housing and Water Hurdles

The cost score of 9.5 indicates that housing is quite expensive, with median rents at $1,502. Additionally, the water score of 32.8 suggests that local utility infrastructure could benefit from updates.

Perfect for Secure High Earners

This county is best suited for families who value safety from natural hazards and have the income to support higher housing costs. It offers peace of mind through its high risk-resilience and economic stability.

Score breakdown

Tax70.1Cost9.5Safety46.1Health67.6Schools53.2Income88.7Risk90.7Water32.8Weather60.8
🏛70.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.3
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

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene County's rates align with U.S. average

At 0.637%, Greene County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.80%, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. The median property tax of $2,009 is about 25% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower-than-average home values for the rate.

Middle-of-the-road taxes for Virginia

Greene County's 0.637% effective rate slightly exceeds Virginia's 0.671% average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 95 counties and cities. At $2,009, the median tax bill falls below Virginia's statewide median of $1,960—an unexpected advantage for a higher-rate jurisdiction.

Higher rate than Goochland, comparable to Giles

Greene County's 0.637% rate exceeds Goochland County's 0.500% by 27 percentage points but remains close to Giles County's 0.632%. On a typical home, Greene residents pay roughly $100-200 more annually than these nearby counties.

Median home of $315,300 equals $2,009 yearly

Greene County homeowners with a median-priced $315,300 property pay approximately $2,009 in annual property taxes. The bill stays consistent between mortgage holders ($1,985) and outright owners ($2,079).

Assessment challenges can reclaim hundreds

Many Greene County homeowners accept their assessments without question, missing opportunities to appeal overvalued properties. Filing a challenge costs nothing and could reduce your $2,009 annual bill significantly if your home has been assessed above its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene's housing strains mid-income earners

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% ranks worst in this comparison and significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%. Despite a solid median household income of $85,268—above the national average—residents dedicate the highest share of earnings to rent relative to their incomes in this peer group.

Below-average affordability among peers

Greene County ranks in the bottom third of Virginia counties for housing affordability, with its 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average. The county's $1,502 median rent is 32% above the state average, driven by proximity to affluent Northern Virginia markets.

Mountain premium pulls rents up

Greene's $1,502 rent exceeds Grayson's $712 by $790 monthly, yet incomes run only $42,404 higher—making Greene's affordability surprisingly worse than nearby rural counties. Compared to Goochland to the east, Greene rents are $65 cheaper, but the income advantage swings the affordability advantage to Goochland.

Rent bite is significant here

At $1,502 monthly, median rent takes 21.1% of household income—the highest burden of any county here—while homeownership costs $1,353 monthly. Together, housing consumes over 32% of earnings, leaving a tight budget for other necessities in Greene County households.

Greene best for those with flexibility

Greene County's beautiful mountain setting comes with housing costs that strain typical budgets, making it riskier than nearby alternatives. Consider Grayson or Halifax to the south for cheaper rents, or Goochland to the east if your income exceeds $100,000—you'll find better affordability ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene exceeds national income standard

Greene County's median household income of $85,268 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by over $10,000, placing it in the upper-middle income bracket nationwide. Per capita income of $41,541 also exceeds national norms, reflecting solid earning potential. Greene ranks above average for American counties overall.

Strong performer within Virginia

Greene County's median household income of $85,268 exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $10,300, positioning it in the state's upper tier. Per capita income of $41,541 tops Virginia's $39,155 average, signaling above-average earning capacity. Greene ranks solidly in the state's stronger-performing counties.

Wealthy enclave among regional peers

Greene's $85,268 median income outpaces neighboring Gloucester County ($83,689) by a slight margin and significantly exceeds struggling counties like Halifax ($49,244) and Grayson ($42,864). Though Goochland County ($118,695) dominates the region, Greene ranks second among nearby peers in income. The county represents upper-middle-class stability.

Housing consumes elevated income share

Greene's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% is notably elevated, meaning more than one-fifth of household income goes to rent—approaching tight territory. Median home values of $315,300 require substantial income and savings to afford, stretching many local budgets. Careful housing budgeting is essential for Greene residents.

Build wealth through disciplined investing

Greene residents should capitalize on above-average earnings by consistently contributing to retirement accounts and diversified investments. With incomes exceeding state averages, there's genuine capacity to build significant wealth over time through index funds and real estate. Start early with automatic contributions to remove behavioral barriers to saving.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County beats national safety averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,206.9 per 100,000 is almost half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns Greene County a safety score of 98.1, indicating a very secure living environment. Local safety metrics show a strong performance relative to the country at large.

Exceeding Virginia's average safety standards

Greene’s safety score of 98.1 is higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. The total crime rate of 1,206.9 also remains much lower than the state's average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. These figures confirm that Greene is a safer-than-average community within the Commonwealth.

Regional crime rate comparisons

Greene County’s crime rate of 1,206.9 is slightly higher than Gloucester’s 1,067.6, but remains lower than Halifax’s 1,226.0. It is significantly safer than Hampton city, which sees over 3,000 incidents per 100,000. The county remains a competitive choice for those seeking a low-crime area.

Property crime drives local statistics

Violent crime in Greene is extremely low at 63.0 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime makes up the bulk of reports at 1,143.9 per 100,000 residents. The data suggests that public safety efforts are primarily focused on preventing theft and property damage.

Simple steps for better security

Since property crime is the main concern, simple deterrents like porch lights and locked windows are highly effective. Engaging with the two local reporting agencies helps keep the community informed and vigilant. Taking proactive steps at home helps maintain Greene's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene nears national health standard

At 78.3 years, Greene County residents approach the U.S. life expectancy average of 78.0 years. The 17.0% poor or fair health rating sits near national norms, suggesting moderate access challenges typical of rural Virginia.

Slightly above Virginia's baseline

Greene's 78.3-year life expectancy edges past Virginia's 75.1-year average by 3.2 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state health outcomes. The county's stable health profile outperforms many neighboring Appalachian areas.

Outperforms nearby mountain counties

Greene's 78.3 years substantially surpasses neighbors Grayson (74.6) and Giles (72.2), reflecting better infrastructure and economic diversification. However, it lags Goochland (80.2), indicating room for improvement in provider capacity.

Limited primary care, strong mental health

With 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Greene faces gaps in routine care capacity. However, 117 mental health providers per 100,000 residents and an 8.8% uninsured rate show the county has prioritized behavioral health access.

Uninsured? Don't wait.

Nearly 1 in 11 Greene County residents lack coverage, risking catastrophic bills for urgent care. Visit healthcare.gov or call your local health department to explore affordable plans before an emergency forces costly choices.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Single-District Education System

Greene County supports 2,838 students through a centralized system of seven public schools. The landscape features three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, complemented by two specialized facilities. This streamlined single-district structure manages the county's expanding student population efficiently.

Solid Performance with Lean Spending

Greene County maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the state average of 89.0%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,364, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Its composite school score of 54.8 perfectly matches the Virginia state average.

Greene County Public Schools Leads the Way

Greene County Public Schools is the exclusive district for the region, overseeing the education of all 2,838 local students. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a 100% traditional public school footprint. This unified district approach ensures that all students follow a cohesive curriculum from primary through secondary years.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

The school landscape is a mix of five town-based schools and two rural campuses, reflecting the county's shifting geography. Schools here are moderately sized, with an average enrollment of 568 students per building. William Monroe High is the largest hub with 957 students, while Nathanael Greene Primary provides a smaller setting with 347 students.

Establishing Roots Near High-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Greene County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. The mix of town and rural school settings offers home buyers a variety of neighborhood vibes to choose from. Explore homes in this area to secure a place in a stable, high-performing school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County has exceptionally low risk

With a composite risk score of just 9.29, Greene County achieves "Very Low" status and ranks among the nation's safest counties for natural disasters. This piedmont location benefits from distance to both coasts and major fault lines.

Virginia's safest county by composite score

Greene County's 9.29 score is dramatically lower than Virginia's 33.27 state average, making it the commonwealth's most protected county overall. Only a handful of Virginia counties approach this level of disaster resilience.

Exceptional safety in central region

Greene County's 9.29 substantially outperforms all nearby counties, including Giles County (16.57) and Grayson County (24.65), establishing it as a true safe haven. Piedmont geography and elevation create ideal protective conditions.

Hurricanes and wildfires are secondary concerns

Hurricane risk (63.45) and wildfire risk (42.81) rank highest for Greene County, though both remain moderate and well below state averages. Flood (24.81), earthquake (41.98), and tornado (14.25) risks all stay minimal.

Standard homeowners insurance likely sufficient

Greene County residents enjoy minimal natural disaster exposure and can typically rely on comprehensive homeowners insurance for protection. Those with properties near waterways should verify flood coverage regardless.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate acidity in the Blue Ridge shadow

Greene County's average soil pH of 5.20 is slightly below the Virginia average of 5.23. Like much of the state, it is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which influences the types of native plants that thrive here.

Well-balanced silt and clay proportions

The soil is composed of 45.0% sand, 35.9% silt, and 19.1% clay. This relatively high clay and silt combination provides better structure and nutrient-holding capacity than the sandier soils found in eastern Virginia.

Good water capacity despite lower organic matter

Organic matter content stands at 1.57%, trailing the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.149 in/in is higher than the state average, meaning the soil is efficient at storing moisture for plant use.

Steady moisture levels for consistent growth

The 19.1% clay content helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, though specific drainage classes are not provided. This mix typically provides a stable foundation for both agriculture and local building projects.

Thriving gardens in hardiness zone 7b

Greene County's zone 7b is well-suited for blackberries and various fruit trees. With strong water capacity already in place, adding organic amendments will quickly boost your soil's fertility for a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Regional Maintenance Hurdles

Greene County presents a tough environment for turf with a lawn difficulty score of 46.3. This Zone 7b county falls nearly 10 points below the state average, requiring diligent care to overcome local soil and climate hurdles.

Cooler Climates Without Heat Stress

Average temperatures sit at a cool 47.5°F, and the area remarkably records zero extreme heat days per year. This lack of heat stress is a major advantage for cool-season grasses, allowing them to remain active longer than in hotter counties.

Managing Clay and Sand Mixes

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.20, falling short of the 6.0 ideal for healthy lawns. A blend of 19.1% clay and 45.0% sand means the soil retains some moisture but still needs regular amendments to balance nutrient availability.

Conserving Water During Record Droughts

Drought resilience is a major concern as the county logged 33 weeks in drought over the past year. With 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, utilizing rain barrels and smart irrigation is essential for maintaining green space.

Best Grasses for Greene County

In this Zone 7b environment, tall fescue or perennial ryegrass provide the best year-round coverage. Since specific frost dates are missing, residents should watch for consistent overnight temperatures above 50°F before starting their spring planting.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Virginia has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Greene County rank among counties in Virginia?
Greene County ranks #79 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 Greene County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $2,009, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 70.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Virginia is $85,268 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Virginia a good place to live?
Greene County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.