CountyScore

Halifax County

Virginia · VA

#54 in Virginia
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Halifax County, Virginia

Halifax ranks among America's most livable

Halifax's 77.8 composite score surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 56%, ranking it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This exceptional score reflects outstanding affordability combined with very low taxes.

Virginia's premier affordable county

Halifax scores 77.8, well above Virginia's 70.3 state average, making it one of the commonwealth's most livable counties overall. The county ranks among the state's top performers.

Unbeatable affordability and tax rates

Halifax achieves an 85.4 cost score with median home values of $148,900 and rent at $769/month, while boasting the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.490% (88.5 tax score). This combination delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious families.

Income potential remains limited

Halifax's 15.5 income score reflects a median household income of $49,244, the second-lowest among these counties. Economic development remains essential to complement the county's affordability advantages.

Best buy for Virginia affordability

Halifax suits retirees, remote workers, and cost-conscious families seeking maximum affordability and tax efficiency in rural Virginia. It delivers exceptional livability value for those with modest fixed incomes or flexible work arrangements.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.5Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth63.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.5Risk53WaterComing Soon
🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡53
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 Halifax County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Halifax County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Halifax County

via TaxByCounty

Halifax County offers the nation's lowest tax burden

At 0.490%, Halifax County's effective tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in America, trailing the national median of 0.80% by a stunning 39%. The median property tax of just $729 annually is less than 27% of the national median of $2,690.

Virginia's lowest-taxing county overall

Halifax County holds the distinction of the lowest effective tax rate among all 95 Virginia counties and cities at 0.490%, paired with some of the state's most affordable home values. At $729, the median tax bill is a fraction of Virginia's $1,960 statewide median.

Lowest rate in rural Southside Virginia

Halifax County's 0.490% rate significantly undercuts all regional neighbors, including Greensville County (0.588%) and Grayson County (0.620%). On median-priced homes, Halifax residents pay roughly $200 less annually than comparable Southside properties.

Median home of $148,900 costs just $729 yearly

Halifax County homeowners with a median-valued $148,900 property pay approximately $729 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the entire United States. Even with mortgage-related fees ($793), the total remains remarkably affordable.

File an appeal if you believe you're overassessed

Halifax County's low rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—overvaluations happen here too, and appeals are your right. Challenging your assessment costs nothing and could save you money if your property has been valued above its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Halifax County

via CostByCounty

Halifax nearly matches state average

Halifax County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% nearly mirrors Virginia's state average of 18.6%, positioning it as a middling affordability choice statewide. With a median household income of $49,244—34% below the national average—residents manage modest housing costs on below-average wages.

Right-at-average affordability

Halifax County ranks close to the state median for housing affordability, with its 18.7% rent-to-income ratio essentially matching Virginia's overall average. The $769 monthly median rent is 33% below the state average, reflecting Halifax's rural character and limited wage economy.

Sweet spot among rural peers

Halifax's $769 rent runs $11 below Giles County yet exceeds Grayson's by $57, positioning it squarely in the rural affordability middle. Compared to Greensville to the west, Halifax offers $191 cheaper rent with nearly identical incomes, making it the better rural choice.

Modest costs on modest incomes

At $769 monthly, median rent takes 18.7% of Halifax's $49,244 household income, while homeownership costs $606 monthly on a median home value of $148,900. Housing consumes roughly 25% of earnings, leaving limited cushion for other needs in Halifax County budgets.

Halifax for stable, rooted residents

Halifax County offers reasonable rural affordability with stable, modest housing costs—ideal for those with secure remote work or retirement income. If you're seeking employment, income prospects here are limited; compare to Giles County (similar affordability, slightly higher wages) or Greensville (higher costs, similar wages).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Halifax County

via IncomeByCounty

Halifax struggles below national average

Halifax County's median household income of $49,244 is 34% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $27,115 is dramatically below national norms, indicating severe economic hardship. Halifax faces a substantial income gap with the typical American county.

Among Virginia's most economically challenged

Halifax County's median household income of $49,244 trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by over $25,000—a devastating 34% gap. Per capita income of $27,115 is severely below Virginia's $39,155 average, reflecting very limited earning opportunities. Halifax ranks among the state's lowest-income communities.

Poorest county in struggling rural region

Halifax's $49,244 median income ranks lowest among regional peers, outpaced only by Grayson County ($42,864) in this economically challenged corner of the state. Compared to Goochland ($118,695) or Gloucester ($83,689), Halifax residents earn less than 42% as much annually. The county faces severe economic disadvantages.

Housing costs consume critical resources

Halifax's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% means nearly one-fifth of household income goes to housing—a significant burden on already-tight budgets. Median home value of $148,900 is difficult to achieve for average earners, limiting wealth-building through homeownership. Housing affordability is a pressing concern for many families.

Seek assistance and build foundations

Halifax residents should connect with local nonprofits and government agencies offering financial assistance and free counseling to navigate economic challenges. Building even modest emergency savings is critical before any investment activity. Explore low-cost ways to develop financial literacy and maximize whatever resources are available.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Halifax County

via HealthByCounty

Halifax's health gap is stark

At 72.1 years, Halifax County residents live 5.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years. With 22.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county reflects a pattern of limited healthcare access and high disease prevalence common to distressed rural areas.

Among Virginia's lowest-ranked counties

Halifax's 72.1-year life expectancy falls 3 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, placing it in the state's bottom tier. This sustained deficit signals chronic underinvestment in primary and preventive care.

Shares crisis with Grayson and Greensville

Halifax (72.1 years) sits in a cluster with Grayson (74.6) and Greensville (71.4), all facing similar provider shortages and economic stress. Together, these three counties represent a regional health emergency requiring coordinated intervention.

Limited doctors, high uninsured burden

Halifax has only 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an 8.8% uninsured rate—among the highest in this group. Uninsured residents and those dependent on distant providers often defer care until conditions worsen.

Coverage opens doors to care

With nearly 1 in 11 residents uninsured and few providers nearby, coverage becomes your lifeline to timely treatment. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or check healthcare.gov to find plans that help you reach available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Halifax County

via RiskByCounty

Halifax County faces elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 47.01, Halifax County ranks in the "Relatively Low" category and notably exceeds the national average. This southern Virginia county experiences substantially higher hazard exposure than most of the commonwealth.

Virginia's highest-risk county in group

Halifax County's score of 47.01 is 41% higher than Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the state's riskier counties. Proximity to the coast and exposure to multiple storm systems drive this elevation.

Significantly riskier than nearby Greensville

Halifax County's 47.01 score far exceeds Greensville County (17.78), reflecting greater coastal hurricane influence and broader storm vulnerability. The roughly 30-point gap represents one of Virginia's most dramatic county-level differences.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes compound

Hurricane risk (78.56), earthquake risk (63.26), and tornado risk (34.26) form Halifax County's hazard trinity, each substantially above state averages. Flood risk (54.36) also exceeds most Virginia counties, while wildfire risk (25.54) remains comparatively low.

Multi-hazard insurance essential

Halifax County homeowners must prioritize flood insurance, especially near mapped floodplains vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical systems. Additionally, earthquake coverage and a robust emergency preparedness plan address the county's compound disaster exposure.

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.