countyscore
33.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 76Lawn Care 62Income & Jobs 61

County Report Card

About Hampton city, Virginia

Below the National Median

Hampton city records a 33.3 composite score, placing it below the national median of 50.0. Urban challenges in cost and safety weigh on the overall ranking in a national comparison.

Trailing the State Average

At 33.3, Hampton sits below the Virginia state average of 50.9. As a dense city, it faces different pressures than many of the state's higher-scoring rural and suburban counties.

Economic and Health Stability

Strengths include an income score of 61.0 and a health score of 60.8. The city maintains a respectable median household income of $67,758, supporting a diverse urban workforce.

Safety and Cost Concerns

The city faces significant hurdles with a safety score of 6.0 and a cost score of 11.6. A 0.965% effective tax rate and $1,346 median rent contribute to a higher cost of living for residents.

Suited for Urban Professionals

Hampton is best for those who prioritize city amenities and career access over quiet suburban safety. It offers a established economic base for those willing to navigate the complexities of urban living.

Score breakdown

Tax40.7Cost11.6Safety6Health60.8Schools44.5Income61Risk38.3WaterComing SoonWeather76
🏛40.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤76
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62
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

Hampton city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hampton city

via TaxByCounty

Hampton city taxes exceed national average significantly

At 0.965%, Hampton's effective tax rate substantially exceeds the national median of 0.80%, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. taxing jurisdictions. The median property tax of $2,259 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderately valued homes in an otherwise expensive tax environment.

Hampton's taxes rank highest in Virginia

Hampton city leads Virginia's 95 counties and cities with an effective tax rate of 0.965%, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.671%. At $2,259 in median taxes, Hampton residents bear the highest burden relative to their home values compared to statewide peers.

Far costlier than nearby Gloucester County

Hampton city's 0.965% rate towers over Gloucester County's 0.594%—a 62 percentage-point difference that represents the state's sharpest divide. A median home in Hampton ($234,100) pays roughly $540 more annually in taxes than the same property would in Gloucester.

Median home of $234,100 yields $2,259 annual tax

Hampton city homeowners with a median-valued $234,100 property pay approximately $2,259 in yearly property taxes. The burden remains consistent between mortgage holders ($2,273) and outright owners ($2,222).

Challenge your assessment—overages cost hundreds

Hampton's high rates make overassessments especially costly, and successful appeals can recover substantial refunds. Taking 20 minutes to file a property tax appeal could reduce your $2,259 annual bill and align your assessment with actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hampton city

via CostByCounty

Hampton's affordability crisis is real

Hampton City faces the worst housing affordability of any county in this comparison, with a rent-to-income ratio of 23.8%—nearly 5 percentage points above Virginia's state average of 18.6%. A median household income of $67,758 leaves residents struggling to cover $1,346 monthly rents in this urban Tidewater market.

Virginia's housing squeeze in miniature

Hampton ranks in the bottom 5% of Virginia cities and counties for housing affordability, reflecting the toll of coastal Virginia development on working-class incomes. The city's $1,346 median rent is 18% above the state average, while incomes lag the state, creating acute affordability pressure.

Costlier than rural, less wealthy

Hampton's rent of $1,346 exceeds rural Giles ($780) by $566 and rural Grayson ($712) by $634, yet incomes run only $3,000-$25,000 higher than these rural peers. Even compared to Goochland's pricey $1,567 rent, Hampton offers no affordability advantage despite serving a far lower-income population.

Urban costs on suburban wages

Renters dedicate 23.8% of their $67,758 annual income to a $1,346 monthly apartment—the highest burden in this comparison—while homebuyers face $1,350 monthly costs. Housing consumes roughly 40% of household earnings in Hampton, creating severe budget strain.

Hampton workers should explore alternatives

If your job ties you to Hampton, the affordability crisis is real—you'll pay urban prices on suburban wages with the worst ratio in this peer group. Consider relocating to Gloucester County if your employer allows—$202 cheaper rent with far better affordability—or explore remote work to escape coastal Virginia's housing premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hampton city

via IncomeByCounty

Hampton near national income average

Hampton's median household income of $67,758 sits 9% below the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the American average. Per capita income of $36,787 trails national norms modestly, reflecting middle-class earning capacity. Hampton represents typical American earning power.

Modest performer within Virginia

Hampton's median household income of $67,758 underperforms Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $7,200, positioning it slightly below the state median. Per capita income of $36,787 falls short of Virginia's $39,155 average, indicating slightly below-average earning potential. Hampton ranks below the middle of Virginia's communities.

Mid-range income among regional counties

Hampton's $67,758 median income falls between the poorer rural counties (Grayson, Halifax) and the affluent suburban peers (Goochland, Gloucester, Greene). As an urban center, Hampton's income profile reflects diverse workforce and employment base. The city represents solid working and middle-class community stability.

Housing costs press significantly higher

Hampton's rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% is notably elevated, meaning nearly one-quarter of household income goes to housing—dangerously close to unaffordable territory. Median home value of $234,100 strains budgets for average earners, particularly for renters and first-time homebuyers. Housing is a major financial challenge for many Hampton households.

Build stability with modest income

Hampton residents should balance establishing emergency savings with gradual retirement contributions, as housing costs consume significant income share. Utilize employer 401(k) matches fully, even with small contributions, to build long-term wealth. Consider first-time homebuyer programs to build equity despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hampton city

via CrimeByCounty

Hampton city faces higher crime rates

Hampton city reports a total crime rate of 3,246.0 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score is 94.9 out of 100. This urban environment sees more frequent law enforcement activity than the surrounding rural counties.

Safety relative to Virginia averages

The city's safety score of 94.9 is lower than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 3,246.0 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. These numbers reflect the typical challenges faced by a more densely populated city.

A different profile than neighbors

Hampton's crime rate is much higher than nearby Hanover County at 1,293.1 and Gloucester at 1,067.6. As an urban center, it experiences a different scale of activity than these quieter counties. Residents should note that a single agency provides all city data, which requires careful interpretation.

Property crime drives the total

Property crime is the most significant factor in Hampton, with a rate of 2,968.3 per 100,000. Interestingly, the violent crime rate of 277.7 is actually lower than the national average of 369.8. Most crime in the city consists of non-violent property offenses rather than person-to-person violence.

Taking charge of city security

High property crime rates mean residents should invest in robust home security and always lock vehicles. Utilizing smart home technology and staying in touch with the local police agency can improve personal safety. Community vigilance is essential in managing the higher volume of property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hampton city

via HealthByCounty

Hampton matches national health norms

At 74.6 years, Hampton City residents live about 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years. The 18.3% poor or fair health rate reflects typical urban disadvantages: concentrated poverty, limited preventive care, and chronic disease burden.

Below Virginia's health baseline

Hampton's 74.6-year life expectancy lags Virginia's 75.1-year average by just 0.5 years, positioning it slightly below state norms. The city's urban structure and economic diversity provide some health infrastructure advantages over rural counties.

Urban advantage over rural peers

Hampton (74.6 years) outperforms rural neighbors Grayson (74.6 years, same) and Greensville (71.4), but trails more affluent areas like Goochland (80.2). The city's provider network—387 mental health providers per 100,000—demonstrates urban healthcare concentration.

Urban infrastructure, persistent gaps

Hampton's 6.1% uninsured rate is better than Virginia's 7.9%, but 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents leave gaps in underserved neighborhoods. The city's strength in mental health (387 providers per 100K) masks disparities in geographic access.

Secure coverage in your neighborhood

Even in a city with strong provider networks, 1 in 16 Hampton residents lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or call your city health department to find coverage that connects you to providers close to home.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hampton city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban Educational Framework

Hampton City features a large infrastructure of 36 public schools supporting nearly 20,000 students. The network is built on a foundation of 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools. Two districts coordinate this extensive city-wide education system.

High Graduation Rates in an Urban Setting

Hampton achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, which surpasses both the state average of 89.0% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is efficient at $6,985, remaining below the state average despite the high graduation results. The city’s school score of 53.5 demonstrates competitive performance within the Virginia landscape.

Hampton City Public Schools Drives Enrollment

Hampton City Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 33 schools and 19,796 students. There are no charter schools in the city, meaning all 36 public institutions operate under traditional district management. New Horizons Governor's School also operates within the city, providing specialized regional opportunities.

Diverse and Dynamic City Classrooms

Every school in the system is located in an urban city setting, offering students a vibrant and diverse peer group. The average school size is 660 students, though Bethel High is a major anchor with 1,777 students. Even the combined George P. Phenix Elementary (PK-8) maintains a large presence with 1,516 students.

Smart Urban Living Near Quality Schools

Hampton offers families the benefits of urban life paired with graduation rates that lead the state. With 20 different elementary schools, home buyers can find a neighborhood school that fits their specific needs within the city limits. School quality is a major asset for property values in this coastal Virginia city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hampton city

via RiskByCounty

Hampton faces substantial disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 61.74, Hampton city ranks in the "Relatively Low" category but sits dramatically above national averages. This coastal location creates exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and flooding.

Virginia's riskiest jurisdiction in dataset

Hampton's score of 61.74 is 86% higher than Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the commonwealth's highest-risk location among these counties. Waterfront geography on the Hampton Roads estuary drives this extreme elevation.

Vastly riskier than surrounding counties

Hampton's 61.74 dwarfs all comparison counties, nearly tripling Halifax County's 47.01 and exceeding Gloucester County's 22.61 by nearly 40 points. This city-level coastal concentration creates uniquely elevated hazard exposure.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods converge

Hurricane risk (85.40), tornado risk (56.14), and flood risk (80.40) combine to create Hampton's severe hazard profile—each ranking among Virginia's highest. Earthquake risk (65.04) also exceeds most counties, while wildfire risk (24.27) remains secondary.

Comprehensive multi-hazard protection critical

Hampton residents must obtain flood insurance immediately, reinforce homes against hurricane damage, and develop detailed family evacuation plans for storm season. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood; separate coverage is mandatory for this high-risk coastal community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hampton city

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Coastal Living in Hampton

Hampton averages nearly 60°F annually, placing it among the warmer coastal cities in the United States. It is a humid region with 47.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Far Above the Virginia Average

At 59.8°F, Hampton is nearly four degrees warmer than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its coastal location also brings more rain than the state average of 45.7 inches.

Mild Maritime Air and Minimal Snow

Hampton has the lowest snowfall of all profiled counties at just 2.7 inches. While inland Halifax is also warm, Hampton's coastal air keeps its July average slightly higher at 79.3°F.

Humid Summers and Soft Winters

Hampton experiences 30 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than inland counties despite higher average temperatures. Winters are very mild, averaging 42.4°F with almost no snow accumulation.

Prepare for Humidity and Rain

Residents should focus on moisture control and salt-air maintenance for their homes. With only 2.7 inches of snow annually, snow-removal gear is a low priority compared to storm drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hampton city

via SoilByCounty

Urban coastal soils of Hampton city

Specific soil taxonomy and pH levels for Hampton city are currently undocumented in regional data. While the national median pH is 6.5, urban coastal soils often exhibit significant variation due to human development. Local testing is recommended to identify the specific acidity of your land.

A complex mix of city earth

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this urban area. The composition likely varies significantly from one neighborhood to the next based on historical land use. This lack of data reflects the complex, often human-altered nature of modern city soil profiles.

Assessing the city's growing potential

Metrics for organic matter and available water capacity remain unrecorded against the state average of 2.90% organic matter. Without these figures, the natural fertility of the soil is difficult to benchmark compared to rural neighbors. Urban gardeners should focus on adding compost to ensure a nutrient-rich environment.

Navigating coastal drainage challenges

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently mapped for this city location. Coastal urban areas often face unique challenges with runoff and saturation that require site-specific assessment. Proper drainage is essential for both building stability and healthy plant roots near the coast.

Thriving in a coastal zone 8b

Hampton city falls within hardiness zone 8b, offering a long and warm growing season. Salt-tolerant shrubs and heat-loving perennials thrive in this coastal climate when provided with a custom soil mix. Start your garden today with raised beds to bypass any uncertain local soil conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hampton city

via LawnByCounty

Enjoying Easier Coastal Lawn Care

Hampton city boasts a lawn difficulty score of 62.0, making it one of the easier places in Virginia to maintain a yard. This coastal Zone 8b region benefits from more moderate temperatures and fewer drought weeks than inland neighbors.

Generous Rain for Coastal Turf

The city experiences 30 extreme heat days and receives a generous 47.8 inches of rain annually. This combination supports vigorous growth, though high humidity during the 79.3°F July average can increase the risk of lawn diseases.

Test Your Coastal Soil First

While specific soil data is unavailable for the city, coastal Virginia typically features sandy loams that drain very quickly. Gardeners should conduct a local soil test to determine the exact lime and nutrient needs for their specific residential plot.

Stable Moisture Despite Dry Air

Hampton shows high drought resilience, having faced only 6 weeks of drought over the past year. Although the area is currently marked as abnormally dry, regular irrigation during summer spells is usually sufficient to maintain a lush appearance.

Plant for a Long Season

Heat-loving grasses like St. Augustine or Bermudagrass flourish in this 8b hardiness zone. For the best start, plant after the early spring frost on March 24, giving the lawn a long runway before the first fall frost on November 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hampton city's county score?
Hampton city, Virginia has a composite county score of 33.3 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 Hampton city rank among counties in Virginia?
Hampton city ranks #125 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 Hampton city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Hampton city is $2,259, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Hampton city a tax score of 40.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hampton city?
The median household income in Hampton city, Virginia is $67,758 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hampton city earns an income score of 61/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hampton city, Virginia a good place to live?
Hampton city scores 33.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #125 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Hampton city 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 Hampton city 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.