countyscore
55.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.5Water Quality 86Health 85.3

County Report Card

About Hanover County, Virginia

Outperforming the National Median

Hanover County earns a composite score of 55.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score signals a higher standard of living than many peers across the United States.

A Top Performer in Virginia

With a score of 55.4, Hanover comfortably exceeds the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands as one of the more competitive counties in the Commonwealth for quality of life.

High Incomes and Strong Health Systems

The county boasts an elite income score of 97.4, supported by a median household income of $109,504. Health outcomes also excel with a score of 85.3, alongside high-quality water infrastructure.

High Costs Limit Affordability

Housing remains a challenge here, reflected in a cost score of only 6.9. Median home values reach $372,700 and rents average $1,496, making it difficult for entry-level buyers.

The Ideal Choice for Affluent Families

Hanover is a premier destination for high-earning families who value excellent schools and superior healthcare. The low tax rate of 0.672% helps offset the premium cost of real estate.

2040608010065.67.142.885.375.897.546.58666.6Tax65.6Cost7.1Safety42.8Health85.3Schools75.8Income97.5Risk46.5Water86Weather66.655.3/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Hanover County DNA

Foverall

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

Hanover County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (97.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.6+13.599999999999994
Cost
7.1-40.9
Safety
42.8-12.200000000000003
Health
85.3+35.3
Schools
75.8+21.799999999999997
Income
97.5+46.5
Risk
46.5
Water
86+28
Weather
66.6+10.599999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in Hanover County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$400,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,591/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$400,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$63,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $112,805/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.3

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

Henrico County
Virginia
38.9
Richmond city
Virginia
26.7
Caroline County
Virginia
48.1
King William County
Virginia
58.7
Goochland County
Virginia
63.9
Powhatan County
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56.2
Chesterfield County
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44.2
New Kent County
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56

Deep Dives

Hanover County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hanover County

via TaxByCounty

Hanover's tax rate tracks national norms

Hanover County's effective tax rate of 0.672% sits just slightly above the national median effective rate of 0.67%, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack nationally. Residents here pay $2,506 annually in median property taxes, modestly below the national median of $2,690 despite owning homes worth considerably more—$372,700 versus $281,900 nationally.

Nearly identical to Virginia's average

Hanover's effective rate of 0.672% virtually matches Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a textbook example of typical Virginia taxation. However, the county's median tax bill of $2,506 runs 28% higher than the state median of $1,960, reflecting the area's higher home values.

Hanover lighter than Henrico, heavier than Henry

Compared to nearby Henrico County (0.724% rate), Hanover taxes at a lower rate, though Henrico homeowners pay only slightly more per year ($2,416 vs. $2,506). Hanover's rate significantly exceeds nearby Henry County's 0.502%, putting Hanover firmly in the moderate-to-high camp for the region.

Median Hanover home costs $2,506 yearly

A homeowner with Hanover County's median-value property of $372,700 pays approximately $2,506 in annual property taxes. This figure holds relatively steady whether the home carries a mortgage or not, with minimal variation between the two scenarios.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Thousands of Virginia homeowners discover their properties are overassessed during the appeal process each year. If your home's county assessment seems inflated relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal could lower your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hanover County

via IncomeByCounty

Hanover's income outpaces the nation

Hanover County's median household income of $109,504 towers 46% above the national median of $74,755. This places Hanover among the wealthiest counties in America, reflecting its proximity to Richmond's prosperous suburbs and established professional workforce.

Top earners in Virginia

Hanover ranks among Virginia's highest-income counties, significantly exceeding the state median of $74,957 by $34,547. The county's per capita income of $51,509 also runs 31% higher than Virginia's state average of $39,155.

Outearning surrounding counties

Hanover's $109,504 median household income beats nearby Henrico County ($86,397) and James City County ($107,046), making it a premier destination for high-earning households. The county's prosperity reflects its blend of suburban communities, corporate headquarters, and educated workforce.

Strong income supports local costs

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% shows Hanover households spend a manageable share of income on housing, well below the 30% threshold for affordability. With median home values at $372,700 and strong household incomes, residents have solid purchasing power for homeownership.

Build on Hanover's prosperity

With median household incomes exceeding $109,000, Hanover residents are positioned to invest beyond basic expenses—consider diversifying into retirement accounts, real estate, and market investments. Working with a financial advisor can help maximize wealth-building strategies suited to the county's affluent demographic.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hanover County

via CrimeByCounty

Hanover County remains a safe community

Hanover reports a total crime rate of 1,293.1 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 98.0 out of 100. This indicates a high level of security for families and businesses in the area.

Strong performance in the state

Hanover’s safety score of 98.0 sits above the Virginia state average of 97.3. While its total crime rate of 1,293.1 is higher than some rural peers, it is still much lower than the state average of 1,728.8. The county maintains a reputation for safety despite its proximity to urban centers.

Comparing Hanover with its neighbors

Hanover has a higher crime rate than Goochland (915.5) and Gloucester (1,067.6). However, it is significantly safer than Hampton city, which has a rate of 3,246.0. It occupies a middle ground in terms of safety among these Virginia counties.

Analyzing the crime statistics

Violent crime in Hanover stands at 235.3 per 100,000, which is slightly above the state average of 229.7. Property crime remains the larger concern at 1,057.8 per 100,000 residents. Most incidents involve theft or property disputes, though violent crime rates are higher than some adjacent rural areas.

Vigilance and home safety tips

With over 1,000 property crimes per 100,000 residents, home security systems are a worthwhile investment. Residents should ensure that packages are not left unattended and that home perimeters are well-lit. Three reporting agencies work to keep Hanover residents safe through active patrolling.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hanover County

via WeatherByCounty

Hanover Stays Warmer Than the National Median

Hanover’s average annual temperature of 57.8°F sits several degrees above the national median. This temperate climate is typical of the humid Mid-Atlantic region.

Temperatures Edge Above the Virginia State Average

The county is 1.9 degrees warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. It matches the state precipitation average closely, receiving 45.6 inches annually.

Hanover is Cooler Than Its Southern Neighbors

Hanover is slightly cooler than neighboring Henrico County, which averages 58.3°F. It remains significantly warmer than mountainous counties in western Virginia.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winter Snow

Residents face 34 extreme heat days each year with a July average of 77.8°F. Winter brings a modest 14.7 inches of snow and a January average of 37.3°F.

Prioritize Cooling Systems and Occasional Snow Gear

Homeowners should maintain efficient HVAC systems to handle the month-long stretch of 90-degree days. Keep a snow shovel ready for the 14.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hanover County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic profiles in Hanover County

Hanover County soils show an acidic profile with a pH of 5.21, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This measurement tracks closely with the Virginia state average of 5.23. Understanding this acidity is the first step in managing local land for agriculture or gardening.

High sand content defines the texture

The soil is dominated by sand at 64.3%, balanced by 22.2% silt and 13.5% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability but suggests that nutrients may leach away more quickly than in heavier soils. It is a light soil that is easy to till but requires consistent monitoring.

Boosting fertility through amendments

Organic matter levels sit at 1.60%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 2.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, these soils require regular organic amendments to reach their full potential. Improving these levels will help plants survive dry Virginia summers.

Managing fast-moving water

The 64.3% sand composition points toward rapid internal drainage across much of the county. This makes the land suitable for many structures, though it may dry out quickly during the growing season. Farmers and builders alike benefit from the predictable way water moves through these sandy layers.

Abundant harvests in zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b supports a wide variety of crops including tomatoes, peppers, and various berries. Adding compost helps this sandy soil retain moisture and fuels a productive home garden. With the right care, Hanover's soil provides a solid foundation for a beautiful landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hanover County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Hanover County

Hanover County earns a lawn difficulty score of 51.2, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0 but below the Virginia state average of 55.4. Hardiness Zone 7b provides a versatile environment where many turf types can thrive if managed correctly. You face a moderate challenge that requires more attention than easier regions in the state.

Moderate Rain and High Heat

With 45.6 inches of annual precipitation, you fall right in the sweet spot for ideal lawn growth. However, 34 extreme heat days per year and 4248 growing degree days mean your grass works hard during the peak of summer. Expect to adjust your mowing height upward in July to protect the soil from the sun.

Managing Sandy, Acidic Soils

The soil here is highly acidic with a pH of 5.21, well below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turf. Because your soil contains 64.3% sand, it drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Regular lime applications are essential to balance the chemistry and keep your grass roots healthy.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Hanover has spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and minimize evaporation. This strategy helps build the deep root systems necessary to survive these frequent dry periods.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Tall fescue and warm-season grasses like Bermuda perform well in this climate. Plan your seeding for late summer or early fall after the final heat waves but before the first frost on October 31. This timing gives new roots enough growing degree days to establish before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hanover County's county score?
Hanover County, Virginia has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Hanover County rank among counties in Virginia?
Hanover County ranks #50 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Hanover County is $2,627, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Hanover County a tax score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hanover County?
The median household income in Hanover County, Virginia is $112,805 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hanover County earns an income score of 97.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hanover County, Virginia a good place to live?
Hanover County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Hanover 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 Hanover 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.