CountyScore

Harrisonburg city

Virginia · VA

#101 in Virginia
67.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Harrisonburg city, Virginia

Harrisonburg leads affordability nationally

Harrisonburg's 67.9 composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it in the 68th percentile across U.S. counties. This college-town hub punches above its weight in livability metrics.

Just shy of Virginia's state average

At 67.9, Harrisonburg falls 2.4 points below Virginia's state average of 70.3, positioning it in the competitive middle range. The city's score reflects a unique blend of affordability advantages offset by lower income levels.

Affordability is Harrisonburg's superpower

Harrisonburg dominates with a cost score of 69.9—among Virginia's best—backed by a median home value of $278,200 and rent at just $1,120 monthly. The 0.78% effective tax rate also keeps tax burden light for residents.

Income levels lag significantly

The median household income of $59,752 reflects Harrisonburg's character as a college town, yielding a low income score of 22.4. This limits earning potential and wealth-building opportunities for long-term residents.

Perfect for young professionals and students

Harrisonburg thrives for millennials, students, and young professionals prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high income growth. Families seeking long-term wealth accumulation may find income ceilings limiting despite excellent housing value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.3Cost69.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk73.4WaterComing Soon
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.4
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 Harrisonburg city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
Alabama
67.5
Median income: $93,543
Kusilvak Census Area
Alaska
67.5
Median income: $48,233
Suwannee County
Florida
67.5
Median income: $55,479
Appling County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $43,728
Baldwin County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $55,413

Deep Dives

Harrisonburg city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harrisonburg city

via TaxByCounty

Harrisonburg taxes higher than national average

Harrisonburg's effective tax rate of 0.781% exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing the city in the upper third of American jurisdictions for property tax burden. Residents pay $2,172 in median annual taxes on homes worth $278,200, which is closer to the national median home value of $281,900.

Harrisonburg ranks among Virginia's heaviest

At 0.781%, Harrisonburg's effective tax rate ranks well above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the top tier of Virginia cities and counties. The city's median tax of $2,172 exceeds the state median by 11%, reflecting both the higher rate and relatively robust property values.

Steepest rate in the regional comparison

Harrisonburg's 0.781% effective rate outpaces nearby Hanover County (0.672%) and Highland County (0.564%) significantly. Among the eight jurisdictions examined, only Hopewell city comes close, with a rate of 0.969%, making Harrisonburg the second-highest in this cohort.

Harrisonburg homeowners pay $2,172 yearly

With a median home value of $278,200 and an effective rate of 0.781%, a typical Harrisonburg homeowner faces an annual property tax bill of approximately $2,172. Interestingly, taxes are notably lower for mortgaged homes ($1,977) than for those owned outright ($2,474), suggesting some tax relief benefits apply to financed properties.

Appeal your assessment to cut costs

Given Harrisonburg's above-average tax rate, verifying that your property assessment is accurate becomes especially important. Homeowners who believe their homes are overvalued relative to market conditions have the right to appeal and potentially reduce their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harrisonburg city

via CostByCounty

Harrisonburg Faces Tighter Housing Pressures

Harrisonburg's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% exceeds both the national benchmark and Virginia's state average of 18.6%, signaling that housing costs consume a larger slice of local income. The city's median household income of $59,752 trails the national median by 20%, creating a double squeeze on affordability.

Mid-Range Affordability Within Virginia

At 22.5%, Harrisonburg's rent-to-income ratio places it among Virginia's less affordable communities, falling well above the state average of 18.6%. This reflects the city's draw as a college town and regional center, which has driven housing demand and costs upward.

Pricier Than the Rural Piedmont

Harrisonburg's median rent of $1,120 sits above Highland County ($859) and Henry County ($705), though lower than Hanover ($1,496) and Henrico ($1,474). Despite lower rents than neighboring Henrico, Harrisonburg residents earn substantially less ($59,752 vs. $86,397), making housing a larger financial burden.

Housing Eats Into Your Budget Here

Harrisonburg renters pay $1,120 monthly—representing 22.5% of a median $59,752 annual income—leaving less discretionary income than state counterparts. Homeowners face $1,191 in monthly costs against the same income base, with median home values of $278,200 requiring careful financial planning.

Considering Harrisonburg? Know Your Numbers

The city's college-town appeal comes with housing costs that claim a larger share of income than Virginia's average—budget accordingly if relocating here. Compare Harrisonburg carefully against lower-cost rural options like Henry or Highland counties, or higher-income urban centers like Hanover if housing affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrisonburg city

via IncomeByCounty

Harrisonburg lags national income average

Harrisonburg's median household income of $59,752 sits 20% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting its economy anchored by education and service sectors. The city's income profile aligns more with emerging markets than established wealth centers.

Below Virginia's median income

Harrisonburg's $59,752 median household income falls short of Virginia's $74,957 state average by $15,205. The city's per capita income of $27,957 is 29% lower than the state's $39,155 average, typical of college-town economies.

Income gap with surrounding areas

Harrisonburg's $59,752 median trails Highland County ($62,946) and significantly lags Henrico County ($86,397) and Isle of Wight County ($96,118). As home to James Madison University, the city's income reflects a younger, education-focused population with lower earnings potential early in their careers.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% indicates Harrisonburg households dedicate a notably higher share to housing than the 30% affordability threshold suggests is manageable. With median home values at $278,200, first-time homebuyers face tighter affordability pressures.

Start building wealth early in Harrisonburg

Young professionals in Harrisonburg should prioritize automated savings and employer 401(k) matches to build long-term wealth despite moderate current incomes. As careers advance, reinvesting raises and bonuses into diversified investments can close the wealth gap with higher-income regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Harrisonburg city

via HealthByCounty

Harrisonburg beats the nation on life span

Harrisonburg residents live to 78.2 years on average, nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.5 years. However, 22.4% report poor or fair health, above the national average, indicating health challenges despite longevity.

Strong life expectancy, troubling health reports

Harrisonburg's 78.2-year life expectancy ranks above Virginia's 75.1-year state average, but its 22.4% poor/fair health rate is significantly worse than Virginia's broader trend. This gap suggests chronic conditions or healthcare access disparities within the city.

Highest uninsured rate in peer group

Harrisonburg's 13.2% uninsured rate far exceeds nearby Highland County (8.4%) and state average (7.9%), creating potential barriers to preventive care. Its 22.4% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the highest in its region.

Abundant providers, but access gaps remain

Harrisonburg has exceptional mental health provider density at 724 per 100,000 residents and solid primary care at 134 per 100,000. Yet 13.2% lack insurance entirely, suggesting cost and eligibility barriers may limit care despite provider availability.

Harrisonburg: close the coverage gap

With 13.2% uninsured—nearly double Virginia's rate—many Harrisonburg residents miss preventive care and face financial hardship from medical bills. Visit healthcare.gov or call Virginia's Medicaid hotline to find affordable coverage options now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrisonburg city

via RiskByCounty

Harrisonburg Enjoys Very Low National Risk

At 26.59, Harrisonburg's composite risk score falls well below the national average, marking it as very low risk. This score reflects favorable geographic and demographic conditions that reduce overall disaster exposure.

Among Virginia's Safest Communities

Harrisonburg's 26.59 score sits notably below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it comfortably in the lower-risk tier statewide. The city-level data reflects concentrated development patterns and distance from major coastal hazards.

Valley's Safest City by a Wide Margin

Harrisonburg's 26.59 makes it substantially safer than neighboring Henry County (63.61) and Hanover County (53.50) across the state. Among Virginia's incorporated cities and counties, it ranks among the top performers.

Hurricanes and Earthquakes Present Rare Threats

Despite low overall risk, Harrisonburg still registers hurricane exposure at 70.63 and earthquake risk at 65.08, reflecting residual statewide hazards. Flooding (44.18) ranks as the city's most localized concern in areas near the Shenandoah River.

Maintain Standard Coverage for Rare Events

Your existing homeowners policy likely covers most scenarios in Harrisonburg, but adding flood insurance remains prudent given any riverine proximity. Check your earthquake coverage limits even in this low-risk area for complete peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.