countyscore
38.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 73.4Lawn Care 62.3Weather & Climate 59.8

County Report Card

About Harrisonburg city, Virginia

Trailing the National Benchmark

Harrisonburg city carries a composite score of 38.5, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several opportunities for structural improvement to match national livability standards.

Below the Virginia State Average

The city ranks significantly lower than the Virginia average score of 50.9. It faces steeper hurdles in income and safety compared to many of its state neighbors.

Low Environmental Risks and Stable Schools

Harrisonburg excels in environmental resilience with a risk score of 73.4. The school system maintains a respectable score of 53.4, providing a solid foundation for local families.

Housing and Safety Concerns

Safety scores are low at 20.3, and the affordability score of 19.1 suggests housing costs are high relative to local earnings. Median incomes sit at $59,752, while water data remains currently unavailable.

Suited for Students and Low-Risk Seekers

This city is best for individuals who prioritize living in a low-disaster-risk area. It offers a functional urban environment but requires careful budgeting due to its specific cost-to-income ratio.

Score breakdown

Tax54.9Cost19.1Safety20.3Health44.1Schools53.4Income38.2Risk73.4WaterComing SoonWeather59.8
🏛54.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.3
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

Harrisonburg city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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

Safety in Harrisonburg city

via CrimeByCounty

Harrisonburg Remains Safer Than National Average

Harrisonburg maintains a strong safety score of 96.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2072.1 per 100K residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2385.5.

Comparing City Safety to Virginia Averages

Harrisonburg's total crime rate of 2072.1 is higher than the Virginia state average of 1728.8. Its safety score of 96.7 trails the statewide average of 97.3 slightly, reflecting its status as a busy regional hub.

Tracking Harrisonburg Against Regional Trends

The city reports crime data through a single agency, necessitating a careful look at local reporting trends. Its total rate of 2072.1 per 100K is significantly higher than nearby rural counties, though common for Virginia independent cities.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes make up 1817.2 of the city's total 2072.1 crimes per 100K. The violent crime rate of 254.9 is lower than the national average of 369.8 but slightly exceeds the state average of 229.7.

Securing Your Harrisonburg Property

With property crime representing the bulk of local incidents, residents should prioritize home security systems and outdoor lighting. Simple deterrents remain the most effective way to lower the 1817.2 per 100K property crime risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Harrisonburg city

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Diverse City School System

Harrisonburg City operates 12 public schools serving a concentrated population of 6,911 students. The city's educational map includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one large high school. Education here is split between two districts, providing both general and technical learning paths.

Strong Graduation Rates in the Valley

Harrisonburg maintains an 89.4% graduation rate, placing it slightly ahead of the Virginia state average. The city invests $7,859 per pupil, which is nearly identical to the state average and helps maintain a school score of 55.1. These metrics indicate a stable and effective educational environment relative to state peers.

Harrisonburg City Public Schools at the Helm

The primary district, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, manages 6,682 students across 10 main campuses. Massanutten Technical Center provides additional specialized capacity, though it reports zero base enrollment. No charter schools exist in the city, ensuring a consistent public education experience for all residents.

Large-Scale Urban Learning Centers

All 12 schools are located in an urban city setting, resulting in an average school size of 691 students. Harrisonburg High is a significant central landmark, enrolling 1,951 students in a single facility. Elementary schools like Smithland also tend to be large, housing 730 students in a vibrant city environment.

Living Near the Heart of the Action

Families seeking an energetic urban environment will appreciate Harrisonburg's well-performing city schools. The central high school model creates a strong sense of community as students from across the city eventually merge into one campus. Look for homes in the city to benefit from a school system that matches state excellence benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Lawn Care in Harrisonburg city

via LawnByCounty

An Easier Path in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg city boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 62.3, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average American city. This score outperforms the Virginia state average of 55.4 by nearly seven points. Your local environment provides a competitive advantage for lush green spaces.

Cooler Summers and Moderate Rain

The city averages 39.0 inches of rain annually, which is slightly less than the state average but still within the ideal range for turf. With only 21 extreme heat days, your lawn experiences less summer stress than many other parts of Virginia. Cooler July temperatures averaging 74.8°F help maintain turf health during the height of the growing season.

Testing Local Soil Quality

Specific soil data is limited for the city, so a professional soil test is your best first step to identify local nutrient levels. Most regional soils require monitoring for pH balance to ensure nutrients remain available to the grass. Without a baseline, you risk over-fertilizing or missing critical deficiencies.

Weathering Frequent Dry Intervals

Despite the easier overall maintenance score, the city has endured 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Current conditions show 100% of the area is abnormally dry, requiring careful water management. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the lawn, which helps retain moisture during these dry stretches.

Choosing the Right Cool-Season Turf

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for the local climate. Since specific frost dates aren't recorded, aim to seed in the early fall when temperatures begin to drop from their summer highs. Early establishment ensures your lawn is strong enough to handle the next round of dry weeks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrisonburg city's county score?
Harrisonburg city, Virginia has a composite county score of 38.5 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 Harrisonburg city rank among counties in Virginia?
Harrisonburg city ranks #115 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 Harrisonburg city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Harrisonburg city is $2,172, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Harrisonburg city a tax score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrisonburg city?
The median household income in Harrisonburg city, Virginia is $59,752 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrisonburg city earns an income score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrisonburg city, Virginia a good place to live?
Harrisonburg city scores 38.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #115 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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.