countyscore
62.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.8

County Report Card

About Highland County, Virginia

Far Above the National Average

Highland County boasts an impressive composite score of 62.1, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This suggests an exceptionally high level of overall livability.

Exceeding State Norms

Highland's 62.1 score is far superior to the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a top-tier destination within the Commonwealth for those seeking stability and value.

Unrivaled Safety from Environmental Risk

The county earns a near-perfect 97.5 risk score, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. Low taxes (78.8) and high water quality (86.0) further bolster its appeal.

Moderate Incomes and School Ratings

The income score is mid-range at 48.1, with a median of $62,946. Safety scores of 34.9 and school scores of 49.9 suggest there is still room to grow in community services.

The Ultimate Choice for Peace of Mind

Highland is ideal for those who prioritize safety from disasters and a low tax burden. It offers a quiet, stable lifestyle with affordable housing costs relative to the rest of Virginia.

Score breakdown

Tax78.8Cost68.2Safety34.9Health76Schools49.9Income48.1Risk97.5Water86Weather62.7
🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.2
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

Highland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Highland County

via TaxByCounty

Highland County well below national median

Highland County's effective tax rate of 0.564% runs 16% lower than the national median of 0.67%, offering residents a lighter burden. The median property tax of $1,104 on a home valued at $195,700 is less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Highland moderately below Virginia average

Highland County's 0.564% effective rate falls below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median annual tax of $1,104 runs 44% lower than the state median of $1,960, providing meaningful savings for residents.

Highland lighter than most regional peers

Highland County's 0.564% rate beats Henry County's 0.502% only slightly, and sits considerably lower than Hanover (0.672%), Henrico (0.724%), and Harrisonburg (0.781%). It offers a middle ground between Henry's ultra-low burden and the higher-tax urban and suburban areas.

Highland homeowners pay $1,104 yearly

With a median home value of $195,700 and a 0.564% effective rate, Highland County residents pay approximately $1,104 in annual property taxes. Remarkably consistent, taxes remain virtually identical whether homes are mortgaged ($1,105) or owned outright ($1,103).

Challenge assessments if property overvalued

Despite Highland County's affordability, individual homeowners may still be overassessed relative to comparable properties in their areas. Filing an appeal with the assessor's office is free and can result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Highland County

via CostByCounty

Highland County Delivers Rural Affordability

Highland County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6%, showcasing strong housing affordability in a rural setting. Though median household income of $62,946 trails the national median by 16%, housing costs scale down enough to preserve genuine accessibility.

Top-Tier Affordability Across Virginia

Highland County ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, with a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio matching Hanover and Isle of Wight despite substantially lower incomes. This mountain county delivers the affordability advantage of rural living without the income sacrifice some lower-cost areas face.

Mountain Living with Reasonable Costs

Highland's median rent of $859 sits above Henry County ($705) but well below Harrisonburg ($1,120) and urban alternatives, offering middle ground. At $62,946 income, Highland residents earn more than Henry ($48,445) and comparable amounts to Harrisonburg ($59,752), making housing proportionally affordable.

Rural Income Meets Rural Costs

Highland renters spend $859 monthly—16.4% of a $62,946 median income—leaving substantial room for other expenses despite moderate local earnings. Homeowners face $571 monthly costs with median values of $195,700, an excellent price point for buyers willing to embrace rural living.

Highland County for Remote Workers

If you're relocating with remote income or telecommuting flexibility, Highland County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio and mountain setting offer exceptional value. The county proves that Virginia affordability doesn't require sacrificing quality of life—just a willingness to embrace a quieter, rural pace.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Highland County

via IncomeByCounty

Highland's income moderately below national

Highland County's median household income of $62,946 falls 16% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting its rural Appalachian location and limited wage growth. The county's economy relies heavily on agriculture, forestry, and small business enterprises.

Below Virginia's income median

Highland County's $62,946 median household income trails Virginia's $74,957 state average by $12,011. Per capita income of $35,262 also lags the state average of $39,155 by 10%, indicating moderate earnings across the population.

Mid-range earner in rural Virginia

Highland County's $62,946 income exceeds Henry County ($48,445) and Hopewell city ($48,681), but trails Harrisonburg ($59,752) and significantly lags wealthier counties like Hanover and James City. The county positions itself as a rural alternative with moderate income and cost of living.

Affordable housing supports modest income

Highland County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% indicates strong housing affordability, with median home values of just $195,700. Lower housing costs mean households can dedicate resources beyond shelter to other financial goals.

Capitalize on Highland's low living costs

Highland residents with incomes around $63,000 benefit from lower cost of living—use this advantage to build savings and invest in education or business ventures. Consider starting small investment portfolios early to benefit from compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Highland County

via CrimeByCounty

Highland County Ranks Among the Safest

Highland County earns an impressive safety score of 97.6. Its total crime rate of 1513.1 per 100K residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Leading the Way in Virginia Safety

With a safety score of 97.6, Highland County exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state average of 1728.8 per 100K.

Quiet Trends in the Virginia Highlands

Two reporting agencies track crime in this rural area, showing a total rate of 1513.1. This is one of the lower rates in the region, consistent with its low population density.

Low Violent Crime Rates Noted

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 89.0 per 100K, less than half the state average of 229.7. Almost all reported incidents are property crimes, which sit at 1424.1 per 100K.

Maintaining Peace in Highland County

The violent crime risk here is exceptionally low at 89.0 per 100K residents. Keeping doors locked and being a good neighbor remains the best strategy to maintain this 97.6 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Highland County

via HealthByCounty

Highland leads the nation in longevity

Highland County's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks among America's best, exceeding the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 3.4 years. Only 14.9% report poor or fair health, reflecting a population with strong baseline wellness.

Highland County's exceptional longevity

At 78.9 years, Highland's life expectancy outpaces Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 3.8 years, placing it among the commonwealth's healthiest counties. The 14.9% poor/fair health rate also tracks well against state trends.

Among the region's longest-lived residents

Highland County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds Hanover (77.9), Henrico (77.2), and Isle of Wight (76.8), outranking all nearby counties. Its 8.4% uninsured rate sits at state average, neither advantage nor burden.

Solid primary care, adequate mental health

Highland provides 135 primary care providers and 214 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both above state medians. At 8.4% uninsured, most residents can access care when needed, supporting Highland's strong health outcomes.

Maintain Highland's health advantage

Highland's excellent outcomes depend on sustained coverage and preventive care access. Even at 8.4% uninsured, hundreds may lack protection—visit healthcare.gov to ensure you're covered and keeping Highland healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Highland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Highland County

Highland County operates one of the most intimate school systems in Virginia with just 2 public schools serving a total of 200 students. The infrastructure consists of one elementary school and one high school, all managed under a single district. This small footprint creates a close-knit learning environment for the county's youth.

High Investment with Variable Results

The county spends $12,429 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $7,941 and nears the national average of $13,000. While the school score of 57.4 outperforms the state average of 54.8, the graduation rate of 75.0% trails the national benchmark of 87%. Educational attainment data for Bachelor's degrees remains unavailable for this area.

Focused Support in Highland Public Schools

Highland County Public Schools is the sole provider of education here, managing 200 students across its two campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of students attend traditional public institutions. The district focuses on providing direct attention to a small student body.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Education in Highland is exclusively rural, with both schools situated in quiet, open settings. Schools are exceptionally small, averaging just 100 students per building. Highland High is the largest at 103 students, while Highland Elementary serves 97 children.

Find a Home in a Tight-Knit District

Families seeking a personal, small-town school experience often look to Highland County for its high per-pupil investment. School quality remains a vital consideration for local homebuyers. Explore available properties near these community-focused schools to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Highland County

via RiskByCounty

Highland County Enjoys Exceptional Safety

With a composite risk score of just 2.51, Highland County represents one of the lowest-risk areas in the entire nation. This exceptional score reflects the county's mountain geography and low population density.

Virginia's Safest County by Far

Highland's 2.51 score is less than 8 percent of Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it dramatically safer than every other Virginia county examined. The county's elevation and isolation provide natural protection against multiple hazards.

Safest County in Its Region

Highland County (2.51) offers far superior safety compared to Harrisonburg (26.59) and Henry County (63.61) elsewhere in the state. Its remote mountain location sets it apart as Virginia's premier low-risk destination.

Even Your Lowest Risks Are Minimal

Hurricane exposure at 42.30 ranks as Highland's highest threat, though this remains low in absolute terms given the county's mountain elevation and distance from the coast. All other hazards—earthquakes (13.49), wildfire (13.33), and tornadoes (3.09)—present negligible risk.

Standard Coverage Sufficient for Highland

Your existing homeowners insurance likely provides adequate protection in Highland County, as special flood or earthquake coverage is rarely necessary. Focus on maintaining solid standard coverage rather than pursuing specialized policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Highland County

via WeatherByCounty

Highland Offers a Rare Cool Mountain Climate

At 48.5°F annually, Highland County is much cooler than the national median. Its high altitude creates a climate more common in the northern United States.

One of the Coolest Spots in Virginia

Highland is 7.4 degrees cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This makes it a unique pocket of cold in an otherwise temperate state.

A Sharp Contrast to Eastern Virginia

Highland is nearly 10 degrees cooler than Hanover County and 12 degrees cooler than Hopewell. It experiences far more winter intensity than any other county in this group.

Heavy Snowfall and Very Mild Summers

The county sees only one day of extreme heat annually, with July averaging a pleasant 67.9°F. Winters are harsh, delivering 36.4 inches of snow each year.

Serious Winter Prep and No Need for AC

Heavy-duty heating and snow removal equipment are essential for the 36-inch annual snowfall. Most residents can skip air conditioning, as 90-degree days are almost non-existent.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Highland County

via SoilByCounty

Intense acidity in the Highlands

Highland County soils are remarkably acidic, with a pH of 4.90 that sits well below the state average of 5.23. This is one of the more intense acidic profiles in the region compared to the national 6.5 median. Many mountain plants have adapted specifically to these low-pH conditions over time.

A smooth and silty texture

Highland has a high silt content of 38.6% paired with 36.5% sand and 16.2% clay. This silty mix offers a smooth texture that holds nutrients well but can be prone to compaction if worked while wet. It represents a shift away from the sandier soils found in the Virginia Tidewater.

Exceptional organic fertility

The fertility here is exceptional, with organic matter reaching 7.29%, far surpassing the state average of 2.90%. An available water capacity of 0.139 in/in nearly matches the state benchmark, signaling extremely high biological potential. This rich soil provides a fantastic natural foundation for local ecosystems.

Strong moisture retention

The combination of high silt and 16.2% clay suggests the soil retains moisture effectively, which is vital for the local mountain flora. These drainage characteristics support diverse plant life but require careful management for road and building stability. The soil stays moist longer than sandier varieties downstream.

Cool weather crops in zone 6a

Zone 6a brings cooler temperatures, making Highland perfect for crops like kale, apples, and potatoes. The rich 7.29% organic matter provides a fantastic natural foundation for any high-altitude garden. It is an ideal environment for those looking to grow hearty, cool-season produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Highland County

via LawnByCounty

High Altitude Lawn Challenges

Highland County presents a unique challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 48.2, falling below the national and state averages. Located in the cooler Hardiness Zone 6a, you face a shorter growing season and lower temperatures than most of Virginia. Your maintenance routine must adapt to these mountain conditions to be successful.

Cool Summers and Ample Rain

With only one extreme heat day per year, heat stress is rarely a concern for your turf. However, you only have 2276 growing degree days, which is nearly half the count of some coastal Virginia counties. This means grass grows slower and takes longer to recover from damage or heavy foot traffic.

Working with Acidic Mountain Soil

The soil pH in Highland is 4.90, which is very acidic and requires significant intervention to support a traditional lawn. Your soil composition has 16.2% clay and 36.5% sand, which can lead to drainage issues in low-lying areas. Regular aeration and heavy liming are necessary to create a hospitable environment for grass.

Coping with Prolonged Drought

The county has faced 33 weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the more drought-prone areas in the region. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, which is particularly tough on lawns growing in thin mountain soils. Focus on keeping your lawn taller when mowing to shade the soil and retain every drop of moisture.

Timing the Short Growing Season

In Zone 6a, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are your best options for survival. You have a narrow window for seeding between the last spring frost on May 12 and the first fall frost on October 5. Early fall is the most reliable time to plant, as it avoids the potential for late spring freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Highland County's county score?
Highland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Highland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Highland County ranks #17 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 Highland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Highland County is $1,104, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Highland County a tax score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Highland County?
The median household income in Highland County, Virginia is $62,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Highland County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Highland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Highland County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Highland 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 Highland County with other counties side by side.

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