countyscore
29.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 82.8Weather & Climate 62.4Lawn Care 52.5

County Report Card

About Hopewell city, Virginia

Facing Significant National Headwinds

Hopewell city carries a composite score of 29.8, which is well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects deep-seated challenges across multiple livability dimensions.

Below the Virginia Average

Hopewell's 29.8 score trails the Virginia average of 50.9 by a wide margin. It represents an area of the state that requires more investment in health and economic opportunity.

Protected from Environmental Disasters

The city's strongest suit is its environmental risk score of 82.8, indicating high resilience to natural hazards. Residents enjoy a high level of geographic stability compared to other regions.

Economic and Safety Struggles

Income and safety are major hurdles, with scores of 12.2 and 12.8 respectively. The effective tax rate is high at 0.969%, while health outcomes remain low at 26.3.

Suited for Those Prioritizing Risk Resilience

Hopewell is best for residents who value living in a disaster-resistant area and want a small-city feel. Growth in local safety and health services would greatly enhance its future appeal.

Score breakdown

Tax40.5Cost25.9Safety12.8Health26.3Schools35.3Income12.2Risk82.8WaterComing SoonWeather62.4
🏛40.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.5
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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Nearby counties

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Chesterfield County
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Deep Dives

Hopewell city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hopewell city

via TaxByCounty

Hopewell taxes among nation's heaviest

Hopewell city's effective tax rate of 0.969% ranks in the top 10% of American jurisdictions for property tax burden, far exceeding the national median of 0.67%. Residents pay $1,600 annually on a median home valued at $165,100, a rate that reflects significant fiscal pressure on this industrial city.

Hopewell has Virginia's steepest rate

Hopewell's 0.969% effective rate towers over Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it by far the highest-taxing jurisdiction among the eight examined here. The city's median tax of $1,600 exceeds the state median of $1,960 in percentage terms despite lower absolute home values, illustrating the rate's severity.

Hopewell's burden far exceeds all peers

Hopewell's 0.969% rate is nearly 34% higher than Harrisonburg (0.781%), the second-highest in this cohort, and nearly twice Henry County's 0.502%. This dramatic difference reflects Hopewell's unique fiscal challenges as an independent city with a smaller tax base.

Hopewell residents pay $1,600 yearly

A homeowner with Hopewell's median property value of $165,100 faces an annual tax bill of approximately $1,600. Tax liability is similar for mortgaged ($1,615) and unmortgaged ($1,564) properties, indicating uniform assessment practices.

Appeal your assessment to reduce burden

Given Hopewell's exceptionally high tax rate, homeowners should carefully verify their property assessments and seriously consider filing an appeal. Even modest assessment reductions can generate meaningful savings when applied to such a steep rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hopewell city

via CostByCounty

Hopewell Faces Virginia's Highest Pressure

At 26.8%, Hopewell's rent-to-income ratio represents Virginia's least affordable housing market, significantly exceeding both the national benchmark and state average of 18.6%. The city's median household income of $48,681—35% below the national median—combined with $1,085 median rent, creates the most severe affordability squeeze in this comparison.

Virginia's Housing Affordability Crisis

Hopewell's 26.8% rent-to-income ratio stands as one of Virginia's worst, nearly 45% above the state average of 18.6%. This historic industrial city struggles with a mismatch between local incomes and housing costs, marking it as Virginia's most strained housing market.

Higher Costs, Lower Income Than Peers

Hopewell's $1,085 median rent exceeds more affordable rural counties like Henry ($705) and Highland ($859), while its $48,681 median income trails even those lower-cost areas. Unlike Henrico or Hanover, Hopewell lacks the income advantages that can offset housing costs in other Virginia regions.

Housing Consumes Over One-Quarter of Income

Hopewell renters spend $1,085 monthly—26.8% of a $48,681 annual income—leaving minimal room for savings or discretionary spending. Even homeowners at $1,009 monthly face a 24.9% of-income burden, making Hopewell's housing market financially challenging for working families.

Hopewell Requires Financial Caution

Relocating to Hopewell demands careful financial planning: housing here consumes a larger share of income than anywhere else in this comparison. Consider Hopewell only if you have household income above the median or access to additional resources—otherwise, look toward Henry or Highland counties for genuine affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hopewell city

via IncomeByCounty

Hopewell's income well below national median

Hopewell's median household income of $48,681 sits 35% below the national median of $74,755, marking the city among America's lower-income urban centers. The city's post-industrial economy reflects decline in manufacturing and limited recovery.

Hopewell significantly trails Virginia

Hopewell's $48,681 median household income falls $26,276 short of Virginia's $74,957 state average—a 35% gap. Per capita income of $26,626 lags the state average of $39,155 by 32%, among the lowest in the state.

Lowest-income city in regional comparison

Hopewell's $48,681 income ranks at the bottom among comparable Virginia localities, matching Henry County ($48,445) and significantly trailing Highland County ($62,946). The city faces economic headwinds from its post-industrial transition and limited wage recovery.

Housing costs challenge household budgets

Hopewell's rent-to-income ratio of 26.8% indicates significant housing affordability strain, approaching the 30% threshold that signals budget pressure. Median home values of $165,100 remain relatively modest but consume a larger share of limited household income.

Build resilience through disciplined savings

Hopewell residents should prioritize emergency funds and debt reduction given tighter budget margins, then gradually establish automated retirement contributions. Community resources and workforce development programs may offer pathways to higher-earning employment opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hopewell city

via CrimeByCounty

Hopewell Safety Compared to National Benchmarks

Hopewell's total crime rate of 2547.0 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2385.5. However, the city still maintains a safety score of 96.0.

Urban Challenges in the Tri-Cities Area

The city's safety score of 96.0 is lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 2547.0 significantly exceeds the state average of 1728.8.

Concentrated Activity in a Single Agency

Because a single agency reports for Hopewell, these figures should be interpreted with caution. The total crime rate of 2547.0 reflects a higher density of incidents than many of its rural neighbors.

High Violent Crime Rates Reported

Hopewell reports a violent crime rate of 546.7 per 100K, which is more than double the Virginia average of 229.7. Property crime accounts for 2000.3 incidents per 100K.

Enhancing Safety for Hopewell Residents

With violent crime rates at 546.7, community awareness and home security are critical. Residents should stay informed about local police initiatives to help improve the city's 96.0 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hopewell city

via HealthByCounty

Hopewell faces critical health emergency

Hopewell's life expectancy of 67.3 years ranks among America's lowest, trailing the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 8.2 years—a gap comparable to sub-Saharan Africa. Over 26% report poor or fair health, reflecting a population in crisis.

Virginia's most urgent health challenge

Hopewell's 67.3-year life expectancy falls 7.8 years below Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, representing the state's most severe health disparity. The 26.6% poor/fair health rate is alarming by any measure.

Worst health outcomes in entire region

Hopewell's 67.3-year life expectancy catastrophically trails all nearby counties—Isle of Wight (76.8), Henrico (77.2), and Hanover (77.9). At 26.6% poor/fair health, Hopewell doubles the regional average.

Severe shortage of primary care providers

Hopewell has only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-quarter of many Virginia counties. Mental health support is similarly constrained at 154 per 100,000, leaving residents with limited options for care.

Hopewell: urgent action needed now

With 67.3-year life expectancy and critical provider shortages, Hopewell residents cannot wait—secure insurance, access available providers, and advocate for health system change. Call 1-800-432-5924 for Medicaid or visit healthcare.gov immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hopewell city

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Hub of Hopewell City

Hopewell city manages a robust urban education infrastructure consisting of 7 public schools and one primary district. The system supports 3,984 students through a mix of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Two additional specialized facilities round out the local academic landscape.

Navigating Performance and Funding Challenges

Hopewell's school score of 48.9 sits below the state average of 54.8, while the 77.0% graduation rate trails the national average of 87%. The city spends $8,010 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $7,941 but falling well below the national median of $13,000. Data for higher education attainment in the city is not currently reported.

The Heart of Hopewell City Schools

Hopewell City Public Schools serves as the central district for all 3,984 local students. The system includes one alternative school to provide diverse learning pathways for the community. There are no charter schools within the city, as all seven schools operate under the traditional public model.

Suburban Schools with Room to Grow

Every school in Hopewell is categorized as suburban, offering a consistent environment for the average student body of 664. Hopewell High is the largest campus with 1,136 students, while Harry E. James Elementary is the smallest traditional primary school with 481 students. The city provides a structured, accessible educational feel across its neighborhoods.

Settling Down in Hopewell City

Prospective homeowners in Hopewell often prioritize proximity to the city's suburban campuses. With per-pupil spending above the state average, the district remains a focal point for families moving to the area. Use local school data to guide your home search in this historic riverside city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hopewell city

via RiskByCounty

Hopewell Ranks Among Nation's Safest Areas

With a composite risk score of 17.24, Hopewell city ranks as very low risk and sits well below the national average. This score reflects favorable conditions that minimize exposure to multiple natural hazard types.

Among Virginia's Lowest-Risk Communities

Hopewell's 17.24 score falls substantially below Virginia's state average of 33.27, positioning the city in the lower tier of risk statewide. Only Highland County (2.51) demonstrates greater safety among Virginia jurisdictions.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Hopewell (17.24) enjoys notably lower risk than Hanover (53.50), Henry (63.61), and Henrico (83.40) counties that surround it. The city's compact footprint and inland location contribute to this favorable risk profile.

Hurricane and Flood Risks Remain Present

Despite overall low risk, Hopewell registers hurricane exposure at 75.55 and flood risk at 48.60, reflecting coastal Atlantic influences and James River proximity. These two hazards account for most of the city's measured risk.

Add Flood Insurance for Complete Protection

Your standard homeowners policy covers most Hopewell properties well, but flood insurance deserves consideration given the city's 48.60 flood score and James River location. Otherwise, basic coverage typically proves sufficient.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hopewell city

via WeatherByCounty

Hopewell is One of the Region's Warmest Spots

Hopewell’s average annual temperature of 60.8°F is significantly higher than the national median. It also experiences high humidity with 50.1 inches of annual rain.

Way Above the Virginia Average

The city sits 4.9 degrees above the Virginia average temperature of 55.9°F. It is also significantly wetter than the state average of 45.7 inches.

Hotter and Wetter Than Its Neighbors

Hopewell is nearly two degrees warmer than neighboring King and Queen County. It also records more extreme heat days than any other nearby municipality.

Intense Summer Heat and Very Little Snow

Hopewell endures 55 days of extreme heat each year, with July averaging 80.1°F. Conversely, it receives only 3.5 inches of snowfall annually.

Focus on Cooling and Flood Prevention

With 55 days above 90°F, high-capacity air conditioning is a primary household need. Residents should also prepare for high rainfall totals of 50.1 inches per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Hopewell city

via LawnByCounty

Warm-Season Success in Hopewell

Hopewell city has a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, which is slightly below the state average but still above the national median. The city experiences much warmer average temperatures (60.8°F) than the rest of the state. This creates a high-energy environment for grass growth but increases the risk of heat-related stress.

Intense Heat and High Precipitation

Hopewell endures 55 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the state average of 28. Fortunately, you receive a generous 50.1 inches of rain per year to help keep turf hydrated. With a high count of 4945 growing degree days, your grass will grow very quickly and require frequent mowing.

Prioritizing Soil Health Tests

Soil-specific data for the city is limited, making individual soil testing critical for your lawn's success. High heat can accelerate the breakdown of organic matter, so you may need to supplement your soil more often than in cooler regions. Understanding your local pH will help you manage the nutrient demands of such a long growing season.

Managing Low Drought Frequency

Hopewell has only seen three weeks of drought over the last year, providing a relatively stable environment for turf. However, 100% of the city is currently abnormally dry, so don't let your guard down. Deep watering is especially important here to help roots reach cooler soil depths away from the 55 days of extreme heat.

Taking Advantage of Early Spring

The long growing season begins early with the last frost typically occurring on March 31. Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda are excellent choices to handle the intense summer heat of 55 days above 90 degrees. If you seed or sod, you have until the first frost on November 6 to get your lawn established.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hopewell city's county score?
Hopewell city, Virginia has a composite county score of 29.7 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 Hopewell city rank among counties in Virginia?
Hopewell city ranks #128 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 Hopewell city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Hopewell city is $1,600, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Hopewell city a tax score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hopewell city?
The median household income in Hopewell city, Virginia is $48,681 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hopewell city earns an income score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hopewell city, Virginia a good place to live?
Hopewell city scores 29.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #128 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Hopewell 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 Hopewell 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.