Hopewell's composite score of 66.7 ranks in the 67th percentile nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0 by over 33%. The independent city delivers above-average livability despite modest income levels.
2 / 5
Slightly below Virginia's statewide average
At 66.7, Hopewell trails Virginia's state average of 70.3 by 3.6 points, placing it in the competitive middle range among Virginia municipalities. The gap reflects lower incomes offset by solid housing affordability.
3 / 5
Housing affordability leads the way
Hopewell shines with a cost score of 73.3, featuring a median home value of just $165,100 and rent at $1,085 monthly. These prices create genuine accessibility for working families and modest-income households.
4 / 5
Income limits and tax concerns exist
The median household income of $48,681 produces an income score of just 15.2, while a 0.97% effective tax rate is the highest in this group. Limited earning potential and higher tax burden constrain household finances.
5 / 5
For budget-conscious working families
Hopewell suits working families and modest-income households seeking affordable housing and lower living costs near Petersburg. Those earning higher incomes may resent tax rates; career-focused individuals may find wage ceilings limiting.
Hopewell's composite score of 66.7 ranks in the 67th percentile nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0 by over 33%. The independent city delivers above-average livability despite modest income levels.
Slightly below Virginia's statewide average
At 66.7, Hopewell trails Virginia's state average of 70.3 by 3.6 points, placing it in the competitive middle range among Virginia municipalities. The gap reflects lower incomes offset by solid housing affordability.
Housing affordability leads the way
Hopewell shines with a cost score of 73.3, featuring a median home value of just $165,100 and rent at $1,085 monthly. These prices create genuine accessibility for working families and modest-income households.
Income limits and tax concerns exist
The median household income of $48,681 produces an income score of just 15.2, while a 0.97% effective tax rate is the highest in this group. Limited earning potential and higher tax burden constrain household finances.
For budget-conscious working families
Hopewell suits working families and modest-income households seeking affordable housing and lower living costs near Petersburg. Those earning higher incomes may resent tax rates; career-focused individuals may find wage ceilings limiting.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.