countyscore
48.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.3Health 73.9Weather & Climate 70.7

County Report Card

About Isle of Wight County, Virginia

Near the National Median

Isle of Wight County earns a 48.1 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is competitive with many typical U.S. counties.

Close to the Virginia Average

The county's score of 48.1 is nearly on par with the Virginia state average of 50.9. It provides a standard Virginian lifestyle with strong local economic indicators.

A High-Income Powerhouse

The county shines with an income score of 94.3, supported by a $96,118 median household income. Health outcomes are also strong, earning a score of 73.9.

Housing and Water Quality Issues

Water quality is a significant concern with a score of 3.0, and high home values lead to a low cost score of 9.3. Median home values stay elevated at $333,600.

Best for High-Earning Commuters

This county is ideal for professionals seeking high salaries and good healthcare in a suburban setting. Buyers should be prepared for high real estate costs and may want to invest in water filtration.

Score breakdown

Tax61Cost9.3Safety49.2Health73.9Schools44.9Income94.3Risk62.1Water3Weather70.7
🏛61
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.3
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

Isle of Wight County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Isle of Wight County

via TaxByCounty

Isle of Wight moderately above national norm

Isle of Wight County's effective tax rate of 0.719% runs about 7% above the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Homeowners pay $2,399 annually on a median home value of $333,600, roughly matching the national median home price.

Isle of Wight above Virginia's average

Isle of Wight's 0.719% effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median tax bill of $2,399 runs 22% above the state median of $1,960, reflecting both the elevated rate and strong property values.

Isle of Wight comparable to Henrico

Isle of Wight's 0.719% rate runs nearly identical to Henrico County's 0.724%, with both counties' residents paying roughly $2,400 annually. Both significantly outpace lower-tax areas like Henry County (0.502%) and are considerably lighter than Hopewell (0.969%).

Median Isle of Wight home costs $2,399

Isle of Wight homeowners with the median property value of $333,600 pay approximately $2,399 in annual taxes. Interestingly, mortgaged homes face notably higher taxes ($2,522) than unmortgaged properties ($2,090), a 20% difference suggesting targeted assessment variations by ownership type.

Review your assessment for savings

Isle of Wight homeowners should verify that their property assessments reflect current market values in their neighborhoods. Filing an appeal is straightforward and can result in material tax reductions if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Isle of Wight County

via CostByCounty

Isle of Wight Balances Income and Affordability

At 16.4%, Isle of Wight County's rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6%, demonstrating solid affordability for a suburban community. With a median household income of $96,118—29% above the national median—residents have strong earning power to cover housing costs comfortably.

Top Affordability Tier in Virginia

Isle of Wight's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, matching Hanover and Highland despite being a suburban rather than rural area. This South Hampton Roads county delivers accessibility without sacrificing suburban amenities and proximity to major employment centers.

Suburban Value in South Hampton Roads

Isle of Wight's median rent of $1,313 falls well below Henrico ($1,474) and Hanover ($1,496), while its $96,118 median income nearly matches Hanover's $109,504. Home values of $333,600 match Henrico's, but the lower rent burden makes Isle of Wight proportionally more affordable.

Affordable Suburban Housing Mix

Isle of Wight renters spend $1,313 monthly—16.4% of a $96,118 median income—leaving comfortable margin for other household needs. Homeowners face $1,588 monthly costs, but with median home values of $333,600 and strong local incomes, owner-occupied housing remains accessible.

Isle of Wight: Suburban Affordability

If you're relocating to the Hampton Roads region, Isle of Wight offers suburban convenience with a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio—genuinely affordable compared to nearby Henrico. The county's strong income base and lower rents make it an excellent choice for families seeking balance between cost and community amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Isle of Wight County

via IncomeByCounty

Isle of Wight's strong income above national

Isle of Wight County's median household income of $96,118 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 29%, placing the county among America's upper-income communities. The county's economy benefits from its location near Hampton Roads naval and commercial activity.

Isle of Wight outperforms Virginia average

At $96,118, Isle of Wight's median household income runs $21,161 above Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $47,674 exceeds the state average of $39,155 by 22%, reflecting strong household earnings.

Upper-tier earner in Virginia comparison

Isle of Wight's $96,118 median income ranks below Hanover County ($109,504) and James City County ($107,046), but significantly exceeds Henrico County ($86,397) and all lower-income counties. The county represents a prosperous suburban-rural blend near major economic centers.

Housing remains well-aligned with income

Isle of Wight's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% indicates excellent housing affordability, with median home values of $333,600 well-supported by strong household incomes. Residents have stable footing for homeownership and wealth building through property equity.

Expand wealth through strategic investing

Isle of Wight households with $96,000+ incomes should maximize retirement contributions and explore diversified investment portfolios to build generational wealth. Consider real estate investment and education funding alongside traditional retirement vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Isle of Wight County

via CrimeByCounty

Isle of Wight Boasts High Safety

Isle of Wight County features an excellent safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1141.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2385.5.

A Leader in Statewide Safety Rankings

The county's safety score of 98.2 outperforms the Virginia state average of 97.3. At 1141.4 per 100K, the total crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 1728.8.

Consistency Across Four Reporting Agencies

Four agencies contribute to the county's low 1141.4 total crime rate. This collaborative reporting ensures a comprehensive and reassuring look at regional safety.

Strong Performance Across All Categories

Violent crime is low at 215.9 per 100K, beating the state average of 229.7. Property crime is also impressively low at 925.5, compared to the national rate of 2015.7.

Preserving Your County's Quiet Atmosphere

With property crime below 1,000 incidents per 100K, the risk to your home is relatively low. Use smart locks and alarms to help maintain this high 98.2 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Isle of Wight County

via HealthByCounty

Isle of Wight meets American average health

Isle of Wight's 76.8-year life expectancy tracks close to the U.S. average of 75.5 years, about 1.3 years above. At 16.5% poor/fair health, it runs slightly above national average, suggesting moderate health challenges.

Isle of Wight outpaces Virginia baseline

Isle of Wight's 76.8-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 1.7 years. The 16.5% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds state trends, reflecting manageable but notable chronic burden.

Middle tier among Richmond-area peers

Isle of Wight's 76.8-year life expectancy falls behind Hanover (77.9) and Henrico (77.2) but ahead of Henry County (70.9). Its 6.2% uninsured rate is competitive with Hanover and better than state average.

Primary care sparse, mental health limited

Isle of Wight has only 41 primary care providers and 69 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the state's lowest densities. At 6.2% uninsured, those with insurance can access what care exists, but availability remains a bottleneck.

Isle of Wight: strengthen your coverage

Though Isle of Wight's 6.2% uninsured rate is solid, provider shortages mean those without insurance face extra barriers. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov and explore local health centers to overcome access constraints.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Isle of Wight County

via SchoolsByCounty

Isle of Wight's Growing School System

Isle of Wight County features a well-organized system of 9 public schools serving 5,627 students. The county's infrastructure includes four elementary, three middle, and two high schools. All facilities are managed by a single unified district to ensure educational consistency.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, which beats both the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. Despite these strong results, per-pupil spending is relatively lean at $6,768, falling below the state average of $7,941. The school score of 53.6 nearly matches the statewide benchmark.

Isle of Wight County Public Schools

Isle of Wight County Public Schools manages all 9 schools and 5,627 students in the region. There are no charter schools in the county, as the district relies entirely on traditional public education. This central management helps maintain a high graduation standard across the rural landscape.

A Rural Academic Setting

All schools in the county are situated in rural locales, providing a peaceful and spacious learning environment. Schools maintain an average size of 625 students, though enrollment varies significantly between campuses. Smithfield High is the largest with 1,347 students, while Windsor Elementary serves 600.

Find Your Home in a Top-Performing District

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Isle of Wight is a top destination for families seeking academic success. School quality is a major driver for the local real estate market. Consider the benefits of these rural, high-achieving schools when exploring your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Isle of Wight County

via RiskByCounty

Isle of Wight Below National Risk Average

At 37.91, Isle of Wight's composite risk score rates as very low and sits moderately below the national average. The county faces some hazard exposure but remains in the safer portion of the national distribution.

Slightly Above Virginia's State Average

Isle of Wight's 37.91 score edges above Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it just into the moderate range for the commonwealth. The county's coastal location accounts for much of its elevation above state baseline.

Mid-Range Risk for Southeastern Virginia

Isle of Wight (37.91) ranks safer than Henry County (63.61) and Hanover (53.50) but carries higher risk than Hopewell City (17.24) in the broader region. Its proximity to the Atlantic makes it riskier than inland peers.

Hurricanes and Floods Drive Local Risk

Hurricane risk dominates at 82.56, unsurprising for this coastal county, while flooding presents secondary concern at 61.80. Wildfire exposure (48.44) also ranks notably high, reflecting the county's mix of developed and forested areas.

Prioritize Hurricane and Flood Insurance

Obtain flood insurance without delay—the county's 61.80 flood score makes this a critical gap in standard coverage for coastal properties. Review your policy's hurricane/wind coverage limits, as coastal exposure demands premium preparation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Isle of Wight County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols of Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight County features Entisols, which are relatively young soils with an acidic pH of 4.79. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even sits below the Virginia state average of 5.23. These soils are often found in areas where sediment is still actively being deposited or moved.

Sandy soil for easy cultivation

The soil contains 57.0% sand and 22.9% silt, creating a light, sandy texture. With only 12.4% clay, these soils are easy to cultivate but may lose moisture and nutrients rapidly without intervention. It is a classic coastal plain composition that farmers have utilized for generations.

High organic matter and water needs

Organic matter is a bright spot at 3.32%, outperforming the Virginia average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is below the state average of 0.143, indicating a need for careful irrigation. The high organic content helps, but the sandy structure still struggles to hold water.

Rapid drainage for specialized crops

As Entisols with high sand content, these soils typically offer rapid drainage and belong to responsive hydrologic groups. This makes the county's land well-suited for specialized crops that dislike saturated roots. Builders also find these conditions favorable for projects that require well-drained foundations.

Peanuts and cotton in zone 8a

Located in zone 8a, this county is ideal for peanuts and cotton, which thrive in sandy soil and long summers. Your garden will benefit from the naturally high organic matter, especially if you plant heat-tolerant varieties. Start your planting early to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Isle of Wight County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Hurdles in Isle of Wight

With a lawn difficulty score of 45.3, Isle of Wight County is one of the more challenging places in Virginia to maintain a lawn. Hardiness Zone 8a suggests a coastal influence that brings heat and specific soil needs. You will need to be more proactive with soil amendments and watering than neighbors to the north.

Subtropical Heat and Heavy Rain

The county receives nearly 50 inches of rain per year, providing a strong base for lawn hydration. However, the 37 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the surface and stress cool-season grasses. Your grass must be tough enough to handle an average July temperature of 78.5°F.

Liming for Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH here is 4.79, making it some of the most acidic in the state and very difficult for standard turf. With 57.0% sand, your soil drains quickly but requires frequent nutrient replenishment as they leach away. Significant lime applications are a non-negotiable part of your annual lawn care routine.

Watching for Dry Coastal Spells

Isle of Wight has experienced 10 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Sandy soils lose moisture rapidly, so your lawn may show signs of stress sooner than inland areas during dry weeks. Consistent irrigation during these periods is vital to keep roots from drying out in the sand.

Best Grasses for Zone 8a

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda are the best performers in this coastal environment. These species thrive in the 8a hardiness zone and better tolerate the high soil acidity and sandy conditions. Focus on establishing these grasses in late spring as temperatures consistently rise.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isle of Wight County's county score?
Isle of Wight County, Virginia has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Isle of Wight County rank among counties in Virginia?
Isle of Wight County ranks #88 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 Isle of Wight County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Isle of Wight County is $2,399, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Isle of Wight County a tax score of 61/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Isle of Wight County?
The median household income in Isle of Wight County, Virginia is $96,118 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Isle of Wight County earns an income score of 94.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Isle of Wight County, Virginia a good place to live?
Isle of Wight County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight County 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.