CountyScore

James City County

Virginia · VA

#96 in Virginia
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About James City County, Virginia

James City exceeds national livability median

James City County's composite score of 66.2 places it in the 66th percentile nationally, 32 points above the U.S. median of 50.0. The Historic Triangle county ranks solidly above-average in national livability comparisons.

Close to Virginia's statewide average

At 66.2, James City trails Virginia's state average of 70.3 by 4.1 points, ranking in the competitive middle range among Virginia counties. The proximity to average masks a tale of high incomes offset by elevated housing costs.

Strong income and low taxes

James City boasts an income score of 53.2 backed by median household income of $107,046, plus a tax score of 83.6 with just 0.67% effective rate. These twin strengths provide solid financial foundation for affluent households.

Housing costs strain the picture

A cost score of just 56.3 reflects the county's pricey real estate: median home values of $419,200 and rent at $1,491 monthly. Even high-income earners may face affordability challenges in this premium market.

Suits affluent professionals and families

James City suits affluent professionals, executives, and established families seeking prestige, history, and tax-efficient living near Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary. Budget constraints and first-time homebuyers should explore more affordable Virginia alternatives.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.6Cost56.3SafetyComing SoonHealth81.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome53.2Risk46.7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare James City County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

James City County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in James City County

via TaxByCounty

James City's rate slightly below national

James City County's effective tax rate of 0.665% runs just slightly below the national median of 0.67%, placing it right in the national mainstream. Residents pay $2,786 in median annual property taxes on homes worth $419,200—the highest median home value among the eight jurisdictions examined.

James City nearly matches Virginia average

James City's 0.665% effective rate virtually mirrors Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a representative Virginia county in terms of rate. However, the median tax bill of $2,786 runs 42% above the state median of $1,960, entirely due to the county's substantially higher home values.

James City competitive with Hanover

James City's 0.665% rate is nearly identical to Hanover County's 0.672%, making them the two most affordable in this cohort from a rate perspective. However, James City's higher home values ($419,200 vs. $372,700) result in homeowners paying significantly more in absolute dollars.

James City homeowners pay $2,786 yearly

With the region's highest median home value of $419,200 and a 0.665% effective rate, typical James City residents pay approximately $2,786 in annual property taxes. Tax bills vary somewhat between mortgaged ($2,680) and unmortgaged ($3,009) properties, with the latter facing higher liability.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

James City's affluent market means high tax bills—making accurate assessments especially important. If your home's assessed value seems inflated relative to comparable sales, filing an appeal can yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in James City County

via CostByCounty

James City: Premium Living, Strong Affordability

At 16.7%, James City County's rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6%, offering solid affordability in one of Virginia's most desirable communities. With a median household income of $107,046—43% above the national median—residents possess exceptional earning power relative to housing costs.

Virginia's Affluent Yet Accessible

James City County ranks among Virginia's most affordable wealthy communities, combining a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio with strong median income of $107,046. This Colonial Williamsburg-area county proves that premium living can coexist with genuine housing affordability when income aligns with costs.

Premium Prices, Premium Income

James City's median rent of $1,491 closely matches Hanover's $1,496 and Isle of Wight's $1,313, but its median home value of $419,200 stands highest among comparable counties. Yet with a $107,046 median income second only to Hanover ($109,504), James City residents have the purchasing power to afford these premium prices.

Strong Income Supports Premium Housing

James City renters spend $1,491 monthly—16.7% of a $107,046 median income—leaving ample resources for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners face $1,624 monthly costs with median values of $419,200, but the county's exceptional income base makes both rental and owner-occupied housing manageable despite higher absolute prices.

James City: Premium Community, Fair Prices

Relocating to James City County gives you premium living—historic neighborhoods, Colonial Williamsburg proximity, strong schools—with a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio that rivals less affluent areas. If your household income matches or exceeds the median of $107,046, James City delivers unparalleled value for Virginia's most desirable communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in James City County

via IncomeByCounty

James City's income among America's highest

James City County's median household income of $107,046 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 43%, positioning it among the nation's wealthiest counties. The county's economy centers on government, education, and professional services near Williamsburg.

James City leads Virginia income rankings

James City County's $107,046 median household income surpasses Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $32,089. Per capita income of $53,887 also runs 38% above the state average of $39,155, reflecting exceptional household and individual earnings.

Co-leading Virginia's wealthy counties

James City County's $107,046 income rivals Hanover County's $109,504 as the highest in this comparison, significantly outpacing Henrico County ($86,397), Isle of Wight County ($96,118), and all other localities. The county represents peak prosperity in the region.

Strong income supports premium housing

James City's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% shows excellent affordability despite median home values of $419,200—the highest in this comparison. Strong household incomes provide substantial purchasing power and equity-building potential.

Maximize wealth at the top tier

James City County residents earning $107,000+ should work with financial advisors to optimize tax strategies, diversify investment portfolios, and consider estate planning for multigenerational wealth. Real estate, retirement accounts, and alternative investments can all play strategic roles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in James City County

via HealthByCounty

James City among America's longest-lived

James City County's 81.1-year life expectancy ranks among the nation's highest, exceeding the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 5.6 years. Only 13.2% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among Virginia's counties.

Virginia's longevity champion

At 81.1 years, James City's life expectancy tops Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 6 years, leading all commonwealth counties by a wide margin. The 13.2% poor/fair health rate is the state's best.

Outperforms every peer county decisively

James City's 81.1-year life expectancy far exceeds all regional neighbors: Highland (78.9), Harrisonburg (78.2), Hanover (77.9), and Henrico (77.2). Its 6.0% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the entire state.

Abundant healthcare providers and access

James City offers 111 primary care providers and an exceptional 442 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, among Virginia's highest densities. Only 6.0% lack insurance, enabling most residents to fully utilize these robust healthcare resources.

Keep James City's success going strong

James City's exceptional 81.1-year life expectancy results from sustained access and coverage—maintain that advantage by ensuring your family has insurance. Visit healthcare.gov to review options and protect your health as James City residents do.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in James City County

via RiskByCounty

James City Risk Moderately Above National Average

James City County's composite risk score of 53.34 ranks as relatively low but exceeds the national average, indicating moderate hazard exposure. The county faces real but manageable disaster threats.

Above Virginia's State Average

At 53.34, James City's score significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the upper-middle range of risk statewide. The county's location between riverine and coastal zones drives this elevation.

Similar Risk to Nearby Hanover County

James City (53.34) faces nearly identical exposure to Hanover County (53.50) just to the north, and both significantly exceed Harrisonburg (26.59) and Hopewell (17.24). The pair represent the mid-tier risk counties in central Virginia.

Hurricanes, Floods, and Tornadoes Converge

Hurricane exposure ranks highest at 82.10, driven by Atlantic coastal influences, while flood risk reaches 60.81 in areas near the James River and tributaries. Tornado risk (51.15) adds a third significant threat to residents' preparation checklist.

Secure Flood and Earthquake Coverage Today

Flood insurance is essential for James City properties, especially those near waterways, given the county's 60.81 flood score. Adding earthquake protection (risk score 61.07) provides comprehensive coverage against your two most significant uninsured hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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