countyscore
56.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.8Health 92Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About James City County, Virginia

Surpassing National Performance

James City County achieves a composite score of 56.4, beating the national median of 50.0. This indicates a very high overall standard of living compared to the rest of the country.

Exceeding Virginia's Average

The county's score of 56.4 puts it well ahead of the Virginia average of 50.9. It is a regional leader in economic strength and public health outcomes.

Elite Health and Wealth Metrics

James City County boasts an exceptional health score of 92.0 and an income score of 96.8. Median household incomes are very high at $107,046 per year.

Premium Costs and Data Gaps

Housing affordability is low with a cost score of 6.7 and home values averaging $419,200. Note that specific data for safety and schools is currently unavailable for this location.

A Top Choice for Affluent Residents

This county is a premier destination for those who can afford the high cost of entry to enjoy top-tier healthcare. It offers a high-status lifestyle with a strong income foundation.

Score breakdown

Tax67Cost6.7SafetyComing SoonHealth92SchoolsComing SoonIncome96.8Risk46.7Water86Weather71.5
🏛67
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.4
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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50.1
York County
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Surry County
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67.1
Gloucester County
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Charles City County
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Newport News city
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New Kent County
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Poquoson city
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Deep Dives

James City County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 7 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

Soil Quality in James City County

via SoilByCounty

Undocumented coastal profiles

James City County soil data is currently not fully recorded in primary regional surveys. While a specific pH is not available, coastal Virginia soils typically lean more acidic than the national 6.5 median. Local residents should conduct a soil test to determine the exact needs of their land.

Varying textures of the peninsula

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this area, making it difficult to generalize drainage or workability. Local residents often find a mix of coastal sediment and developed land textures across the county. The soil profile likely shifts as you move closer to the riverbanks.

Testing for nutrient potential

There is no recorded data for organic matter or available water capacity against the state average of 2.90% organic matter. This highlights the importance of professional soil testing for any James City resident planning a major garden. Adding local organic matter is always a safe bet for improving fertility.

River-influenced drainage patterns

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently absent for this county. Given the proximity to the James River, drainage can vary wildly from well-drained upland sites to saturated lowland marshes. Understanding your specific elevation is key to managing water on your property.

Garden opportunities in zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a provides a long growing season with mild winters perfect for figs and camellias. Despite the missing soil data, the warm climate offers an excellent opportunity to build your own raised beds. Get started this spring and enjoy the bounty of the Virginia peninsula.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in James City County

via LawnByCounty

Successful Lawns in James City

James City County is a great place for gardening, boasting a lawn difficulty score of 61.4. This is much higher than the national average and better than the Virginia state average of 55.4. Hardiness Zone 8a provides a warm, favorable climate for many resilient turf varieties.

High Rainfall Supports Lush Turf

Your lawn benefits from 51.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest in this county group and perfect for thirsty grass. While you deal with 37 extreme heat days, the ample rain helps mitigate the stress of hot July afternoons. This combination supports vigorous growth for both cool and warm-season grasses.

Essential Soil Testing in Coastal Areas

Because soil data for James City is not currently available, a professional test is your most valuable tool. Regional coastal soils often trend toward acidity or high sand content, which can impact how your grass absorbs that 51 inches of rain. Testing helps you apply exactly what your lawn needs without wasting resources.

Resilient During Dry Cycles

The county has only seen three weeks of drought over the past year, though current reports show 100% abnormal dryness. Your high annual rainfall provides a safety net, but you should still monitor your lawn for wilting during dry summer weeks. Deep, infrequent watering will help your lawn stay green when the rains take a break.

Leveraging a Long Growing Season

In Zone 8a, you have a long window to establish and maintain a beautiful lawn. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are ideal because they love the 37 days of extreme heat. If you prefer cool-season grass, ensure you have an irrigation plan to carry it through the hottest months of the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James City County's county score?
James City County, Virginia has a composite county score of 56.3 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 James City County rank among counties in Virginia?
James City County ranks #43 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 James City County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in James City County is $2,786, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns James City County a tax score of 67/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in James City County?
The median household income in James City County, Virginia is $107,046 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. James City County earns an income score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is James City County, Virginia a good place to live?
James City County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate James City 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 James City 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.