countyscore
63.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.8Property Tax 83.6

County Report Card

About King and Queen County, Virginia

Outperforming the National Median

King and Queen County earns a composite score of 63.7, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life when measured against counties across the United States.

A Leader in the Commonwealth

The county's 63.7 score sits well above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a top performer among Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

The county excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 83.8 and a water quality score of 86.0. Additionally, residents benefit from a low tax burden with a score of 83.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.523%.

Balancing Health and Housing Costs

Affordability is a hurdle, as seen in the low cost score of 27.6 despite a median rent of $982. The health score of 38.9 also suggests opportunities for improvement in local healthcare access or outcomes.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

This county is a perfect match for families seeking a safe, low-tax environment with high environmental quality. With a median household income of $72,851, it offers a stable and secure lifestyle for those who value safety over urban convenience.

Score breakdown

Tax83.6Cost27.6Safety83Health38.9Schools77.5Income73.5Risk83.8Water86Weather66.2
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.9
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

King William County
Virginia
57
New Kent County
Virginia
55.6
Essex County
Virginia
51.1
Richmond County
Virginia
62.9
Middlesex County
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Lancaster County
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Charles City County
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Caroline County
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Deep Dives

King and Queen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in King and Queen County

via TaxByCounty

King and Queen taxes well below national average

King and Queen County's effective tax rate of 0.523% is less than half the national median property tax of $2,690, making it among the most affordable counties in America. At just $1,261 annually on the median home, residents here pay 53% less in property taxes than the typical American household.

Virginia's most tax-friendly county

King and Queen County has the lowest effective tax rate in Virginia at 0.523%, well below the state average of 0.671%. Residents pay just $1,261 in median property taxes compared to the state median of $1,960.

The cheapest option in the region

King and Queen County undercuts its Tidewater neighbors significantly: Lancaster County at 0.490% and King George at 0.561% are the only competitors, but King and Queen offers the best overall value for homeowners. Compared to Loudoun County's 0.882% rate, King and Queen saves residents thousands annually.

What $240,900 home costs yearly

On the median home valued at $240,900, King and Queen County homeowners pay approximately $1,261 per year in property taxes. This translates to about $105 monthly—one of the lowest burdens in the state.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in tax-friendly King and Queen County, many homeowners are overassessed and don't realize they can appeal their property valuations. A professional assessment review could potentially lower your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in King and Queen County

via CostByCounty

King and Queen's housing deals better than most

At 16.2%, King and Queen County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and sits well below what most American renters experience. Residents here spend less of their paychecks on rent than the typical U.S. household, making housing more affordable than the national norm.

Affordable housing oasis in Virginia

King and Queen County ranks among Virginia's most affordable places, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This rural county offers a genuine relief to renters compared to pricier regions across the state.

Competitive rents in the rural tier

King and Queen's median rent of $982 sits slightly below nearby Lancaster County ($978) and well below King William County ($1,246). Among these rural neighbors, King and Queen offers middle-ground pricing with strong income levels at $72,851.

Renters and owners share affordability

Renters pay $982 monthly while homeowners spend $1,083, and with median household income at $72,851, housing consumes a manageable 16.2% of income. Median home values of $240,900 keep ownership within reach for middle-income families.

Consider King and Queen's rural appeal

If you're weighing rural Virginia options, King and Queen delivers affordable rents and competitive home prices with an above-average household income of $72,851. Compare these numbers to nearby King William or Lancaster to find your ideal balance of affordability and community size.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in King and Queen County

via IncomeByCounty

King and Queen's income near national average

With a median household income of $72,851, King and Queen County sits just slightly below the national median of $74,755. This positions the county competitively against most American counties, though it trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by a narrow margin.

Middle-tier income ranking in Virginia

King and Queen County ranks in the middle of Virginia's 95 counties and independent cities for household income. The county's $72,851 median falls below the state average, reflecting regional economic patterns common to rural eastern Virginia.

Modest incomes in rural eastern corridor

King and Queen's median household income of $72,851 trails wealthier neighboring King William County ($85,212) and King George County ($110,517), but exceeds Lancaster County ($67,169). The county sits within a cluster of rural Tidewater communities with varied economic profiles.

Affordable housing with healthy rent ratio

At 16.2%, King and Queen's rent-to-income ratio comfortably falls below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain manageable for most households. The median home value of $240,900 is accessible relative to local incomes, supporting long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Build savings and invest for the future

King and Queen residents earning near the median can capitalize on affordable housing to direct extra income toward retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Starting early with automatic contributions to 401(k)s or IRAs at 3-5% of income can compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in King and Queen County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in King and Queen

King and Queen County holds a nearly perfect safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 404.1 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average of 2385.5.

One of Virginia's Safest Counties

The county safety score of 99.4 far exceeds the state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 404.1 is roughly 75% lower than the Virginia state average.

Setting the Standard for Rural Safety

Two agencies report data showing King and Queen County is a regional leader in safety. The total rate of 404.1 is among the lowest recorded in the Middle Peninsula.

Minimal Crime Across All Sectors

Violent crime is extremely low at 119.7 per 100K, roughly half the state average. Property crime is also minimal at 284.4, making it one of the most secure areas in the country.

Maintaining an Elite Safety Record

The 99.4 safety score makes this county a sanctuary for residents. Property crime at 284.4 is very rare, but basic vigilance helps keep these numbers at historic lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in King and Queen County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap with the nation

At 73.7 years, King and Queen County residents live about 4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 21.2% is significantly higher than the national average of 16%, signaling persistent health challenges.

Below Virginia's health baseline

King and Queen's 73.7-year life expectancy trails Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 1.4 years. The county ranks among Virginia's lower-performing regions in life expectancy, reflecting broader health disparities in rural areas.

Among the region's least healthy

King and Queen's 21.2% poor/fair health rate ranks it alongside Lee County as one of the region's least healthy communities. Neighboring King William County (17.6%) and King George County (15.8%) both report better health outcomes, showing variability even among adjacent counties.

Healthcare access remains stretched

With 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an uninsured rate of 9.5%—higher than Virginia's 7.9% average—many residents face barriers to care. Mental health provider data is limited, but existing primary care capacity suggests longer wait times for routine care.

Explore your coverage options now

Nearly 1 in 10 King and Queen residents lack health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. Visit Healthcare.gov or Virginia's insurance marketplace to compare plans and find subsidies you may qualify for.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in King and Queen County

via SchoolsByCounty

King and Queen's Intimate Education Network

King and Queen County operates a small but efficient system of 3 public schools serving 858 students. The county provides two elementary schools and one high school that handles grades 7 through 12. This simple structure allows for a focused educational approach within a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Rural Virginia

The county achieves an outstanding 95.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87% and the state average of 89%. King and Queen spends $8,229 per pupil, which is higher than the state average. Its composite school score of 58.8 also beats the Virginia state average of 54.8.

Local Excellence in King and Queen Schools

King and Queen County Public Schools is the sole district, managing 858 students with zero charter schools. The district maintains a traditional public model with a high level of performance. This localized control contributes to some of the highest graduation rates in the region.

The Feel of a Small Rural School

Education here is entirely rural, with an average school size of only 286 students. Lawson-Marriott Elementary is the largest school in the county with 311 students. Central High serves as the primary secondary school, hosting 273 students in a small, attentive environment.

Buy Near High-Performing Rural Schools

Homebuyers are often drawn to King and Queen County for its remarkable 95% graduation rate. The small school sizes and above-average spending make it an attractive spot for families. Research homes in this quiet, high-achieving district to give your children an academic edge.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in King and Queen County

via RiskByCounty

King and Queen: Well Below National Risk

With a composite risk score of 16.19 and a Very Low rating, King and Queen County sits comfortably below the national disaster risk average. This means your county faces significantly fewer natural hazard threats than most American counties.

Middle of the Pack in Virginia

King and Queen's score of 16.19 places it well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, indicating lower exposure than many neighboring Virginia counties. Your county is one of the safer regions in the state for natural disaster risk.

Lower Risk Than Most Neighbors

Compared to adjacent counties like Lancaster (32.28) and Louisa (32.19), King and Queen carries notably less risk. Your county's 16.19 score reflects safer conditions than these nearby regions.

Hurricane and Flood Risk Lead

King and Queen faces its highest hazard exposure from hurricanes (68.42) and flooding (51.60), both elevated for the county despite its overall low composite risk. Earthquake risk registers at 34.35, while tornadoes and wildfires remain minimal threats at 19.12 and 17.56 respectively.

Prioritize Hurricane and Flood Coverage

Given your county's elevated hurricane and flood exposure, ensure your homeowners insurance includes flood coverage—standard policies don't. Review your hurricane preparedness and consider coverage limits that reflect the value of your property in an extreme weather event.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in King and Queen County

via WeatherByCounty

King and Queen Faces Warm Subtropical Conditions

The annual average temperature of 59.3°F is well above the national median. The county experiences the humid, warm conditions typical of the Tidewater region.

Exceeding the Commonwealth's Average Temperature

King and Queen County is 3.4 degrees warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. Its rainfall of 45.6 inches matches the state average almost perfectly.

Very Similar to Neighboring King William

The climate here is nearly identical to King William County, which averages 59.1°F. Both counties experience the same coastal plain weather patterns.

Steamy Summers and Mild Coastal Winters

The county sees 46 days of extreme heat each year with a July average of 78.9°F. Winter brings only 7.8 inches of snow and a January average of 39.0°F.

Prepare for Long Periods of Summer Heat

Plan for 46 days of 90-degree weather by ensuring home cooling systems are efficient. Snow gear is rarely needed as annual accumulation remains under 8 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in King and Queen County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity in King and Queen

King and Queen County features a pH of 5.46, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.23. While still below the national median of 6.5, these soils provide a slightly more balanced chemical baseline for local plants. This makes it a unique pocket within the generally acidic Virginia landscape.

Dominant sand for easy working

This is a very sandy county, with 67.6% sand and only 11.5% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is extremely easy to work and resists the heavy clumping often found elsewhere in the state. It is a dream for gardeners who prefer a light, manageable soil texture.

Moderate organic levels

Organic matter stands at 2.54%, falling just short of the 2.90% state average. The available water capacity is 0.122 in/in, suggesting that the sandy composition allows for less water storage than the state benchmark of 0.143. Plants may require more frequent watering during the height of a dry summer.

Rapid drainage and permeability

The 67.6% sand dominance naturally leads to rapid drainage and high permeability across the county. These hydrologic conditions are excellent for avoiding root rot but mean the soil does not hold onto moisture for long. Builders will find the soil stable and easy to manage for most construction needs.

Perfect for melons in zone 7b

In zone 7b, the warm climate and sandy soil are perfect for growing watermelons, cantaloupes, and asparagus. Adding a layer of mulch will help your plants thrive by locking in moisture in this fast-draining landscape. Use the county's light soil to your advantage this growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in King and Queen County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderate Challenge in King and Queen

King and Queen County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.9, placing it just slightly below the Virginia state average of 55.4. While it remains easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median of 50.0, the Hardiness Zone 7b climate requires specific plant choices. You have a fair advantage over many parts of the country, but local heat presents a hurdle.

High Heat and Ample Rain

The county receives 45.6 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. However, residents face 46 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 28 days. These 4,611 growing degree days mean your grass grows fast and requires frequent summer mowing.

Sandy Soil Needs Acid Management

Your soil is predominantly sand at 67.6%, which ensures fast drainage but may require more frequent watering. With a pH level of 5.46, the ground is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Adding lime is a standard necessity here to unlock essential nutrients for your grass.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

The county experienced 10 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is considered abnormally dry. To maintain resilience, focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth. Monitoring local moisture levels is vital during those 46 high-heat days.

Best Growth Starts in October

In Hardiness Zone 7b, tall fescue or Bermuda grass are the most reliable choices for lasting green. Aim to seed your lawn after the first fall frost around November 1 or just after the last spring frost on April 7. Proper timing ensures your new seedlings avoid the worst of the summer's 90-degree heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King and Queen County's county score?
King and Queen County, Virginia has a composite county score of 63.7 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 King and Queen County rank among counties in Virginia?
King and Queen County ranks #11 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 King and Queen County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in King and Queen County is $1,261, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns King and Queen County a tax score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in King and Queen County?
The median household income in King and Queen County, Virginia is $72,851 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. King and Queen County earns an income score of 73.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is King and Queen County, Virginia a good place to live?
King and Queen County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate King and Queen 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 King and Queen County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.