countyscore
57
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.8Income & Jobs 88.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About King William County, Virginia

Solid Performance on the National Stage

With a composite score of 57.0, King William County comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This suggests a higher-than-average quality of life for its residents.

Beating the Virginia Average

The county's 57.0 score surpasses the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands out as a reliable choice for residents within the Commonwealth.

High Income and Minimal Environmental Risk

The county shines with a risk score of 91.8 and an income score of 88.6. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $85,212 and excellent water quality scoring 86.0.

Housing Affordability and School Ratings

Affordability remains a pain point with a cost score of 13.4 and a median gross rent of $1,246. Educational outcomes also lag behind other metrics, with the school score sitting at 48.3.

A Haven for Financially Stable Families

King William County is an excellent fit for established families who value environmental security and high wages. It offers a safe, stable community for those who can navigate the local housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax71.4Cost13.4Safety72.8Health61.2Schools48.3Income88.6Risk91.8Water86Weather63.9
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.7
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 and Queen County
Virginia
63.7
New Kent County
Virginia
55.6
Essex County
Virginia
51.1
Hanover County
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Henrico County
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Caroline County
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Richmond County
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Charles City County
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Deep Dives

King William County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in King William County

via TaxByCounty

King William tax rate slightly above national

King William County's effective tax rate of 0.627% tops the national median property tax of $2,690 in percentage terms, though median annual taxes of $1,733 remain below the national typical bill. The county represents middle-ground property tax territory nationally.

Close to Virginia's average tax rate

King William County's effective rate of 0.627% sits just below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it slightly more affordable than typical for the Commonwealth. Residents pay $1,733 in median property taxes, compared to Virginia's $1,960 median.

Moderate rates among Tidewater peers

King William County's 0.627% rate places it in the middle of the neighboring Tidewater counties: it's higher than King and Queen (0.523%) and King George (0.561%) but lower than Louisa County (0.646%). Overall, the region offers some of Virginia's most affordable property taxation.

What $276,500 home costs yearly

On King William's median home value of $276,500, homeowners pay approximately $1,733 per year in property taxes. At roughly $144 monthly, this is below the state median and accessible for most middle-class families.

Review your assessment today

King William County homeowners should know that overassessments are common statewide, and many residents qualify for appeals that could reduce their bills. A simple reassessment challenge takes minimal effort but can yield substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in King William County

via CostByCounty

King William balances cost and income well

At 17.6%, King William County's rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national average, while household income of $85,212 runs 14% higher than the U.S. median. Housing here is reasonably priced relative to what residents earn.

Middle ground in Virginia's housing market

King William's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio performs better than Virginia's 18.6% state average, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. This rural-suburban transition zone avoids the extremes at both ends of Virginia's affordability spectrum.

Highest rents among rural peers

King William's median rent of $1,246 runs notably higher than King and Queen ($982) and Lancaster ($978), making it the priciest among this trio of rural counties. However, its household income of $85,212 also tops these neighbors, supporting the higher rent.

Nearly matched rent and mortgage burdens

Renters pay $1,246 monthly and homeowners pay $1,329, with homes valued at $276,500, creating similar affordability challenges for both groups. At $85,212 household income, housing consumes 17.6% of income—slightly above comfortable thresholds.

King William for accessible suburban living

Consider King William if you earn $80,000–$90,000 and seek suburban amenities with rural character at $1,246 rent and $276,500 median home values. Compare directly to King and Queen for savings or Louisa for similar pricing with different community vibes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in King William County

via IncomeByCounty

King William income tops nation by 14%

King William County's median household income of $85,212 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $10,457, placing the county firmly in the upper-income category nationally. This 14% advantage reflects a prosperous rural community that outearns most American counties.

Above-average earner in Virginia

King William County's $85,212 median household income exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by roughly $10,000. The county ranks favorably among Virginia's 95 counties and cities, reflecting strong regional economic performance.

Second-strongest earner in eastern cluster

King William's $85,212 median household income trails only King George County's $110,517 among eastern Virginia neighbors, but substantially exceeds King and Queen ($72,851) and Lancaster ($67,169). The county sits in the prosperous tier of rural Tidewater communities.

Housing remains accessible but tight

King William's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio is slightly above the comfort zone, suggesting housing costs consume a meaningful but manageable portion of household budgets. With median home values at $276,500, homeownership remains within reach for median-income households, though with less cushion than neighboring counties.

Invest strategically as incomes climb

King William households should direct savings above the 17.6% housing threshold toward diversified investment portfolios and retirement accounts. With incomes 14% above the national average, automatic investment plans targeting 10-15% of gross income can build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in King William County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in King William County

King William County maintains a remarkable total crime rate of just 650.1 per 100,000 residents. This figure represents less than one-third of the national average, earning the county an elite safety score of 99.0. Residents live in one of the more secure regions in the United States.

Outperforming Virginia's Strong Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 99.0 comfortably exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 650.1 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. King William stands as a primary example of rural safety within the Commonwealth.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

King William's crime rate of 650.1 per 100,000 is notably lower than neighboring Louisa County's rate of 1,060.2. It even outperforms high-performing peers like Lancaster County, which reports a rate of 948.0. This localized stability makes the county a regional benchmark for public safety.

A Focus on Minimal Violent Crime

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 123.3 per 100,000, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 526.8 per 100,000. These figures suggest that most residents will never personally experience a major criminal incident.

Maintaining Your Peace of Mind

While rates are low, property crime remains the most common concern for local households. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and secure deadbolts provide effective layers of protection. Staying vigilant ensures King William remains one of the safest places to call home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in King William County

via HealthByCounty

Near-average life expectancy nationwide

King William's life expectancy of 75.2 years falls slightly below the national average of 78.2 years. The county's 17.6% poor/fair health rate sits closer to the national average of 16%, indicating moderate health outcomes.

Right at Virginia's median

King William's 75.2-year life expectancy is just barely above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it squarely in the middle of Virginia's health performance. The county represents a typical profile for rural Virginia communities.

Middle of the pack regionally

King William's 17.6% poor/fair health rate sits between healthier neighbors like King George (15.8%) and less healthy ones like King and Queen (21.2%). The county's performance reflects balanced but not exceptional health outcomes.

Stronger primary care presence

King William offers 33 primary care providers and 68 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, above rural averages. With an uninsured rate of 7.1%—just slightly below Virginia's 7.9%—most residents can access regular care.

Secure affordable coverage today

More than 7 in 100 King William residents remain uninsured, missing access to preventive care and prescription benefits. Check Healthcare.gov or Virginia's marketplace before your current plan renews to compare costs and coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in King William County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Diversity in King William

King William County features 7 public schools and is served by 3 distinct school districts. The system accommodates 2,894 students through three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. One additional specialized facility serves the broader regional needs of the community.

Competitive Results in King William

The county maintains a graduation rate of 88.4%, which aligns closely with the national average of 87%. King William spends $7,629 per pupil, slightly below the state average of $7,941. The school score of 54.0 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 54.8.

Multiple Districts Serving the County

King William County Public Schools is the largest district with 2,084 students, followed by West Point Public Schools with 810. The county also hosts a regional alternative education center, though it currently reports zero enrollment. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

Rural Roots with Town Connections

The school landscape is primarily rural with five schools in the countryside and two located in town locales. On average, schools host 482 students, providing a medium-scale educational feel. King William High is the largest facility with 696 students, while Acquinton Elementary serves 432.

Settle Near Top King William Schools

Families moving to King William County benefit from a choice of districts and a mix of town and rural settings. School performance is consistent with state benchmarks, making it a reliable choice for homebuyers. Use our school data to identify the best neighborhood for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in King William County

via RiskByCounty

King William: Lowest Risk in Virginia

King William County's composite risk score of 8.27 and Very Low rating represent some of the lowest disaster risk nationally. Your county faces minimal cumulative natural hazard threats compared to most U.S. counties.

Virginia's Safest County Profile

With a score of 8.27, King William sits well below Virginia's state average of 33.27 and ranks among the commonwealth's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional score reflects limited exposure across all major hazard types.

Safest in Its Region

King William's 8.27 score is the lowest among nearby counties including King George (12.75), King and Queen (16.19), and Louisa (32.19). Your county ranks as the safest in its immediate area.

Flood and Hurricane Pose Modest Risks

King William's highest hazard exposures are flooding (50.60) and hurricanes (63.66), both moderate relative to the county's low overall score. Tornadoes (19.37) and earthquakes (36.61) are secondary concerns, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 8.91.

Maintain Basic Flood and Storm Coverage

While your county faces low disaster risk overall, flood damage isn't covered by standard homeowners insurance—add it to your policy for protection. Ensure your coverage includes wind and hurricane damage, especially given proximity to coastal systems.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in King William County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer-than-Average Mid-Atlantic Climate

King William County averages 59.1°F annually, which is notably higher than the national median. It also receives a healthy 47.9 inches of precipitation.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State Average

The county is 3.2 degrees warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. It also receives about 2.2 inches more rain annually than the state as a whole.

Warmer Than Henrico and Hanover

King William is nearly a full degree warmer than Henrico County and over a degree warmer than Hanover. It shares a similar high-heat profile with Hopewell.

Fifty Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Summer is intense with 50 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 79.2°F. Winters are mild, averaging 9.6 inches of snow.

Manage High Humidity and Summer Peaks

Residents should budget for high cooling costs to handle the 50 days of extreme heat. Rain-ready gear is also essential given the 47.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in King William County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils with Coastal Roots

King William’s soil shows an average pH of 5.35, which is slightly more alkaline than the Virginia average of 5.23. It remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime for garden health.

Predominantly Sandy Soil Textures

The soil is predominantly sandy at 67.6%, making it exceptionally easy to work and dig. However, the low clay content of 11.4% means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.

Moderate Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter stands at 2.28%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the Virginia state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity is also lower than the state average at 0.110 in/in.

Fast Drainage Challenges

Because of the high sand content, water moves quickly through these soils, which can lead to drought stress during dry spells. Farmers and gardeners should prioritize mulching to conserve what little moisture the soil retains.

Thriving in Zone 7b

Zone 7b provides a long growing season that suits the sandy composition well for root vegetables and fruit trees. These soils warm up quickly in the spring, giving you a head start on your summer garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in King William County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the King William Climate

With a difficulty score of 50.7, King William County sits right at the national median but below the state average of 55.4. The Hardiness Zone 7b environment provides a long growing season but comes with notable challenges. Homeowners here must be more proactive than their neighbors to maintain a lush lawn.

Extreme Heat Challenges Growth

The county endures 50 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the Virginia state average. While the 47.9 inches of annual precipitation is generous, the high heat can quickly evaporate surface moisture. Your mowing schedule will be intense given the 4,559 growing degree days recorded annually.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Profiles

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.35, falling well below the ideal 6.0 threshold for most turfgrass. With a 67.6% sand composition, your soil drains quickly but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular lime applications and organic matter are necessary to improve the soil's foundation.

Responding to Persistent Dryness

Despite 10 weeks of drought in the past year, 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. The combination of sandy soil and high heat means your lawn's water reserves vanish quickly. Prioritize early morning watering to minimize evaporation and keep grass roots cool.

Time Your Planting for Success

Transition-zone grasses are your best bet for surviving the 50 days of extreme heat. Plan your seeding for early April or just after the first fall frost on November 1 to ensure establishment. A healthy lawn is possible here if you choose heat-tolerant varieties like tall fescue.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King William County's county score?
King William County, Virginia has a composite county score of 57 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 William County rank among counties in Virginia?
King William County ranks #37 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 William County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in King William County is $1,733, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns King William County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in King William County?
The median household income in King William County, Virginia is $85,212 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. King William County earns an income score of 88.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is King William County, Virginia a good place to live?
King William County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate King William 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 William 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.