countyscore
57
County Score
Income & Jobs 100Health 95.9Schools 89.9

County Report Card

About Loudoun County, Virginia

A National Economic Powerhouse

Loudoun County earns a composite score of 57.0, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. Its profile is defined by extreme high performance in specific socioeconomic categories.

Leading Virginia in Wealth and Schools

The county's score of 57.0 beats the state average of 50.9. It is widely recognized as one of the most affluent and well-educated jurisdictions in the region.

Elite Incomes and Top-Tier Schools

Loudoun achieves a perfect 100.0 income score with a median household income of $178,707. Education and health also rank exceptionally high, with scores of 89.9 and 95.9 respectively.

Severe Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

The cost of living is extremely high, indicated by a cost score of 0.3 and a median home value of $701,000. Additionally, the county faces a risk score of 21.9, suggesting vulnerability to certain environmental factors.

Designed for Wealthy, High-Achieving Families

Loudoun is the ultimate destination for those seeking the nation's highest wages and best public schools. Prospective residents must be prepared for the highest housing costs in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax46.4Cost0.3Safety62.4Health95.9Schools89.9Income100Risk21.9Water68.6Weather57.8
🏛46.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼100
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓89.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.4
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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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
West Virginia
55.9
Montgomery County
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46.9
Clarke County
Virginia
63.6
Fairfax city
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Manassas Park city
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Manassas city
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Frederick County
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Prince William County
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Deep Dives

Loudoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Loudoun County

via TaxByCounty

Loudoun County: America's highest-value homes

Loudoun County's effective tax rate of 0.882% is the highest in Virginia, and with a median home value of $701,000, residents pay $6,186 annually—more than double the national median property tax. Loudoun represents the extreme high end of Virginia property values and taxes.

Virginia's highest tax rate overall

Loudoun County leads Virginia with an effective tax rate of 0.882%, nearly 31% above the state average of 0.671%. Median property taxes of $6,186 are more than triple Virginia's $1,960 state median.

Premium pricing justifies premium services

Loudoun County's 0.882% rate far exceeds all neighboring counties including Lexington (0.864%), Louisa (0.646%), and all others, but reflects the region's unprecedented population growth and infrastructure demands. No Virginia county approaches Loudoun's combination of high rates and valuations.

What $701,000 home costs yearly

On Loudoun's median home value of $701,000, homeowners pay approximately $6,186 per year in property taxes—over $515 monthly. This reflects the county's explosive growth, booming tech economy, and premium property values.

High-value properties warrant professional appeal

Loudoun County residents with multimillion-dollar homes should seriously consider professional assessment appeals, as even small percentage errors translate to thousands in annual overpayment. The investment in a challenge often pays for itself.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Loudoun County

via CostByCounty

Loudoun's wealth enables luxury housing costs

Loudoun County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio looks reasonable until you see the context: household income of $178,707 is more than double the national median, and homes average $701,000. This is America's priciest housing market in this comparison—but residents earn accordingly.

Virginia's wealthiest, most expensive county

Loudoun's median rent of $2,317 and median home value of $701,000 far exceed any other Virginia county shown here, reflecting its status as a D.C. exurb tech hub. Yet its 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stays below state average, thanks to exceptional household incomes of $178,707.

Price tier entirely above all peers

Loudoun's $2,317 rent nearly doubles King George's $1,426, and its $701,000 median home value is 77% higher than any other county in this comparison. Loudoun occupies a completely different market segment, serving high-income tech and government workers.

Luxury housing on six-figure incomes

Renters pay $2,317 monthly and homeowners pay $2,897 on homes valued at $701,000, yet these costs consume just 15.6% of the average household income of $178,707. Loudoun is affordable only for the affluent, with steep absolute costs but manageable percentages.

Loudoun for six-figure D.C. workers

If your household earns $170,000+, work in tech or government, and prioritize proximity to Northern Virginia job centers, Loudoun offers the region's best schools and job density at $2,317 rent and $701,000 median home values. Compare to King George for lower costs with longer commutes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Loudoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Loudoun's income dwarfs American average

Loudoun County's median household income of $178,707 nearly doubles the national median of $74,755—a $103,952 advantage representing 139% higher earnings. Loudoun ranks among America's wealthiest counties and represents the economic apex of the entire analysis.

Virginia's clear income leader

Loudoun County's $178,707 median household income vastly exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $103,750, making it the state's dominant economic powerhouse. The county's income level is more than double the state average, reflecting unparalleled regional prosperity.

Wealthiest by extraordinary margin

Loudoun County's $178,707 median household income dwarfs all neighboring counties, exceeding King George ($110,517) by 61% and all other analyzed communities by even wider margins. Loudoun operates in an entirely different economic category from surrounding rural and small-city communities.

Premium housing justified by exceptional incomes

At 15.6%, Loudoun's rent-to-income ratio is reasonable despite the nation's median home value of $701,000, reflecting incomes so high that even expensive homes consume a modest income share. Loudoun residents enjoy luxury housing options while maintaining strong affordability ratios.

Optimize wealth across multiple strategies

Loudoun residents with incomes 139% above the national average should pursue sophisticated wealth strategies including diversified investment portfolios, tax optimization, and alternative investments. With capacity to save 25-35% of gross income, households should engage financial advisors for estate planning and wealth preservation strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Loudoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Superior Safety for a Growing County

Loudoun County maintains a low total crime rate of 867.7 per 100,000, earning an impressive safety score of 98.6. This rate is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite rapid population growth, the county remains one of the safest large jurisdictions in the U.S.

A Leader in Virginia Public Safety

Loudoun's safety score of 98.6 stands well above the state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 867.7 is roughly half of the Virginia average of 1,728.8. Five reporting agencies work together to maintain these high standards of security for residents.

Standing Out Among Northern Neighbors

Loudoun's crime rate of 867.7 is lower than nearby Louisa County's rate of 1,060.2. It also compares favorably to Lexington City, which sits at 789.5. This performance is notable given Loudoun's significantly larger population and infrastructure.

Very Low Violent Crime Risk

Violent crime in Loudoun is just 109.6 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national average. Property crime stands at 758.1 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,015.7. Statistically, property theft is the primary but still infrequent concern for residents.

Securing Your Suburban Home

With property crime as the main focus of local reports, home security systems provide significant peace of mind. Keeping garage doors closed and vehicles locked are simple but highly effective deterrents. Loudoun's safety is maintained through a combination of professional policing and resident vigilance.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Loudoun County

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional American longevity leader

Loudoun County's 83.8-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in the nation, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.2 years by 5.6 years. With only 11.6% in poor or fair health, the county represents exceptional population health.

Virginia's longevity champion

Loudoun's 83.8-year life expectancy towers 8.7 years above Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, making it by far the healthiest county in the state. The county sets a remarkable standard for American health outcomes.

Far ahead of all peers

Loudoun's 83.8-year life expectancy and 11.6% poor/fair health rate dramatically surpass all neighboring communities—King George (77.6), King William (75.2), and Lancaster (75.3) pale in comparison. The county's health advantage reflects distinct demographic and economic advantages.

Robust healthcare infrastructure

Loudoun County boasts 76 primary care providers and 213 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the highest primary care ratio in the dataset. With just 5.6% uninsured—well below Virginia's 7.9%—most residents enjoy comprehensive access to care.

Keep building on your success

Loudoun's exceptional health outcomes depend on universal coverage and access—ensure you maintain current insurance at Healthcare.gov. With 5.6% of residents uninsured, small gaps remain; help neighbors secure protection too.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Loudoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure for Growing Minds

Loudoun County operates a vast network of 100 public schools, including 61 elementary, 17 middle, and 13 high schools. A single massive district manages the needs of 81,678 students across the county's diverse landscape.

Top-Tier Results and High Investment

With a 95.0% graduation rate, Loudoun significantly outperforms both the state average of 89.0% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 65.4 reflects high performance fueled by an $11,281 per-pupil expenditure.

Loudoun County Public Schools Leads the Way

Loudoun County Public Schools manages nearly every student in the region across 99 different facilities. The county also offers school choice through two charter schools, representing 2.0% of the total educational landscape.

Suburban Excellence with Room to Grow

The county features a mix of 61 suburban and 33 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 851 students per campus. Independence High is the largest school with 2,013 students, illustrating the scale of this high-performing suburban system.

Join One of Virginia's Premier Districts

Families move to Loudoun County specifically for its reputation for academic excellence and modern facilities. Start your home search today to secure a spot in one of the state's most successful school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Loudoun County

via RiskByCounty

Loudoun: High Disaster Risk County

Loudoun County's composite risk score of 78.12 and Relatively Low rating indicate substantially above-average natural disaster exposure nationally. Your county faces more cumulative hazard threats than most U.S. counties.

Among Virginia's Riskiest Counties

At 78.12, Loudoun County significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking among the commonwealth's highest-risk jurisdictions. This elevated score reflects considerable exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Highest Risk in Northern Virginia

Loudoun's 78.12 score is notably higher than surrounding Fairfax, Prince William, and other Northern Virginia counties. Your county faces the region's most substantial natural disaster risk exposure.

Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Threaten

Loudoun faces exceptional flood risk (83.94) and tornado exposure (74.71), both among the highest in Virginia, driven by regional weather patterns and terrain. Earthquake (77.89) and hurricane risks (80.10) also present significant concerns.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Essential

Given your county's elevated risks across all major hazard types, flood and windstorm coverage are non-negotiable additions to your homeowners policy. Review your coverage limits regularly and consider earthquake insurance to protect against the county's 77.89 earthquake risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Loudoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Shifts in Northern Virginia

Loudoun County averages 54.8°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate climates. The region experiences a humid subtropical environment characterized by distinct seasonal transitions.

Trailing the Commonwealth Average Temperature

At 54.8°F, Loudoun County remains slightly cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its location in the northern part of the state accounts for this lower temperature ranking compared to southern coastal counties.

Cooler Than Neighboring Manassas City

Loudoun's 54.8°F average is nearly a full degree cooler than Manassas city's 55.5°F. Both areas face similar precipitation patterns, with Loudoun receiving 44.4 inches of rainfall annually.

Intense Summers and Chilly January Nights

The county faces 31 extreme heat days annually when temperatures top 90°F, concentrated during the 76.6°F July peak. While snowfall data is limited for this specific station, winter averages drop to a cold 35.1°F.

Summer Heat Readiness is Critical

With a full month of 90-degree days, robust air conditioning is a necessity for Loudoun residents. The 44.4 inches of annual rain also requires well-maintained drainage systems to handle heavy Mid-Atlantic storm cycles.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Loudoun County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Piedmont Soils

Loudoun’s soils are quite acidic with an average pH of 5.07, falling well below the Virginia state average of 5.23. This level of acidity can lock away essential nutrients, often requiring regular lime applications for most turf and garden crops.

Silty Texture and Low Sand

A silt-heavy mix of 49.9% gives the soil a smooth texture, while the low sand content of 29.0% can make it feel heavy when wet. This composition provides a stable base for construction but may require aeration for optimal plant root growth.

Low Natural Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at a low 1.52%, trailing both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.90%. Gardeners should prioritize adding compost and leaf mold to improve the soil's biological health.

Resilient Water Capacity

Despite low organic matter, the soil maintains a water capacity of 0.159 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.143. This high capacity helps offset some of the drainage issues associated with silty textures.

Smart Gardening in Zone 7a

Gardeners in zone 7a should focus on acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas which thrive in these conditions. With a soil score of 23.3, success often depends on active soil management and amendment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Loudoun County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Environment in Loudoun

Loudoun County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 49.4, falling below both the national median and the state average. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the environment requires extra attention to soil and water. You will need a more rigorous maintenance plan than homeowners in other parts of Virginia.

Managing Moderate Heat and Rain

Loudoun receives 44.4 inches of rain annually, which provides a solid baseline for grass growth. However, the 31 extreme heat days can stress cool-season varieties during the peak of summer. The 3,711 growing degree days ensure a robust growing season if you can manage the summer heat.

Very Acidic Soil Needs Care

Loudoun's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.07, well outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. The soil contains 17.6% clay, which helps with water retention but can lead to compaction in high-traffic areas. Heavy liming and regular aeration are essential to keep your turf healthy in these conditions.

Battling Prolonged Drought Conditions

The county has faced a staggering 39 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. This prolonged dryness is a major factor in the county's lower difficulty score. Selecting drought-resistant fescue blends is your best defense against these long dry stretches.

Time Your Seeding Carefully

In Hardiness Zone 7a, the best window for seeding begins after the last frost on April 16. Fall planting should be completed before the first frost on October 26 to allow for root development. Given the high drought risk, late summer or early fall seeding is often most successful.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loudoun County's county score?
Loudoun 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 Loudoun County rank among counties in Virginia?
Loudoun County ranks #38 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 Loudoun County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Loudoun County is $6,186, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Loudoun County a tax score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Loudoun County?
The median household income in Loudoun County, Virginia is $178,707 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Loudoun County earns an income score of 100/100 on CountyScore.
Is Loudoun County, Virginia a good place to live?
Loudoun County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Loudoun 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 Loudoun County with other counties side by side.

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