countyscore
51.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.2Property Tax 69Disaster Risk 67.8

County Report Card

About Louisa County, Virginia

Strong Fundamentals Above National Median

Louisa County achieves a composite score of 51.9, sitting just above the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable quality of life across several key indicators.

Surpassing the Virginia Average

The county's 51.9 score edges out the Virginia state average of 50.9. This indicates that Louisa offers a competitive living standard compared to its neighbors.

High Wages and Moderate Taxes

A strong income score of 84.2 is supported by a median household income of $80,343. Residents also enjoy a relatively low tax burden, reflected in a tax score of 69.0.

Infrastructure and Water Quality Needs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 29.6. Housing affordability also presents a challenge, with a cost score of 15.6 and a median gross rent of $1,208.

A Solid Choice for Commuters

Louisa County is well-suited for middle-to-high income earners who want a balance of rural feel and economic health. It offers strong earning potential for those mindful of local infrastructure challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax69Cost15.6Safety53.2Health63.6Schools57.4Income84.2Risk67.8Water29.6Weather60.4
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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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Deep Dives

Louisa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Louisa County

via TaxByCounty

Louisa taxes slightly above national average

Louisa County's effective tax rate of 0.646% sits slightly above the national median property tax of $2,690 in percentage terms, though median annual taxes of $1,781 remain comparable to national norms. The county represents moderate property taxation nationally.

Slightly above Virginia's average rate

Louisa County's effective rate of 0.646% exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671% slightly, placing it in the middle range statewide. Median property taxes of $1,781 are just below Virginia's $1,960 median.

Mid-range rates among Central Virginia peers

Louisa County's 0.646% rate sits above King William (0.627%) but well below Loudoun (0.882%) and Lexington (0.864%), making it competitive in Central Virginia. The county offers reasonable taxation for its property values.

What $275,600 home costs yearly

On Louisa's median home value of $275,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,781 per year in property taxes—about $148 monthly. This is accessible for most middle-class families and slightly below state median taxes.

Review your assessment for savings

Louisa County homeowners should verify their property valuations, as overassessments are common statewide and often go unchallenged. An assessment appeal could reduce your tax burden meaningfully.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Louisa County

via CostByCounty

Louisa hits the national affordability sweet spot

Louisa County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the national average, while household income of $80,343 runs 7% above the U.S. median. This central Virginia county delivers balanced affordability without the extremes found elsewhere.

Slightly above state average on affordability

Louisa's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio runs just below Virginia's 18.6% state average, placing it firmly in the middle tier of the state's counties. It's a solid choice for middle-income families seeking reasonable housing costs.

Moderate pricing, moderate income

Louisa's $1,208 rent and $80,343 household income fall between the rural cheap counties (Lancaster, King and Queen) and the pricier suburban options (King William, King George). It offers true middle ground in both cost and earning power.

Balanced burden for renters and owners

Renters pay $1,208 monthly and homeowners pay $1,244 on median homes valued at $275,600, creating nearly identical affordability for both groups. With household income at $80,343, housing takes 18.0% of income—right at the conventional comfort threshold.

Louisa for balanced central Virginia living

If you earn $75,000–$85,000 and seek the middle ground between rural savings and suburban amenities, Louisa delivers $1,208 rent and $275,600 median home values. Compare to King William for similar pricing or Lancaster for lower rents in a more rural setting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Louisa County

via IncomeByCounty

Louisa income surpasses nation by 7%

Louisa County's median household income of $80,343 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,588, placing the county in the upper-income tier nationally. This 7% advantage reflects a stable rural community that performs above the American average.

Above-average earner in Virginia

Louisa County's median household income of $80,343 exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by approximately $5,400. The county ranks favorably among Virginia's 95 counties and cities, reflecting solid regional economic performance.

Mid-tier earner in eastern region

Louisa's $80,343 median household income positions it in the middle tier of eastern Virginia communities, trailing King George ($110,517) and King William ($85,212) but exceeding King and Queen ($72,851) and Lancaster ($67,169). The county maintains solid competitive standing regionally.

Housing costs manageable with slight pressure

At 18.0%, Louisa's rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above the 17% comfort zone, indicating housing costs consume a meaningful but manageable share of household budgets. With median home values at $275,600, homeownership remains accessible to median-income households despite modest affordability pressure.

Build savings after housing obligations

Louisa residents should prioritize managing the 18% housing burden while establishing systematic savings of 10-15% of gross income. With incomes 7% above the national average, households can maintain modest homes, maximize retirement account contributions, and begin building taxable investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Louisa County

via CrimeByCounty

Rural Security in Louisa County

Louisa County enjoys a safety score of 98.3, well above many other U.S. regions. The total crime rate of 1,060.2 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect a stable and secure environment for local families.

Beating the Virginia Average

Louisa's safety score of 98.3 is higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Additionally, its total crime rate of 1,060.2 is significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,728.8. The county continues to provide a safe alternative to more urbanized areas of the state.

Regional Context for Public Safety

Louisa's crime rate of 1,060.2 per 100,000 is slightly higher than neighboring Lancaster County's 948.0. However, it is much safer than urban centers like Lynchburg, which reports a rate of 2,840.9. Three reporting agencies manage the county's public safety effectively.

A Snapshot of Crime Types

Violent crime in Louisa is exceptionally low at 105.0 per 100,000, far below the Virginia average of 229.7. Property crime makes up the vast majority of local reports at 955.2 per 100,000. Residents are much more likely to deal with minor theft than any violent threat.

Safeguarding Your Rural Property

Since property theft is the primary local concern, securing outdoor equipment and vehicles is vital. Motion-activated lights and cameras serve as strong deterrents in rural settings. Staying engaged with neighbors helps keep Louisa County's crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Louisa County

via HealthByCounty

Below-average life expectancy profile

Louisa County's 75.9-year life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 78.2 years by 2.3 years. At 16.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits near the national average, indicating moderate health concerns.

Slightly above state average

Louisa's 75.9-year life expectancy edges ahead of Virginia's 75.1-year state average by 0.8 years, placing the county marginally above the state norm. The county ranks in the middle of Virginia's health performance spectrum.

Moderate performance regionally

Louisa's 16.1% poor/fair health rate sits between healthier King George (15.8%) and less healthy King William (17.6%), placing it in the regional middle range. The county's outcomes reflect typical rural Virginia health challenges.

Limited primary care availability

Louisa faces significant provider constraints with just 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the region's typical 22-37 range. With an 8.2% uninsured rate near Virginia's 7.9% average, residents struggle to access the limited care available.

Bridge the care access gap

Louisa's scarcity of primary care providers makes health insurance even more critical—uninsured residents face especially difficult barriers. Check Healthcare.gov now to secure coverage and connect with available mental health resources (54 per 100K).

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Louisa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education at Scale in Louisa

Louisa County features 6 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 5,173 students. This streamlined infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one central high school.

Exceeding State Averages in Performance

The county's school score of 56.0 sits slightly above the state average of 54.8, supported by an 89.0% graduation rate that matches Virginia's benchmark. Spending reaches $8,402 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,941.

United Under Louisa County Public Schools

The Louisa County Public Schools district manages all 6 schools and 5,173 students without the presence of charter schools. This unified approach ensures consistent standards and resources for every student in the county.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

All six schools in the county are situated in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for the average student body of 862. Louisa County High is the largest facility with 1,653 students, while Moss-Nuckols Elementary offers a smaller setting with 579 students.

Find Your Place in Louisa County

Louisa County offers a rare combination of rural charm and academic performance that exceeds state averages. Explore available properties to find a home that balances quiet country living with quality public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Louisa County

via RiskByCounty

Louisa: Low Risk Despite Hazards

Louisa County's composite risk score of 32.19 and Very Low rating keep it slightly below the national disaster risk average. Your county faces fewer cumulative natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties.

Nearly Meets Virginia's Average

At 32.19, Louisa County sits just below Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting roughly average disaster risk within the commonwealth. Your county is comparable to other Virginia counties in overall hazard exposure.

Higher Risk Than Central Virginia Peers

Louisa's 32.19 score exceeds safer nearby counties like Lexington City (3.72) but matches Lancaster County (32.28). Your county faces notably higher hazard exposure than its western and southern neighbors.

Earthquakes and Hurricanes Lead Hazards

Louisa County faces elevated earthquake risk (76.37) and significant hurricane exposure (79.85), both driven by regional seismic activity and Atlantic weather patterns. Tornadoes (33.30) and wildfires (22.71) present secondary concerns; flooding is moderate at 38.49.

Hurricane and Earthquake Coverage Needed

Your county's elevated hurricane (79.85) and earthquake (76.37) risks warrant comprehensive coverage—add flood protection to your homeowners policy and consider earthquake insurance. Review your wind and storm damage coverage regularly given the persistent Atlantic hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Louisa County

via WeatherByCounty

A Central Virginia Climate Standard

Louisa County averages 55.8°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. This climate provides long, warm growing seasons and manageable winters typical of the Piedmont region.

Matching the Virginia State Average

Louisa's annual average of 55.8°F is nearly identical to the Virginia statewide average of 55.9°F. This makes the county a perfect representative of the Commonwealth's overall weather patterns.

Warmer Than Northern Regional Neighbors

Louisa is notably warmer than Loudoun County, which averages just 54.8°F. The county also sees more winter precipitation, recording 15.8 inches of snow compared to more moderate totals in nearby cities.

Hot Summers with Surprising Snow

Residents navigate 33 days of extreme heat annually, primarily during the 76.0°F July peak. Despite the heat, winter brings a significant 15.8 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 35.3°F.

Equip for Both Extremes

The high annual snowfall of 15.8 inches requires reliable winter gear and insulation. Meanwhile, the 33 days of extreme heat demand high-efficiency cooling to maintain indoor comfort during July and August.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Louisa County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Louisa

Louisa County averages a pH of 5.36, placing it slightly above the state baseline of 5.23 but below the national 6.5 median. This level of acidity is common for the region and manageable for most local agriculture.

Well-Balanced Loamy Textures

The soil is a balanced mix featuring 46.2% sand and 33.6% silt, which offers a good compromise between drainage and stability. This texture is generally easier to work than clay-heavy soils found further west.

Above Average Soil Fertility

At 3.02%, the organic matter content is slightly higher than the state average of 2.90%. This indicates a healthy level of decomposed material that supports local nutrient cycling and plant vigor.

Reliable Moisture Levels

A water capacity of 0.148 in/in is just above the Virginia state average of 0.143. This provides a reliable moisture cushion for crops, though the moderate sand content ensures it doesn't stay waterlogged for too long.

Solid Production in Zone 7a

The county's soil score of 38.8 and zone 7a climate create a solid foundation for berries and mid-season vegetables. It is a great location to start a home orchard or a diverse kitchen garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Louisa County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Louisa County

Louisa County earns a respectable lawn difficulty score of 56.6, slightly outperforming the Virginia state average. Within Hardiness Zone 7a, the conditions are generally favorable for a healthy, green yard. Most homeowners find it easier to keep a lawn here than in the average American county.

Steady Rainfall with Summer Spikes

The county averages 44.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for maintaining turf. You will deal with 33 extreme heat days, just slightly above the state average of 28. These temperatures mean your lawn will need a little extra help during July and August to avoid dormancy.

Sandy Loam and Acidic Soil

Your soil is roughly 46.2% sand with a pH of 5.36, indicating a need for both lime and regular organic amendments. The sand content allows for good drainage, but it also means nutrients can wash away more quickly. Regular, light fertilization is usually better than heavy, infrequent applications here.

Managing Frequent Dry Periods

Louisa County has seen 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of its area is currently classified as abnormally dry. With nearly half the year spent in drought conditions, investing in an efficient irrigation system is a smart move. Focus on soil health to increase its water-holding capacity during these dry months.

Plan Your Seeding Around Frost

For the best results in Zone 7a, aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 26. If you prefer fall planting, ensure your new grass is established before the first frost on October 20. Tall fescue is a resilient choice that handles the county's 33 heat days with grace.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Louisa County's county score?
Louisa County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Louisa County rank among counties in Virginia?
Louisa County ranks #70 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 Louisa County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Louisa County is $1,781, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Louisa County a tax score of 69/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Louisa County?
The median household income in Louisa County, Virginia is $80,343 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Louisa County earns an income score of 84.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Louisa County, Virginia a good place to live?
Louisa County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Louisa 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 Louisa 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.