countyscore
59.4
County Score
Property Tax 91.6Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 80.2

County Report Card

About Lunenburg County, Virginia

Lunenburg Outpaces the National Median

Lunenburg County earns a composite score of 59.4, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural lifestyle that offers higher stability than many of its national peers.

A High Performer in Rural Virginia

The county's 59.4 composite score beats the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands out as a strong choice for residents looking to escape the higher costs of the state's urban centers.

Exceptional Tax and Risk Scores

The county boasts a stellar tax score of 91.6, fueled by a low 0.436% effective tax rate. Residents also enjoy high scores for water quality (86.0) and environmental risk protection (80.2).

Opportunities in Schools and Income

Economic scores remain lower, with an income score of 23.9 reflecting a $54,460 median household income. School and health metrics, at 27.0 and 34.2 respectively, suggest room for infrastructure improvement.

Best for Low-Tax Rural Living

Lunenburg is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low tax burdens and environmental safety. It suits those who value land and affordability over proximity to top-tier school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax91.6Cost72.3Safety65Health34.2Schools27Income23.9Risk80.2Water86Weather68.5
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.7
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Lunenburg County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lunenburg County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Lunenburg County with Perry County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Perry County
Indiana
Median income: $61,099
59.4
Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Grant County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,940
59.4
Powell County
Montana
Median income: $63,432
59.4
Perry County
Ohio
Median income: $64,737
59.4
McCormick County
South Carolina
Median income: $55,344
59.4
Lyman County
South Dakota
Median income: $61,169
59.4
Price County
Wisconsin
Median income: $58,720
59.4

Nearby counties

Nottoway County
Virginia
43.7
Prince Edward County
Virginia
56.6
Charlotte County
Virginia
58.3
Brunswick County
Virginia
55.5
Mecklenburg County
Virginia
51.1
Amelia County
Virginia
54.9
Dinwiddie County
Virginia
44.1
Halifax County
Virginia
55.6

Deep Dives

Lunenburg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lunenburg County

via TaxByCounty

Lunenburg taxes rank among nation's lowest

With an effective tax rate of 0.436%, Lunenburg County's property taxes are less than one-third the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county in roughly the bottom 20% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than most Americans on comparable properties.

Virginia's second-least taxed county

Lunenburg's 0.436% effective rate ranks second-lowest among all Virginia counties, well below the state average of 0.671%. Only a handful of Virginia jurisdictions offer lower property tax rates than Lunenburg.

Among region's most tax-friendly

Compared to neighboring Mecklenburg County (0.488%) and Madison County (0.594%), Lunenburg charges less. However, the region spans a wide range: nearby Lynchburg city charges 0.840%, nearly double Lunenburg's rate.

Median annual tax: $635

With a median home value of $145,500 and a 0.436% effective rate, the typical Lunenburg homeowner pays about $635 per year in property taxes. That translates to roughly $53 monthly—among the lowest in the nation.

Don't leave money on the table

Even in low-tax counties like Lunenburg, many homeowners are overassessed by local appraisers. Homeowners have the right to appeal their assessments if they believe the valuation is inaccurate—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lunenburg County

via CostByCounty

Lunenburg's affordability beats the nation

At 17.2%, Lunenburg's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. However, the median household income of $54,460 lags the national median of $74,755 by $20,295, so affordability here reflects both modest rents and lower overall earnings.

One of Virginia's most affordable counties

Lunenburg ranks among the state's most housing-affordable jurisdictions, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% compared to Virginia's state average of 18.6%. Its median rent of $780 significantly undercuts the state average of $1,140, making it a standout for renters seeking relief.

Cheaper than most nearby options

Lunenburg's $780 median rent is the lowest among its regional peer group and roughly $260 less than Mecklenburg County ($804) to the south. Owner costs are similarly competitive at $653 monthly, undercutting most neighboring jurisdictions by $50–$100.

Where Lunenburg dollars go

Renters in Lunenburg allocate roughly 17.2% of income to rent, while homeowners dedicate about 14.4% to mortgage payments—both reasonable by national standards. The median home value of $145,500 makes ownership accessible compared to state averages, though wages remain the limiting factor for many.

Moving to Lunenburg? Compare carefully.

If housing affordability is your priority, Lunenburg delivers low rents and modest home prices, but job opportunities and income levels may require remote work or a commute. Compare your salary against the county's median of $54,460 to ensure your move pencils out financially.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lunenburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Lunenburg lags behind national income

Lunenburg County's median household income of $54,460 falls 27% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects economic challenges facing rural Virginia communities, where wages haven't kept pace with the rest of the country.

Bottom quartile among Virginia counties

At $54,460, Lunenburg ranks in the bottom 25% of Virginia counties, trailing the state median of $74,957 by $20,497. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of its peers across the Commonwealth.

Rural neighbors share similar struggles

Lunenburg's income closely mirrors Mecklenburg County ($51,691) and falls below Madison County ($82,972), its more prosperous neighbor. Rural southern Virginia counties cluster in the lower income range, reflecting broader regional economic patterns.

Housing remains affordable here

A 17.2% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that signals cost burden. With a median home value of $145,500, Lunenburg offers one of Virginia's most accessible real estate markets.

Build wealth through smart planning

Even with modest household income, Lunenburg residents benefit from low housing costs that free up money for savings and investment. Starting an emergency fund and exploring retirement accounts can help households build financial security despite regional wage challenges.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lunenburg County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Ranking

Lunenburg County earns a high safety score of 98.7, reflecting its status as a very secure community. The total crime rate of 817.5 per 100,000 is about one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from a consistently peaceful local environment.

Outperforming State Safety Averages

Lunenburg's safety score of 98.7 is comfortably above the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 817.5 is less than half of the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Four local agencies work to maintain this high level of public safety.

Comparing Lunenburg to Regional Peers

With a rate of 817.5, Lunenburg is safer than nearby Louisa County, which sits at 1,060.2. It closely rivals the safety levels seen in King William County's rate of 650.1. This position makes it one of the most secure counties in its part of the state.

Breaking Down the Local Data

The violent crime rate in Lunenburg is 175.2 per 100,000, which is below both the state and national averages. Property crime accounts for 642.3 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents are non-violent property issues.

Preventing Property Crime Locally

Property crime remains the most likely issue residents might encounter. Simple precautions like locking doors and installing basic alarms can prevent most crimes of opportunity. Community vigilance is the foundation of Lunenburg's long-term safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lunenburg County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags national average

Lunenburg residents live to an average of 74.0 years, about 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 80 years. One in five residents reports poor or fair health, reflecting significant challenges in the county's overall health profile.

Below Virginia's health performance

At 74.0 years, Lunenburg's life expectancy trails Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing the county among lower-performing regions statewide. The county's 10.8% uninsured rate is also above Virginia's 7.9% average, leaving more residents without coverage.

Rural health access challenges

Lunenburg has only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a significant shortage compared to urban neighbors like Lynchburg (127 per 100K) or Manassas (96 per 100K). Mental health provider availability at 83 per 100K is middling, but the lack of primary care remains a critical bottleneck.

Limited doctors, high uninsured rates

With fewer primary care doctors per capita and 10.8% of residents uninsured, Lunenburg residents often face long waits or travel distances for routine care. The combination leaves many managing chronic conditions without regular preventive check-ups.

Health coverage options await

If you're among the uninsured in Lunenburg, Virginia's marketplace offers qualified health plans yearround. Visit Virginia.gov or Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options, subsidies, and enrollment deadlines that may reduce your costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lunenburg County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Lunenburg

Lunenburg County operates a modest school system with 4 total schools serving 1,575 students. The infrastructure consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school managed by a single district.

Focusing Resources on Rural Classrooms

Per-pupil expenditure in the county is $7,046, trailing the state average of $7,941. The current graduation rate of 82.0% and school score of 49.4 indicate areas where the county is working to improve student outcomes relative to state benchmarks.

Consolidated District Management

Lunenburg County Public Schools oversees the entire student population of 1,575 across its four campuses. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all residents.

The Heart of Rural Virginia Education

Every school in Lunenburg is located in a rural setting, with an average school size of 394 students. Central High serves as the largest campus with 495 students, while Lunenburg Middle is the smallest with 332 students.

Build Your Future in Lunenburg County

For families seeking an intimate, rural school environment, Lunenburg County provides a close-knit community where schools are the local hub. Browse local listings to find a home in this quiet corner of Virginia.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lunenburg County

via RiskByCounty

Lunenburg ranks well below national average

With a composite risk score of 19.85 and a Very Low rating, Lunenburg County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. The county's score is well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the safer communities in the region.

Among Virginia's safest counties

Lunenburg ranks in the lower tier for disaster risk across Virginia, with only a handful of counties scoring lower overall. This Very Low rating reflects relatively modest threats from most major hazard types in the state.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Lunenburg's risk profile is considerably lower than neighboring Mecklenburg County (54.33), which faces elevated hurricane and flood threats. The county also has lower risk than Lynchburg city (49.30), making it one of the more protected communities in south-central Virginia.

Tornado risk leads modest hazard mix

Lunenburg's greatest natural disaster threat comes from tornadoes, with a risk score of 22.90—still considered low in absolute terms. Earthquake risk (52.80) and hurricane risk (76.51) are present but pose less immediate concern than severe convective weather.

Smart insurance protects against tornadoes

While Lunenburg's overall risk is low, tornado risk remains the county's primary concern, making comprehensive homeowners coverage with windstorm protection a wise choice. Renters and property owners should ensure their policies cover severe weather damage, which remains the most likely natural disaster scenario.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Lunenburg County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soil Health Scores

Lunenburg's soil pH of 5.47 is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.23. With a total soil score of 50.3, it ranks far above the state average of 30.6 for overall agricultural potential.

Sandy Loam for Easy Working

A 51.0% sand content provides easy workability and excellent drainage for local farmers. The low clay content of 14.7% prevents the soil from becoming too compacted during heavy rains.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts an impressive 5.91% organic matter, which is more than double the Virginia state average of 2.90%. This rich organic layer makes the soil incredibly fertile and resilient against erosion.

Strong Water Storage Capacity

A healthy available water capacity of 0.154 in/in helps plants withstand dry spells better than the state average of 0.143. This retention is largely driven by the high organic matter, which acts like a sponge.

Premier Gardening in Zone 7b

Zone 7b combined with a superior soil score makes this an exceptional place for diverse agricultural projects. You can grow almost anything here, from nutrient-hungry heavy feeders to delicate perennial flowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lunenburg County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Maintenance in Lunenburg

Lunenburg County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.7, aligning closely with the Virginia state average of 55.4. This score indicates that growing a lawn here is slightly easier than the national median of 50.0. In USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, local gardeners face a standard transition-zone environment for turfgrass.

High Humidity and Steady Rainfall

The county receives 46.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the state average of 46 inches. Residents deal with 30 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. While specific growing season data is limited, these heat spikes require careful summer irrigation to prevent grass dormancy.

Acidic Soils Require Lime Amendments

The local soil pH of 5.47 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. The soil composition is 51.0% sand and 14.7% clay, which generally provides decent drainage but lacks nutrient retention. Applying lime is a critical step for Lunenburg homeowners to neutralize acidity and unlock soil nutrients.

Managing Recent Dry Spells

Over the past year, the county spent 19 weeks in drought conditions, with nearly 9% of the area currently in severe drought. Every acre is currently classified as abnormally dry, making water conservation essential. To build resilience, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning.

Best Grasses for Zone 7b

Tall Fescue is the most popular choice for this zone due to its deep roots, though Bermuda grass thrives in the summer heat. While specific local frost dates are unavailable for this year, planting in the early fall usually yields the best results. Start by testing your soil to address that low 5.47 pH before you seed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lunenburg County's county score?
Lunenburg County, Virginia has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Lunenburg County rank among counties in Virginia?
Lunenburg County ranks #23 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 Lunenburg County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lunenburg County is $635, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Lunenburg County a tax score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lunenburg County?
The median household income in Lunenburg County, Virginia is $54,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lunenburg County earns an income score of 23.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lunenburg County, Virginia a good place to live?
Lunenburg County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Lunenburg 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 Lunenburg 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.