countyscore
36.9
County Score
Lawn Care 68.5Weather & Climate 65.8Health 57.9

County Report Card

About Lynchburg city, Virginia

Lynchburg Faces Stiff National Competition

With a composite score of 36.9, Lynchburg falls below the national median of 50.0. The city struggles to compete with national averages in safety and cost efficiency.

Trailing the Virginia Average Score

Lynchburg's overall score sits significantly lower than the Virginia state average of 50.9. This indicates that the city faces more livability hurdles than many of its surrounding counties.

Strong Health and Environmental Stability

Health services are a notable strength, earning a 57.9 score, while environmental risk management holds steady at 50.7. While water data is currently unavailable, these dimensions provide a solid foundation for the city.

Public Safety and Housing Costs

The city’s safety score of 9.4 is a primary concern for local residents. Additionally, a cost score of 28.8 highlights a housing market where median rents reach $1,043 against modest local incomes.

Ideal for Healthcare-Focused Urbanites

Lynchburg is best suited for individuals who value access to medical facilities and urban amenities over low crime rates. It serves as a regional hub for those who prioritize health and city life.

Score breakdown

Tax49.8Cost28.8Safety9.4Health57.9Schools40.6Income38.5Risk50.7WaterComing SoonWeather65.8
🏛49.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.5
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

Amherst County
Virginia
58.4
Campbell County
Virginia
57.1
Bedford County
Virginia
58.6
Appomattox County
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Buena Vista city
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Rockbridge County
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Nelson County
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Lexington city
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Deep Dives

Lynchburg city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lynchburg city

via TaxByCounty

Lynchburg taxes exceed national average

Lynchburg's effective tax rate of 0.840% is substantially higher than the national median property tax payment of $2,690. This 0.840% rate positions the city roughly at the 65th percentile nationally—meaning most Americans pay less as a percentage.

Above average for Virginia

Lynchburg charges 0.840% compared to Virginia's 0.671% average, making it a higher-tax jurisdiction statewide. Among Virginia's 95 counties and cities, Lynchburg ranks in the upper quarter for property tax rates.

Higher than surrounding counties

Lynchburg's 0.840% rate notably exceeds neighboring Lunenburg County (0.436%) and Mecklenburg County (0.488%). However, it remains lower than nearby Manassas city (1.096%) and Manassas Park city (1.136%).

Median annual tax: $1,778

The typical Lynchburg homeowner with a $211,800 median home value pays $1,778 annually in property taxes—roughly $148 per month. Homeowners with mortgages may pay slightly more due to escrow adjustments.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Studies show that many homeowners, including those in Lynchburg, are overassessed on their property valuations. If you believe your assessment is inflated, filing an appeal with the local assessor's office could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lynchburg city

via CostByCounty

Lynchburg's rent burden exceeds U.S. norm

Renters in Lynchburg spend 20.9% of income on rent, outpacing the national benchmark and leaving less room in household budgets for other expenses. The median income of $59,808 falls $15,000 short of the national median, a gap that amplifies affordability pressure.

Above-average rent burden for Virginia

Lynchburg's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% ranks above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among less affordable state jurisdictions. At $1,043 per month, median rent nearly matches the state average of $1,140, offering no relief from Virginia's overall housing costs.

Pricier than rural southern counterparts

Lynchburg's $1,043 rent runs $260–$290 higher than rural Lunenburg and Mecklenburg counties to the south, reflecting its status as a regional urban hub. Homeownership is similarly steeper: at $979 monthly and $211,800 median value, it exceeds nearby rural areas significantly.

Lynchburg's housing costs breakdown

Renters dedicate roughly one-fifth (20.9%) of their $59,808 median income to housing, while homeowners commit approximately 19.6% to mortgage payments. Together, these figures show housing consumes a larger slice of Lynchburg household finances than state and national norms.

Consider Lynchburg if you have urban amenities

Lynchburg's higher rents reflect its urban services, cultural institutions, and job market—trade-offs worth weighing if remote work or higher local wages offset the cost. Compare your income and lifestyle needs against the 20.9% rent burden before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lynchburg city

via IncomeByCounty

Lynchburg earns below national average

Lynchburg's median household income of $59,808 trails the national median of $74,755 by 20%. As a mid-sized city, Lynchburg reflects the income struggles of many secondary markets facing competition from larger metros.

Mid-range performer in Virginia

Lynchburg's $59,808 income ranks solidly below Virginia's state median of $74,957, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Virginia communities. The city lags wealthier northern Virginia jurisdictions but outpaces many rural southern counties.

Outearned by nearby Madison County

Lynchburg households earn $59,808 compared to Madison County's $82,972, a $23,164 gap reflecting differences between a city and rural gentry economy. Nearby Lunenburg County ($54,460) earns slightly less, making Lynchburg a relative income hub for south-central Virginia.

Rents claim higher share of income

A 20.9% rent-to-income ratio is manageable but higher than the most affordable Virginia markets, indicating moderate housing cost pressure. Lynchburg's median home value of $211,800 requires careful budgeting for first-time homebuyers earning the median income.

Invest in your financial future

Lynchburg residents earning near the median should prioritize employer retirement benefits and low-cost index funds to build long-term wealth. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time, helping households bridge the gap to financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lynchburg city

via CrimeByCounty

Navigating Urban Safety in Lynchburg

Lynchburg city reports a total crime rate of 2,840.9 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The city has a safety score of 95.5, indicating a more active urban environment. Note that a single agency reports these figures, which can sometimes concentrate data.

Lynchburg vs the Virginia Average

Lynchburg's safety score of 95.5 is below the Virginia state average of 97.3. The city's total crime rate of 2,840.9 per 100,000 also exceeds the state average of 1,728.8. Residents should be more mindful of security than those in surrounding rural counties.

Urban Density and Crime Rates

Lynchburg's crime rate of 2,840.9 is much higher than nearby Louisa County's 1,060.2. It also significantly exceeds the rate of Lexington city, which sits at 789.5. This difference is typical for larger urban hubs compared to smaller cities or rural jurisdictions.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate of 361.3 is close to the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is more prevalent at 2,479.6 per 100,000, exceeding the national rate of 2,015.7. Theft and burglary represent the most common safety challenges in the city.

Enhancing Your Urban Security

Given the higher property crime rates, home security systems and surveillance cameras are highly recommended for Lynchburg residents. Always lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight to reduce theft risk. Staying informed through local police updates helps maintain neighborhood safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lynchburg city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below U.S. average

Lynchburg residents average 73.5 years of life, roughly 6.5 years shorter than the national average of 80 years. However, only 16.7% report poor or fair health, suggesting better health perception relative to some peer communities.

Ranked in middle of state performance

Lynchburg's life expectancy of 73.5 years falls below Virginia's 75.1-year state average, though its 7.0% uninsured rate is actually better than the state average of 7.9%. The city has a more balanced healthcare access profile than many rural counties.

Urban advantage in provider access

Lynchburg leads regional peers with 127 primary care providers and 756 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding rural counties like Lunenburg or Madison. This urban density makes appointments and specialist referrals significantly more accessible to residents.

Strong provider network, low uninsured

With robust healthcare infrastructure and only 7.0% uninsured residents, Lynchburg's residents have good access to preventive and acute care. The city's provider density supports shorter appointment wait times and more treatment options.

Most residents already insured

If you're among the 7% uninsured in Lynchburg, check Virginia's health insurance marketplace for plans suited to your income and needs. Healthcare.gov and Virginia Medicaid enrollment are available year-round to help close coverage gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lynchburg city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Urban School Network

Lynchburg city hosts 22 public schools, ranging from 11 elementary schools to specialized alternative programs. Four districts collaborate to provide education for a total of 7,856 students within the city limits.

Steady Investment in Urban Education

Lynchburg spends $8,315 per pupil, outpacing the Virginia state average of $7,941. While the graduation rate of 81.0% trails the state average, the city's school score of 51.6 remains competitive with the Virginia median of 54.8.

Lynchburg City Public Schools Hub

Lynchburg City Public Schools is the dominant provider, serving 7,856 students across 18 schools. The city does not currently host any charter schools, focusing its resources on its traditional and alternative public school offerings.

The Pulse of City-Centered Learning

All 22 schools are located in city settings, offering an average enrollment of 491 students. E.C. Glass High is the largest campus with 1,325 students, providing a robust urban high school experience.

Urban Living Near Lynchburg Schools

Lynchburg offers a variety of educational environments, from traditional elementary schools to innovative middle school programs. Look for your next home in a neighborhood that gives your children access to these diverse urban opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lynchburg city

via RiskByCounty

Lynchburg faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 49.30 and a Relatively Low rating, Lynchburg city experiences notably higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties. The city's score exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, driven particularly by flood exposure and tornado vulnerability.

Mid-range risk for Virginia communities

Lynchburg ranks in the middle range of Virginia counties for overall disaster risk, with its score reflecting above-average flood and earthquake exposure. The city's Relatively Low rating indicates manageable but meaningful hazard exposure compared to safer Virginia communities.

Flood risk higher than nearby counties

Lynchburg's flood risk score of 65.27 significantly exceeds nearby Manassas city (31.68) and Madison County (19.53), reflecting its location in a more flood-prone area. However, the city has lower overall risk than Mecklenburg County (54.33), its closest peer in risk profile.

Flooding is Lynchburg's primary threat

Flood risk dominates Lynchburg's hazard profile at 65.27, reflecting the city's proximity to river systems and low-lying areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Tornado risk (31.84) poses a secondary concern, while earthquake risk (73.00) presents a lower-probability but significant potential impact.

Flood insurance essential for Lynchburg residents

Lynchburg's elevated flood risk makes standalone flood insurance critically important—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Residents should assess their property's flood zone status and strongly consider National Flood Insurance Program coverage, especially those in designated high-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lynchburg city

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Living in the Foothills

Lynchburg city averages 55.2°F annually, reflecting a humid subtropical climate that is warmer than the U.S. median. The city enjoys a classic four-season cycle with high annual precipitation of 43.6 inches.

Moderate Temperatures for the Region

Lynchburg's 55.2°F average is slightly below the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This places the city in a middle-tier temperature bracket for the Commonwealth.

Milder Peaks Than Nearby Lexington

Lynchburg is marginally warmer than Lexington city (54.9°F) on average, yet it records far fewer extreme heat days. While Lexington hits 90°F over thirty times a year, Lynchburg only sees 20 such days.

Snowy Winters and Manageable Summers

The city receives 12.4 inches of snow annually, with winter temperatures averaging 37.3°F. Summer heat is relatively restrained for the region, with July averaging 74.9°F and only 20 days of extreme heat.

Reliable Winter Prep and Ventilation

Lynchburg residents should prepare for a foot of snow each year with appropriate tires and shovels. Because extreme heat is less frequent here than in neighboring cities, natural ventilation and standard AC are usually sufficient.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lynchburg city

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soil Context Unknown

As a developed urban center, Lynchburg lacks standardized taxonomic soil data in the current regional survey. Without a specific pH reading, urban gardeners should expect results to vary wildly based on previous land use.

Composition in the City

The specific percentages of sand and silt are unavailable, though urban soils often contain significant fill material or human-made additions. Understanding your soil texture is crucial before starting any landscaping project.

Fertility Management in Lynchburg

Organic matter and water capacity data are missing, so city gardeners should rely on heavy composting and local amendments. Testing for contaminants is often more important than nutrient levels in an urban environment.

Managing Urban Runoff

While drainage classes are unlisted, urban development often impacts natural water flow and soil permeability significantly. Be mindful of compaction from foot traffic or construction, which can hinder root development.

Urban Growing in Zone 7b

Gardeners in zone 7b can thrive with raised beds, utilizing the long growing season for various ornamentals and edibles. Container gardening is also a great option here to bypass the uncertainties of native urban soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lynchburg city

via LawnByCounty

Lynchburg Leads in Growing Ease

Lynchburg boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 68.5, making it much easier to maintain grass here than in the rest of Virginia. This score is significantly higher than the national average of 50.0. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, the city offers a favorable climate for both warm and cool-season grasses.

Mild Summers and Sufficient Rain

Annual precipitation reaches 43.6 inches, which provides a solid foundation for turf health. With only 20 extreme heat days per year, Lynchburg avoids the blistering heat found in southern Virginia. The 3,589 growing degree days suggest a robust period for plant development and consistent mowing needs.

Prepare for Local Soil Variations

Specific soil data for Lynchburg city is limited, but regional trends suggest a need for regular testing. Without detailed clay or sand percentages, homeowners should observe how their yard drains after a heavy 43-inch rain year. Adding organic compost is a safe bet to improve any urban soil profile.

Combatting Severe Drought Conditions

Lynchburg has faced a tough year with 29 weeks in drought and 92.2% of the city currently in severe drought. These conditions are much harsher than the state average, requiring strict adherence to water schedules. Focus on maintaining a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Timing the Hill City Harvest

With a final spring frost around April 17 and a first fall frost on October 25, the growing window is well-defined. Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in the city's mild summer. Aim to aerate and overseed in late September to take advantage of the cooling autumn air.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lynchburg city's county score?
Lynchburg city, Virginia has a composite county score of 36.9 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 Lynchburg city rank among counties in Virginia?
Lynchburg city ranks #119 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 Lynchburg city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lynchburg city is $1,778, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Lynchburg city a tax score of 49.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lynchburg city?
The median household income in Lynchburg city, Virginia is $59,808 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lynchburg city earns an income score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lynchburg city, Virginia a good place to live?
Lynchburg city scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #119 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Lynchburg city 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 Lynchburg city 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.