countyscore
44.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.5Cost of Living 67.3Schools 64.6

County Report Card

About Martinsville city, Virginia

Martinsville Near National Mid-Point

Martinsville earns a composite score of 44.6, placing it slightly behind the national median of 50.0. It offers a distinct profile of high affordability paired with economic challenges.

Affordable Alternative in Virginia

While its 44.6 score is below the 50.9 state average, Martinsville provides a much lower entry price than most Virginia cities. It represents a different value proposition than the state's high-cost regions.

Strong Affordability and Environment

The city features a high risk score of 90.5 and a cost score of 67.3, with median home values at just $92,500. School scores are also a surprise highlight at 64.6, beating many wealthier neighbors.

Low Income and Safety Scores

Economic mobility is difficult, marked by an income score of only 4.8 and a median household income of $42,434. Safety (12.6) and health (25.8) are also areas where the city faces significant hurdles.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Martinsville is a strong fit for individuals looking for extremely low-cost housing and solid local schools. It is ideal for those with stable outside income who want to maximize their purchasing power.

2040608010052.767.312.625.864.64.890.564Tax52.7Cost67.3Safety12.6Health25.8Schools64.6Income4.8Risk90.5Water—Weather6444.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Martinsville city DNA

Foverall

How Martinsville city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Martinsville city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (90.5/100) but notably weak in Income (4.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.7
Cost
67.3+19.299999999999997
Safety
12.6-42.4
Health
25.8-24.2
Schools
64.6+10.599999999999994
Income
4.8-46.2
Risk
90.5+43.5
Weather
64+8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$92,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$784/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$92,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,434/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Calcasieu Parish
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Sullivan County
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York County
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Cochran County
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Box Elder County
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Chambers County
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Nearby counties

Henry County
Virginia
51.7
Rockingham County
North Carolina
39
Franklin County
Virginia
60.1
Pittsylvania County
Virginia
54
Danville city
Virginia
37.5
Stokes County
North Carolina
62.4
Patrick County
Virginia
58.1
Caswell County
North Carolina
59.6

Deep Dives

Martinsville city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Martinsville city

via TaxByCounty

Martinsville taxes moderate on dollar amount

Martinsville's effective tax rate of 0.806% sits above the national average as a percentage, yet the median annual property tax is just $746—far below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Martinsville's lower median home values combined with a higher-than-average tax rate.

Above-average rate within Virginia

Martinsville charges 0.806%, modestly above Virginia's 0.671% average, ranking in the upper-middle tier of the state's jurisdictions. Despite the higher rate percentage, the city's lower home values keep absolute tax bills modest.

Mid-range among regional options

Martinsville's 0.806% rate falls between Lynchburg city (0.840%) and Madison County (0.594%). It's significantly higher than the lowest-taxed counties like Lunenburg (0.436%), but lower than Manassas-area cities.

Median annual tax: $746

With a median home value of just $92,500 and a 0.806% effective rate, the typical Martinsville homeowner pays $746 per year in property taxes—roughly $62 monthly. This is among the lowest absolute tax bills statewide.

Even modest assessments deserve review

Although Martinsville's property tax bills are relatively low in absolute terms, homeowners shouldn't assume their assessments are correct. Overvaluation can still occur, and even modest reductions in assessed value provide meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martinsville city

via CostByCounty

Martinsville's low income, high rent ratio

At 22.2%, Martinsville's rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms, with renters spending more than one-fifth of earnings on housing despite the lowest median income in the peer group ($42,434). This combination signals genuine affordability stress for residents.

Lowest incomes, tightest budget squeeze

Martinsville's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, and its $42,434 median income is the lowest statewide by a wide margin. The result: residents here face steeper housing burdens despite lower absolute rents than many state peers.

Cheapest rents, toughest incomes

Martinsville's $784 rent is the lowest among peer counties, undercutting even Lunenburg ($780) and Mecklenburg ($804), yet the $42,434 median income falls far below all neighbors. This means low rents provide little relief given the area's income challenges.

Martinsville's tight housing budget reality

Renters allocate 22.2% of their $42,434 income to $784 rent, while homeowners commit roughly 20% to mortgages on the state's most affordable homes ($92,500). Both figures pinch household finances more than state and national averages.

Martinsville needs income alongside rent

While Martinsville offers the region's lowest housing costs, moving here makes sense only if you have reliable income from remote work, pensions, or local jobs that match or exceed the $42,434 median. Budget carefully—low rents can't compensate for limited local earnings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martinsville city

via IncomeByCounty

Martinsville faces significant income gap

Martinsville's median household income of $42,434 lags the national median of $74,755 by 43%, one of the lowest earnings levels in the nation. The city's economy struggles with manufacturing decline and lacks the diversification of larger metros.

Lowest earner among Virginia peers

At $42,434, Martinsville ranks near the very bottom of Virginia's 133 counties and cities, 43% below the state median of $74,957. The city's economic challenges place it among America's struggling post-industrial communities.

Poorest performer in this group

Martinsville ($42,434) significantly trails all seven other jurisdictions profiled here, including rural Lunenburg ($54,460) and Mecklenburg ($51,691). The city faces steeper economic headwinds than any peer community shown.

Housing affordable, but income tight

A 22.2% rent-to-income ratio is manageable given Martinsville's $92,500 median home value—the lowest in this group. While housing costs remain reasonable, the city's overall low income leaves little margin for other expenses.

Build resilience through small steps

Martinsville residents can build financial security by starting with even modest savings goals—$25 or $50 monthly in a dedicated account. Free financial literacy resources and employer-sponsored benefits (if available) provide pathways to gradual wealth accumulation and economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Martinsville city

via CrimeByCounty

Martinsville Faces Unique Safety Challenges

Martinsville reports a total crime rate of 2,555.6 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The city currently holds a safety score of 96.0 out of 100.

Monitoring Trends in Martinsville

The city's safety score of 96.0 is below the Virginia state average of 97.3. Data from a single reporting agency shows a total crime rate that exceeds the Commonwealth's average of 1,728.8 per 100,000.

Regional Comparisons for Martinsville

Compared to nearby rural counties, Martinsville's urbanized setting contributes to a higher rate of incidents. The city's violent crime rate of 384.1 slightly exceeds the national average of 369.8.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 2,171.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime sits at 384.1. These numbers suggest that while property issues are more common, violent crime requires community attention.

Prioritizing Home Safety in Martinsville

Improving home security through high-quality locks and perimeter lighting is essential for local residents. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can help bring the city's safety metrics closer to state averages.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Martinsville city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Urban Learning Network

Martinsville City operates a compact system of 5 public schools serving 1,810 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and an early learning center, all managed by a single district.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

Martinsville boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, which sits well above the Virginia state average of 89.0% and the national 87.0% mark. The city invests $7,940 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 56.6 that exceeds state benchmarks.

Martinsville City Public Schools Lead the Way

Martinsville City Public Schools is the sole provider of public education here, managing the entire student population of 1,810. The system focuses on traditional public education with no charter schools currently operating in the city.

Small-Town Feel with Accessible Campuses

All five schools are located in town settings, offering a consistent environment with an average school size of 362 students. Martinsville High is the largest campus with 564 students, while Clearview Early Learning Center provides a small start for 107 preschoolers.

Put Down Roots Near Top-Performing Schools

Prospective homeowners find value in Martinsville's high graduation rates and localized school system. Exploring homes near Albert Harris Elementary or Martinsville High allows families to join a community where students consistently outperform state academic averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martinsville city

via RiskByCounty

Martinsville ranks well below national average

With a composite risk score of 9.57 and a Very Low rating, Martinsville city faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than most U.S. communities. The city's score is well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting strong protection from major hazards.

Among Virginia's safest municipalities

Martinsville ranks in Virginia's lowest tier for natural disaster risk, with its Very Low rating placing it among the state's most protected communities. The city's risk profile reflects minimal exposure across most major hazard categories.

Safer than nearby Lynchburg and Mecklenburg

Martinsville's risk score of 9.57 is substantially lower than Lynchburg city (49.30) and significantly lower than Mecklenburg County (54.33). The city also ranks safer than Lunenburg County (19.85), making it one of southern Virginia's most secure communities.

Tornado and earthquake are minor threats

Martinsville's highest individual risks come from tornado (26.88) and earthquake (60.72), though both remain below many state averages. Flood risk at 23.06 is moderate, while wildfire risk is negligible at 0.60, creating a broadly protected risk environment.

Standard homeowners policy provides protection

Martinsville's very low disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance typically covers all major natural hazards adequately. Residents should ensure their policies include tornado/windstorm coverage and maintain basic emergency preparedness, but the city's safe location minimizes need for specialty coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Martinsville city

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Signal Not Available

Martinsville city currently has no health violation data or water quality grade recorded in the federal 5-year lookback. Monitoring your local utility's annual report is the best way to verify system performance.

Majority of City Waters Face Impairments

Approximately 53.8% of assessed water bodies in Martinsville fail to meet environmental standards, exceeding the state average of 46.1%. The 2022 ATTAINS cycle identifies bacterial issues and biological community health as the primary concerns.

No Active Federal Water Monitoring Sites

Martinsville city shows no monitoring records in the EPA Water Quality Portal for the past five years. This data gap means that water quality assessments rely on infrequent state reporting rather than continuous monitoring.

No Primary USGS Streamgage in Martinsville

The city does not host an active USGS streamgage to provide live flow data for its primary drainage areas. Hydrologic health is inferred from regional gauges rather than direct local measurements.

Stay Alert to Local Stream Conditions

With over half of the city's water bodies impaired by bacteria and temperature issues, residents should avoid swimming in local streams. The high impairment rate underscores the importance of supporting local watershed restoration projects.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Martinsville city

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Rainy Piedmont Climate

Martinsville city averages 56.0°F annually, sitting comfortably above the national median temperature. This region is characterized by high annual precipitation, totaling 47.4 inches.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Average

At 56.0°F, Martinsville is marginally warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. Its southern location near the North Carolina border contributes to this slight temperature premium.

Wetter and Warmer Than Lynchburg

Martinsville is nearly a degree warmer than Lynchburg (55.2°F) and significantly wetter. It receives 47.4 inches of rain annually, surpassing the state average of 45.7 inches.

Moderate Snow and Humid Summers

The city sees 28 days of extreme heat annually, centered around a 76.0°F July average. Winters are milder than northern neighbors, with 9.4 inches of snow and a 37.9°F winter average.

Focus on Moisture Management

Given the 47.4 inches of annual rainfall, high-quality gutters and basement waterproofing are essential. The 28 days of extreme heat also require a well-maintained HVAC system to combat southern humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Martinsville city

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing in Martinsville

Martinsville city enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 63.5, making it one of the easier places in Virginia to keep a green yard. This beats the state average by 8 points and the national average by 13. While a hardiness zone is not specified, the climate supports healthy, vigorous turf growth.

Ample Rain and Balanced Temps

Martinsville receives 47.4 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range for most lawns. With 28 extreme heat days, the city perfectly matches the Virginia state average for summer stress. The 3,780 growing degree days provide a long, productive window for establishing new grass.

Missing Soil Specs for Martinsville

Official soil data for Martinsville is currently unavailable. Given the high annual precipitation of 47.4 inches, drainage should be your primary concern to prevent root rot. If your lawn stays soggy after a storm, consider aerating to improve the soil's physical structure.

Severe Drought Grips the City

Despite the high average rainfall, 100% of Martinsville is currently in a state of severe drought (D2+). This follows a year where the city spent 23 weeks in drought conditions. Strict water conservation is necessary right now to protect the city’s water supply and your lawn's health.

Maximize the Growing Season

The growing season kicks off after the last frost on April 24 and runs until October 21. Because of the current severe drought, consider dormant seeding this winter or waiting until conditions improve. Tall fescue remains the gold standard for this region's balance of rain and heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martinsville city's county score?
Martinsville city, Virginia has a composite county score of 44.6 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 Martinsville city rank among counties in Virginia?
Martinsville city ranks #98 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 Martinsville city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Martinsville city is $746, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Martinsville city a tax score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Martinsville city?
The median household income in Martinsville city, Virginia is $42,434 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Martinsville city earns an income score of 4.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Martinsville city, Virginia a good place to live?
Martinsville city scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Martinsville 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 Martinsville city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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