Mathews County's composite score of 75.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county represents solid livability compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Among Virginia's most livable counties
With a score of 75.8, Mathews exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking among the Commonwealth's more desirable areas. The county delivers above-typical conditions across the state.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes combined with reasonable costs
Mathews County boasts the highest tax score among all eight counties at 90.4, with an effective tax rate of just 0.423%—the lowest examined. The cost score of 75.7 features moderate housing expenses at $348,800 median value, and rent of $1,108 monthly.
4 / 5
Income levels moderate wealth potential
The income score of 32.7 reflects a median household income of $75,487, solid but below Madison County's level and limiting aggressive wealth building. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain incomplete.
5 / 5
Ideal for affluent retirees and coastal-seeking families
Mathews County suits wealthy retirees and established families seeking waterfront/coastal living with minimal tax burden and manageable costs. The county's exceptional tax advantage makes it particularly attractive for those with fixed or substantial income who value rural coastal Virginia.
Mathews County's composite score of 75.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county represents solid livability compared to most American communities.
Among Virginia's most livable counties
With a score of 75.8, Mathews exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking among the Commonwealth's more desirable areas. The county delivers above-typical conditions across the state.
Lowest taxes combined with reasonable costs
Mathews County boasts the highest tax score among all eight counties at 90.4, with an effective tax rate of just 0.423%—the lowest examined. The cost score of 75.7 features moderate housing expenses at $348,800 median value, and rent of $1,108 monthly.
Income levels moderate wealth potential
The income score of 32.7 reflects a median household income of $75,487, solid but below Madison County's level and limiting aggressive wealth building. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain incomplete.
Ideal for affluent retirees and coastal-seeking families
Mathews County suits wealthy retirees and established families seeking waterfront/coastal living with minimal tax burden and manageable costs. The county's exceptional tax advantage makes it particularly attractive for those with fixed or substantial income who value rural coastal Virginia.
Score breakdown
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🏛90.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Mathews County's effective tax rate of 0.423% is among the nation's lowest, ranking in roughly the bottom 10% nationally. Despite higher-than-average home values, the county's tax rate keeps the overall property tax burden remarkably modest.
Virginia's least-taxed county
Mathews County charges just 0.423%, the lowest effective tax rate among all Virginia counties and cities—37% below the statewide average of 0.671%. It's an exceptionally favorable tax environment within the state.
Region's most tax-friendly option
Mathews's 0.423% rate is the lowest among regional peers, beating Lunenburg County (0.436%), Mecklenburg County (0.488%), and Madison County (0.594%). It offers the absolute best tax advantage in the area.
Median annual tax: $1,475
With a median home value of $348,800 and a 0.423% effective rate, the typical Mathews County homeowner pays just $1,475 annually in property taxes—roughly $123 monthly. This is remarkably low for a county with higher-valued homes.
Verify assessments despite low rates
Even in Mathews County's tax-friendly environment, assessment accuracy matters for your personal finances. Homeowners should review their valuations and file appeals if they believe their property has been overestimated.
At 17.6%, Mathews County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below the national average, offering residents a balanced housing market despite median earnings of $75,487 that nearly match the nation's $74,755. Renters here enjoy more breathing room than many peers.
Below-average burden in Virginia market
Mathews's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, making it one of the state's more affordable options. At $1,108 median rent, it sits slightly above the state average but remains reasonable given the county's income and home values.
Mid-range pricing in peer comparison
Mathews's $1,108 rent and $823 owner cost position it squarely in the middle of the regional peer group, neither bargain nor premium. The $348,800 median home value reflects Mathews's appeal as a waterfront and rural retreat near Hampton Roads.
Mathews County's housing cost allocation
Renters dedicate 17.6% of their $75,487 income to housing, while homeowners commit approximately 13.1% to mortgage payments on homes worth around $348,800. Both figures remain well within national comfort zones for housing affordability.
Mathews suits balanced-budget relocators
If you're seeking reasonable housing costs combined with near-national-median incomes, Mathews County's waterfront lifestyle and affordability blend appeal. Compare the $75,487 median against your own income and weigh the rural location against your work and social needs.
Mathews County's median household income of $75,487 edges out the national median of $74,755 by just $732. The rural Eastern Shore county holds its own in the competitive national income landscape.
Slight edge above Virginia median
At $75,487, Mathews County narrowly exceeds Virginia's state median of $74,957 by just $530, placing it almost exactly at the Commonwealth's midpoint. The county represents a typical Virginia community in terms of household earnings.
Solid middle ground among peers
Mathews ($75,487) sits between rural southern counties like Lunenburg ($54,460) and wealthier northern areas like Manassas ($117,919). The county's Eastern Shore location provides stability without the D.C. boom or the rural manufacturing decline affecting other regions.
Excellent housing affordability balance
A 17.6% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates strong housing affordability, and the $348,800 median home value reflects the county's appeal as a waterfront destination. Mathews residents enjoy comfortable housing costs relative to income despite premium property values.
Stable platform for wealth building
Mathews County's median income paired with low housing cost burden creates a sound foundation for retirement savings and long-term investing. Residents should capitalize on this stability by maximizing retirement contributions and building diversified investment portfolios.
Mathews County residents live to an average of 75.8 years, just under the U.S. average of 80 years, with only 14.1% reporting poor or fair health. The county's 7.2% uninsured rate is the lowest in this dataset, indicating strong coverage protection.
Above Virginia average on both fronts
Mathews's 75.8-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's 75.1-year average, and its 7.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.9%. The county combines healthy outcomes with nearly universal coverage, a rare combination.
Moderate providers, excellent coverage
Mathews has 35 primary care and 118 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate availability compared to urban peers but solid for a smaller county. Combined with the lowest uninsured rate in the group, Mathews residents have good conditions for accessing care.
Health security with reasonable access
Almost all Mathews residents have insurance, and the county maintains adequate primary care capacity for prevention and routine treatment. The combination supports low rates of poor health perception and preventable complications.
Lead the way with full coverage
Mathews County's 7.2% uninsured rate is the state's best in this group—a model of health security. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov to close your coverage gap and join your neighbors in this county's health success.
With a composite risk score of 12.18 and a Very Low rating, Mathews County ranks well below the national average for natural disaster risk. The county's score is substantially lower than Virginia's state average of 33.27, though its coastal location introduces specific hazards.
Low-risk Virginia coastal community
Mathews County ranks in Virginia's safer tier overall despite its geographic location on the eastern shore. The county's Very Low rating reflects a favorable mix of hazard exposures for its geographic position.
Safer than many inland Virginia counties
Mathews's risk score of 12.18 is lower than Lunenburg County (19.85) and far lower than Mecklenburg County (54.33) and Lynchburg city (49.30). The county benefits from relatively moderate exposure to hurricanes and tornadoes despite its coastal setting.
Flood dominates Mathews coastal profile
Flood risk at 80.00 is exceptionally high for Mathews County, reflecting its waterfront location and vulnerability to storm surge and tidal flooding. Wildfire risk (40.14) and hurricane risk (70.59) are also elevated relative to inland counties, making water-related hazards the primary concern.
Flood insurance critical for coastal location
Mathews County residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's exceptional flood risk score of 80.00, well above state averages. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making National Flood Insurance Program coverage or private flood insurance essential for all properties, especially those in coastal areas.