countyscore
63.4
County Score
Property Tax 92.4Disaster Risk 87.8Income & Jobs 78

County Report Card

About Mathews County, Virginia

A National Leader in Livability

Mathews County boasts a composite score of 63.4, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more desirable coastal counties in the country.

Top-Tier Performance in Virginia

With a score of 63.4, Mathews County sits well above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It offers a rare combination of high income and low tax burden relative to the rest of the state.

Low Taxes and High Health

The county excels with a 92.4 tax score and an effective tax rate of 0.423%. High marks in health (72.5), risk (87.8), and income (78.0) create a very stable community profile.

Water Quality and Housing Costs

A water score of 2.2 is the county's most significant drawback and warrants attention from future residents. Housing costs are also moderate, with a cost score of 36.0 and home values averaging $348,800.

Ideal for Healthy, Tax-Savvy Retirees

Mathews is perfect for those seeking a high-quality, coastal lifestyle with minimal tax interference. It suits health-conscious residents who have the means to navigate a tighter housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax92.4Cost36Safety65.5Health72.5Schools57.3Income78Risk87.8Water2.2Weather77.5
🏛92.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤77.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56
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

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53.6
Middlesex County
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York County
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Poquoson city
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Lancaster County
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Williamsburg city
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James City County
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Newport News city
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Deep Dives

Mathews County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mathews County

via TaxByCounty

Mathews offers minimal tax burden

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mathews County

via CostByCounty

Mathews balances modest income with fair rents

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mathews County

via IncomeByCounty

Mathews slightly above national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mathews County

via CrimeByCounty

Mathews County: A National Safety Leader

Mathews County boasts a total crime rate of 808.3 per 100,000, nearly three times lower than the national average. This exceptional data results in a safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

High Rankings Across the Commonwealth

With a safety score of 98.7, Mathews County significantly outperforms the state average of 97.3. It maintains a total crime rate that is less than half of Virginia’s average of 1,728.8 per 100,000.

Top-Tier Safety in the Region

Data from two reporting agencies confirm that Mathews is one of the safest counties in the area. Its crime rate of 808.3 makes it a preferred destination for those prioritizing a secure environment.

Analyzing Low Crime Incidence

Violent crime is very low at 140.6 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 667.7, which is roughly one-third of the national average.

Maintaining a Secure Coastal Community

To keep crime rates low, residents should continue practicing basic security measures like locking vehicles and garages. Mathews County’s safety is a collective achievement that benefits from vigilant homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mathews County

via HealthByCounty

Solid life expectancy, excellent insurance

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mathews County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Coastal Virginia

Mathews County manages a streamlined education infrastructure consisting of just 3 public schools. A single district serves 911 total students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

High Investment and Competitive Results

The county invests $9,321 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of $7,941. This funding supports a 57.0 school score and an 87.0% graduation rate that matches the national average.

A Unified Rural School District

Mathews County Public Schools oversees all 911 students in the region across its three traditional campuses. The county maintains a focused public school approach with no charter school alternatives currently available.

The Quintessential Rural School Experience

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, creating an intimate learning environment with an average size of 304 students. Mathews Elementary is the largest campus with 318 students, closely followed by Mathews High with 310.

Invest in a Close-Knit Educational Community

Families looking for a quiet, rural setting often target Mathews County for its high per-pupil spending and small class sizes. The local real estate market offers unique opportunities to live near these community-focused schools where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mathews County

via RiskByCounty

Mathews has very low composite risk score

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mathews County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Coastal Escape

Mathews County is significantly warmer than the national median, with an annual average of 57.6°F. It is one of the wettest regions in the state, receiving 51.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer Than the Virginia Mainland

The county's 57.6°F average is nearly two degrees higher than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its coastal location provides a maritime influence that keeps winters milder than inland counties.

Higher Rainfall Than Inland Peers

Mathews receives 51.9 inches of rain, far exceeding the 44.2 inches found in Louisa County. Its 57.6°F average also makes it the warmest county in this regional group.

Mild Winters and Low Heat Extremes

Despite the high average temperature, the coast keeps extremes in check with only 16 days above 90°F. Winters are the mildest in the set, with a 39.9°F average and only 8.5 inches of snow.

Heavy Rain and Storm Protection

Residents must plan for over 50 inches of rain annually with robust drainage and flood mitigation. While extreme heat is rare at 16 days, the high humidity requires consistent climate control to prevent mold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mathews County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Acidic Sand Profiles

Mathews County features a very acidic soil pH of 5.06, which is lower than the Virginia average of 5.23. This level falls significantly below the 6.5 national median, typical for the state's coastal plain regions.

Dominated by Coastal Sands

The soil is 59.4% sand, providing a loose and light texture that is very easy to cultivate. A lower clay content of 13.1% means the soil drains rapidly, though it may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is a standout at 3.32%, comfortably beating the Virginia state average of 2.90%. This high fertility, paired with an available water capacity of 0.145 in/in, creates a productive environment for moisture-loving plants.

Fast Drainage for Coastal Farming

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand percentage ensures water moves through the soil quickly. This keeps roots healthy during wet seasons but may require extra irrigation during the height of summer.

Flourishing in Zone 8a

The mild maritime climate of Hardiness Zone 8a allows for a long and productive growing season. Use the rich organic content of Mathews' soil to grow beautiful figs, camellias, and a variety of coastal-tolerant shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mathews County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Ease in Mathews County

Mathews County scores a 56.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just ahead of the Virginia average. As part of Hardiness Zone 8a, this coastal area enjoys milder winters than the state's interior. This makes it a prime location for warm-season grasses that love the long, humid summers.

Abundant Rain and Low Heat Stress

At 51.9 inches of annual precipitation, Mathews is significantly wetter than the state average of 46 inches. It only experiences 16 extreme heat days, which is nearly half the state average, protecting grass from summer burn. A high 4,148 growing degree days ensures your lawn has plenty of energy to grow.

Sandy and Very Acidic Soil

The soil here is 59.4% sand and only 13.1% clay, leading to very fast drainage and nutrient leaching. With a pH of 5.06, the soil is extremely acidic and requires significant lime applications to support healthy turf. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to help the sandy soil hold onto water and food.

Short Drought Spells

Mathews has only seen 7 weeks of drought over the past year, far fewer than most Virginia counties. However, the entire county is currently labeled as abnormally dry. Because of the high sand content in your soil, your lawn will show signs of thirst faster than clay-heavy yards.

A Long, Coastal Growing Window

The frost-free season begins early on April 1 and lasts until November 10, providing a massive window for growth. St. Augustine or Centipede grass are excellent choices for the sandy, Zone 8a conditions. If you prefer cool-season grass, the mild 16 heat days make Tall Fescue a viable, year-round option.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mathews County's county score?
Mathews County, Virginia has a composite county score of 63.4 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 Mathews County rank among counties in Virginia?
Mathews County ranks #14 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 Mathews County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mathews County is $1,475, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Mathews County a tax score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mathews County?
The median household income in Mathews County, Virginia is $75,487 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mathews County earns an income score of 78/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mathews County, Virginia a good place to live?
Mathews County scores 63.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Mathews 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 Mathews 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.