Mecklenburg County's composite score of 77.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid livability comparable to well-performing American communities.
2 / 5
In Virginia's upper livability tier
With a score of 77.0, Mecklenburg exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking among the Commonwealth's more livable counties. The county performs notably above typical Virginia conditions.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable housing combined
Mecklenburg offers a tax score of 88.6 with an effective rate of 0.488% and a cost score of 83.2 reflecting just $169,400 median home value and $804 monthly rent. These twin advantages create genuine affordability for residents across income levels.
4 / 5
Income growth remains a constraint
The income score of 17.1 reflects a median household income of $51,691, below state averages and limiting long-term wealth potential. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and rural-living seekers
Mecklenburg County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and families prioritizing minimal living costs over maximum earning potential. The county delivers exceptional value for those seeking rural Virginia life with low taxes and affordable housing.
Mecklenburg County's composite score of 77.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid livability comparable to well-performing American communities.
In Virginia's upper livability tier
With a score of 77.0, Mecklenburg exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking among the Commonwealth's more livable counties. The county performs notably above typical Virginia conditions.
Low taxes and affordable housing combined
Mecklenburg offers a tax score of 88.6 with an effective rate of 0.488% and a cost score of 83.2 reflecting just $169,400 median home value and $804 monthly rent. These twin advantages create genuine affordability for residents across income levels.
Income growth remains a constraint
The income score of 17.1 reflects a median household income of $51,691, below state averages and limiting long-term wealth potential. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.
Perfect for retirees and rural-living seekers
Mecklenburg County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and families prioritizing minimal living costs over maximum earning potential. The county delivers exceptional value for those seeking rural Virginia life with low taxes and affordable housing.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Mecklenburg County's effective tax rate of 0.488% places it in roughly the bottom 25% nationally for property tax burden. Although the national median annual property tax is $2,690, Mecklenburg's low rate means homeowners here pay far less as a percentage of home value.
Below average, relatively tax-friendly
Mecklenburg's 0.488% effective rate sits below Virginia's 0.671% average, making it a moderately tax-friendly jurisdiction. The county ranks in the lower third of Virginia's 95 counties and cities for property tax rates.
Competitive rates in the region
Mecklenburg's 0.488% rate is higher than Lunenburg County (0.436%) and Mathews County (0.423%), but lower than Madison County (0.594%). It offers balanced taxation compared to surrounding rural and urban areas.
Median annual tax: $826
With a median home value of $169,400 and a 0.488% effective rate, the typical Mecklenburg homeowner pays about $826 per year in property taxes—roughly $69 monthly. This represents a relatively modest tax burden.
Don't skip the assessment review
Even in lower-tax counties like Mecklenburg, overassessment happens regularly and often goes uncontested. Homeowners should request their assessment and file an appeal if the valuation seems out of line with recent market sales.
At 18.7%, Mecklenburg County's rent-to-income ratio mirrors national norms, though the median household income of $51,691 lags the national median of $74,755 by $23,064. This means residents experience typical rent burdens on below-average earnings.
Slightly above Virginia's average burden
Mecklenburg's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% slightly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it near the state middle for affordability. Median rent of $804 undercuts the state average of $1,140, though income lags state norms.
Balanced pricing in rural cohort
Mecklenburg's $804 rent and $710 owner cost run slightly higher than Lunenburg and Martinsville but remain firmly in the rural affordability tier. The $169,400 median home value reflects modest but steady property appreciation in the region.
Mecklenburg's housing expense reality
Renters allocate 18.7% of their $51,691 income to rent, while homeowners dedicate approximately 16.5% to mortgage payments on homes valued near $169,400. Both percentages track close to national recommendations despite below-average area incomes.
Mecklenburg for rural, budget-conscious moves
If you're relocating with remote work income or seeking affordable rural living in southside Virginia, Mecklenburg offers moderate rents and accessible home prices. Ensure your income aligns with or exceeds the $51,691 median to avoid financial strain.
Mecklenburg County's median household income of $51,691 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755. The rural south-central county reflects economic challenges facing agricultural and declining manufacturing communities.
Bottom quarter of Virginia counties
At $51,691, Mecklenburg ranks in the bottom 25% of Virginia jurisdictions, lagging the state median of $74,957 by $23,266. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most Virginia peers.
Among the lowest regional earners
Mecklenburg ($51,691) nearly matches Lunenburg ($54,460) as the lowest-earning community in this group, exceeding only Martinsville ($42,434). Rural south-central Virginia counties cluster at the bottom of the state's income distribution.
Affordable housing provides relief
A 18.7% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, and the median home value of $169,400 remains accessible. Low housing costs provide Mecklenburg households breathing room despite challenging overall income levels.
Small steps toward financial security
Mecklenburg residents benefit from affordable housing that frees income for savings and financial planning. Building an emergency fund and exploring low-cost investment options can help households gradually strengthen their economic position.
Mecklenburg residents live to an average of 73.0 years, nearly 7 years shorter than the U.S. average of 80 years. One in five residents reports poor or fair health, reflecting significant chronic disease burden.
Among Virginia's lowest-performing counties
Mecklenburg's 73.0-year life expectancy is 2.1 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, ranking it among the state's most challenged health outcomes. Its 9.4% uninsured rate exceeds Virginia's 7.9% average, adding to health disparities.
Limited primary care, moderate mental health
Mecklenburg has 56 primary care providers per 100,000—better than rural Madison but far below urban Lynchburg or Manassas. With 131 mental health providers per 100K and higher uninsured rates, the county likely struggles with both access and affordability.
Health crisis amid coverage gaps
Mecklenburg's combination of low life expectancy, high poor health reports, and above-average uninsured rates reflects a compounding health crisis. Nearly 1 in 10 residents lack coverage while chronic disease management remains inadequate.
Coverage first step toward better health
With 9.4% uninsured and significant health challenges ahead, Mecklenburg residents should prioritize enrollment in affordable plans. Virginia's marketplace and Medicaid offer pathways to coverage; visit Healthcare.gov or Medicaid.virginia.gov today.
With a composite risk score of 54.33 and a Relatively Low rating, Mecklenburg County experiences higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties. The county's score significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, driven particularly by elevated hurricane and flood exposure.
Upper tier risk among Virginia counties
Mecklenburg County ranks among Virginia's higher-risk communities overall, with exposure patterns more severe than most profiled counties. The county's Relatively Low rating indicates substantial hazard exposure relative to safer Virginia communities.
Significantly riskier than nearby counties
Mecklenburg's risk score of 54.33 substantially exceeds Lunenburg County (19.85), Martinsville city (9.57), and Manassas Park city (4.93). Only Lynchburg city (49.30) approaches Mecklenburg's risk profile among the profiled communities, making Mecklenburg one of the region's riskier areas.
Hurricane and flood risks are substantial
Mecklenburg County's highest individual risks come from hurricane (85.27) and flood (56.58), both well above state averages and reflecting the county's southern Virginia location. Tornado risk (33.84) and earthquake risk (65.01) also exceed many peers, creating a multi-hazard environment.
Comprehensive coverage essential for Mecklenburg
Mecklenburg County residents must maintain robust homeowners insurance with specific hurricane and flood provisions, given the county's elevated exposure to both hazards. Flood insurance is particularly critical—standard policies exclude flood damage, making separate flood coverage essential through NFIP or private insurers.