countyscore
51.9
County Score
Property Tax 89.7Cost of Living 64.8Weather & Climate 64.7

County Report Card

About Mecklenburg County, Virginia

Mecklenburg Matches National Median

Mecklenburg County earns a composite score of 51.2, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced quality of life that mirrors the typical American experience.

Consistency with Virginia Averages

The county's score of 51.2 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents a reliable, middle-of-the-road option for residents in the southern part of the state.

Fiscal Freedom and Affordability

Tax efficiency is the county's greatest strength, earning an 87.3 score with a 0.488% effective rate. Housing is also highly accessible, reflected in a cost score of 64.6 and median rents of $804.

Income and Service Gaps

The income score of 18.0 reflects a median household income of $51,691, trailing much of the state. Safety, health, and school scores all fall in the 36-38 range, suggesting a need for broader community development.

Best for Value-Seeking Residents

Mecklenburg is a solid choice for individuals who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing above all else. It is well-suited for those who want a predictable, low-cost lifestyle in a traditional rural setting.

2040608010089.764.836.737.4382645.760.464.7Tax89.7Cost64.8Safety36.7Health37.4Schools38Income26Risk45.7Water60.4Weather64.751.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Mecklenburg County DNA

Foverall

How Mecklenburg County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Mecklenburg County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (89.7/100) but notably weak in Income (26/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.7+37.7
Cost
64.8+16.799999999999997
Safety
36.7-18.299999999999997
Health
37.4-12.600000000000001
Schools
38-16
Income
26-25
Risk
45.7
Water
60.4
Weather
64.7+8.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Mecklenburg County

Whether buying or refinancing in Mecklenburg County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$823/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,045/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

46.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Mecklenburg County with Bell County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Bell County
Kentucky
Median income: $31,354
51.9
Washington County
Missouri
Median income: $56,043
51.9
Northumberland County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $60,583
51.9
Monroe County
Tennessee
Median income: $56,895
51.9
Charles City County
Virginia
Median income: $75,417
51.9
Warren County
Virginia
Median income: $84,682
51.9
Garfield County
Washington
Median income: $64,884
51.9
Vernon County
Wisconsin
Median income: $71,893
51.9

Nearby counties

Vance County
North Carolina
34.6
Halifax County
Virginia
55.8
Warren County
North Carolina
38.4
Lunenburg County
Virginia
61.6
Granville County
North Carolina
40.4
Charlotte County
Virginia
58.6
Brunswick County
Virginia
55.9
Person County
North Carolina
43

Deep Dives

Mecklenburg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mecklenburg County

via TaxByCounty

Mecklenburg taxes rank well below national

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mecklenburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Mecklenburg trails national income mark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mecklenburg County

via CrimeByCounty

Mecklenburg County Outpaces National Safety

Mecklenburg reports a total crime rate of 1,468.7 per 100,000, comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. These figures earn the county a safety score of 97.7 out of 100.

A Stable Safety Profile in Virginia

The county's safety score of 97.7 is higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Six reporting agencies contribute data that shows a total crime rate lower than the state's average of 1,728.8.

Mecklenburg Compared to Nearby Counties

Mecklenburg remains a safe choice for the region, with its total crime rate staying below broader state trends. Local law enforcement data highlights a consistent level of protection across the county’s jurisdictions.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Violent crime stands at 247.0 per 100,000, well under the national 369.8 average. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 1,221.7 per 100,000, though this is still roughly 40% lower than national rates.

Enhancing Security in Mecklenburg

Residents are encouraged to secure their property using outdoor lighting and security cameras. These steps help deter theft, which is the most common crime reported in the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mecklenburg County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Mecklenburg County maintains an annual average temperature of 59.5°F, placing it well above the typical national median. The climate is characterized by significant warmth and ample precipitation, totaling 45.4 inches annually.

A hot spot in the Commonwealth

The county's 59.5°F average is nearly four degrees warmer than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It ranks among the warmer southern-tier counties in the state.

Topping local neighbor temperatures

Mecklenburg is warmer than its northern neighbor, Nottoway County, which averages 57.6°F. This regional heat is driven by its southern position along the North Carolina border.

Long summers and mild winters

Summer temperatures average 77.7°F with 51 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are gentle, averaging 41.3°F with only 4.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for significant summer heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to handle the 51 days of extreme heat each year. Residents can keep light winter gear on hand, as heavy snow is rare in this region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mecklenburg County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Southern Soil

Mecklenburg County soil averages a pH of 5.67, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.23. While still below the national median of 6.5, it provides a more hospitable environment for many common crops.

Sand and Silt Foundation

The soil composition is 45.1% sand and 36.3% silt, providing a versatile texture for both farming and gardening. The 18.6% clay content is high enough to offer better nutrient retention than sandier coastal counties.

Low Organic Matter, High Resilience

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.27%, which is less than half the Virginia state average. However, the soil compensates with an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, which is slightly better than the state norm.

Consistent Moisture Management

The balance of silt and sand suggests moderate drainage characteristics without the risk of heavy waterlogging. This makes the land suitable for diverse uses, from large-scale agriculture to residential building projects.

Productive Seasons in Zone 7b

Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, Mecklenburg is a prime location for cotton, tobacco, and summer vegetables. Boost your garden's success by incorporating compost to improve the currently low organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mecklenburg County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Heat in Mecklenburg

Mecklenburg County has a lawn difficulty score of 53.7, sitting slightly below the Virginia average of 55.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, it experiences a classic Southern Virginia climate. Lawn success here depends heavily on managing the intense summer heat.

Virginia's Hot Spot for Grass

Mecklenburg endures 51 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 28. While its 45.4 inches of rain is typical, the 4,630 growing degree days show just how much thermal energy plants receive. This heat makes summer dormancy common for cool-season grasses like fescue.

Moderate Acidity and Clay Balance

The soil pH is 5.67, which is slightly acidic but manageable with routine liming. The mix of 45.1% sand and 18.6% clay offers a decent balance of drainage and water retention. Regular aeration is recommended to prevent the clay from compacting under the intense summer sun.

Widespread Severe Drought

The county is currently facing a crisis with 96.5% of the area in severe drought. This follows 17 weeks of drought conditions over the last year, compounded by those 51 high-heat days. During these times, avoid fertilizing, as it can burn a lawn that is already struggling for water.

Ideal for Warm-Season Turf

The growing season is long, starting April 5 and ending November 1. Given the 51 heat days, Bermuda or Zoysia grass are often more successful than cool-season varieties. If you choose Fescue, make sure to seed heavily in early October once the summer heat finally breaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mecklenburg County's county score?
Mecklenburg County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Mecklenburg County rank among counties in Virginia?
Mecklenburg County ranks #72 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 Mecklenburg County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mecklenburg County is $859, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Mecklenburg County a tax score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mecklenburg County?
The median household income in Mecklenburg County, Virginia is $57,045 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mecklenburg County earns an income score of 26/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mecklenburg County, Virginia a good place to live?
Mecklenburg County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.