CountyScore

Middlesex County

Virginia · VA

#51 in Virginia
72.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Middlesex County, Virginia

Well above the national livability bar

Middlesex County scores 74.0 out of 100, nearly 50% higher than the national median of 50.0. This composite score places the county in the upper tier of American counties, signaling strong fundamentals across measured dimensions.

A top performer in Virginia

Middlesex ranks above Virginia's average composite score of 70.3, cementing its position as one of the state's more livable counties. The county outperforms most of its peers on the available metrics.

Tax-friendly with affordable housing

Middlesex excels with a tax score of 86.4 and a cost score of 75.2, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.564% and a median home value of $299,800. Renters benefit from median gross rent of $1,071 per month, among the state's most affordable.

Income growth remains limited

The county's income score of 31.8 reveals a median household income of $74,154, which trails state and national benchmarks for comparable communities. Additional data on schools, health, safety, and natural hazards is not yet available to assess those critical livability factors.

Ideal for cost-conscious retirees

Middlesex County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high wages or urban amenities. The strong composite score and tax burden make it attractive for those seeking financial stability in a stable, measured environment.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.4Cost75.2SafetyComing SoonHealth66.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.8Risk76.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Middlesex County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butler County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,881
Choctaw County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,483
Hale County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $41,325
Pike County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $47,961
Gilchrist County
Florida
72.3
Median income: $61,070

Deep Dives

Middlesex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Middlesex County

via TaxByCounty

Middlesex taxes rank well nationally

At 0.564%, Middlesex's effective tax rate sits well below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay less as a percentage of home value than most Americans. The county's median property tax of $1,692 is 37% lower than the national median of $2,690, placing it in the lower third nationally.

One of Virginia's most affordable counties

Middlesex ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in Virginia, with an effective rate of 0.564% compared to the state average of 0.671%. Its median tax of $1,692 is 14% below Virginia's state average, offering meaningful savings for county homeowners.

Middlesex undercuts nearby Eastern Shore

Compared to neighboring Northumberland County (0.481%) and Northampton County (0.605%), Middlesex sits in the middle but still beats the state average. The three-county Eastern Shore region clusters well below state rates, making the entire area a tax-friendly destination.

The math on a typical Middlesex home

A median-valued home in Middlesex County at $299,800 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,692. That works out to $141 per month—considerably lighter than the national typical burden.

Even low taxes deserve a closer look

Many Virginia homeowners, regardless of county, are overassessed on their property valuations and can appeal their assessments for free. It's worth checking if your home's assessed value matches its true market value—you might owe even less than Middlesex's already favorable rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Middlesex County

via CostByCounty

Middlesex rents align with national norms

At 17.3%, Middlesex County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average and well below Virginia's 18.6% state average, signaling solid affordability for renters. The median household income of $74,154 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, making housing costs here manageable compared to much of the country.

Among Virginia's most affordable counties

Middlesex ranks favorably statewide for housing affordability, with rents 6% lower than the state median of $1,140. The county's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio beats two-thirds of Virginia counties, positioning it as a relative bargain in a state where affordability pressures are rising.

The sweet spot of the Tidewater region

Middlesex's $1,071 median rent is competitive against neighboring Northumberland ($1,053) and Nelson ($950), though both offer lower monthly costs. When paired with Middlesex's strong median income of $74,154, the county delivers better overall affordability than nearby Newport News ($1,285 rent) and Norfolk ($1,246 rent).

Housing costs stay within healthy bounds

Renters spend $1,071 monthly while homeowners pay $905 for mortgages, with both housing types consuming roughly 17% of the median household income. This balanced burden means Middlesex residents keep more income for food, healthcare, and savings compared to higher-cost Virginia markets.

A stable, affordable Tidewater option

If you're relocating to Virginia's Tidewater region and seeking affordability without sacrificing income potential, Middlesex offers rents below state average and a median home value of $299,800. Compare this 17.3% rent-to-income ratio to neighboring counties—you'll find few better balance sheets in the area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Middlesex County

via IncomeByCounty

Middlesex tracks with America

Middlesex's median household income of $74,154 sits just $600 below the national median of $74,755, placing this county squarely in the middle of American earning power. That consistency signals a stable, middle-class economy with limited extremes on either end of the income spectrum.

Slightly behind Virginia's average

At $74,154, Middlesex earns less than Virginia's average median household income of $74,957—a gap of $803 that reflects the state's stronger-than-national average. The county ranks in the middle tier of Virginia's 95 jurisdictions, neither a leader nor a laggard.

Outearning some peer counties

Middlesex edges out Montgomery County ($70,769) and Nelson County ($68,525) but trails New Kent County's exceptional $120,125 median. Among its closest regional peers, Middlesex maintains solid footing without the wealth concentration of high-income neighbors.

Housing costs are manageable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% means housing absorbs less than one-fifth of median household earnings—well below the 30% threshold planners consider sustainable. With a median home value of $299,800, Middlesex residents have room in their budgets for savings and other priorities.

Build on Middlesex's solid base

With incomes aligned to national norms and reasonable housing costs, Middlesex households are positioned to invest in retirement accounts, education, and long-term wealth building. Starting an emergency fund with 3–6 months of expenses and maximizing employer 401(k) matches are practical next steps for families here.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Middlesex County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national peers

Middlesex residents live an average of 73.5 years, more than 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 17.6% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county sits above the national median, suggesting chronic health challenges that deserve attention.

Among Virginia's healthier challenges

Middlesex ranks below the Virginia average of 75.1 years for life expectancy, a gap of 1.6 years that reflects broader health disparities in the region. The county's 11.2% uninsured rate exceeds Virginia's 7.9% state average, leaving more residents without consistent healthcare access.

Primary care access needs strengthening

Middlesex has just 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly half the supply found in neighboring Nelson County (81 per 100K). Mental health support is relatively robust at 73 providers per 100,000, though broader primary care capacity remains the critical gap.

Healthcare access remains the daily barrier

Nearly 1 in 9 Middlesex residents (11.2%) lack health insurance, making routine preventive care less accessible for vulnerable families. The shortage of primary care providers compounds this challenge, forcing residents to travel farther for basic medical services.

Coverage options are within reach

If you're uninsured in Middlesex County, Virginia's Medicaid and federal ACA marketplace offer pathways to coverage regardless of income or employment. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore plans and financial assistance programs available to you today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Middlesex County

via RiskByCounty

Middlesex sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 23.79, Middlesex County ranks as Very Low nationally—well below the nation's average exposure to natural disasters. Your county faces significantly less overall threat than most American communities.

Safer than most Virginia counties

Middlesex's score of 23.79 places it comfortably below Virginia's state average of 33.27. You're among the lower-risk counties in your state when it comes to natural disaster exposure.

Neighborhood risk comparison

Middlesex's 23.79 score edges out New Kent County (14.12) as safer, but outperforms nearby Nelson County (34.10) and Northumberland County (39.98). Your risk profile aligns with the region's most protected areas.

Hurricane threat dominates your profile

Hurricane risk scores highest at 85.52, reflecting coastal exposure to Atlantic storms—though moderate elevation limits overall danger. Flood risk (58.00) comes second, with earthquake and wildfire threats remaining minimal at 36.86 and 31.42 respectively.

Prioritize flood and hurricane coverage

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood or hurricane damage, making separate policies essential for your county's leading hazards. Review coverage annually before Atlantic storm season and ensure your property meets current building codes for wind resistance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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