New Kent County

Virginia · VA

#83 in Virginia
70
County Score

County Report Card

About New Kent County, Virginia

Solid performance, mixed income strength

New Kent County scores 65.2 out of 100, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 30% and ranking comfortably in the upper-middle tier. The score reflects a unique income advantage offset by higher housing costs.

Below Virginia's state average

New Kent scores 65.2 versus Virginia's average of 70.3, placing it in the lower half of the state's livability rankings. The county faces headwinds despite strong incomes due to affordability pressures.

High incomes fuel prosperity

New Kent's standout income score of 61.8 reflects a median household income of $120,125, the highest among all eight assessed counties. The county also maintains a respectable tax score of 83.2 with an effective rate of 0.679%.

Housing costs significantly limit affordability

New Kent's cost score of 52.6 is the weakest among these counties, driven by median home values of $371,500 and rents of $1,653 per month. These expenses consume larger portions of household budgets despite strong incomes.

Best for affluent commuters and professionals

New Kent County suits higher-earning families who can absorb elevated housing costs in exchange for strong schools, suburban amenities, and proximity to employment centers. It's ideal for dual-income professionals and established executives.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.2Cost52.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome61.8Risk85.9WaterComing Soon
🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠52.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼61.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
85.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

New Kent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in New Kent County

via TaxByCounty

New Kent taxes slightly exceed national median

New Kent's effective tax rate of 0.679% sits modestly above the national median, and its median tax of $2,523 is 6% below the national median of $2,690. The county remains competitive nationally despite higher home values and slightly elevated rates.

New Kent ranks just above Virginia's average

At 0.679%, New Kent's effective rate edges above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state. Its median tax of $2,523 is 29% higher than Virginia's average of $1,960, reflecting the county's premium home values.

New Kent pricier than rural peers

New Kent's 0.679% rate and $2,523 median tax exceed rural neighbors like Middlesex (0.564%, $1,692) and Northumberland (0.481%, $1,602). However, its higher effective rate reflects the county's proximity to Richmond and more affluent demographics.

The cost of a New Kent home purchase

New Kent's median home value of $371,500 generates an annual property tax of approximately $2,523. That breaks down to about $210 per month—a premium reflecting both the higher home values and moderate tax rate.

Review your New Kent assessment today

New Kent homeowners with higher-value properties should verify their assessments, as errors on expensive homes can mean substantial annual overpayments. Filing a free appeal can reveal if your assessed value aligns with recent market sales in your neighborhood.

Cost of Living in New Kent County

via CostByCounty

Wealth and affordability meet in New Kent

New Kent County's median household income of $120,125 towers 60% above the national median of $74,755, and its 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Virginia's 18.6% state average. This combination of high incomes and manageable housing costs creates exceptional affordability despite premium price tags.

Virginia's wealthiest, most affordable county

New Kent ranks at the top of Virginia's income hierarchy with a median household income that dwarfs state peers, enabling residents to absorb housing costs easily. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio—among the state's best—reflects strong earning power offsetting the county's higher absolute prices.

Premium pricing, premium incomes

New Kent's $1,653 median rent is the highest among our sample, reflecting its role as a prosperous Tidewater suburb, yet its 16.5% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive with much cheaper neighbors due to exceptionally high incomes. Compared to Middlesex ($74,154 income) and Montgomery ($70,769), New Kent's $120,125 median income easily supports its elevated housing costs.

High prices, higher paychecks—the math works

Renters dedicate $1,653 monthly to housing (16.5% of a $120,125 income), while homeowners pay $1,663 for mortgages—nearly identical burdens by percentage. This rare symmetry between rent and ownership costs suggests New Kent offers genuine choice for higher-income households.

Premium county for premium incomes

New Kent County suits higher-earning professionals and families relocating to Virginia's Tidewater region who can afford its $1,653 median rent and $371,500 median home value. With household incomes averaging $120,125, New Kent residents enjoy the state's best affordability ratio despite paying top-dollar for housing.

Income & Jobs in New Kent County

via IncomeByCounty

New Kent leads America's earners

New Kent County's median household income of $120,125 towers 60% above the national median of $74,755—landing this county among America's wealthiest. This exceptional income level reflects both high-earning residents and likely commuter access to major employment hubs.

Virginia's income powerhouse

New Kent's $120,125 median household income runs $45,168 above Virginia's state average of $74,957, making it a clear leader among the state's 95 jurisdictions. The county ranks among Virginia's top income performers, second only to the wealthiest suburban enclaves.

Far outearning all nearby counties

New Kent's $120,125 income vastly exceeds its neighbors—Middlesex ($74,154), Northumberland ($69,500), and all other surrounding counties by $45,000 or more. The county stands apart as a distinct economic tier in the region.

Wealth and housing in balance

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.5%, New Kent households keep housing costs to one-sixth of earnings despite a median home value of $371,500. The county's high incomes absorb housing costs with ease, allowing substantial resources for investment and savings.

Maximize New Kent's wealth potential

New Kent's exceptional incomes and low housing burden create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments and tax-advantaged accounts. High earners here should maximize 401(k) and IRA contributions, explore investment real estate, and work with a financial advisor on portfolio diversification.

Health in New Kent County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy strong, health status excellent

New Kent residents live an average of 77.3 years, approaching the U.S. average of 78.9 years. At just 12.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among the healthiest communities in its region.

Well above Virginia's health benchmarks

New Kent's 77.3-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's 75.1-year average by 2.2 years, and its 7.5% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 7.9%. The county demonstrates strong health fundamentals and near-universal coverage.

Coverage strong despite thin provider access

New Kent has only 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this profile—yet maintains excellent health outcomes and coverage rates. Mental health providers at 145 per 100,000 suggest residents may travel for primary care but have good mental health support locally.

Resilient health despite access constraints

With just 7.5% uninsured and strong health outcomes, New Kent proves that coverage and community health practices matter more than provider density. The sparse primary care network suggests residents may rely on regional health systems, but most have insurance to cover those trips.

Keep coverage updated each year

If you're insured in New Kent, renew your coverage during annual open enrollment to avoid lapses in protection. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your plan remains the best fit for your healthcare needs.

Disaster Risk in New Kent County

via RiskByCounty

New Kent ranks among safest U.S. counties

With a composite risk score of just 14.12, New Kent County sits in the Very Low category nationally—significantly safer than average American communities. Your county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Virginia's lowest-risk county profiled

New Kent's 14.12 score stands lowest among these eight Virginia counties and far below the state average of 33.27. You reside in one of the state's safest communities for natural disaster risk.

Safest in your immediate region

New Kent (14.12) outpaces every neighboring county in this analysis, including Middlesex (23.79), Nelson (34.10), and all Northumberland-area counties. Your location offers exceptional natural disaster resilience for coastal Virginia.

Hurricane poses only significant threat

Hurricane risk scores highest at 66.92, though still moderate nationally, reflecting Atlantic coastal exposure. Flood (52.80), earthquake (40.97), tornado (24.87), and wildfire (27.32) risks all remain well-controlled.

Hurricane and flood prep keeps you safe

Despite your county's overall safety, coastal storm exposure demands flood insurance and a solid hurricane preparedness plan. Maintain your roof's integrity, secure outdoor items during storm season, and review your homeowners policy annually for adequate coverage.

ByCounty Network

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