countyscore
27.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 68.9Lawn Care 53.4Income & Jobs 50.9

County Report Card

About Norfolk city, Virginia

Significant National Ranking Challenges

Norfolk city earns a composite score of 27.4, placing it in the lower quartile of counties nationwide. It faces significant headwinds compared to the national median of 50.0.

Below the Virginia Benchmark

The city trails the Virginia state average of 50.9 by over 20 points. Its performance is heavily impacted by the unique costs and risks of a historic coastal urban center.

Consistent Economic Base

The city's strongest dimension is income, with a score of 50.9 and a median household income of $64,017. It provides a stable financial baseline for its diverse urban workforce.

Critical Safety and Climate Risks

Safety scores are a major concern at 1.5, and a low risk score of 18.8 reflects high exposure to coastal environmental factors. While water data is not yet available, housing costs also remain high relative to income.

For Dedicated Coastal Urbanites

Norfolk is best suited for those who value maritime culture and a diverse economy despite significant safety and environmental trade-offs. It appeals to residents who thrive in a historic, high-activity port city.

2040608010037.610.61.545.641.850.918.868.9Tax37.6Cost10.6Safety1.5Health45.6Schools41.8Income50.9Risk18.8Water—Weather68.927.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Norfolk city DNA

Foverall

How Norfolk city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Norfolk city falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (1.5/100), though Weather & Climate (68.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.6-14.399999999999999
Cost
10.6-37.4
Safety
1.5-53.5
Health
45.6
Schools
41.8-12.200000000000003
Income
50.9
Risk
18.8-28.2
Weather
68.9+12.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$271,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,246/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$271,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,017/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

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
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Nearby counties

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26.7
Hampton city
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Chesapeake city
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Isle of Wight County
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Deep Dives

Norfolk city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Norfolk city

via TaxByCounty

Norfolk taxes rank among America's highest

Norfolk's effective tax rate of 1.007% sits in the nation's top percentile, with a median tax of $2,738 that slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690. The city's substantial tax burden reflects its status as a major urban center with significant infrastructure costs.

Second-highest tax rate in Virginia

Norfolk's effective rate of 1.007% ranks second only to Newport News in Virginia, nearly 50% above the state average of 0.671%. Its median tax of $2,738 exceeds the state average by 40%, making it one of the costliest jurisdictions for property owners statewide.

Norfolk and Newport News dominate locally

Norfolk's 1.007% rate matches Newport News's burden (1.030%) and vastly exceeds rural neighbors like Northampton (0.605%), Northumberland (0.481%), and Middlesex (0.564%). The two independent cities carry the region's highest effective rates due to urban service demands.

Norfolk homeowner's annual tax obligation

A median-valued Norfolk home at $271,900 carries an annual property tax of approximately $2,738. That translates to about $228 per month—among the nation's heaviest property tax burdens on a per-home basis.

Norfolk homeowners: explore assessment appeals

With such substantial annual tax bills, Norfolk residents should verify their assessments are accurate and current—a free appeal can challenge inflated valuations. In a changing real estate market, many homeowners find their assessed values no longer match true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Norfolk city

via CostByCounty

Norfolk rents strain lower-income households

Norfolk's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's affordability challenges, exceeding Virginia's 18.6% state average and the national norm. With a median household income of $64,017—more than $10,000 below the national median—Norfolk residents face mounting pressure from $1,246 monthly rents.

Virginia's least affordable major city

Norfolk ranks at the bottom of Virginia's affordability ladder, with a 23.4% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds all state peers in our sample and reflects severe housing cost stress. The combination of lower incomes and urban-level rents creates substantial affordability challenges.

Priciest city with lowest incomes

Norfolk's $1,246 median rent rivals Newport News ($1,285) while the city's median income ($64,017) trails both Newport News ($66,718) and every surrounding rural county. This unfavorable pairing—high rents, lower incomes—makes Norfolk measurably less affordable than neighbors like Northampton ($780 rent) or Nelson ($950 rent).

Housing eats more than one-fifth of pay

Renters dedicate $1,246 monthly to housing on a median income of $64,017, consuming 23.4% of earnings and creating genuine financial strain. Homeowners confront an even steeper climb at $1,568 monthly (29.3% of income), placing homeownership out of reach for median-income households.

Urban vitality requires housing sacrifice

Norfolk's major employment, cultural, and military opportunities come with a 23.4% rent-to-income ratio—the highest affordability burden in our sample. Budget generously for housing (expect $1,246+ monthly rent) or explore more affordable neighborhoods in surrounding counties with shorter commutes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Norfolk city

via IncomeByCounty

Norfolk's income below national average

Norfolk's median household income of $64,017 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,738, placing Virginia's largest city in the lower quartile of U.S. metros. The per capita income of $37,433 reflects Norfolk's dense, diverse population with significant low-wage service sector employment.

Norfolk lags Virginia's standard

At $64,017, Norfolk earns $10,940 below Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking it among the state's lower-income jurisdictions. The city's large urban footprint includes pockets of poverty and working-class neighborhoods that pull the overall median down.

Lowest among peer localities

Norfolk's $64,017 income ranks just below Newport News ($66,718) and substantially trails all neighboring counties—Middlesex ($74,154), Northumberland ($69,500), and all others. The city anchors the lower end of the regional income spectrum.

Housing costs squeeze family budgets

Norfolk's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% is among Virginia's highest, meaning housing consumes nearly a quarter of median earnings. With a median home value of $271,900, many Norfolk households struggle to balance homeownership with savings and debt repayment.

Build wealth despite tight margins

Norfolk residents face the toughest affordability challenges in this comparison, demanding aggressive budgeting and creative wealth-building strategies. Focus on employer benefits, side income opportunities, and micro-saving methods—even $25–50 weekly into savings compounds into meaningful emergency funds and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Norfolk city

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in the City of Norfolk

Norfolk city reports a total crime rate of 5,537.7 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. Consequently, its safety score sits at 91.3, reflecting a more active crime environment than many US regions.

Comparing Norfolk to Virginia’s Averages

The city’s safety score of 91.3 falls well below the Virginia state average of 97.3. Norfolk's crime rate is more than three times higher than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents.

Elevated Crime Rates vs. Regional Neighbors

Norfolk experiences significantly higher crime rates than nearby rural and suburban counties. As a major urban hub with single-agency reporting, the city handles a much higher volume of incidents than the typical Virginia county.

Breakdown of Property and Violent Crimes

Property crimes are highly prevalent in Norfolk, occurring at a rate of 4,835.1 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 702.6 is also elevated, nearly doubling the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Security

Given the high property crime rate, residents should prioritize comprehensive security systems with 24/7 monitoring. Keeping valuables out of sight and securing vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Norfolk city

via SchoolsByCounty

Norfolk’s Urban Educational Network

Norfolk manages a robust infrastructure of 54 public schools, including 31 elementary, 6 middle, and 5 high schools. Across four districts, the city supports a total enrollment of 27,306 students.

Performance Results and Spending Trends

Norfolk reports an 82% graduation rate, which sits below the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. The city invests $8,321 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $7,941 but trailing the national benchmark of $13,000.

The Norfolk City Public Schools System

Norfolk City Public Schools is the dominant force in the area, serving all 27,306 students across 50 of the city's schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the city’s public education system.

Life in a Purely Urban Setting

Every one of Norfolk's 54 schools is classified as a city locale, creating a consistent urban feel. Norview High is the largest campus with 1,915 students, while the average school size across the city remains around 607 students.

Finding a Home in Norfolk's Districts

For families looking to move, Norview and Granby are major residential hubs centered around high-capacity secondary schools. Evaluating local school scores is a vital step when exploring the city's diverse urban neighborhoods.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Norfolk city

via RiskByCounty

Norfolk faces the nation's highest hazard exposure

Norfolk's composite risk score of 81.23 ranks it as Relatively Moderate nationally and places it among America's most disaster-exposed major cities. Your community experiences significantly above-average exposure to multiple concurrent natural hazards.

Virginia's highest-risk profiled locality

At 81.23, Norfolk's score is more than double Virginia's average of 33.27, making it the state's most hazardous community in this analysis. No other Virginia locality profiled here comes close to your risk exposure level.

Hazard severity significantly exceeds all peers

Norfolk (81.23) stands far above Newport News (72.23) and every rural county profiled, reflecting its position as one of America's largest naval ports. Your urban waterfront geography creates compounded exposure to hurricanes, floods, and seismic activity.

Hurricane and flood threats are critical

Hurricane risk reaches 92.95—among the nation's highest—while flood risk scores 82.40, reflecting your position at sea level and tidal influence. Tornado (74.14) and earthquake (78.15) threats also rank dangerously high for a coastal city.

Multi-layered insurance is absolutely essential

Flood and hurricane insurance aren't luxuries in Norfolk—they're mandatory safeguards given your 82.40 flood and 92.95 hurricane scores. Invest in serious elevation, storm-resistant modifications, emergency supplies, and verified coverage from multiple providers; review policies quarterly rather than annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Norfolk city

via WaterByCounty

Norfolk Lacks Available Compliance Snapshot

Public health violation data for Norfolk city is not currently available in this federal snapshot. Across Virginia, the average rate is 126.9 violations per 100,000 people. Residents are encouraged to review the city's direct water quality reports for the most recent safety compliance details.

Three-Quarters of Norfolk Waters Face Impairment

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 75.7% of assessed water bodies in Norfolk are impaired. This rate is significantly above the state average of 46.1%. Primary impairments are driven by PCBs in fish tissue, low dissolved oxygen, and Enterococcus bacteria.

Intensive Testing with 36,000+ Records

Norfolk maintains 28 monitoring sites that have produced 36,833 measurements over the last five years. Monitoring focuses heavily on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. This high volume of data helps track the impact of urban density on the city's coastal ecosystem.

Streamflow Data Unavailable for Norfolk City

No representative USGS streamgage is currently active in Norfolk city to provide real-time discharge data. Given Norfolk's coastal geography, water levels are frequently influenced by tidal patterns rather than inland streamflow. The high rate of watershed impairment remains the most critical available environmental indicator.

Take Precautions Near Impacted Coastal Waters

Because 75.7% of Norfolk's water bodies are impaired, residents should exercise caution when swimming or fishing in local waters. The presence of Enterococcus bacteria suggests a need for awareness regarding water contact after heavy rains. Checking local beach and waterway health alerts is a recommended best practice.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Norfolk city

via WeatherByCounty

One of Virginia's warmest spots

Norfolk city averages 61.0°F annually, placing it among the warmer regions in the United States. It is a wet climate, receiving nearly 50 inches of precipitation each year.

Leading the state in warmth

Norfolk is significantly warmer than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This coastal city enjoys longer growing seasons and milder winters than the state interior.

Warmer than its coastal neighbors

Norfolk is warmer than Newport News (59.5°F) and Northampton County (58.9°F). The urban heat island effect likely contributes to these higher readings.

Wet summers and light snow

The city sees 38 extreme heat days per year with a July average of 80.4°F. Snow is rare, averaging only 4.6 inches annually despite the high precipitation.

Prepare for rain and humidity

With 49.4 inches of annual precipitation, waterproof gear and humidity control are essential. The mild 43.6°F winter average makes it ideal for year-round outdoor coastal activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Norfolk city

via SoilByCounty

Maritime Soils of Norfolk

Data for Norfolk's soil identity is limited due to its dense urban development. While the national median pH is 6.5, coastal city soils often vary significantly based on historical land use.

Texture Data is Limited

Official sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this city location. Residents often encounter a mix of native coastal sands and imported topsoils in residential areas.

Warm Weather Growing Potential

Fertility metrics like organic matter and water capacity remain unlisted for this metropolitan area. However, Norfolk's position provides a unique maritime climate that can be highly productive with soil amendments.

Managing Water in Norfolk

Hydrologic group data is not provided for this urban center. Drainage in Norfolk is closely tied to city infrastructure and the management of the local water table near the Chesapeake Bay.

A Gardener's Zone 8b Paradise

Norfolk sits in Zone 8b, offering one of the mildest winters in the state. This allows you to grow heat-loving plants like oleander and even some palm species with proper care.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Norfolk city

via LawnByCounty

Norfolk Lawns Benefit from Warmth

Norfolk scores 53.4 on the difficulty scale, making it slightly more challenging than the state average but easier than the national median. As a zone 8b city, it features one of the longest growing seasons in Virginia.

Plentiful Rain and Moderate Heat

With 49.4 inches of rain annually, Norfolk is very close to the 50-inch ideal limit for lawns. The city records 38 extreme heat days, requiring homeowners to monitor for heat stress during the mid-summer months.

Coastal Soils Require Preparation

Specific soil data is limited for the city area, but coastal residents often encounter sandy soils with high salt tolerance needs. You should test your soil to ensure the pH is not too acidic for your chosen grass type.

Resilient to Short Drought Spells

Norfolk has navigated 9 weeks of drought over the last year. Currently, the city is 100% abnormally dry, so prioritizing early morning watering will help your lawn survive the humid coastal afternoons.

A Long Season for Warm-Season Grass

St. Augustine or Zoysia thrive in the 8b hardiness zone and coastal air of Norfolk. You have a massive window to grow, stretching from the last frost on March 17 to the first frost on November 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norfolk city's county score?
Norfolk city, Virginia has a composite county score of 27.4 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 Norfolk city rank among counties in Virginia?
Norfolk city ranks #131 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 Norfolk city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Norfolk city is $2,738, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Norfolk city a tax score of 37.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norfolk city?
The median household income in Norfolk city, Virginia is $64,017 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norfolk city earns an income score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norfolk city, Virginia a good place to live?
Norfolk city scores 27.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #131 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Norfolk city 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 Norfolk city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.