CountyScore

Northampton County

Virginia · VA

#69 in Virginia
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Northampton County, Virginia

Nearly 50% above national livability average

Northampton County scores 74.8 out of 100, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking among America's most livable jurisdictions. The county demonstrates strong fundamentals despite income constraints.

Top tier among Virginia counties

Northampton scores 74.8 versus Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it among the state's most livable jurisdictions. Only one other county in this cohort exceeds this score.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

Northampton boasts a cost score of 80.8 with the lowest median rent at $780 per month and median homes at $279,100, plus a tax score of 85.2 with an effective rate of 0.605%. Few American counties offer better housing value.

Very limited household incomes

Northampton's income score of 19.9 is the lowest among all eight counties, with a median household income of just $55,933. This income constraint may challenge households with significant financial obligations despite low housing costs.

Ideal for retirees and downsizers

Northampton County suits retirees, remote workers, and individuals with fixed incomes seeking maximum affordability and low taxes. The county excels for those who can live comfortably on modest means in exchange for exceptional cost-of-living advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.2Cost80.8SafetyComing SoonHealth65.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.9Risk55.6WaterComing Soon
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.6
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 Northampton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
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Median income: $49,167
Dale County
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71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Northampton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Northampton County

via TaxByCounty

Northampton offers moderate national standing

Northampton County's effective tax rate of 0.605% sits below the national median, with a median tax of $1,689 that's 37% lower than the national median of $2,690. The county ranks comfortably in the lower-tax half of American jurisdictions.

Northampton stays below Virginia's average

At 0.605%, Northampton's effective rate trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the state's lower-tax tier. Its median tax of $1,689 is 14% below the state average of $1,960, offering solid savings for county residents.

Northampton fits the Eastern Shore pattern

Northampton's 0.605% rate sits between neighboring Middlesex (0.564%) and Northumberland (0.481%), all three forming Virginia's tax-friendliest region. The Eastern Shore's low rates reflect rural character and limited municipal services compared to urban centers.

Typical Northampton County property tax bill

A median-valued Northampton home at $279,100 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,689. At $141 per month, this represents a below-average burden reflecting the county's rural Eastern Shore location.

Verify your Northampton assessment

Even in lower-tax Northampton, homeowners should confirm their assessed values are current and accurate by requesting a free appeal if they believe their assessment is high. Properties that haven't sold recently may be overvalued on the county's books.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northampton County

via CostByCounty

Northampton delivers America's cheapest rents

Northampton County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both Virginia's 18.6% state average and national norms, powered by the lowest median rent in our sample at just $780. With a median household income of $55,933, Northampton offers exceptional housing affordability for lower-income households.

Virginia's most affordable rental haven

Northampton ranks at the absolute top of Virginia's affordability charts with median rent of $780—nearly $360 below the state median of $1,140—and a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio in the state's best quartile. This rural county outpaces all peers for pure rent affordability.

The region's rental bargain basement

Northampton's $780 median rent is dramatically lower than every peer in our sample: $190 cheaper than Nelson ($950), $273 cheaper than Northumberland ($1,053), and $505 cheaper than Middlesex ($1,071). Even adjusted for lower incomes ($55,933 vs state average), Northampton delivers unmatched value.

Housing costs remain remarkably lean

Renters spend just $780 monthly (16.7% of a $55,933 income) on rent, while homeowners pay $895 for mortgages at 19.3% of income—both notably low percentages. This lean housing burden gives Northampton residents more dollars for healthcare, transportation, and other essentials.

Unbeatable affordability for rural seekers

Northampton County offers Virginia's most compelling affordability story: $780 median rent on a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio, with a median home value of $279,100 and minimal housing cost burden. If you're relocating on a tight budget and can embrace rural life on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Northampton is unmatched.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northampton County

via IncomeByCounty

Northampton significantly trails nation

Northampton County's median household income of $55,933 falls $18,822 short of the national median of $74,755—placing it in the bottom quartile of American counties. The per capita income of $38,934 suggests a workforce heavily concentrated in lower-wage sectors.

Virginia's lowest-income county here

At $55,933, Northampton's median household income runs $19,024 below Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking it among the state's most economically challenged jurisdictions. The income gap reflects rural isolation and limited job diversity.

Economically distinct from peers

Northampton's $55,933 income significantly trails all neighboring counties—Northumberland ($69,500), Nelson ($68,525), and all others in this comparison by $12,000 or more. The county faces unique economic pressures within its region.

Housing remains relatively affordable

Northampton's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% keeps housing costs under one-fifth of earnings, among the lowest in this group despite low overall incomes. A median home value of $279,100 is surprisingly stable, offering some affordability advantage.

Opportunity in affordable housing market

While Northampton faces the lowest median incomes, its affordable housing market creates an unusual advantage for building home equity and long-term wealth. Prioritize first-time homebuyer programs, leverage low home values for rental investment, and explore remote work opportunities to boost household earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Northampton County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy and health urgently need improvement

Northampton residents live an average of 73.3 years, more than 5.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. At 19.5%, the county's poor/fair health rate is the highest in this profile, reflecting severe chronic disease and health challenges.

Second-lowest life expectancy in Virginia

Northampton's 73.3-year life expectancy matches Norfolk's and falls 1.8 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, a critical gap. Its 9.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.9%, meaning coverage barriers compound existing health disparities.

Strongest primary care, weakest mental health

Northampton County has 108 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this profile—yet only 125 mental health providers per 100,000. The abundance of primary care capacity has not translated to improved life expectancy, suggesting gaps in treatment adherence, affordability, or behavioral health support.

Despite provider access, health crisis persists

Nearly 1 in 10 Northampton residents (9.9%) lack health insurance, and the county's abundant primary care providers have failed to reverse its poor health trajectory. The mismatch between provider supply and dismal health outcomes suggests residents face poverty, chronic disease, and limited trust in the healthcare system.

Coverage and community support both matter

If you're uninsured in Northampton County, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore Virginia Medicaid and marketplace options. Connect with local health centers and community organizations that address social determinants—housing, food, mental health—not just medical care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northampton County

via RiskByCounty

Northampton carries above-average national risk

With a composite risk score of 44.47, Northampton County rates as Relatively Low nationally but exceeds most U.S. counties in overall natural disaster exposure. Your county experiences meaningfully elevated hazard levels compared to American averages.

Above average for Virginia overall

At 44.47, Northampton's score tops Virginia's state average of 33.27 by about 33 percent, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. You face considerably more natural disaster exposure than typical Virginia communities.

Elevated risk among rural Virginia counties

Northampton (44.47) ranks third-highest among these eight counties, exceeding Nelson (34.10) and Northumberland (39.98) but trailing Newport News and Norfolk. Your Eastern Shore location creates particular hurricane vulnerability compared to inland peers.

Hurricane threat dominates coastal exposure

Hurricane risk surges to 89.49—among Virginia's highest—reflecting your position on the Atlantic-facing Eastern Shore peninsula. Flood risk follows at 57.20, while earthquake (32.25), wildfire (29.80), and tornado (22.65) threats remain relatively modest.

Hurricane and flood insurance are critical

Northampton's 89.49 hurricane score makes comprehensive wind and flood coverage non-negotiable for protecting your property. Install storm shutters, reinforce roof connections, ensure flood insurance covers current property value, and maintain an updated hurricane preparation plan reviewed annually.

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.