countyscore
55.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 81.8Property Tax 75.5Lawn Care 66.7

County Report Card

About Northampton County, Virginia

A Strong National Standing

Northampton County holds a composite score of 54.7, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This Eastern Shore community offers a high quality of life.

Exceeding Virginia's Average Score

The county's score of 54.7 is well above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It proves that rural coastal living can be highly competitive within the Commonwealth.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

A cost score of 54.6 and low taxes at 73.6 make this one of the more affordable coastal areas. The school score of 59.1 also shows a solid investment in local education.

Income and Health Access

The county struggles with economic opportunities, earning a low income score of 27.5. Health access also trails other metrics with a score of 40.3, requiring residents to travel for specialized care.

Ideal for Coastal Families

Northampton is a fantastic fit for young families or retirees seeking affordable seaside living and good schools. It is perfect for those not dependent on high-paying local corporate jobs.

2040608010075.553.451.540.359.138.855.649.781.8Tax75.5Cost53.4Safety51.5Health40.3Schools59.1Income38.8Risk55.6Water49.7Weather81.855.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Northampton County DNA

Foverall

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

Northampton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Weather & Climate (81.8/100) but notably weak in Income (38.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.5+23.5
Cost
53.4
Safety
51.5
Health
40.3-9.700000000000003
Schools
59.1
Income
38.8-12.200000000000003
Risk
55.6+8.600000000000001
Water
49.7-8.299999999999997
Weather
81.8+25.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Northampton County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$316,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$829/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$316,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,632/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

181.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Northampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Northampton County

via CrimeByCounty

Northampton County Exceeds National Safety

Northampton County maintains a high safety score of 98.3, outperforming the majority of American communities. Its crime rate of 1,088.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Rank in Virginia

With a safety score of 98.3, Northampton exceeds the Virginia average of 97.3. The county's total crime rate is 37% lower than the state's average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents.

Safe Haven on the Eastern Shore

Northampton’s total crime rate of 1,088.1 makes it one of the safer regions in the state. It provides a more secure environment compared to the more urban counties across the Chesapeake Bay.

Violent Crime Remains Below Average

Violent crime in Northampton is low at 222.6 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 865.5. Both figures are well below national benchmarks, making it a very low-risk area for residents.

Reinforcing Security in Northampton

Residents can keep Northampton safe by using smart doorbells and floodlight cameras to monitor property. These simple steps, combined with a tight-knit community, help maintain the county's excellent safety record.

Weather & Climate in Northampton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate maritime climate on the shore

Northampton County averages 58.9°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. Its location on the Eastern Shore ensures a steady 44.5 inches of precipitation.

Warmer than the state average

At 58.9°F, the county is warmer than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. The surrounding waters help moderate the temperature throughout the year.

Cooler than the Norfolk mainland

Despite being coastal, Northampton is cooler than Norfolk city, which averages 61.0°F. Atlantic breezes limit the extreme heat found in urban Tidewater centers.

Moderate heat and mild winters

The county only sees 16 days of extreme heat above 90°F, much lower than inland counties. Winter averages remain above freezing at 41.3°F.

Dress for a breezy coast

Residents enjoy fewer extreme heat days, but maritime winds require versatile layering. While snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures rarely necessitate heavy arctic gear.

Soil Quality in Northampton County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Shores and Acidic Profiles

Northampton County features a pH of 5.65, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This score is slightly more alkaline than the Virginia state average of 5.23, reflecting its coastal location.

Dominated by Coastal Sands

The soil is a staggering 77.3% sand, with only 7.1% clay and 15.6% silt. This high sand content ensures rapid drainage but makes it difficult for the soil to retain nutrients.

Low Capacity for Water

Organic matter sits at 1.75%, trailing the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity is just 0.082 in/in, which is significantly lower than the state average of 0.143, indicating a high need for irrigation.

Rapid Drainage on the Coast

The 77.3% sand composition suggests very high permeability and excellent drainage for farming. However, this means water moves through the profile quickly, requiring careful management of runoff and fertilizers.

The Sweet Potato Capital

The sandy soils and Zone 8a climate are perfect for crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. Add organic matter to boost your soil's 1.75% baseline and watch your garden thrive.

Lawn Care in Northampton County

via LawnByCounty

Northampton Boasts Excellent Lawn Scores

At 66.7, Northampton County has one of the highest lawn scores in the state. This 8a zone offers a superior environment for growing a beautiful lawn compared to the national average of 50.0.

Temperate Coastal Climate

The county experiences only 16 extreme heat days, far below the state average of 28. Combined with 44.5 inches of rain, these conditions are nearly ideal for maintaining turf without the stress of constant scorching heat.

Extremely Sandy Soil Conditions

The soil is 77.3% sand, which provides excellent drainage but requires frequent, light watering and fertilization. The pH of 5.65 is relatively healthy, though a little lime can help reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range.

Drought Resilience in Sandy Soil

Northampton has seen 10 weeks of drought in the past year and is currently abnormally dry. Because sand drains so quickly, you must be vigilant with irrigation during these dry periods to prevent root desiccation.

Maximize the Long Growing Window

Bermudagrass is highly recommended for these sandy, coastal conditions. Your primary growing season is long, starting after the March 28 frost and continuing until the first fall frost on November 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northampton County's county score?
Northampton County, Virginia has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Northampton County rank among counties in Virginia?
Northampton County ranks #51 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 Northampton County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Northampton County is $1,807, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Northampton County a tax score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northampton County?
The median household income in Northampton County, Virginia is $61,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northampton County earns an income score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northampton County, Virginia a good place to live?
Northampton County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Northampton 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 Northampton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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