countyscore
66.8
County Score
Property Tax 87.7Schools 85.9Safety 79.3

County Report Card

About Northumberland County, Virginia

Elite National Livability Ranking

Northumberland County boasts a composite score of 66.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It is among the highest-performing counties for quality of life in the country.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's 66.8 score blows past the Virginia average of 50.9. It sets a high bar for excellence in the Northern Neck region.

Top-Tier Schools and Safety

With a school score of 85.9 and a safety score of 79.3, this county provides an exceptional environment for families. Taxes are also extremely low, reflected in a score of 87.7.

Housing Costs and Water Infrastructure

The cost score of 38.7 indicates that housing is becoming more expensive as demand rises. Water quality also scores 49.3, which is average but trails the county's other elite metrics.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Northumberland is a premier destination for families and retirees who want the 'best of everything' in a quiet setting. It is the top choice for those seeking safety, great schools, and low taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax87.7Cost38.7Safety79.3Health54.5Schools85.9Income65.2Risk60Water49.3Weather63
🏛87.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lancaster County
Virginia
57.1
Richmond County
Virginia
62.9
Middlesex County
Virginia
53.2
St. Mary's County
Maryland
52.3
Westmoreland County
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Essex County
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King and Queen County
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Mathews County
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63.4

Deep Dives

Northumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Northumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Northumberland: lowest taxes in America

Northumberland's effective tax rate of 0.481% ranks among the nation's absolute lowest, and its median tax of $1,602 is 40% below the national median of $2,690. The county offers homeowners some of America's most favorable property tax treatment.

Virginia's lowest-taxed county

Northumberland holds Virginia's distinction with a 0.481% effective rate, 28% below the state average of 0.671%. Its median tax of $1,602 trails the state average by 18%, making it the state's clearest choice for tax-conscious homeowners.

Northumberland wins Eastern Shore tax race

At 0.481%, Northumberland undercuts neighboring Middlesex (0.564%) and Northampton (0.605%), claiming the lowest rate across Virginia's Eastern Shore. The entire three-county region clusters near the national bottom, but Northumberland reigns supreme.

Northumberland's remarkably low tax burden

A median-valued Northumberland home at $333,100 produces an annual property tax of just $1,602. At $134 per month, this represents exceptional value—among the lowest tax burdens in the nation on homes of this value.

Even low assessments deserve review

Northumberland homeowners paying already-minimal taxes should still verify their assessments are fair and current through a free appeal. Confirming your assessed value matches market conditions ensures you're not overpaying, even by the county's modest standards.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northumberland County

via CostByCounty

Northumberland rents track Virginia average

At 18.2%, Northumberland County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Virginia's 18.6% state average and reflects solid affordability by national standards. The median household income of $69,500 approaches the national median of $74,755, while $1,053 monthly rent sits slightly below the state median of $1,140.

Right in Virginia's affordability sweet spot

Northumberland ranks near the state median for affordability, with an 18.2% rent-to-income ratio that matches or beats approximately half of Virginia counties. The combination of reasonable rents ($1,053) and solid incomes ($69,500) positions the county as a balanced option statewide.

The moderate-cost rural option

Northumberland's $1,053 median rent falls between cheaper Nelson ($950) and pricier Middlesex ($1,071), offering a moderate rural alternative. With a higher median home value ($333,100) than all rural peers despite moderate rent, Northumberland attracts both renters and homeowners seeking balance.

Rents and mortgages share income burden

Renters spend $1,053 monthly (18.2% of income) while homeowners pay $810 for mortgages (14% of income), showing ownership offers meaningful savings in this county. The 4.2 percentage-point gap between rent and ownership burden suggests strong incentives for buyers with adequate down payments.

Balanced option for Tidewater movers

Northumberland County strikes an appealing middle ground: 18.2% rent-to-income ratio, $69,500 median income, and $333,100 median home value offer solid value for Tidewater relocations. If you want rural charm without the rock-bottom prices of Northampton or the urban costs of Newport News, Northumberland deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Northumberland near national income

Northumberland County's median household income of $69,500 sits $5,255 below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-middle segment of U.S. counties. The per capita income of $47,191 is notably high, suggesting concentrated wealth among some households.

Slightly below Virginia average

At $69,500, Northumberland earns $5,457 less than Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking it in the middle-to-lower tier of Virginia's jurisdictions. The county sits close enough to the state baseline to suggest broad economic stability.

Mid-tier in regional income rankings

Northumberland's $69,500 income ranks above Nelson ($68,525) and Newport News ($66,718) but trails Middlesex ($74,154) and New Kent ($120,125). The county occupies solid middle ground among its regional peers.

Balanced housing affordability

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% keeps housing costs just under one-fifth of earnings—a healthy balance point. With a median home value of $333,100, Northumberland offers more expensive housing than neighbors, but incomes support that cost structure adequately.

Build on Northumberland's stability

Northumberland's moderate incomes and reasonable housing costs position residents for steady wealth building through disciplined saving and smart investing. Set up automatic retirement contributions, explore down payment assistance for homeownership, and consider income diversification through side skills or investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Northumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Northumberland is Among the Safest Nationwide

Northumberland County achieves an elite safety score of 99.2, representing incredible peace of mind for residents. Its total crime rate of 491.4 per 100,000 is about 80% lower than the national average.

Setting the Standard for Virginia Safety

Northumberland's safety score of 99.2 is significantly higher than the already-strong state average of 97.3. Its crime rate is less than one-third of the Virginia statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

With only 491.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, Northumberland is one of the safest counties in the entire region. It far outshines neighboring areas and urban centers in terms of crime prevention.

Near-Zero Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is exceptionally rare here, occurring at a rate of just 83.3 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 408.1, which is a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Measures to Stay Safe

In such a safe environment, basic security like locking doors and windows is often enough to deter the few crimes that occur. Smart sensors can add an extra layer of protection for seasonal residents or vacation homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Northumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy moderate, health concerns emerging

Northumberland residents live an average of 76.2 years, roughly 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 18.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows signs of chronic disease burden that warrant preventive action.

Near Virginia's average, uninsured rate elevated

Northumberland's 76.2-year life expectancy sits 1.1 years above Virginia's 75.1-year average, a modest advantage in the region. However, its 9.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.9%, leaving many residents vulnerable to healthcare costs.

Good primary care, severe mental health shortage

Northumberland offers 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid by regional standards—but only 24 mental health providers per 100,000, the lowest in this profile. This stark imbalance means residents can access primary care but face significant barriers to mental health and addiction treatment.

Primary care access masked by mental health crisis

Nearly 1 in 10 Northumberland residents (9.8%) lack health insurance, and the severe shortage of mental health providers creates a dangerous gap in behavioral health treatment. With only 24 mental health providers per 100,000, residents seeking addiction, depression, or anxiety care must travel far or go without.

Get covered, seek mental health support

If you're uninsured in Northumberland County, healthcare.gov and Virginia Medicaid offer pathways to coverage and mental health services. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to your local health department for telehealth mental health options that bridge the gap in local provider access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Northumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Schooling

Northumberland County maintains a highly centralized system with only 3 public schools—one for each primary level. A single school district serves the county's total enrollment of 1,200 students.

Exceptional Graduation Performance

The county achieves an impressive 97% graduation rate, significantly beating the state average of 89%. This success is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $8,723, which is notably higher than the Virginia state average.

A Single Dedicated District

Northumberland County Public Schools is the sole district, ensuring unified administration for all 1,200 students. There are no charter schools, focusing resources entirely on the traditional public elementary, middle, and high schools.

A Fully Rural Educational Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, reflecting the area's pastoral character. Northumberland Elementary is the largest site with 541 students, while the overall average school size is 400.

Rural Living with Strong Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Northumberland is a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Homes in this area offer a rare combination of rural privacy and verified school performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Northumberland maintains below-national risk levels

With a composite risk score of 39.98, Northumberland County rates as Very Low, positioning it safely below the nation's average natural disaster exposure. Your community faces less overall threat than typical American counties.

Slightly above Virginia's statewide average

At 39.98, Northumberland edges above Virginia's state average of 33.27 by about 20 percent, placing it in the state's middle-to-higher range. You experience moderate hazard exposure relative to other Virginia communities.

Mid-tier risk among regional counties

Northumberland (39.98) ranks in the middle of this county grouping—safer than Nelson (34.10) and Northampton (44.47), but more exposed than Middlesex (23.79) and New Kent (14.12). Your Northern Neck location reflects typical Tidewater vulnerability patterns.

Hurricane and flood pose leading threats

Hurricane risk peaks at 86.90, reflecting Atlantic storm exposure, while flood risk stands at 68.40 from river and tidal influences. Tornado (27.19), earthquake (38.93), and wildfire (19.62) threats remain secondary but merit preparedness attention.

Hurricane and flood insurance are essential

Separate flood and hurricane insurance policies are crucial investments given Northumberland's 68.40 flood and 86.90 hurricane scores. Trim trees overhanging your property, secure roof fasteners before storm season, and verify coverage limits match current property replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Northumberland County

via SoilByCounty

The Northern Neck's Acidic Base

This county has an average pH of 4.86, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.23. Such low pH levels often require lime applications to make nutrients available for garden plants.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil composition is 52.5% sand and 33.6% silt, with a relatively low 13.9% clay. This mix provides good workability and moderate drainage for a variety of agricultural uses.

Strong Water Retention Potential

The available water capacity is 0.164 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.143. While organic matter at 2.11% is below the state average, the soil's ability to hold water is a major asset.

Moisture Management in the Neck

With a water capacity higher than the state average, this soil resists drought better than sandier neighbors. The 52.5% sand content ensures it doesn't stay waterlogged, facilitating healthy root growth.

Productive Zone 8a Growing

Northumberland’s climate and water-retentive soil are great for corn, soybeans, and backyard vegetables. Start your garden today to take advantage of the long 8a growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Northumberland County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Northumberland

Northumberland County presents the most challenge in this group with a lawn score of 47.0. Homeowners in this 8a zone face tougher conditions than the national average of 50.0.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rain

The county endures 44 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 28. While 45.2 inches of rain falls annually, the high heat can lead to rapid evaporation, making consistent watering a necessity.

Acidity is a Major Hurdle

The soil pH is a very low 4.86, which is quite acidic for most turf varieties. With 52.5% sand and 13.9% clay, the soil requires significant lime amendments to create a hospitable environment for grass roots.

Frequent Drought Challenges

The county spent 15 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy here to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Focus on Tough, Heat-Tolerant Grass

Centipedegrass or Bermudagrass are your best bets to survive the 44 days of extreme heat in zone 8a. Since local frost dates are not available, wait until soil temperatures are consistently warm in the spring before seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northumberland County's county score?
Northumberland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 66.8 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 Northumberland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Northumberland County ranks #5 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 Northumberland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Northumberland County is $1,602, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Northumberland County a tax score of 87.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northumberland County?
The median household income in Northumberland County, Virginia is $69,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northumberland County earns an income score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northumberland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Northumberland County scores 66.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Northumberland 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 Northumberland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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