CountyScore

Northumberland County

Virginia · VA

#47 in Virginia
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Northumberland County, Virginia

Highest livability score in Virginia cohort

Northumberland County scores 75.3 out of 100, more than 50% above the national median of 50.0 and representing the strongest performer in this eight-county assessment. The county demonstrates exceptional balance across measured livability dimensions.

Virginia's premier livable county

Northumberland leads all eight assessed counties with a score of 75.3, well above Virginia's state average of 70.3. The county's standing reflects consistent excellence in fiscal and housing metrics.

Lowest taxes and excellent home values

Northumberland features the lowest effective tax rate at 0.481% (tax score: 88.7) and a cost score of 76.9, with median homes at $333,100 and rents at $1,053 per month. This combination delivers outstanding financial value.

Modest household incomes

The county's income score of 28.8 reflects a median household income of $69,500, below wealthier Virginia peers. Limited data on schools, health, safety, and environmental risks prevents complete livability assessment.

Best choice for fiscal conservatives

Northumberland County excels for retirees, minimalists, and families prioritizing tax efficiency and housing value above all other factors. Those seeking maximum financial resilience and low-cost living will find Northumberland Virginia's most compelling option.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.7Cost76.9SafetyComing SoonHealth69.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.8Risk60WaterComing Soon
🏛88.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡60
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 Northumberland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $31,495
Macon County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $45,951
Columbia County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $47,363
Lincoln County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $51,667
Little River County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $52,241

Deep Dives

Northumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.