countyscore
47.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.5Cost of Living 88Lawn Care 74.1

County Report Card

About Norton city, Virginia

Norton's Standings Near the National Median

Norton city earns a CountyScore of 47.5, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of extreme affordability and significant economic challenges relative to other U.S. cities.

A Small City Trailng Virginia Averages

Norton's overall composite score of 47.5 sits below the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it offers a distinct profile, it ranks among the more economically vulnerable independent cities in the Commonwealth.

Exceptional Affordability and Minimal Environmental Risk

Norton excels in cost and safety from natural disasters, boasting a Cost Score of 88.0 and an impressive Risk Score of 98.5. Housing is remarkably accessible, with median rents of just $670 and home values averaging $100,700.

Persistent Economic and Safety Hurdles

The city faces tough challenges with an Income Score of 2.2 and a Safety Score of 0.9. Local wages remain low with a median household income of $38,497, while crime rates significantly impact the livability index.

The Verdict: A Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

Norton is best suited for individuals or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and natural disaster resilience above high local wages. It offers one of the lowest barriers to entry for homeownership in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax54.8Cost88Safety0.9Health37.4Schools54.9Income2.2Risk98.5WaterComing SoonWeather72.7
🏛54.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.1
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

Wise County
Virginia
54
Scott County
Virginia
53.8
Letcher County
Kentucky
62.3
Dickenson County
Virginia
64.1
Russell County
Virginia
61.3
Harlan County
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58.1
Sullivan County
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52.8
Knott County
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67.8

Deep Dives

Norton city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Norton city

via TaxByCounty

Norton's taxes rank well below national average

Norton's effective tax rate of 0.781% sits well below the national median effective rate, making it a relatively affordable market for homeowners. With a median property tax of just $787 annually, residents pay roughly 29% of the national median tax despite comparable property wealth.

Slightly above average for Virginia counties

Norton's 0.781% rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the middle tier of Virginia's tax burden. The city's median tax of $787 remains well below the state average of $1,960, reflecting its lower median home values of $100,700.

Higher than nearby Pittsville County

Norton's rate of 0.781% is notably higher than Pittsylvania County's 0.593%, despite similar median home values in the broader region. Patrick County residents pay roughly the same rate at 0.581%, making Norton's tax burden more comparable to the state average than its immediate neighbors.

Expect under $800 in annual property taxes

On Norton's median home value of $100,700, the effective rate of 0.781% translates to approximately $787 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages may see this figure rise slightly to $1,112 when including local assessments and fees.

Check if your assessment is accurate

Many homeowners across Virginia are overassessed relative to market value, which means your tax bill could be lower than it should be. Consider requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal if your property's assessed value doesn't match recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Norton city

via CostByCounty

Norton's rent burden exceeds national norms

Renters in Norton city spend 20.9% of income on rent, compared to the national average of about 28% for all renters, signaling relatively moderate costs for this southwestern Virginia city. However, Norton's median household income of $38,497 falls 49% below the national median of $74,755, making housing less affordable in real terms despite lower percentage costs.

Slightly above Virginia's affordability threshold

At 20.9%, Norton's rent-to-income ratio edges above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Virginia affordability. The city's median rent of $670 runs $470 below the statewide average of $1,140, reflecting the lower cost of living in Southwest Virginia.

Norton vs. Patrick and Page counties

Norton's $670 monthly rent sits between Patrick County ($721) and Page County ($851), making it the most affordable rental option among these nearby Southwest Virginia communities. However, Norton renters face the highest burden relative to income in this cluster due to the city's lower median household income.

Where Norton's income goes

Renters spend $670 monthly while homeowners pay $582 in monthly costs, making ownership slightly cheaper than renting for those who can qualify. With median household income at $38,497, Norton residents dedicate roughly 21% to rent or 18% to mortgage payments—tight but manageable for most.

Consider Norton for affordability

If you're seeking low housing costs in Virginia, Norton city offers some of the state's most accessible rents and purchase prices, with median home values under $101,000. Just ensure your income aligns with the local median of $38,497 to maintain true affordability once you arrive.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Norton city

via IncomeByCounty

Norton lags far behind national income

The median household income in Norton city is $38,497—nearly half the national median of $74,755. This $36,258 gap reflects economic headwinds in the region and places Norton in the bottom tier nationally for household earnings.

Among Virginia's lowest-earning areas

Norton's median household income falls significantly below Virginia's state average of $74,957, putting it in the lower quartile of Virginia jurisdictions. The city's per capita income of $27,033 is also well below the state average of $39,155.

Struggling alongside nearby rural counties

Norton's $38,497 median income ranks it below most peer counties in southwest Virginia, though it's comparable to Patrick County ($50,938) and Petersburg city ($50,741). The city's economic profile aligns with other post-industrial communities in the region.

Housing remains affordable but tight

Norton's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing remains accessible, well below the 30% affordability threshold, with a median home value of $100,700. However, the low median income leaves limited room for savings, healthcare, and other essentials after housing costs.

Start small, build your future

Even modest households can benefit from consistent savings and low-cost investment options like employer 401(k) plans or Roth IRAs. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about strategies tailored to your income level—every dollar saved compounds over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Norton city

via CrimeByCounty

Norton City Faces High Crime Rates

Norton city has a total crime rate of 7,197.4 per 100,000, which is triple the national average of 2,385.5. This high frequency results in a safety score of 88.6, indicating significant risks compared to other regions.

Significantly Below the State Average

Norton's safety score of 88.6 is much lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its crime rate is more than four times higher than the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents.

Unusually High Rates for a Small Area

As a single-agency reporting city, Norton's data shows a much higher concentration of crime than its neighboring counties. These numbers suggest that law enforcement stays much busier here than in surrounding rural areas.

Property Crime Dominates the Data

Property crime in Norton is extremely high at 6,815.7 per 100,000 residents, which is triple the national rate. Violent crime is closer to the national average at 381.7 per 100,000 residents.

Critical Security for Norton Residents

With property crime as a major factor, high-quality alarm systems and perimeter fencing are strongly recommended. Residents should also ensure that garages and outbuildings are always locked and well-lit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Norton city

via HealthByCounty

Norton faces stark health gap

At 65.0 years, Norton's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over a decade—one of Virginia's lowest in the state. Nearly 23% of residents report poor or fair health, well above the national average of roughly 13%. This gap signals deeper challenges in daily health outcomes that demand urgent attention.

Lowest life expectancy in Virginia

Norton ranks at the very bottom of Virginia counties for life expectancy, with a 10.1-year deficit compared to the state average of 75.1 years. Only Petersburg city (64.3 years) performs worse statewide. This distinction underscores Norton's need for targeted health interventions.

Isolated in Appalachian health outcomes

Norton's 65.0-year life expectancy stands 7.9 years below nearby Patrick County (72.2) and 9.2 years below Page County (73.9) in the same region. The disparity extends to poor/fair health rates: Norton's 22.6% aligns with regional struggles, but its neighbors show slightly better trajectories. Geographic proximity masks significant health outcome variations.

Better-than-average coverage, fewer providers

Norton's uninsured rate of 5.9% beats Virginia's state average of 7.9%, indicating strong insurance uptake. However, the city has just 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 487 mental health providers per 100,000—meaning access challenges may deter people from seeking care even when insured. Provider density alone doesn't explain Norton's health crisis; prevention and chronic disease management gaps likely play major roles.

Check your coverage today

With 5.9% of Norton residents uninsured, most residents have coverage—but gaps remain. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options. Ensuring continuous insurance is the first step toward accessing the primary and mental health care Norton residents need to close this life expectancy gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Norton city

via SchoolsByCounty

Norton's Intimate Public Schools

Norton City operates a very small education system consisting of just 2 public schools in a single district. These schools serve a total of 813 students, offering a personal and community-driven experience.

Strong Success on a Lean Budget

Despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $6,351, the city maintains a high graduation rate of 95%. This graduation performance is well above the 89% state average, even while spending remains below the national benchmark.

Norton City Public Schools

The Norton City Public Schools district oversees both the elementary and high school for the entire city population. There are no charter schools, keeping the city's educational focus on its two established public campuses.

The Feeling of a Small Town

Both schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable and interconnected feel for the 813 enrolled students. Norton Elementary is the larger of the two with 501 students, followed by J.I. Burton High with 312.

Home Search in a Close Community

Families value Norton for its high-performing schools and the tight-knit community surrounding J.I. Burton High. Real estate here often appeals to those looking for high graduation rates in a small-town atmosphere.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Norton city

via RiskByCounty

Norton sits well below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 1.56, Norton city ranks in the very low risk category—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This exceptionally low rating reflects the city's minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, making it one of Virginia's most protected communities.

Virginia's safest community

Norton's composite score of 1.56 is less than 5% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it at the absolute bottom of the risk scale statewide. The city's protected geography makes it a statistical outlier even within low-risk Virginia.

Dramatically safer than regional peers

Norton's score of 1.56 dwarfs neighboring Wise County and surrounding southwest Virginia communities, which typically score 20-40 points higher. The city's unique position in a valley with minimal flood plains and low seismic activity sets it apart from regional peers.

Earthquakes pose the highest threat here

Even Norton's highest-risk hazard—earthquake risk at 31.77—remains below state average and poses minimal practical concern for residents. Wildfire risk (23.63) and tornado risk (10.81) are substantially lower, reflecting the city's geography and weather patterns.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Norton's very low risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Residents should maintain standard coverage but face minimal pressure to add specialized flood or earthquake riders beyond typical policy recommendations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Lawn Care in Norton city

via LawnByCounty

A Mountain Oasis for Grass Growth

Norton city boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 74.1, making it much easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. While specific hardiness zone data is unavailable, the city's high score suggests it is one of the most lawn-friendly spots in Virginia.

Abundant Rain and Gentle Summers

Lawns here receive 53.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 46 inches. With only 7 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces significantly less heat stress than the state average of 28 days.

Testing is Key in Norton

Specific soil data for Norton is currently limited, so a professional soil test is essential before starting your project. Understanding your local pH and nutrient levels ensures you don't over-apply fertilizers in this high-precipitation environment.

Monitoring Dry Spells in the Mountains

While Norton saw zero weeks of formal drought over the past year, 100% of the city is currently classified as Abnormally Dry. Consistent monitoring is vital even in wet years to ensure your lawn stays healthy during these shifts.

Capitalizing on High Rainfall

The high annual rainfall and few heat days make this an excellent location for cool-season grasses. Without specific frost dates, aim to seed in the early spring or late summer to take advantage of the generous 53.8 inches of annual moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norton city's county score?
Norton city, Virginia has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Norton city rank among counties in Virginia?
Norton city ranks #91 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 Norton city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Norton city is $787, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Norton city a tax score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norton city?
The median household income in Norton city, Virginia is $38,497 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norton city earns an income score of 2.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norton city, Virginia a good place to live?
Norton city scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Norton 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 Norton city 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.