countyscore
43.7
County Score
Property Tax 92.7Disaster Risk 71Weather & Climate 68.5

County Report Card

About Nottoway County, Virginia

Nottoway Trails the National Median Score

Nottoway County receives a composite score of 43.8, falling below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces more developmental hurdles than the typical American county.

Measuring Up to the Virginia Average

With a score of 43.8, Nottoway sits nearly seven points behind the Virginia state average of 50.9. It currently ranks in the lower tier of Virginia counties for overall quality-of-life indicators.

Very Low Taxes and Steady Incomes

The county shines with a Tax Score of 92.7, driven by a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.420%. Its Income Score of 45.6 also reflects a respectable median household income of $62,161 for the region.

Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Needed

Water quality and public safety are the primary areas for growth, scoring 12.9 and 27.1 respectively. These figures indicate that infrastructure investment and crime prevention remain critical priorities for local leaders.

The Verdict: Ideal for Tax-Averse Residents

Nottoway County is an attractive choice for those who value low property taxes and a rural lifestyle. It suits families who are comfortable trading some infrastructure modernities for significant tax savings.

2040608010092.732.127.130.63945.67112.968.5Tax92.7Cost32.1Safety27.1Health30.6Schools39Income45.6Risk71Water12.9Weather68.543.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Nottoway County DNA

Foverall

How Nottoway County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nottoway County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.7+40.7
Cost
32.1-15.899999999999999
Safety
27.1-27.9
Health
30.6-19.4
Schools
39-15
Income
45.6
Risk
71+24
Water
12.9-45.1
Weather
68.5+12.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,009/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,161/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

51.3

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Amelia County
Virginia
54.9
Lunenburg County
Virginia
59.4
Dinwiddie County
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44.1
Brunswick County
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Prince Edward County
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Powhatan County
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Cumberland County
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Petersburg city
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Deep Dives

Nottoway County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nottoway County

via TaxByCounty

Nottoway offers some of Virginia's lowest tax rates

With an effective tax rate of just 0.420%, Nottoway County residents enjoy one of the most favorable property tax climates nationally. The median annual tax of $756 represents only 28% of the national median, making this county exceptionally affordable for property owners.

Well below Virginia's statewide average

Nottoway's 0.420% rate ranks significantly lower than Virginia's 0.671% average, placing it among the state's most tax-friendly counties. This translates to median taxes of just $756 compared to the statewide median of $1,960—a savings of more than 60%.

Lowest rates in the south-central region

Nottoway's 0.420% effective rate is substantially lower than Page County's 0.671% and Pittsylvania County's 0.593%, making it the clear tax advantage in the region. Even compared to Patrick County at 0.581%, Nottoway residents save considerably on their annual property tax bills.

Median home taxes stay under $800

On Nottoway's median home value of $179,800, the 0.420% rate yields approximately $756 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, assessments and fees may push this to around $797, though Nottoway remains one of Virginia's most affordable options.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in tax-friendly counties like Nottoway, some homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal or requesting a reassessment costs nothing and could result in meaningful savings on your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nottoway County

via CostByCounty

Nottoway balances rent and income well

At 19.5%, Nottoway County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national standard, indicating relatively healthy affordability for renters. The county's median household income of $62,161 runs 17% below the national median of $74,755, yet its $1,009 monthly rent keeps housing costs manageable.

Nottoway ranks among Virginia's most affordable

With a 19.5% rent-to-income ratio just above Virginia's 18.6% average, Nottoway county sits in the better half of the state's affordability spectrum. The county's median rent of $1,009 costs $131 less than the statewide median of $1,140, offering solid value for renters across central Virginia.

Nottoway offers middle-ground pricing

Nottoway's $1,009 rent falls between the cheaper options of Page County ($851) and more expensive areas, positioning it as a balanced choice for central Virginia renters. The county's $62,161 median income supports this rental cost better than lower-income adjacent areas.

Nottoway's housing balance

Renters allocate $1,009 monthly while homeowners commit $936, making both options competitive for different household types in Nottoway. At 19.5% of income for rent and similar percentages for mortgage payments, housing remains the largest expense but stays within recommended ranges.

Nottoway rewards balanced budgets

Nottoway County appeals to movers seeking solid affordability without sacrificing Virginia's central location and rural charm, with median home values near $180,000. Households earning near the county median of $62,161 will find both renting and buying financially sustainable here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nottoway County

via IncomeByCounty

Nottoway trails national income average

Nottoway County's median household income of $62,161 falls about $12,600 below the national median of $74,755. While the county is below the national average, it's closer to the middle than many rural Virginia communities.

Below Virginia's median but holding steady

Nottoway's $62,161 median household income sits about 17% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $25,832 is notably below the state average of $39,155, suggesting less even income distribution.

Mid-range among nearby counties

Nottoway's income sits between struggling areas like Norton ($38,497) and more affluent counties like Orange ($94,175). At $62,161, Nottoway is comparable to Page County ($59,396) and modestly ahead of Patrick County ($50,938).

Housing costs well-managed here

With a 19.5% rent-to-income ratio and a median home value of $179,800, Nottoway residents have strong housing affordability and room in their budgets for other priorities. The low housing cost burden leaves meaningful capacity for savings and investment.

Your housing advantage opens doors

Nottoway's affordable housing market means you can redirect savings toward retirement accounts, education, and wealth-building. Use your favorable rent-to-income ratio as a foundation to establish an emergency fund and explore long-term investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nottoway County

via CrimeByCounty

Nottoway County Aligns with National Safety

Nottoway County reports a safety score of 97.2, keeping it close to national norms for secure communities. Its total crime rate of 1,771.4 per 100,000 is comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Mirroring the Virginia State Average

Nottoway’s safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,771.4 is just slightly above the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people.

Stable Safety in a Changing Region

Nottoway maintains a consistent crime profile that matches the typical experience across Central Virginia. It remains a safer alternative to more developed urban areas in the state.

Focusing on Local Property Crimes

The county's property crime rate of 1,598.7 is the primary driver of local statistics. However, violent crime is quite low at 172.7 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Practical Steps for Home Protection

Reducing property crime risk in Nottoway starts with good lighting and secure window locks. Residents should also consider smart home integrations to monitor their property while away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nottoway County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Nottoway County School System

Nottoway County features 7 public schools across 3 districts, providing education for 1,810 students. The system includes 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school, along with two specialized centers.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

Nottoway's 87% graduation rate matches the national average, though it falls slightly short of the 89% Virginia state average. The county spends $7,223 per student, which is nearly $700 less than the state average per-pupil investment.

A Diverse District Mix

Nottoway County Public Schools is the primary district, serving all 1,810 students across its five main schools. The county also hosts vocational and alternative education centers but does not have any charter schools.

Rural and Town Diversity

The county offers a mix of six rural schools and one town-based school, reflecting the local geography. Nottoway High is the largest school with 536 students, while the system maintains a small average size of 362 students.

Finding Your Place in Nottoway

Homes near Blackstone Primary or Crewe Primary offer access to the county’s foundational education hubs. For many buyers, the blend of rural quiet and steady academic performance makes Nottoway a practical choice.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nottoway County

via RiskByCounty

Nottoway's moderate risk trails national norm

Nottoway County scores 28.98 on the composite risk scale—well below the national average and placing it in the very low risk category. The county's risk profile is slightly better than Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting a balanced exposure to multiple hazards.

Below-average risk across the state

At 28.98, Nottoway County ranks in the lower half of Virginia's risk distribution, sitting about 13% below the state average of 33.27. This positioning suggests the county benefits from a relatively protected geographic location within the commonwealth.

Safer than Pittsylvania, comparable to Lunenburg

Nottoway's score of 28.98 is substantially lower than nearby Pittsylvania County (63.77), which faces much higher flood and tornado risks. The county's risk level aligns closely with other central Virginia communities, offering moderate rather than heightened exposure.

Hurricane and earthquake risks dominate the profile

Hurricane risk (78.89) and earthquake risk (59.64) represent Nottoway's most significant natural hazard exposures, though both remain manageable threats given the county's inland location. Tornado risk (24.43) ranks third but stays below state averages, while flood and wildfire risks are comparatively low.

Consider wind and seismic coverage options

Nottoway residents should ensure homeowners policies include adequate wind coverage to address hurricane-force storms, though direct impacts remain infrequent. Standard coverage suffices for most properties, but those in flood-prone zones near waterways should verify flood insurance eligibility.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nottoway County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates Drive F Grade

Nottoway County carries a water quality grade of F, having recorded 22 health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 236.8 per 100,000 residents is nearly double the Virginia state average of 126.9.

Watershed Impairments Below State Average

About 32.0% of the county's 103 assessed water bodies are impaired based on 2022 standards, which is better than the state average of 46.1%. The most common impairment causes are E. coli, dissolved oxygen, and benthic macroinvertebrate health.

Active Monitoring Across Thirteen Sites

There are 13 monitoring sites in Nottoway County that have logged 1,775 results over the last five years. Most measurements focus on physical, nutrient, and microbiological groups to track the health of local tributaries.

Limited Live Streamflow Monitoring

Nottoway County does not currently host a primary USGS streamgage reporting live flow data. Without real-time gauge data, residents should prioritize drinking water compliance records for information on water system health.

Address Compliance and Bacterial Risks

Given the county's F-grade and high violation rate, residents should consider using high-quality tap filters or testing private wells. E. coli in the watershed also suggests that recreational users should avoid streams after heavy rains.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nottoway County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-Atlantic warmth and rain

Nottoway County averages 57.6°F annually, positioning it slightly above the national median temperature. It receives a healthy 46.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than the Virginia average

Nottoway's 57.6°F average is nearly two degrees higher than the 55.9°F state average. It sits in a transitional zone between the mountains and the coast.

Mid-range temperatures for the region

The county is cooler than southern neighbor Mecklenburg (59.5°F) but warmer than Orange County (55.9°F). This makes it a temperature middle-ground for Central Virginia.

Hot summers and dry winters

Residents face 30 days of extreme heat each year, mainly during the 77.8°F July peak. Snowfall is minimal, with only 3.3 inches falling on average.

Plan for a month of heat

HVAC systems should be serviced for the 30 days of 90°F weather expected each summer. Low snowfall means winter maintenance is generally manageable for most households.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nottoway County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Soils of Nottoway

Nottoway County has a pH of 5.46, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.23. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, typical for the acidic soils of the Virginia Piedmont.

Gritty and Workable Textures

The soil contains 57.5% sand and 26.1% silt, giving it a gritty texture that is easy to till. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely erosive.

A Need for Organic Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.36%, which is less than half the state average of 2.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.133 in/in, the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.

Quick-Draining Inland Soils

The high sand percentage suggests that drainage is relatively quick across the county. Farmers and builders benefit from the soil's workability, though it may require more frequent fertilization.

Summer Crops in Zone 7b

Zone 7b is perfect for heat-loving plants like watermelons and peppers. Adding compost will help improve the 1.36% organic matter and keep your plants hydrated through the summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nottoway County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Nottoway's Mid-Range Conditions

Nottoway County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.1, aligning closely with the Virginia state average of 55.4. Located in hardiness zone 7b, the county offers a standard set of challenges for local homeowners.

Managing Heat and High Degree Days

The county experiences 30 extreme heat days annually, slightly exceeding the state average of 28. With 4,210 growing degree days, your lawn will grow vigorously, requiring a consistent mowing schedule to stay manageable.

Correcting Acidic, Sandy Soil

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.46, falling below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turf. Because the soil is 57.5% sand, it drains quickly and likely requires lime applications and organic matter to hold nutrients.

Rebounding from Dry Seasons

Lawns in Nottoway spent 22 weeks in drought conditions over the last year. Currently, 69.7% of the area is abnormally dry, so prioritizing deep watering to build root depth is essential for survival.

Timing Your 7b Lawn Start

Zone 7b is perfect for transition-zone grasses like tall fescue or zoysia. Plan to seed after the last frost on April 11 or before the first frost on October 30 to give your grass the best chance to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nottoway County's county score?
Nottoway County, Virginia has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Nottoway County rank among counties in Virginia?
Nottoway County ranks #103 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 Nottoway County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Nottoway County is $756, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Nottoway County a tax score of 92.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nottoway County?
The median household income in Nottoway County, Virginia is $62,161 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nottoway County earns an income score of 45.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nottoway County, Virginia a good place to live?
Nottoway County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #103 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Nottoway 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 Nottoway County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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