52.4
County Score
Schools 68.5Property Tax 66.4Disaster Risk 62.1

County Report Card

About Page County, Virginia

Page County Above the National Median

Page County earns a composite score of 52.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a healthy balance across several metrics compared to other rural U.S. counties.

Competing Well Within Virginia

Page County's score of 52.3 slightly edges out the Virginia state average of 50.9. It performs consistently well among the Shenandoah Valley localities.

Strong Schools and Favorable Tax Rates

Education is a primary asset here, with a School Score of 68.5 leading the county's performance. Residents also benefit from a Tax Score of 66.4, thanks to a moderate 0.671% effective tax rate.

Income Growth and Safety Concerns

The county struggles with an Income Score of 37.1 and a Safety Score of 37.8. Median household incomes hover at $59,396, which is lower than many of its state neighbors.

The Verdict: A Balanced Choice for Families

Page County is an excellent fit for families who prioritize quality public education and reasonable tax burdens. It offers a scenic, stable lifestyle for those who do not require high-tier urban salaries.

2040608010066.449.737.84868.537.162.144.258.6Tax66.4Cost49.7Safety37.8Health48Schools68.5Income37.1Risk62.1Water44.2Weather58.652.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Page County DNA

Foverall

How Page County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Page County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (62.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (37.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.4+14.400000000000006
Cost
49.7
Safety
37.8-17.200000000000003
Health
48
Schools
68.5+14.5
Income
37.1-13.899999999999999
Risk
62.1+15.100000000000001
Water
44.2-13.799999999999997
Weather
58.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Page County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$221,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$851/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$221,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,396/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.5

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Page County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Page County

via TaxByCounty

Page County matches Virginia's state average

Page County's effective tax rate of 0.671% exactly matches Virginia's statewide average, yet its median tax of $1,489 falls well below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Page's moderate property values at $221,800, positioning it as a middle-market county.

Perfectly aligned with Virginia's typical burden

Page's 0.671% rate tracks exactly with Virginia's state average, making it a representative example of statewide property tax policy. With median taxes of $1,489, Page residents pay about 76% of the state median, reflecting slightly below-average home values.

Higher rates than surrounding rural counties

Page's 0.671% rate exceeds Patrick County's 0.581% and Pittsylvania County's 0.593%, making it the most expensive tax environment among its rural neighbors. Only Orange County's 0.607% comes close, though Orange's higher home values drive its absolute tax bills much higher.

Around $1,500 in annual property taxes

On Page's median home value of $221,800, the 0.671% effective rate yields approximately $1,489 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages may see this increase slightly to $1,466 with additional fees, making Page's burden moderate by state standards.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

Page County homeowners paying above $1,500 annually should verify their property's assessed value against comparable recent sales in the area. Even a small reduction in assessed value can yield meaningful annual savings over time.

Cost of Living in Page County

via CostByCounty

Page County: Virginia's most affordable rents

Page County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio comfortably beats the national standard, offering renters genuine affordability in the Shenandoah Valley. With a median rent of just $851 and household income of $59,396, Page residents spend less than one-fifth of income on housing.

Page County beats Virginia's affordability average

At 17.2%, Page County's rent-to-income ratio stands below Virginia's 18.6% average, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties. The county's $851 median rent runs $289 below the state median of $1,140, offering genuine value in the competitive Virginia housing market.

Page County offers the best rent value

Page County's $851 monthly rent represents the lowest in this regional cluster, undercutting Norton city, Patrick County, and Pittsylvania County significantly. The county's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ties with Patrick County for the best affordability balance among Southwest and South-central Virginia communities.

Page County's lean housing costs

Renters allocate just $851 monthly while homeowners commit $846, making both options nearly equivalent and among Virginia's most affordable. On a $59,396 median income, housing costs consume only 17.2% of household earnings, leaving substantial room for other necessities and savings.

Page County for value-conscious movers

Page County delivers exceptional housing value in the Shenandoah Valley, with median home prices near $222,000 and rents under $900. Households earning around $59,000 will find Page County one of Virginia's most financially sustainable places to live.

Income & Jobs in Page County

via IncomeByCounty

Page County falls short of national mark

Page County's median household income of $59,396 lags behind the national median of $74,755 by about $15,400. While below the national average, the county's income is higher than many economically challenged rural areas.

Below state average, but improving

Page County's $59,396 median household income sits about 21% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $31,006 is also below the state average of $39,155, suggesting economic concentration among fewer households.

Mid-tier among Shenandoah region

Page County's $59,396 income ranks it ahead of Patrick County ($50,938) and both Norton ($38,497) and Petersburg ($50,741), placing it in the middle range regionally. It's modestly below Nottoway ($62,161) but well short of Orange County's $94,175.

Housing costs remain very reasonable

Page County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio is favorable, with a median home value of $221,800 accessible to most households. The low housing burden leaves meaningful room in budgets for savings, healthcare, and education expenses.

Build on your stable foundation

Page County's reasonable housing costs create an opportunity to prioritize savings and investments despite moderate income levels. Start with an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts that can grow substantially over time.

Safety in Page County

via CrimeByCounty

Page County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 97.7, Page County is significantly safer than most jurisdictions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,427.2 per 100K remains far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Better Safety Than the State Average

Page County's crime rate is lower than Virginia's average of 1,728.8 per 100K. This performance earns the county a safety score that beats the state average of 97.3.

Local Comparisons Favor Page County Residents

While Page County has a higher crime rate than Orange County, it is considerably safer than urban centers like Petersburg. Five reporting agencies provide comprehensive data to track these local trends.

Understanding Violent vs Property Crimes

Property crimes account for the majority of local incidents at 1,254.6 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 172.6 is notably lower than the Virginia average of 229.7.

Keep Page County Safe and Secure

Maintaining high safety levels requires active participation from all residents in the community. Installing a modern home security system serves as a powerful deterrent against local property crimes.

Schools in Page County

via SchoolsByCounty

Page County's Educational Framework

Page County hosts 9 public schools in a single district, serving 3,030 students. The system is balanced with 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools to serve the community.

Leading the State in Graduations

Page County achieves a stellar 97% graduation rate, far surpassing the national 87% benchmark. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,062, which is lower than both state and national averages.

Centralized District Leadership

Page County Public Schools is the sole administrator for all 9 schools and 3,030 students. The district maintains a traditional focus, as there are currently 0 charter schools operating in the county.

The Heart of the Shenandoah Valley

The county features 7 rural schools and 2 town-based schools, mirroring the valley's landscape. Luray High and Page County High are nearly identical in size, each serving just under 500 students.

Homes with Top-Tier Grad Rates

For families, the 97% graduation rate in Page County is a major draw for local real estate. Whether looking in Luray or Stanley, the schools offer a consistent track record of student success.

Disaster Risk in Page County

via RiskByCounty

Page County's risk slightly exceeds state average

Page County scores 37.88 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category but above Virginia's state average of 33.27. The county faces moderately elevated natural hazard exposure compared to typical U.S. counties, driven primarily by flood and wildfire vulnerabilities.

Upper third of Virginia's risk profile

At 37.88, Page County ranks above-average for Virginia and sits in the upper portion of the state's risk distribution. The county's elevated score reflects its geographic position in the Shenandoah Valley, where flooding and wildfire pose greater threats than in other Virginia regions.

Highest risk in the immediate region

Page County's score of 37.88 exceeds nearby Orange County (25.57) and Patrick County (20.87), making it the riskiest in its immediate area. The county's position in the valley exposes it to flood risks that neighboring ridge-top communities largely avoid.

Floods and wildfires pose serious threats

Flood risk (56.55) and wildfire risk (53.34) dominate Page County's hazard profile, substantially higher than state averages due to the county's valley location and forested terrain. Hurricane risk (77.01) and earthquake risk (43.10) rank third and fourth, creating a multi-hazard environment.

Flood insurance is essential for many residents

Page County residents, especially those near the Shenandoah River or tributary flood plains, should secure federal flood insurance through NFIP; standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Wildfire-prone properties should also verify brush removal compliance and ensure adequate home hardening measures around structures.

Water Quality in Page County

via WaterByCounty

Page County Maintains Low Violation Rate

Page County carries a water quality grade of D despite having only three health violations in the last five years. Its violation rate of 25.0 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Virginia average of 126.9.

Watershed Health Faces Chemical Challenges

About 41.8% of assessed water bodies in Page County are impaired, slightly better than the 46.1% statewide average. The 2022 cycle identified E. coli, mercury in fish tissue, and benthic macroinvertebrates as the primary causes of impairment.

Thousands of Readings Track County Health

The county has 28 monitoring sites that have recorded 7,245 measurements in the last five years. These measurements include comprehensive data on physical, nutrient, and major inorganic characteristic groups.

Shenandoah River Flow Well Below Typical

The South Fork Shenandoah River near Luray is currently flowing at 448 cfs, which is just 32% of its long-term mean of 1,408 cfs. This low-flow state can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants in the river system.

Address Low Flows and Mercury Risks

Current low streamflow increases the risk of concentrated E. coli and mercury in the Shenandoah River, requiring caution for recreational users. Residents should also be aware of fish consumption limits due to the mercury detected in watershed assessments.

Weather & Climate in Page County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate climate in the Shenandoah Valley

Page County maintains an annual average temperature of 54.0°F, placing it right in line with the national median. This region experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal shifts and moderate precipitation of 44.1 inches annually.

Cooler than the Virginia average

With a 54.0°F average, Page County ranks as one of the cooler jurisdictions in the Commonwealth. It sits nearly two degrees below the Virginia state average of 55.9°F, reflecting its higher elevation and valley geography.

Snowier peaks than eastern neighbors

Page County sees 18.6 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than counties further east toward the coast. While its 44.1 inches of rain is slightly below the state average of 45.7 inches, the winter accumulation distinguishes it from the Piedmont region.

Warm summers and crisp winters

Summers reach an average high of 73.7°F in July, with 25 days typically exceeding the 90°F mark. Winters remain cold with a January average of 33.1°F and a seasonal winter average of 35.7°F.

Prepare for snow and summer humidity

Residents should prioritize winterized tires and reliable heating systems to handle the 18.6 inches of annual snowfall. For the 25 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is essential as July temperatures peak.

Soil Quality in Page County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Valley Soils

Page County's soil score of 30.8 is higher than the state average, despite a low pH of 4.94. This acidity is significantly sharper than the national median pH of 6.5.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

With 41.0% sand and 37.9% silt, this soil offers a versatile texture for various uses. The 15.8% clay content helps with nutrient holding without making the soil too heavy to work.

Rich in Organic Matter

This county boasts 3.37% organic matter, which is higher than both the state and national averages. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark.

Balanced Hydrology in the Valley

High organic matter typically improves soil structure and drainage efficiency. The soil's ability to hold water (0.142 in/in) makes it reliable for both agriculture and forest growth.

Hardy Crops in Zone 7a

The rich 3.37% organic matter is perfect for growing nutrient-hungry vegetables like cabbage and squash. Use the cooler Zone 7a climate to your advantage and start your spring planting early.

Lawn Care in Page County

via LawnByCounty

Facing Harder Growing Conditions

Page County’s lawn difficulty score of 52.8 makes it one of the more challenging areas in Virginia to keep grass green. This score reflects the combined pressures of a 7a hardiness zone and recent weather volatility.

Cooler Summers and Moderate Growth

With 3,406 growing degree days, the pace of growth is slower than in southern Virginia counties. You will face 25 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly more favorable than the state average of 28.

Neutralizing High Soil Acidity

The soil pH in Page County is a very acidic 4.94, well below the preferred range for most grass species. Substantial lime applications are usually necessary to balance this soil and unlock the nutrients your lawn needs.

Widespread Dryness in the Valley

Currently, 100% of Page County is abnormally dry following 33 weeks of drought over the last year. During these periods, avoid heavy fertilization, which can stress the grass when water is scarce.

Planning Around the Frost

Your growing window starts after April 23 and ends around October 22. Kentucky Bluegrass or tall fescue blends thrive in this zone, provided you address the soil acidity issues before seeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Page County's county score?
Page County, Virginia has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Page County rank among counties in Virginia?
Page County ranks #68 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 Page County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Page County is $1,489, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Page County a tax score of 66.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Page County?
The median household income in Page County, Virginia is $59,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Page County earns an income score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Page County, Virginia a good place to live?
Page County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Page 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 Page County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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