countyscore
58.1
County Score
Cost of Living 87.8Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.2

County Report Card

About Patrick County, Virginia

Patrick County's High National Standing

With a composite score of 58.1, Patrick County ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

Outpacing the Virginia State Average

Patrick County's 58.1 score far exceeds the Virginia average of 50.9. It stands out as one of the state's hidden gems for overall livability and value.

Affordability and Superior Water Quality

The county boasts an 87.8 Cost Score and an 86.0 Water Score, signaling high affordability and clean resources. Home values are very accessible at a median of $146,500, with gross rents averaging only $721.

Lower Wages and Safety Gaps

Income is the main challenge with a score of 16.6, reflecting a median household income of $50,938. The Safety Score of 32.9 suggests there is room for improvement in community security and crime rates.

The Verdict: Perfect for Value-Seeking Nature Lovers

Patrick County is a premier destination for retirees and remote workers who prioritize affordable housing and excellent water quality. Its low cost of living and environmental strengths make it a standout for those with stable outside income.

Score breakdown

Tax76.5Cost87.8Safety32.9Health40.7Schools51.1Income16.6Risk79.2Water86Weather71
🏛76.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56
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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Deep Dives

Patrick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Patrick County

via TaxByCounty

Patrick County offers substantial tax savings

Patrick County's effective tax rate of 0.581% sits well below the national average, and its median property tax of just $851 represents only 32% of the national median. This makes Patrick one of the most tax-friendly counties despite its modest median home value of $146,500.

Well below Virginia's statewide average

Patrick's 0.581% rate significantly underperforms Virginia's 0.671% state average, placing it among the commonwealth's more affordable counties. Median taxes of $851 fall far short of the state median of $1,960, delivering savings of over $1,100 annually.

Lowest rates in the south-central region

Patrick County's 0.581% rate ties with Pittsylvania County's 0.593% as the region's most favorable, both substantially undercutting Page County's 0.671%. Only Nottoway County at 0.420% beats Patrick's rate in the broader south-central Virginia area.

Expect under $900 in annual property taxes

On Patrick's median home value of $146,500, the 0.581% effective rate yields approximately $851 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this may rise to $933 when including local assessments, but Patrick remains one of Virginia's most affordable options.

Confirm your assessment with recent sales data

Even in affordable counties like Patrick, some homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable properties sold nearby. Request a reassessment or file an appeal if you believe your property's assessed value exceeds recent market transactions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Patrick County

via CostByCounty

Patrick County offers accessible housing costs

Patrick County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below national averages, delivering genuine affordability in rural Southwest Virginia. Although the median household income of $50,938 falls 32% below the national median, the county's $721 rent keeps housing costs proportionally light.

Patrick County edges below state average

At 17.0%, Patrick County's rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the commonwealth's most affordable counties. The county's $721 median rent runs $419 below the state median of $1,140, reflecting the lower cost of living in rural Southwest Virginia.

Patrick County ties for best affordability

Patrick County's $721 rent sits between Norton city ($670) and Page County ($851), while its 17.0% ratio ties Page County for the best balance among these Southwest Virginia communities. The county's modest income base makes this combination genuinely accessible for working families.

Patrick County's budget-friendly housing

Renters spend $721 monthly while homeowners commit just $512—making homeownership significantly cheaper than renting for those who can qualify. On a median income of $50,938, housing costs consume 17% of earnings whether renting or buying, leaving meaningful room for families to thrive.

Patrick County: rural affordability wins

Patrick County attracts budget-conscious movers seeking rural Virginia living with exceptional affordability, featuring median home values under $147,000 and rents near $721. Families earning the county median of $50,938 will find both renting and buying comfortably sustainable here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Patrick County

via IncomeByCounty

Patrick County well below national income

Patrick County's median household income of $50,938 falls nearly $24,000 short of the national median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects limited economic opportunities in this rural southwest Virginia community.

Among Virginia's lower-income counties

Patrick County's $50,938 median household income ranks 32% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, placing it in the lower quartile statewide. The county's per capita income of $32,864 is also notably below the state average of $39,155.

Struggling like nearby rural areas

Patrick County's $50,938 income is comparable to Petersburg city ($50,741) and exceeds only Norton city ($38,497) among nearby communities. It trails Nottoway ($62,161), Page County ($59,396), and is far below Orange County's $94,175.

Housing costs stay manageable

Patrick County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is favorable, with a median home value of $146,500 within reach for most households. The low housing cost burden is a relative bright spot, preserving household budgets for other essential needs.

Small steps lead to big gains

Patrick County's affordable housing means you can prioritize even small regular savings contributions to retirement or investment accounts. Automatic transfers of $25–50 monthly can compound significantly over decades—ask your employer or bank about setting this up today.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Patrick County

via CrimeByCounty

Patrick County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Patrick County secures a 97.5 safety score, keeping it well ahead of national crime trends. The local total crime rate of 1,574.2 per 100K is approximately 34% lower than the national average.

Competitive Safety within the Commonwealth

The county's total crime rate stays below the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms Patrick County is safer than the state average score of 97.3.

Neighboring Trends in Southern Virginia

Patrick County's crime rate of 1,574.2 is higher than Pittsylvania’s 816.0, yet it remains much lower than the national average. This data reflects the generally secure nature of rural Southern Virginia.

Analyzing the Local Crime Breakdown

Violent crime sits at 288.8 per 100K, which is higher than the state average of 229.7. Property crimes account for 1,285.4 per 100K, making up the largest share of local law enforcement activity.

Securing Your Property in Patrick County

Homeowners can help maintain local safety through community watch programs and basic security measures. Reliable locks and motion-activated cameras offer essential protection for rural properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Patrick County

via HealthByCounty

Patrick County health challenges evident

At 72.2 years, Patrick's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over 4 years, placing it among America's lower-performing counties. Nearly 20% of residents report poor or fair health, tracking above the national average of ~13%. These gaps reflect chronic disease burdens and healthcare access constraints that shape daily life.

Bottom-third performer in Virginia

Patrick's 72.2-year life expectancy ranks in Virginia's bottom third, trailing the state average of 75.1 years by 2.9 years. The county's 19.9% poor/fair health rate is among Virginia's worst, indicating widespread struggles with preventable conditions. This performance signals systemic barriers to health in southwestern Virginia.

Struggling alongside rural Southwest

Patrick's 72.2-year life expectancy sits just slightly below Nottoway (72.6) and notably below Page (73.9), showing a cluster of low-performing rural counties. Its 19.9% poor/fair health rate trails Orange (17.5%) by 2.4 points, highlighting divergent outcomes even within Appalachian Virginia. Patrick faces the most acute health challenges in this regional cohort.

Gaps in insurance and provider access

Patrick's 8.2% uninsured rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 7.9%, though modestly, leaving coverage gaps that complicate healthcare-seeking. The county has only 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 69 mental health providers per 100,000—both critically low for managing chronic disease. Distance to care and insurance uncertainty together deter preventive visits.

Insurance is the foundation

With 8.2% of Patrick residents uninsured and provider access already constrained, getting and keeping coverage is essential. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-800-832-5161 to explore options. Coverage enables early intervention and preventive care that can measurably extend life expectancy in Patrick.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Patrick County

via SchoolsByCounty

Patrick County’s Rural Schooling

Patrick County maintains 7 public schools within a single district, educating 2,481 students. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused, featuring 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.

Outperforming State Success Averages

The county’s 92% graduation rate beats the Virginia state average of 89%. This is accomplished with a leaner per-pupil budget of $6,878, which is nearly $1,000 less than the state average spending per student.

Focused Public School District

Patrick County Public Schools oversees the entire enrollment of 2,481 students across 7 locations. There are no charter schools, ensuring a unified educational approach for all families in the county.

A Purely Rural Learning Setting

All 7 schools are classified as rural, providing a quiet, low-density environment for students. Patrick County High is the largest campus with 851 students, significantly larger than the average school size of 354.

Peaceful Living and Strong Schools

Families often look for homes near Meadows of Dan or Stuart to stay connected to the county’s primary schools. Patrick County offers an ideal mix for buyers seeking rural serenity and high-performing secondary education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Patrick County

via RiskByCounty

Patrick County sits well below national average

Patrick County's composite risk score of 20.87 places it firmly in the very low risk category, significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. The county's protected geography keeps it well insulated from the natural hazard pressures facing many other American communities.

Among Virginia's safest counties

At 20.87, Patrick County ranks substantially below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the safest third of the commonwealth's counties. The county's below-average positioning reflects a geographic advantage in avoiding the most severe natural hazard exposures.

Safest in the southwest Virginia cluster

Patrick County's score of 20.87 is lower than nearby Pittsylvania County (63.77) and Henry County, making it one of the safer communities in south-central Virginia. The county's elevation and distance from major river systems contribute to its protective profile.

Floods lead among moderate hazard threats

Flood risk (42.27) ranks as Patrick County's primary natural hazard concern, though still below state averages, reflecting the county's terrain and proximity to waterways. Wildfire risk (22.33) and tornado risk (21.31) follow as secondary concerns, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain relatively low.

Standard insurance with flood consideration

Patrick County residents should verify whether their properties fall within FEMA flood zones and obtain flood insurance if needed, particularly those near creeks and river bottoms. Standard homeowners coverage provides adequate protection for most properties in the county's relatively low-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Patrick County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet and temperate highland climate

Patrick County’s average annual temperature of 55.2°F sits near the national median, but its rainfall is extraordinary. The county receives 55.1 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the typical U.S. experience.

One of Virginia's wettest counties

While the average temperature of 55.2°F is close to the state average of 55.9°F, the moisture levels are much higher. Patrick County receives nearly 10 inches more rain annually than the average Virginia county.

Lower heat risk than the Piedmont

Patrick County records only 13 days a year over 90°F, which is lower than many of its eastern neighbors. It also sees 7.4 inches of annual snowfall, providing a moderate winter experience compared to the higher Blue Ridge peaks.

Mild summers and steady precipitation

The July average is a comfortable 73.5°F, kept in check by frequent rainfall and elevation. Winters are manageable with a January average of 36.2°F and a winter seasonal average of 37.9°F.

Invest in drainage and rain gear

With over 55 inches of annual rain, high-quality gutters and proper property drainage are essential investments for homeowners. Residents can rely less on heavy cooling systems given the low frequency of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Patrick County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Piedmont Soils

Patrick County achieves a soil score of 31.9, the highest in this group and well above the state average. Its pH of 5.22 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The soil is comprised of 51.2% sand and 32.3% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage with workability. The 16.5% clay content helps maintain essential minerals for plant growth.

Above-Average Soil Health

Organic matter content is strong at 3.07%, exceeding the state average of 2.90%. While the water capacity of 0.136 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic matter aids in moisture management.

Effective Natural Drainage

The 51.2% sand content ensures that water moves through the soil effectively, preventing saturated roots. This makes the land suitable for a wide variety of gardening and construction projects.

Abundance in Zone 7b

Your soil is naturally more fertile than many other parts of the state. With a Zone 7b climate, you can successfully grow everything from tomatoes to blueberries in your own backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Patrick County

via LawnByCounty

A Wetter Climate for Zone 7b

Patrick County’s lawn difficulty score of 56.0 is slightly better than the state average of 55.4. This 7b hardiness zone offers a relatively hospitable environment compared to the national baseline.

High Rainfall and Low Heat

Lawns benefit from a robust 55.1 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the state average of 46.0 inches. With only 13 extreme heat days, your lawn is less likely to scorch than in other parts of Virginia.

Managing Sandy Soil Mixes

The soil contains 51.2% sand, which promotes good drainage but may lead to nutrient leaching. At a pH of 5.22, you will need to add lime to move the soil closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turf.

Severe Pockets of Recent Drought

Despite high annual rainfall, 4.2% of the county is currently in Severe Drought (D2). With 22 weeks of drought in the past year, installing a rain barrel can help you manage the 100% dry conditions currently affecting the area.

Ideal Timing for Patrick County

Your primary growing season runs from the last frost on April 21 to the first frost on October 27. The high annual moisture makes this an excellent spot for high-quality tall fescue lawns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patrick County's county score?
Patrick County, Virginia has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Patrick County rank among counties in Virginia?
Patrick County ranks #31 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 Patrick County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Patrick County is $851, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Patrick County a tax score of 76.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Patrick County?
The median household income in Patrick County, Virginia is $50,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Patrick County earns an income score of 16.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Patrick County, Virginia a good place to live?
Patrick County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Patrick 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 Patrick 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.