countyscore
54
County Score
Property Tax 75.3Weather & Climate 66.3Safety 65.2

County Report Card

About Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Stronger Performance Than National Peers

Pittsylvania County earns a composite score of 54.0, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher standard of living than many counties across the United States.

Above the Virginia State Average

The county's score of 54.0 places it above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents a solid, middle-to-high performing locality within the Commonwealth.

Low Taxes and Reliable Safety

Taxation is a major strength with a score of 75.3, while a Safety Score of 65.2 ensures a secure environment. Residents benefit from a low 0.593% effective tax rate and median home values around $153,000.

Water Infrastructure and Earning Potential

Infrastructure is a hurdle, as seen in the Water Score of 19.4. Additionally, the Income Score of 23.2 shows that local household incomes of $54,115 lag behind the more urbanized parts of the state.

The Verdict: A Secure and Low-Tax Retreat

Pittsylvania County is ideal for people seeking a safe, low-tax environment without the high price tag of Northern Virginia. It is particularly well-suited for retirees or those with portable careers who value community safety.

Score breakdown

Tax75.3Cost63.8Safety65.2Health41.2Schools37Income23.2Risk36.2Water19.4Weather66.3
🏛75.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58
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

Pittsylvania County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pittsylvania County

via TaxByCounty

Pittsylvania offers low taxes nationally

Pittsylvania County's effective tax rate of 0.593% sits substantially below the national average, and its median tax of just $907 represents only 34% of the national median. This makes Pittsylvania highly attractive for homeowners seeking low tax burdens.

Below average for Virginia counties

Pittsylvania's 0.593% rate falls below Virginia's 0.671% state average, positioning it among the commonwealth's more tax-friendly counties. Its median tax of $907 is less than half the state median of $1,960, delivering substantial savings to residents.

Competitive rates within the region

Pittsylvania's 0.593% rate matches closely with Patrick County's 0.581%, both undercutting Page County's 0.671% and Nottoway's 0.420%. This makes Pittsylvania a reasonably priced option in the south-central region's competitive tax landscape.

Median homes taxed under $1,000 annually

On Pittsylvania's median home value of $153,000, the 0.593% effective rate yields approximately $907 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, this may reach $960 when including additional assessments, but Pittsylvania remains one of Virginia's most affordable.

Review assessments to maximize savings

Even in tax-advantaged counties like Pittsylvania, homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. An appeal could reduce your tax burden further if your assessment seems excessive relative to market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pittsylvania County

via CostByCounty

Pittsylvania offers reasonable housing affordability

Pittsylvania County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above national norms, indicating solid but not exceptional affordability for renters. The county's median household income of $54,115 falls 28% below the national median, yet the $856 monthly rent keeps housing costs proportionally manageable.

Pittsylvania slightly above Virginia average

At 19.0%, Pittsylvania County's rent-to-income ratio runs just 0.4 percentage points above Virginia's 18.6% state average, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The county's $856 median rent costs $284 less than the state median of $1,140, reflecting South-central Virginia's lower-cost housing market.

Pittsylvania sits in the affordability middle

Pittsylvania's $856 rent ranks between Page County ($851) and Nottoway County ($1,009), while its 19.0% ratio places it slightly above the best-performing counties in this cluster. The county's moderate income base makes this a balanced choice for South-central Virginia movers.

Pittsylvania's balanced housing costs

Renters allocate $856 monthly while homeowners commit $645—making homeownership 24% cheaper than renting for qualified buyers in Pittsylvania. On a $54,115 median income, housing costs remain reasonable at 19% for renters and 14% for homeowners.

Pittsylvania offers solid middle-ground value

Pittsylvania County attracts movers seeking balanced Virginia living with affordable ownership, featuring median home values near $153,000 and manageable rents. Households earning around the county median of $54,115 will find both renting and buying financially sustainable here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pittsylvania County

via IncomeByCounty

Pittsylvania trails national income standard

Pittsylvania County's median household income of $54,115 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $20,640. While below the national average, the county's income level is higher than the poorest rural areas in the region.

Below Virginia's average, mid-tier county

Pittsylvania County's $54,115 median household income sits 28% below Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $30,209 is also substantially below the state average of $39,155, indicating wealth concentration.

Lower-middle tier in the region

Pittsylvania County's $54,115 exceeds Patrick County ($50,938) and Petersburg ($50,741) but trails Nottoway ($62,161) and Page County ($59,396). It remains well below the prosperity of Orange County ($94,175) and Poquoson city ($120,919).

Housing costs remain reasonable

Pittsylvania County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable, with a median home value of $153,000 accessible to most households. This moderate housing burden preserves capacity for savings and other essential expenses.

Consistent saving builds security

Pittsylvania County's stable housing costs create space for automatic savings contributions to retirement accounts or education funds. Even $50 monthly set aside consistently can grow to meaningful wealth—explore employer 401(k) matches first to maximize your benefit.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pittsylvania County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Pittsylvania County

Pittsylvania County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.7, making it one of the safest regions in the country. The total crime rate of 816.0 per 100K is nearly three times lower than the national average.

A Leader in Virginia Safety

With a safety score well above the state average of 97.3, Pittsylvania ranks high among Virginia’s most secure counties. Its total crime rate is less than half of the Commonwealth's 1,728.8 average.

Lower Crime Rates than Regional Neighbors

Pittsylvania is substantially safer than neighboring Patrick County, reporting nearly 50% less total crime per 100K. Five separate agencies coordinate to keep these rates consistently low.

Very Low Violent Crime Numbers

The county excels in preventing violent crime, with a rate of 109.0 that is far below the state average of 229.7. Property crime is also minimal at 707.0 per 100K compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Maintain Your Pittsylvania County Safety

Residents can help keep these impressive safety numbers stable by securing their property and vehicles. Even in low-crime areas, smart doorbells provide an extra layer of community awareness and peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pittsylvania County

via HealthByCounty

Pittsylvania edges toward national norms

At 74.9 years, Pittsylvania's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, sitting just 1.5 years below. However, 23.4% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national average of ~13%—suggesting high chronic disease burden despite near-average longevity. This mismatch points to quality-of-life challenges among those who survive to older ages.

Average health, high disease burden

Pittsylvania's 74.9-year life expectancy slightly trails Virginia's state average of 75.1 years, placing it in the middle tier of Virginia counties. Yet its 23.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst, indicating that while residents live long enough, many struggle with disability and chronic conditions. This contradiction demands investigation into quality-of-life factors.

Mixed signals in Southside Virginia

Pittsylvania's 74.9-year life expectancy approximates Orange (75.2) and exceeds Patrick (72.2) by 2.7 years. But its 23.4% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Orange's 17.5%, suggesting worse underlying disease management despite similar longevity. Pittsylvania's high poor/fair rate places it among the worst in this county cohort, despite decent life expectancy.

Catastrophic primary care shortage

Pittsylvania has just 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a crisis-level shortage that ranks among Virginia's worst. This means roughly 1,250 residents per primary care doctor, forcing long waits and delaying preventive care for chronic diseases. The 8.7% uninsured rate compounds the access crisis, and mental health provision (30 per 100K) is also sparse, leaving residents managing chronic illness without adequate support.

Get insured, find a medical home

Pittsylvania's 8.7% uninsured rate is above the state average of 7.9%—a gap that matters when primary care is so scarce. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to get Medicaid or a marketplace plan, then contact the Pittsylvania Health Department for primary care referrals. Having insurance and a consistent doctor are life-saving necessities in a county with just 8 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pittsylvania County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Education Across Pittsylvania

Pittsylvania County operates 22 public schools, featuring 10 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools. The system supports 7,918 students across two districts, providing a comprehensive network for a geographically large area. This infrastructure also includes 3 alternative schools to ensure every student has a path to success.

Steady Performance on a Lean Budget

The county maintains an 87% graduation rate, matching the national average though slightly behind the Virginia state average of 89%. Pittsylvania achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,073, which is lower than both the state and national spending benchmarks. The resulting school score of 52.1 demonstrates efficient performance relative to its funding levels.

Pittsylvania County Public Schools at the Helm

The Pittsylvania County Public Schools district is the primary provider, overseeing 21 schools and all 7,918 enrolled students. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a unified traditional public school system. The district manages everything from the Regional Alternative center to high-capacity secondary schools.

The Classic Rural School Experience

The county's school character is overwhelmingly rural, with 21 of its 22 schools situated in rural locales. Schools are generally mid-sized with an average of 440 students, though Tunstall High serves as the largest hub with 843 students. This creates a community-centric atmosphere where many schools serve as the heart of their local rural areas.

Root Your Family in Pittsylvania County

Families seeking a town or rural lifestyle will find diverse housing options near well-regarded campuses like Twin Springs Elementary. As you browse local listings, keep in mind that consistent graduation rates make this a stable choice for growing families. Investing in a home here means joining a community that values its public education tradition.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pittsylvania County

via RiskByCounty

Pittsylvania's risk significantly exceeds national average

Pittsylvania County scores 63.77 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category but nearly double the national average. The county faces elevated natural hazard exposure compared to most U.S. counties, driven by substantial flood, wildfire, and tornado vulnerabilities.

Highest-risk county in Virginia's dataset

At 63.77, Pittsylvania County's score nearly doubles Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the highest-risk communities in the commonwealth. The county's elevated profile reflects multiple convergent hazard exposures across flooding, wildfire, tornadoes, and seismic activity.

Dramatically riskier than all surrounding counties

Pittsylvania County's score of 63.77 far exceeds nearby Patrick County (20.87) and Nottoway County (28.98), making it the riskiest community in its region. The county's vulnerability stands out sharply against all adjacent counties, reflecting its unique geographic exposure.

Floods, wildfires, and tornadoes threaten residents

Flood risk (77.42) and wildfire risk (44.62) represent Pittsylvania's most severe hazard exposures, significantly above state averages and reflecting the county's terrain and climate. Tornado risk (40.43) and hurricane risk (77.64) rank close behind, creating a multi-hazard environment where residents face year-round natural disaster threats.

Comprehensive coverage essential for safety

Pittsylvania County residents should prioritize federal flood insurance through NFIP, particularly those near the Bannister River and tributaries where flood risk (77.42) is critical. Verify wind coverage in homeowners policies to address tornado and hurricane threats, and ensure property-specific wildfire mitigation measures are in place for forest-adjacent homes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pittsylvania County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-Atlantic weather patterns

Pittsylvania County closely mirrors national climate trends with an annual average temperature of 55.6°F. It receives 47.7 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than the national median but typical for the region.

A perfect match for Virginia averages

The county's 55.6°F annual average is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its precipitation level of 47.7 inches also sits just above the state mean of 45.7 inches.

Balanced seasons in the Southside

Pittsylvania sees 22 days of extreme heat, which is moderate compared to the more urban corridors to the east. It experiences 5.8 inches of snowfall annually, significantly less than the 18.6 inches seen in Page County to the north.

Warm summers and temperate winters

July temperatures average 75.5°F, while the broader summer season averages 73.6°F. Winters are cool but rarely extreme, with a January average of 35.7°F and only 5.8 inches of snow over the season.

Standard HVAC and light winter prep

A balanced HVAC system is ideal here to handle the 22 extreme heat days and the cool winter nights. With less than 6 inches of snow, heavy-duty winter equipment is rarely necessary for most residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pittsylvania County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Piedmont Sands Define the Landscape

Pittsylvania County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.39, which sits well below the national median of 6.5. This land characteristically trends toward more acidic levels than the Virginia state average of 5.23.

A High-Sand Mix for Easy Tilling

The soil contains 58.5% sand and only 14.0% clay, creating a light texture that is easy to work with hand tools. This high sand content provides excellent aeration but means the ground may struggle to hold onto vital nutrients.

Low Organic Matter Requires Soil Building

At 1.27%, the organic matter content is less than half of the Virginia average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.128 in/in also trails the state average, suggesting that crops will need frequent watering or heavy mulching.

Naturally Rapid Drainage Patterns

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage naturally facilitates quick water movement. This structure prevents root rot but requires careful management of soluble fertilizers to avoid leaching.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b

The mild climate of Zone 7b allows for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and sweet potatoes. Start a garden today by adding compost to boost the fertility of this sandy Piedmont soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pittsylvania County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Growth and Dry Conditions

Pittsylvania County scores a 58.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average. This 7b zone county offers a solid foundation for turf, provided you manage the extreme weather swings.

Reliable Rain with Moderate Heat

The county receives 47.7 inches of rain annually, which is within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. Residents deal with 22 extreme heat days, which is slightly less intense than the state average of 28.

Amending Sandy, Acidic Soil

The soil is notably sandy at 58.5%, leading to fast drainage that may require more frequent, shorter watering sessions. You will also need to address a low pH of 5.39 to ensure your grass can absorb nutrients effectively.

Facing Severe Drought Pressures

Currently, 100% of the county is in Severe Drought (D2+), a major challenge after 26 weeks of drought this past year. Native grass selections or drought-tolerant fescues are critical choices for this high-stress environment.

Targeting the Spring Window

Wait until after the April 22 frost to start your spring seeding, or aim for late October before the October 23 frost. Given the current severe drought, choosing heat-hardy seeds like improved tall fescues is a smart move.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pittsylvania County's county score?
Pittsylvania County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54 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 Pittsylvania County rank among counties in Virginia?
Pittsylvania County ranks #57 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 Pittsylvania County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Pittsylvania County is $907, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Pittsylvania County a tax score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pittsylvania County?
The median household income in Pittsylvania County, Virginia is $54,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pittsylvania County earns an income score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pittsylvania County, Virginia a good place to live?
Pittsylvania County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Pittsylvania 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 Pittsylvania 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.