countyscore
54.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.7Water Quality 86Health 84.8

County Report Card

About Powhatan County, Virginia

Powhatan Outperforms the National Median

Powhatan County earns a composite score of 54.7, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county in a favorable position relative to the rest of the United States.

A Strong Performer in the Commonwealth

With a score of 54.7, Powhatan sits above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a premier destination for those seeking a higher quality of life than the state typical.

High Incomes and Environmental Quality

The county boasts an exceptional income score of 97.7, supported by a median household income of $110,667. Environmental factors also shine, with a water quality score of 86.0 and a health score of 84.8.

The Premium Price of Living Well

Affordability is the county’s primary challenge, reflected in a cost score of 14.0. While the tax score is high at 70.4, a median home value of $381,300 presents a barrier to entry for many families.

Ideal for High-Earning Professional Families

Powhatan is perfect for established professionals who prioritize health, water quality, and high earnings. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can navigate its high entry costs.

2040608010070.41441.384.853.797.778.98657.7Tax70.4Cost14Safety41.3Health84.8Schools53.7Income97.7Risk78.9Water86Weather57.754.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Powhatan County DNA

Foverall

How Powhatan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Powhatan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.4+18.400000000000006
Cost
14-34
Safety
41.3-13.700000000000003
Health
84.8+34.8
Schools
53.7
Income
97.7+46.7
Risk
78.9+31.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
57.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$381,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,107/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$381,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $110,667/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Goochland County
Virginia
64
Amelia County
Virginia
54.9
Cumberland County
Virginia
51.6
Richmond city
Virginia
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Fluvanna County
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Henrico County
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Hanover County
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Louisa County
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Deep Dives

Powhatan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Powhatan County

via TaxByCounty

Powhatan's tax rate sits slightly below national average

Powhatan County's effective rate of 0.634% is lower than the national median of 0.85%, positioning it as a relatively affordable jurisdiction nationally. Residents pay a median tax of $2,418 annually on homes valued at $381,300—higher than the national median tax because of the county's significantly higher home values.

Powhatan ranks among Virginia's lower-tax counties

With an effective rate of 0.634%, Powhatan sits slightly below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the commonwealth. The median annual tax of $2,418 is modestly above the state median of $1,960, driven entirely by Powhatan's affluent property market.

Powhatan's advantageous position versus regional peers

Powhatan's 0.634% rate beats Prince George County (0.782%) and Portsmouth (1.069%) significantly, though it ranks slightly below Rappahannock (0.569%). For high-value homes, Powhatan offers one of Virginia's most competitive tax rates among wealthy suburban counties.

Estimated annual Powhatan property tax

On Powhatan's median home value of $381,300, residents pay approximately $2,418 per year in property taxes. That works out to about $201 monthly, making it an attractive option for affluent homeowners seeking lower-tax jurisdictions within Virginia.

Reassessment appeals can yield tax relief

Even in lower-tax Powhatan, many homeowners are assessed above their property's true market value. Filing a free appeal during your county's reassessment cycle could reduce your valuation and save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Powhatan County

via CostByCounty

Powhatan: Affluent and affordable

Powhatan County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.0% is exceptionally low—well below the comfortable 20–25% threshold and a fraction of the national median household income disadvantage. With median household income at $110,667, residents here earn $35,912 more than the national median, giving them substantial breathing room despite higher absolute rents.

Most affordable among wealthy Virginia counties

Powhatan's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Virginia's best, beating the state average of 18.6% by a wide margin. This combination of high incomes and moderate housing costs makes Powhatan a rare afford-luxury market in the state.

Richer than Rappahannock, similar affordability

Powhatan and Rappahannock County both achieve excellent rent-to-income ratios (12.0% vs 16.9%), but Powhatan households earn notably more: $110,667 versus $98,125 annually. Both offer breathing room for renters, though Powhatan's income cushion is larger.

High income absorbs higher housing costs

Renters in Powhatan pay $1,107 monthly while homeowners face $1,548 in monthly costs on a median home value of $381,300. The median household income of $110,667 annually ($9,222 monthly) easily absorbs these costs, leaving room for savings and other expenses.

Powhatan rewards high earners with ease

If you're relocating with a strong income, Powhatan County offers the rare combination of affluent neighbors and genuine affordability—just 12% of income goes to rent. The median home value of $381,300 remains accessible to households earning $110,000+, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Powhatan County

via IncomeByCounty

Powhatan ranks among nation's wealthiest

Powhatan's median household income of $110,667 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 48%, placing the county in the top income tier nationally. This affluence reflects a prosperous suburban economy anchored by educated professionals and strong regional growth.

Powhatan leads Virginia's income rankings

Powhatan's $110,667 median household income ranks among Virginia's top 10 counties, exceeding the state average of $74,957 by $35,710. The county's wealth reflects its proximity to Richmond and strong regional investment.

Powhatan outearns most surrounding areas

Powhatan ($110,667) significantly exceeds Rappahannock ($98,125) and Prince George ($88,225), though trails Prince William ($128,873). The differences reflect Powhatan's mix of rural estates, suburban development, and Richmond-area commuters earning professional salaries.

Housing costs are minimal burden

Powhatan residents allocate just 12.0% of income to rent—the lowest ratio among these eight counties—despite median home values of $381,300. This low housing burden reflects strong incomes relative to property costs, leaving substantial income for savings and investment.

Powhatan households can invest aggressively

With $110,667 annual income and minimal housing costs, Powhatan households can dedicate 15–25% to retirement, college, and wealth-building—totaling $16,600–$27,667 yearly. This capacity for early and significant investing positions families to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Powhatan County

via CrimeByCounty

Powhatan County is a Secure Community

Powhatan County is a very safe community with a safety score of 97.9, beating the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,331.0 per 100K is roughly 44% lower than the national average.

Beating the Virginia Safety Average

Two local agencies report data showing that Powhatan maintains a crime rate below the state average of 1,728.8. This consistent performance keeps the county ranked above the state average safety score of 97.3.

Suburban Safety vs Nearby Urban Rates

Powhatan is significantly safer than nearby Petersburg city, which has a total crime rate nearly three times higher. The county offers a much more secure environment for families compared to its urban neighbors.

Strong Protection Against Violent Crime

The violent crime rate is 177.0 per 100K, comfortably below Virginia's average of 229.7. Property crime at 1,154.0 per 100K is also well below the national mark of 2,015.7.

Securing Your Powhatan County Home

To keep property crime rates low, homeowners should ensure all entry points are well-lit and secure. Smart home technology provides an easy way to monitor your property's safety while you are away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Powhatan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Infrastructure in Powhatan

Powhatan County operates 7 public schools, including 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. This system serves 4,241 students across 2 districts, providing a focused and streamlined learning environment. The county also maintains alternative programs to ensure comprehensive support for all student demographics.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Powhatan boasts an impressive 92% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,062, which is lower than the state average of $7,941. Its overall school score of 54.7 is virtually identical to the state average of 54.8, indicating high-quality outcomes.

Powhatan County Public Schools Leads the Way

Powhatan County Public Schools is the primary district, managing 6 schools and all 4,241 enrolled students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape, as there are no charter schools in the area. The district is anchored by Powhatan High, which serves over 1,400 students.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

All 7 schools in Powhatan are located in rural settings, offering a peaceful and spacious atmosphere for students. Schools here tend to be larger than average, with a mean size of 848 students per campus. This includes large-scale facilities like Powhatan Middle and more moderately sized primary schools like Powhatan Elementary.

Quiet Rural Living with Excellent Schools

For families seeking a rural retreat without sacrificing educational quality, Powhatan County is a top contender. Homes near Pocahontas or Flat Rock Elementary offer access to a high-performing district with strong graduation outcomes. Consider the local school quality as a cornerstone of your home-buying strategy in this beautiful county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Powhatan County

via RiskByCounty

Powhatan ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of 21.1, Powhatan is very low risk—substantially below the national average. The county's inland location shields it from hurricane and coastal flooding threats that affect many American communities.

Well below Virginia's average risk

Powhatan's score of 21.1 is significantly lower than Virginia's state average of 33.3, making it one of the commonwealth's safest counties. This favorable profile reflects the county's distance from the coast and major seismic faults.

Among the region's lowest-risk counties

Powhatan (21.1) ranks similarly to Prince Edward County (32.4) but well below Prince William County (83.2) and Portsmouth (54.0). The central Virginia location creates substantially lower hazard exposure than coastal or high-risk nearby areas.

Earthquake risk exceeds all other hazards

While Powhatan faces very low overall risk, earthquake exposure at 72.2 slightly surpasses other hazard types, though severe seismic events remain rare in central Virginia. Tornado risk of 26.1 and hurricane risk of 61.5 are notably lower than in coastal counties.

Standard coverage protects most residents

Powhatan homeowners can typically rely on standard homeowners insurance for most common perils. Consider earthquake coverage only if you own older structures, but property protection remains straightforward in this low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Powhatan County

via WaterByCounty

Powhatan Achieves Top Water Compliance Grade

Powhatan County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance is superior to the state average violation rate of 126.9 per 100,000 people. It demonstrates high reliability in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Moderate Impairment in Local Watersheds

About 43.8% of the 64 assessed water bodies in Powhatan are classified as impaired, slightly better than the 46.1% state average. The 2022 reporting cycle lists E. coli and PCBs in fish tissue as the leading contaminants. These issues are common in areas with a mix of agricultural and suburban land use.

Consistent Monitoring Across Sixteen Sites

There are 16 active monitoring sites in the county which have recorded 2,044 measurements recently. The surveillance focuses on physical properties, nutrients, and microbiological indicators. While the site count is healthy, the total number of readings is lower than some neighboring urban centers.

Fine Creek Flowing Well Below Typical

The primary gauge at Fine Creek Mills shows a current discharge of just 3 cfs, which is only 17% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow indicates drought-like conditions in the local watershed. Low water levels can increase the concentration of pollutants like E. coli.

Managing Risks During Low Flow Periods

With Fine Creek at just 17% of its typical flow, residents should be mindful of concentrated contaminants in surface waters. While drinking water compliance remains excellent, the presence of E. coli in nearly half of local water bodies suggests caution for recreational use. Conserving water during these low-flow periods helps maintain local aquifer health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Powhatan County

via WeatherByCounty

Steady precipitation in Central Virginia

Powhatan County receives 45.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national median. While specific temperature data is not available for this station, the rainfall follows a consistent East Coast pattern.

Consistent with Virginia rainfall norms

The county’s 45.2 inches of annual rain is nearly a perfect match for the Virginia state average of 45.7 inches. This ensures a stable environment for the local agriculture and forest lands.

Similar moisture to surrounding counties

Powhatan’s precipitation levels are closely aligned with neighbors like Prince Edward County, which sees 44.5 inches. Temperature and snow data are limited for this specific location, but it shares the general humid subtropical climate of the Piedmont.

Rainfall distributed throughout the year

With 45.2 inches of total precipitation, the county experiences regular moisture across all seasons. Though seasonal temperature averages are missing from this data set, the region typically faces humid summers and cool winters.

Prioritize water management and drainage

Homeowners should focus on maintaining gutters and ensuring proper property grading to handle the 45 inches of annual rain. Because heat and snow data are unavailable, residents should follow general Central Virginia guidelines for HVAC maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Powhatan County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of Powhatan

Powhatan’s soil presents a highly acidic pH of 5.12, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 5.23. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for many garden crops.

Sandy Texture Offers Light Workability

The local soil mix contains 55.8% sand and 14.4% clay, leading to a light and manageable texture. This composition allows roots to penetrate easily but may drain faster than ideal for water-hungry plants.

Building Capacity in Lean Soil

At 1.24% organic matter, the soil is leaner than the 2.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.130 in/in indicates a need for regular mulching to keep moisture locked in during the summer months.

Well-Drained Ground Prevents Saturated Roots

Limited specific drainage data exists, but the high sand content suggests a well-drained profile. These soils typically avoid the 'wet feet' issues common in heavier clay regions, making them good for deep-rooted trees.

Spring Starts Early in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide variety of vegetables, from hardy kale to summer tomatoes. You can transform this soil into a productive garden by adding compost to boost the organic content of the sandy base.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Powhatan County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Conditions for Powhatan Turf

With a difficulty score of 47.5, Powhatan County presents more challenges for lawn care than both the national median and the Virginia average of 55.4. This hardiness zone 7a region requires more intensive management to keep grass green and healthy.

Steady Rainfall Supports Local Growth

Powhatan receives 45.2 inches of annual precipitation, falling comfortably within the ideal range for maintaining a lush lawn. While specific heat day data is limited, the rainfall provides a solid foundation for local mowing and watering schedules.

High Acidity and Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil in Powhatan is quite acidic with a pH of 5.12, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. With a high sand content of 55.8%, these lawns drain quickly but require significant lime and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Persistence Through Long Dry Spells

The county faced 22 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Utilizing mulch and drought-tolerant seed mixes can help yards survive these frequent water-stressed periods.

Late Spring Starts for Powhatan Lawns

Cool-season grasses like tall fescue perform well in zone 7a, though they require supplemental water during the summer. Plan to seed in the early fall or after the final spring frosts to give new sprouts the best chance to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powhatan County's county score?
Powhatan County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Powhatan County rank among counties in Virginia?
Powhatan County ranks #54 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 Powhatan County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Powhatan County is $2,418, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Powhatan County a tax score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Powhatan County?
The median household income in Powhatan County, Virginia is $110,667 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powhatan County earns an income score of 97.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Powhatan County, Virginia a good place to live?
Powhatan County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Powhatan 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 Powhatan County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.