countyscore
56
County Score
Property Tax 91.5Water Quality 86Safety 69

County Report Card

About Prince Edward County, Virginia

Above-Average Livability in Prince Edward

Prince Edward County posts a solid composite score of 56.7, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-balanced profile that outpaces many rural peers across the country.

Leading the State Average

The county’s score of 56.7 is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands out as a high-performing rural hub within the Southside Virginia region.

Exceptional Tax and Safety Profile

Prince Edward excels with a tax score of 93.8, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.403%. Residents also benefit from a strong safety score of 69.0 and a high water quality score of 86.0.

Economic and Educational Room for Growth

The county’s lowest scores are in income at 25.2 and schools at 38.4. With a median household income of $55,082, the economic ceiling is lower than in the state's more urbanized areas.

A Haven for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is a top choice for those with outside income sources who value low taxes and physical safety. It suits families who prioritize cost of living and security over local wage growth.

2040608010091.539.1694338.42467.68664.2Tax91.5Cost39.1Safety69Health43Schools38.4Income24Risk67.6Water86Weather64.256/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Prince Edward County DNA

Foverall

How Prince Edward County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Prince Edward County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (91.5/100) but notably weak in Income (24/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.5+39.5
Cost
39.1-8.899999999999999
Safety
69+14
Health
43
Schools
38.4-15.600000000000001
Income
24-27
Risk
67.6+20.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
64.2+8.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Prince Edward County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$216,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$931/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,315/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Appomattox County
Virginia
63.4
Charlotte County
Virginia
58.6
Lunenburg County
Virginia
61.6
Buckingham County
Virginia
55.3
Cumberland County
Virginia
50.5
Nottoway County
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44.3
Amelia County
Virginia
54
Powhatan County
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56.2

Deep Dives

Prince Edward County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Prince Edward County

via TaxByCounty

Prince Edward offers Virginia's most affordable tax rates

Prince Edward County's effective rate of just 0.403% ranks among the lowest in America, well below the national median of 0.85%. The median property tax bill is only $820 annually on homes valued at $203,700—a full 70% less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Lowest-taxing county in Virginia by far

Prince Edward's 0.403% effective rate is the lowest among all Virginia counties, less than 60% of the state average of 0.671%. At $820 per year, the median tax bill is less than half the state median of $1,960, making it Virginia's most tax-friendly jurisdiction.

Prince Edward vastly undercuts regional competitors

Prince Edward's rate of 0.403% is dramatically lower than Prince George County (0.782%), Powhatan (0.634%), and Pulaski (0.644%). No neighboring county comes close to Prince Edward's exceptionally low tax burden.

Your modest annual Prince Edward tax bill

On a median home valued at $203,700, Prince Edward residents pay only $820 per year in property taxes. That's just $68 monthly, making it one of Virginia's most affordable places to own property from a tax perspective.

Double-check your assessment even in low-tax counties

Even with Prince Edward's favorable rates, some homeowners remain overassessed relative to their neighbors. A free reassessment appeal could validate your property's value or potentially reduce what you owe even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prince Edward County

via IncomeByCounty

Prince Edward trails national income levels

Prince Edward County's median household income of $55,082 falls 26% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lower-income rural counties. The gap reflects limited economic opportunities and smaller employer base typical of Southside Virginia.

Among Virginia's lowest-income counties

Prince Edward's $55,082 median ranks in the bottom quartile of Virginia counties, trailing the state average of $74,957 by nearly $20,000. This gap mirrors broader rural Virginia economic challenges and limited wage growth opportunities.

Prince Edward faces regional income gap

Prince Edward ($55,082) earns significantly less than Prince George ($88,225) and Powhatan ($110,667), though slightly more than Radford ($52,791). The disparities highlight how proximity to urban centers and regional economic hubs shapes local earning potential.

Housing costs strain modest incomes

Prince Edward residents spend 19.6% of income on rent—a manageable level—but median home values of $203,700 require careful financial planning relative to $55,082 incomes. The ratio suggests homeownership requires substantial down payments or longer mortgage terms.

Even small investments compound over time

Prince Edward households earning $55,082 can direct $4,400–$8,200 annually (8–15% of income) to retirement and savings accounts despite tight budgets. Consistent investing through employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs builds wealth momentum even on lower incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prince Edward County

via CrimeByCounty

Prince Edward is safer than the national average

Prince Edward County reports a total crime rate of 725.3 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly 70% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a high safety score of 98.9 out of 100. This score indicates a secure environment compared to broad national benchmarks.

A local leader in Virginia safety

The county's safety score of 98.9 sits well above the Virginia state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of 725.3, Prince Edward is significantly more secure than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people. Local law enforcement across three reporting agencies maintains this high standard of public safety.

Comparing safety with nearby counties

Prince Edward is notably safer than Prince George County, which has nearly double the crime rate at 1,412.0 per 100,000. It also outperforms nearby Prince William County, where the crime rate is more than twice as high. These comparisons highlight Prince Edward as a regional stronghold for low crime rates.

Low rates for violent and property crimes

The county records 168.8 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is lower than the state average of 229.7. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 556.5, compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents generally face a much lower risk of theft or assault than in urban centers.

Maintaining safety in Prince Edward

While the 98.9 safety score is impressive, property crimes still account for the majority of local incidents. Investing in basic home security, such as smart doorbells or outdoor lighting, helps deter opportunistic theft. Consistent awareness keeps these already low numbers from rising.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prince Edward County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and moderately wet climate

Prince Edward County is warmer than the national median, with an annual average temperature of 57.4°F. It averages 44.5 inches of precipitation, slightly less than the typical levels found along the Virginia coast.

Slightly warmer than the state mean

The county’s 57.4°F average temperature sits roughly 1.5 degrees higher than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This reflects its position in the warmer southern Piedmont region.

High heat compared to western neighbors

Prince Edward faces 36 days of extreme heat (≥90°F), which is much higher than the 13 days seen in Patrick County to the west. However, its 6.1 inches of snowfall is very similar to Pittsylvania's 5.8 inches.

Hot summers and mild winter spells

Summer is intense with a July average of 78.1°F and over a month’s worth of 90°F days. Winters are relatively mild, with a January average of 37.2°F and a winter seasonal average of 39.0°F.

Prepare for a long cooling season

With 36 days of extreme heat, ensuring your air conditioning is serviced by May is a priority. Winter gear needs are minimal, as the county only averages about 6 inches of snow per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prince Edward County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Central Virginia

The soil in Prince Edward County has a pH of 5.43, which is more alkaline than the state average but remains below the 6.5 national median. This reflects the typical geochemical signature of the Virginia heartland.

A Versatile Mix for Farming

A blend of 55.2% sand and 16.2% clay defines the local landscape. This ratio provides a decent balance of physical workability and the structural stability required for traditional agriculture.

Consistent Water Storage for Crops

Organic matter measures 1.33%, while the available water capacity of 0.142 in/in matches the Virginia state average. This provides a more resilient foundation for plant growth compared to the sandier coastal counties.

Stable Hydrology for Field Crops

The absence of specific hydrologic group data is offset by the balanced water capacity metrics. The soil generally holds enough moisture to sustain crops through short dry spells without becoming excessively swampy.

Long Growing Season in Zone 7b

Gardeners in Zone 7b can enjoy a long season for southern favorites like corn, beans, and squash. This soil responds quickly to organic amendments, which help bridge the gap to higher productivity levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prince Edward County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growth in Prince Edward

Prince Edward County holds a lawn difficulty score of 53.1, trailing just slightly behind the Virginia state average of 55.4. Located in hardiness zone 7b, the county offers a relatively stable environment for traditional lawn maintenance.

Extended Heat Demands Careful Mowing

Lawns here face 36 days of extreme heat annually, surpassing the state average of 28. With 44.5 inches of rain and 4,172 growing degree days, the environment supports rapid growth that requires a consistent mowing schedule.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Substrates

Local soil pH averages 5.43, meaning most homeowners must apply lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is 55.2% sand, which promotes good drainage but may struggle to hold moisture during the peak of summer.

Severe Drought Risks for Local Yards

The county spent 27 weeks in drought last year, and 30.4% of the area is currently in a severe drought stage. Watering early in the morning is crucial here to minimize evaporation and protect grass from these harsh conditions.

Timing Your Prince Edward Planting

The growing season typically begins after the last spring frost on April 12 and ends around November 1. For best results in zone 7b, plant resilient tall fescue or transition-zone grasses like Zoysia during these windows.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince Edward County's county score?
Prince Edward County, Virginia has a composite county score of 56 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 Prince Edward County rank among counties in Virginia?
Prince Edward County ranks #45 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 Prince Edward County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Prince Edward County is $921, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Prince Edward County a tax score of 91.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prince Edward County?
The median household income in Prince Edward County, Virginia is $56,315 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prince Edward County earns an income score of 24/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prince Edward County, Virginia a good place to live?
Prince Edward County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Prince Edward 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 Prince Edward County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.