countyscore
56.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.8Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax93.8Cost40.5Safety69Health43Schools38.4Income25.2Risk67.6Water86Weather64.2
🏛93.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.1
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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Nearby counties

Appomattox County
Virginia
62.4
Charlotte County
Virginia
58.3
Lunenburg County
Virginia
59.4
Buckingham County
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Cumberland County
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Nottoway County
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Amelia County
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Powhatan County
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Deep Dives

Prince Edward County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Prince Edward County

via CostByCounty

Prince Edward offers solid rental affordability

Prince Edward County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% sits comfortably within the ideal 20–25% range, despite median household income of $55,082 trailing the national median by nearly $20,000. At just $898 monthly, Prince Edward's median rent is the lowest among the eight counties profiled and significantly undercuts the national norm.

Better than Virginia's state average

Prince Edward's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, and its median rent of $898 runs $242 below the state average. For renters with modest incomes, Prince Edward delivers genuine affordability.

Cheapest rent among regional peers

Prince Edward's median rent of $898 undercuts Portsmouth ($1,266), Prince George ($1,563), and even Pulaski ($815 is lower). This makes Prince Edward an attractive option for budget-conscious renters, though those seeking higher incomes may find fewer economic opportunities locally.

Rents and mortgages stay modest

Renters in Prince Edward spend $898 monthly while homeowners face $915 in monthly costs on a median home value of $203,700. At a median household income of $55,082 annually ($4,590 monthly), housing consumes roughly 20% of income for both renters and homeowners—a fair balance.

Prince Edward: Affordable and underrated

Relocating to Prince Edward County means locking in some of Virginia's lowest housing costs without sacrificing affordability ratios. Median rent of $898 and a 19.6% housing burden make this rural county an excellent destination for remote workers or retirees prioritizing stretch-your-dollar living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Prince Edward County

via HealthByCounty

Prince Edward falls short on longevity

At 74.0 years, Prince Edward's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than two years, indicating health challenges. Over one in five residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national crisis level of 17.3% and suggesting significant population health stress.

Among Virginia's worst health outcomes

Prince Edward ranks near the bottom of Virginia counties with a life expectancy 1.1 years below the state average of 75.1 years. Its 21.2% poor/fair health rate ties Portsmouth as one of the state's worst, indicating concentrated health disparities.

Struggling versus surrounding counties

Prince Edward's 74.0-year life expectancy trails Powhatan (77.9 years) and Rappahannock (78.8 years) by substantial margins. The county's 21.2% poor/fair health rate far exceeds neighboring Pulaski County (17.7%), signaling distinct local health challenges.

Adequate providers but high uninsured rates

Prince Edward offers 64 primary care providers per 100,000 and 299 mental health providers per 100,000—strong on paper. However, 8.4% of residents lack insurance, exceeding the state average of 7.9%, which may prevent many from accessing those available services.

Close the coverage gap now

Above-average uninsured rates in Prince Edward mean care goes delayed or foregone entirely. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find affordable coverage and begin reversing the county's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prince Edward County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated County School System

Prince Edward County maintains 5 public schools, including 1 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. The county serves a total of 1,887 students within a single school district. This small-scale infrastructure allows for a highly centralized educational community where students transition together through each grade level.

Investment in a Developing Academic Profile

The county spends $7,953 per pupil, which slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of $7,941. While the current graduation rate of 82% is below the state and national averages, the school score of 51.4 remains above the national median. This level of funding suggests a commitment to improving student outcomes and resources.

The Prince Edward County Public Schools District

Prince Edward County Public Schools manages the 4 primary campuses that serve the 1,887 students in the area. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning the district is the sole provider of public education. Prince Edward Elementary is the largest school in the system, enrolling 808 students.

Where Town Meets Rural Education

The county's schools are split between town and rural settings, with 3 schools in town and 2 in the countryside. The average school size is 629 students, providing a medium-sized environment that is neither too crowded nor isolated. The educational feel is a blend of local community ties and regional town life.

Community-Focused Living in Prince Edward

Moving to Prince Edward County offers a chance to live in a community where schools like Prince Edward Elementary are central to local life. As the district continues to invest above state-average levels, families can find value in local real estate. Look for homes that offer the perfect balance of town convenience and rural beauty.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prince Edward County

via RiskByCounty

Prince Edward ranks below national risk levels

With a composite risk score of 32.4, Prince Edward is very low risk—just slightly below the national average. The county's rural, inland character shields residents from many of the coastal and high-density hazards that elevate national risk.

Nearly matches Virginia's average risk

Prince Edward's score of 32.4 closely tracks Virginia's state average of 33.3, reflecting a fairly typical risk profile for the commonwealth. The county sits in the moderate zone for a rural Virginia jurisdiction.

Safer than Prince William, riskier than Powhatan

Prince Edward (32.4) falls between safer Powhatan County (21.1) and the much higher-risk Prince William County (83.2). This middle-ground position reflects Prince Edward's distance from major flood corridors and urban centers.

Hurricane and earthquake top the risk list

Prince Edward's hurricane risk of 76.5 and earthquake risk of 65.2 exceed tornado (26.6) and flood (25.3) exposures. Though inland, the county remains somewhat vulnerable to tropical systems tracking through Virginia.

Standard insurance covers most perils adequately

Prince Edward homeowners can rely on basic homeowners insurance for typical risks like wind and hail. Consider adding flood coverage if your property sits near a stream or drainage area, and review your policy's windstorm provisions before hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 56.6 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 #41 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 $820, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Prince Edward County a tax score of 93.8/100 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 $55,082 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prince Edward County earns an income score of 25.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prince Edward County, Virginia a good place to live?
Prince Edward County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 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.

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🏛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.