countyscore
49.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 91Disaster Risk 86.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Prince George County, Virginia

Prince George Meets National Standards

Prince George County earns a composite score of 49.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It functions as a typical American community in terms of overall livability.

Competing Closely with State Averages

The county’s 49.4 score is remarkably close to Virginia’s state average of 50.9. It represents the middle of the pack for Virginia, offering a standard of living common to the Richmond metro periphery.

Economic Stability and Environmental Resilience

The county features a strong income score of 91.0 and an environmental risk score of 86.1. A median household income of $88,225 provides a sturdy financial base for most residents.

Addressing High Costs and Safety Concerns

Affordability is a pinch point with a cost score of 10.1, as median rents reach $1,563. The safety score of 38.3 also suggests room for community-level improvements.

A Solid Choice for Career-Minded Families

Prince George is best suited for families who earn well and want to minimize environmental risks. It offers a dependable, if expensive, lifestyle centered on high incomes and reliable infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax54.8Cost10.1Safety38.3Health67.6Schools59.5Income91Risk86.1Water86Weather61.7
🏛54.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.5
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

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Virginia
29.7
Colonial Heights city
Virginia
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Petersburg city
Virginia
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Chesterfield County
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Charles City County
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Surry County
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Dinwiddie County
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Deep Dives

Prince George County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prince George County

via TaxByCounty

Prince George's taxes align with the national baseline

Prince George County's effective rate of 0.782% sits above the national median of 0.85%, placing it slightly above middle in national rankings. The median property tax of $2,098 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's median home value of $268,300.

Prince George exceeds Virginia's average tax rate

At 0.782%, Prince George's effective rate is 16% higher than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a moderate-to-high tax jurisdiction within the commonwealth. The median annual bill of $2,098 tops the state median of $1,960 by about $140.

Prince George sits in the regional middle ground

Prince George's 0.782% rate falls between Powhatan (0.634%) and Portsmouth (1.069%), positioning it as a moderate-tax option in the area. Only Prince William (0.981%) surpasses Prince George's burden in the immediate region.

Prince George's average annual property tax

On a median home valued at $268,300, Prince George residents pay approximately $2,098 per year in taxes. That works out to roughly $175 monthly, placing the county in the moderate range of Virginia tax burdens.

Assessment overages are common here too

Many Prince George homeowners carry assessments above their properties' fair market values. Filing a free reassessment appeal could reveal overpayment opportunities and return tax dollars to your pocket.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prince George County

via CostByCounty

Prince George's rent prices demand attention

Prince George County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% edges toward the upper limit of comfort, driven by the state's highest median rent at $1,563 monthly. With median household income of $88,225—still $13,470 below the national median—renters here face above-average pressure relative to their earnings.

High rents, moderate affordability ratio

Prince George's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, and its median rent of $1,563 is 37% higher than the state average of $1,140. This county sits firmly in the less-affordable tier, despite respectable household incomes.

Pricier than Powhatan and Pulaski

Prince George's median rent of $1,563 far exceeds Powhatan ($1,107) and Pulaski ($815), reflecting its proximity to employment centers and higher demand. While homeowners here enjoy lower monthly costs ($1,282) than renters, the county's rental market remains one of the region's priciest.

Renters bear a heavier load

Renters in Prince George pay $1,563 monthly—significantly more than homeowners' $1,282 in monthly costs—despite similar median home values of $268,300. With median household income at $88,225 annually ($7,352 monthly), renters spend over 21% of gross income on housing, leaving less for savings and other needs.

Prince George demands higher income commitment

If relocating to Prince George, plan for rents around $1,563 monthly and a 21.3% housing burden—above Virginia's comfort zone. This county suits households earning $90,000+ who prioritize proximity to urban amenities over maximum affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prince George County

via IncomeByCounty

Prince George surpasses national income average

Prince George County's median household income of $88,225 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 18%, reflecting a solid middle-to-upper-income county. The strength stems from its government employment base and proximity to Richmond's professional sector.

Above-average earner for Virginia

Prince George's $88,225 median household income ranks in Virginia's upper-middle tier, outpacing the state average of $74,957 by $13,268. The county benefits from federal and state employment concentrated in the Petersburg-Hopewell area.

Prince George earns solid middle ground

Prince George ($88,225) positions between Pulaski ($60,767) and Rappahannock ($98,125), and well below Prince William ($128,873). Its income stability reflects government-anchored employment that insulates residents from many private-sector downturns.

Housing costs moderate but rising

Prince George residents spend 21.3% of income on rent, just below the national benchmark, with median home values of $268,300 remaining accessible. The ratio leaves breathing room for savings, though home affordability requires dual incomes in many cases.

Build retirement security strategically

Prince George households earning $88,225 can invest $7,000–$13,000 yearly (8–15% of income) in retirement accounts and college savings plans. Leveraging government employee benefits—often including strong pensions—compounds personal savings into substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prince George County

via CrimeByCounty

Prince George shows strong safety metrics

Prince George County maintains a total crime rate of 1,412.0 per 100,000 residents, which is much lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. This performance results in a safety score of 97.8. The county offers a more secure environment than many similar-sized jurisdictions across the country.

Outperforming the Virginia state average

The county's safety score of 97.8 exceeds the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,412.0 is also lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Two local reporting agencies provided the data that confirms this higher-than-average safety standing.

Safety compared to regional neighbors

Prince George is safer than Prince William County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,650.6. However, it trails Prince Edward County, where the crime rate is significantly lower at 725.3. This puts Prince George in a middle-ground position for safety within the region.

Analyzing violent and property crime split

Violent crime in Prince George stands at 314.3 per 100,000, which is higher than the state average of 229.7. Property crime, however, is much lower than the national average, at 1,097.7 compared to 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve property rather than person-to-person violence.

Proactive steps for local residents

Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports, so securing your home is essential. Motion-activated lights and visible security cameras are effective tools for discouraging potential burglars. Simple habits like locking vehicles can further reduce the 1,097.7 property crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prince George County

via HealthByCounty

Prince George tops national life expectancy

At 78.9 years, Prince George's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2.8 years, reflecting excellent population health. Yet 20.9% of residents report poor or fair health—paradoxically high—suggesting pockets of serious health burden despite strong longevity overall.

Second-best longevity in Virginia

Prince George's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks second only to Prince William County within the state, exceeding Virginia's average of 75.1 years by 3.8 years. Its 20.9% poor/fair health rate, however, stands above the state median, creating a puzzling contrast.

Strong longevity, mixed health reports

Prince George's 78.9 years trails only Prince William (80.6 years) regionally but significantly outpaces Portsmouth (70.5 years) and Radford (74.8 years). The county's 20.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds neighboring Powhatan (13.2%), indicating health disparities within the area.

Provider shortage despite excellent life expectancy

Prince George has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest of any county in this analysis—yet achieves strong longevity outcomes. With a 6.4% uninsured rate well below the state average of 7.9%, residents have insurance but face significant barriers finding primary care.

Secure coverage and demand provider access

Strong insurance rates won't help if doctors aren't available to see patients. Confirm your coverage at healthcare.gov and connect with your local health department about expanding primary care capacity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prince George County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Rural Infrastructure

Prince George County is home to 9 public schools, featuring 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. These facilities support 6,106 students across 2 districts, providing a solid foundation for the community's youth. The infrastructure is designed to serve a primarily rural population with centralized secondary hubs.

Strong Graduation Outcomes and Quality Scores

With a graduation rate of 92%, Prince George County significantly beats both the national average of 87% and the state average of 89%. The county earns a school score of 55.7, outperforming the Virginia state average. These high marks are achieved with a per-pupil spend of $7,509, showing strong return on educational investment.

Prince George County Public Schools Dominates

Prince George County Public Schools is the primary district, overseeing 7 schools and all 6,106 students. The system is comprised entirely of traditional public schools with no charter options currently available. Prince George High is the largest school in the county, serving a significant 1,796 students.

Large-Scale Rural Education

All 9 schools in the county are situated in rural locales, yet they maintain a high average size of 872 students. This creates a unique atmosphere where students enjoy a rural setting but attend large, resource-rich campuses like J.E.J. Moore Middle. This scale allows for extensive academic and athletic programs within a country environment.

Exceptional Educational Value for Homebuyers

With some of the highest graduation rates and school scores in the region, Prince George County is a magnet for family-oriented buyers. Homes near North Elementary or Prince George High are particularly popular for those prioritizing academic success. Explore local listings to find your place in this high-achieving rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prince George County

via RiskByCounty

Prince George ranks among America's lowest-risk areas

With a composite risk score of just 13.9, Prince George is very low risk and far below the national average. The county's geography and population distribution create particularly favorable conditions for natural disaster avoidance.

Virginia's safest county for disaster risk

Prince George's score of 13.9 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.3, making it one of the commonwealth's most resilient jurisdictions. The county's inland rural character provides substantial protection from most major hazard types.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Prince George (13.9) significantly outperforms neighboring Prince William County (83.2), Prince Edward County (32.4), and even Powhatan County (21.1). This exceptional low-risk status reflects the county's distance from urban flood zones and coastal systems.

Flood and hurricane present minor concerns

Prince George's most notable hazard is flood risk at 40.0, which remains well below state averages. Tornado risk of 28.0 and hurricane risk of 70.0 are present but pose minimal practical threat to most residents.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices for protection

Prince George residents can confidently rely on basic homeowners insurance coverage for everyday risks. Because disaster exposure remains exceptionally low, most property owners won't need supplemental riders or specialized policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prince George County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, high-moisture environment

Prince George County is notably warmer than the national median, averaging 58.0°F annually. It is a wet region, receiving 49.9 inches of precipitation per year, well above the national average.

One of Virginia's warmer, wetter counties

The average temperature of 58.0°F is over two degrees higher than the state average of 55.9°F. Additionally, its 49.9 inches of rain exceeds the state average by more than four inches.

Frequent extreme heat for the region

Prince George experiences 45 days of extreme heat per year, the highest in this peer group. While snowfall data is unavailable, the 49.9 inches of rain indicates a much wetter profile than neighboring Prince Edward.

Sweltering summers and mild winters

The summer average of 76.4°F is fueled by a hot July average of 78.6°F and persistent humidity. Winters are gentle by Virginia standards, with a December-February average of 39.6°F.

Beat the heat and the humidity

With 45 days over 90°F, high-efficiency cooling and dehumidification are the most important home investments. Residents should also prepare for significant rainfall by maintaining clear drainage paths around their homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prince George County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils Near the James

This county features a highly acidic pH of 5.02, falling below the state average of 5.23. Regular lime applications are often necessary here to reach the national median target pH of 6.5.

Silt-Rich Mix Retains Nutrients

The soil is a mix of 47.3% sand and 38.3% silt, creating a fine-grained texture. This high silt balance offers better nutrient holding capacity and moisture retention than the sandier regions found to the west.

Average Water Capacity for Growth

With 1.78% organic matter, the soil is more carbon-rich than several neighboring counties. It holds 0.142 inches of water per inch of soil, meeting the typical Virginia standard for water storage.

Steady Moisture for Forestry and Fields

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high silt content suggests moderate water movement. This soil works well for forestry and field crops that require consistent, reliable moisture levels.

Southern Staples Thrive in Zone 7b

Zone 7b is ideal for heat-loving staples like okra, peanuts, and cotton. With its decent water capacity, this soil is a great candidate for a productive home vegetable patch or orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prince George County

via LawnByCounty

Average Effort for Prince George Yards

Prince George County scores a 50.5 for lawn difficulty, matching the national average almost exactly but falling below the state average. This zone 7b county requires a standard maintenance routine to overcome local climate hurdles.

Intense Summer Heat and Plentiful Rain

Lawns must endure 45 extreme heat days each year, which is significantly higher than the Virginia average of 28. High annual precipitation of 49.9 inches helps offset this heat, though it creates a high-humidity environment for grass.

Correcting Very Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH in Prince George is notably low at 5.02, requiring aggressive lime treatments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With nearly 47.3% sand, the soil provides decent aeration but may leach nutrients quickly without organic amendments.

Favorable Resilience and Low Drought Stress

The county only experienced 3 weeks in drought over the past year, which is very low compared to its neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently 'abnormally dry,' the historical lack of severe drought makes this a resilient location for turf.

Maximized Growing Days in Prince George

With 4,343 growing degree days and a frost-free window from April 10 to November 1, there is plenty of time for turf to establish. Tall fescue is the regional favorite, provided you seed early enough to survive the 45 days of intense heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince George County's county score?
Prince George County, Virginia has a composite county score of 49.4 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 George County rank among counties in Virginia?
Prince George County ranks #85 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 George County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Prince George County is $2,098, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Prince George County a tax score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prince George County?
The median household income in Prince George County, Virginia is $88,225 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prince George County earns an income score of 91/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prince George County, Virginia a good place to live?
Prince George County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Prince George 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 George County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.