countyscore
47.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.4Lawn Care 75Weather & Climate 68.1

County Report Card

About Radford city, Virginia

Radford’s Balanced National Profile

Radford city scores a 47.6, placing it very close to the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable quality of life that mirrors the typical American small-city experience.

A Competitive Southern Virginia City

The city’s score of 47.6 is slightly below the Virginia average of 50.9. It remains a notable performer in its region, balancing economic factors with environmental stability.

Top-Tier Environmental Resilience

Radford excels with a nearly perfect risk score of 97.4, indicating very low exposure to environmental hazards. The city also maintains a strong tax score of 63.1.

Income and Education Hurdles

The city’s primary weaknesses are its income score of 20.2 and school score of 37.6. A median household income of $52,791 reflects the challenges of a smaller local economy.

Ideal for Stability-Seeking Residents

Radford is a great fit for people who prioritize long-term environmental safety and moderate taxes. It is particularly well-suited for those whose livelihoods are not tied to the local private-sector job market.

Score breakdown

Tax63.1Cost38.8Safety36.2Health61Schools37.6Income20.2Risk97.4WaterComing SoonWeather68.1
🏛63.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75
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

Montgomery County
Virginia
49.3
Pulaski County
Virginia
45.7
Floyd County
Virginia
71.5
Giles County
Virginia
57.4
Craig County
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Salem city
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Roanoke County
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Monroe County
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Deep Dives

Radford city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Radford city

via TaxByCounty

Radford's tax rate slightly exceeds national median

Radford's effective rate of 0.703% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.85%, but just barely. The median property tax of $1,488 is 45% lower than the national median of $2,690, as Radford's median home value of $211,700 is notably below the national median.

Radford slightly above Virginia's average tax

At 0.703%, Radford's effective rate sits just above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a moderate-tax jurisdiction. The median annual bill of $1,488 is significantly below the state median of $1,960, reflecting the city's lower home values.

Radford moderate among regional peers

Radford's 0.703% rate ranks between Pulaski (0.644%) and Prince George (0.782%), offering a middle ground in the region. It's considerably lower than Prince William (0.981%) and Portsmouth (1.069%).

Radford's manageable annual tax obligation

On a median home valued at $211,700, Radford residents pay approximately $1,488 per year in property taxes. That works out to about $124 monthly, making Radford an affordable option for moderate-income homeowners.

Check your Radford assessment for accuracy

Even in more modest markets, overassessment occurs regularly in Radford. A free reassessment appeal during your jurisdiction's valuation cycle could validate your payment or uncover savings opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Radford city

via CostByCounty

Radford's rents burden lower-income households

Radford City's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% sits at the high end of acceptable, driven by median household income of just $52,791—nearly $22,000 below the national median. At $966 monthly, Radford's median rent is moderate, but stretched thin across modest incomes.

Above Virginia's affordability comfort zone

Radford's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less-affordable communities. The city's median rent of $966 runs 15% above the state average, compounding affordability challenges for lower-income residents.

Pricier than Pulaski, cheaper than Portsmouth

Radford's median rent of $966 sits between Pulaski's $815 and Portsmouth's $1,266, reflecting its mid-size city status. Despite moderate rents, Radford's lower-income base (median $52,791) creates higher rent-to-income pressure than Pulaski (16.1%) or Prince Edward (19.6%).

Homeownership slightly more affordable

Renters in Radford pay $966 monthly while homeowners face $867 in monthly costs on a median home value of $211,700. With median household income at $52,791 annually ($4,399 monthly), renters consume 22% of income on housing while homeowners spend just under 20%.

Radford suits budget-conscious homebuyers

Radford City works well for first-time homebuyers with household incomes around $55,000+, where monthly ownership costs ($867) become more affordable than renting. Renters here face tighter budgets, making this city a better choice for those planning to purchase.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Radford city

via IncomeByCounty

Radford's income significantly below national average

Radford's median household income of $52,791 falls 29% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, among the lowest in this analysis. The lower income reflects Radford's role as a college town with limited major employers beyond Radford University.

Radford ranks among Virginia's lowest-income cities

Radford's $52,791 median household income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $22,166, placing it in the bottom quintile statewide. The gap reflects limited economic diversity and smaller employer base relative to Virginia's wealthier urban and suburban regions.

Radford is among region's lowest earners

Radford ($52,791) ranks among the lowest in this group, surpassing only Prince Edward ($55,082), and far below Pulaski ($60,767). The college-town economy concentrates lower-wage service and education jobs, limiting median household income growth.

Rent costs strain lower incomes modestly

Radford residents spend 22.0% of income on rent—a manageable but notable burden—while median home values of $211,700 require careful planning. The ratio suggests many households prioritize renting and that homeownership demands significant financial discipline.

Students and young workers can start investing

Radford households earning $52,791 can direct $4,200–$7,900 yearly (8–15% of income) to savings and retirement accounts despite tight budgets. Young professionals and students should leverage early-career years to build investment habits that compound over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Radford city

via CrimeByCounty

Radford City is safer than most

Radford City reports a total crime rate of 1,477.5 per 100,000, which is considerably safer than the national rate of 2,385.5. This earns the city a safety score of 97.7. The city manages to maintain a low-crime environment despite its concentrated population.

Exceeding Virginia's safety benchmarks

With a safety score of 97.7, Radford City is slightly safer than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,477.5 is also better than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. These figures are based on reports from a single local agency, so they provide a focused view of the city limits.

Favorable comparisons to Pulaski County

Radford City's crime rate of 1,477.5 is less than half the rate of neighboring Pulaski County, which sits at 3,164.8. It is also safer than Prince William County's rate of 1,650.6. This makes Radford a relatively safe pocket within the region.

Violent crime vs. property crime in Radford

The violent crime rate of 329.7 is higher than the state average of 229.7, which warrants local attention. However, property crime is low at 1,147.8 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,015.7. Most crimes reported are non-violent in nature.

Smart security for Radford residents

While property crime is lower than the national average, 1,147.8 incidents per 100,000 still suggest a need for caution. Installing porch cameras and well-lit entryways can deter property-related offenses. Always lock your doors and windows, especially in higher-density city neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Radford city

via HealthByCounty

Radford slightly trails national health standard

At 74.8 years, Radford's life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting modest health challenges. With 18.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the city edges slightly above the national average of 17.3%, indicating moderate population health stress.

Below Virginia's health average

Radford's life expectancy of 74.8 years trails the state average of 75.1 years by just 0.3 years, placing it near the middle of Virginia's health rankings. Its 18.7% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above the state median, reflecting middle-tier health status.

Outperforms Portsmouth, trails wealthier peers

Radford's 74.8-year life expectancy substantially beats Portsmouth (70.5 years) but trails Pulaski (73.6 years) and most rural counties. The city's 18.7% poor/fair health rate sits between Pulaski (17.7%) and Prince Edward (21.2%), indicating mixed community health.

Strong provider availability with low uninsured rates

Radford offers solid primary care (55 providers per 100,000) and strong mental health services (259 providers per 100,000). With just 5.9% of residents uninsured—the lowest rate in this analysis and well below Virginia's 7.9%—the city has strong foundational access to care.

Build on Radford's coverage strength

Radford's low uninsured rate is an asset; maintain it by confirming coverage at healthcare.gov and encouraging neighbors to do the same to sustain the city's health gains.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Radford city

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified Education in Radford City

Radford City manages five public schools serving a total of 3,690 students within a single school district. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and a specialized virtual program.

Impressive Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The city boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average of 87.0%. This achievement comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,696, significantly below the state average of $7,941.

Radford City Public Schools Overview

Radford City Public Schools serves as the sole district for the area, maintaining a 0% charter school share. The district manages a mix of traditional and virtual learning environments for its nearly 3,700 students.

Suburban Learning with Virtual Options

All five schools are classified as suburban, creating a consistent community feel with an average enrollment of 738 students. While Radford City Virtual is the largest 'school' at 2,055 students, Dalton Intermediate provides a smaller, focused environment with just 235 students.

Settling in Radford's School District

High graduation rates and a focused suburban setting make Radford City a prime target for homebuyers with children. Research available properties near Belle Heth or McHarg Elementary to secure your spot in this high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Radford city

via RiskByCounty

Radford ranks among America's safest cities

With a composite risk score of just 2.64, Radford is very low risk—extraordinarily far below the national average. The city's exceptional safety profile reflects its small size, inland location, and distance from major hazard corridors.

Virginia's lowest-risk jurisdiction

Radford's score of 2.64 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.3, making it the commonwealth's most protected community. This exceptional rating reflects the city's favorable geography and minimal urban exposure.

Substantially safer than all comparable areas

Radford (2.64) ranks far below Pulaski County (45.9), Prince Edward County (32.4), and every other comparable Virginia jurisdiction. The city's unique low-hazard positioning stands out even among rural Virginia's safest places.

Earthquake poses only notable hazard

Radford's earthquake risk of 44.8 slightly exceeds all other hazard exposures, though even this remains below Virginia averages. Flood (11.4), tornado (8.14), and wildfire (2.7) risks are exceptionally minimal.

Basic insurance provides complete protection

Radford residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance without supplemental riders or specialized coverage. Given the city's exceptional safety profile, property protection remains straightforward and cost-effective.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Lawn Care in Radford city

via LawnByCounty

Radford Leads in Lawn Ease

Radford boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 75.0, the highest in this group and well above the national median of 50.0. The city offers an exceptionally hospitable environment for maintaining a lush, healthy green space.

Ideal Temperature and Rainfall Balance

Radford enjoys 42.1 inches of rain annually and suffers through only 7 extreme heat days, far below the Virginia average of 28. This climate keeps grass in an active growing state without the typical summer dormancy seen elsewhere.

Localized Soil Care for Peak Performance

While specific soil data for Radford is limited, the surrounding region typically features clay-loam mixes that hold water well. Residents should test their specific plots to check for any nutrient deficiencies before the spring growing surge.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dry Spells

Despite 23 weeks in drought over the past year, Radford's cooler 72°F July average helps lawns stay resilient. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3-4 inches can further protect the soil and retain moisture during dry periods.

Starting Your Radford Lawn Today

The favorable climate is perfect for cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass. While hardiness zone and frost data are limited, the mild summer means you have a wider window for successful seeding compared to hotter counties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radford city's county score?
Radford city, Virginia has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Radford city rank among counties in Virginia?
Radford city ranks #90 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 Radford city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Radford city is $1,488, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Radford city a tax score of 63.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Radford city?
The median household income in Radford city, Virginia is $52,791 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Radford city earns an income score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Radford city, Virginia a good place to live?
Radford city scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Radford city 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 Radford city 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.