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.

2040608010063.138.836.26137.620.297.468.1Tax63.1Cost38.8Safety36.2Health61Schools37.6Income20.2Risk97.4Water—Weather68.147.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Radford city DNA

Foverall

How Radford city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Radford city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.4/100) but notably weak in Income (20.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.1+11.100000000000001
Cost
38.8-9.200000000000003
Safety
36.2-18.799999999999997
Health
61+11
Schools
37.6-16.4
Income
20.2-30.8
Risk
97.4+50.400000000000006
Weather
68.1+12.099999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$211,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$966/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$211,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,791/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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Washington County
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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
Virginia
61.3
Salem city
Virginia
43
Roanoke County
Virginia
49.4
Monroe County
West Virginia
73

Deep Dives

Radford city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Water Quality in Radford city

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Data Missing for Radford

There is currently no available health violation grade or rate for Radford city in the federal SDWIS database. This lack of data makes it difficult to compare the city against the state average violation rate of 126.9. Local residents should consult their annual water quality reports directly.

Total Impairment in Assessed Waters

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of the city's 5 assessed water bodies were found to be impaired. E. coli and PCBs in fish tissue are the primary drivers of these failures. While the number of assessed sites is small, the consistent impairment signal is a major concern.

Limited Monitoring Presence in the City

Only six monitoring sites are active within Radford, recording 708 measurements over the last five years. These sites primarily track physical and microbiological characteristics. This is a relatively small data footprint compared to larger neighboring counties.

No Local USGS Streamflow Gauges

There is no representative USGS streamgage located directly within Radford city to provide live flow updates. Residents must rely on regional data from the New River to understand local hydrologic conditions. This absence of local data complicates real-time watershed management.

Caution Advised for Local Waterways

With every assessed water body failing standards for E. coli and PCBs, recreational contact and fish consumption should be avoided. The limited monitoring and missing compliance data suggest that residents should take a proactive approach to water safety. Installing home filtration systems can provide peace of mind in the absence of federal data signals.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
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.