countyscore
59.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.8Disaster Risk 93.1Schools 89

County Report Card

About Rappahannock County, Virginia

Rappahannock Leads National Rankings

Rappahannock County achieves a composite score of 59.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high score places the county among the more desirable locations in the country.

Outperforming the Virginia Average

With a score of 59.7, the county sits well above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It is a standout performer, offering a high quality of life even by the Commonwealth's standards.

Excellence in Schools and Income

The county earns a high school score of 89.0 and an income score of 94.8, with residents earning a median of $98,125. A risk score of 93.1 further cements its status as a secure place to live.

Water Infrastructure and High Entry Costs

The county’s main challenge is a water score of 0.8, indicating significant room for utility improvement. High home values near $490,200 also result in a low cost score of 8.5.

Perfect for High-Wealth Families

Rappahannock is a premier choice for families who want elite schools and a safe, high-income environment. It is an ideal retreat for those who can manage high property values and private water solutions.

2040608010078.18.564.864.98994.893.10.857.8Tax78.1Cost8.5Safety64.8Health64.9Schools89Income94.8Risk93.1Water0.8Weather57.859.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Rappahannock County DNA

Foverall

How Rappahannock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rappahannock County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (93.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.1+26.099999999999994
Cost
8.5-39.5
Safety
64.8+9.799999999999997
Health
64.9+14.900000000000006
Schools
89+35
Income
94.8+43.8
Risk
93.1+46.099999999999994
Water
0.8-57.2
Weather
57.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$490,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,384/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$490,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$55,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $98,125/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.0

per 100K

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

Warren County
Virginia
50.8
Page County
Virginia
52.4
Fauquier County
Virginia
57.9
Madison County
Virginia
59.1
Culpeper County
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Shenandoah County
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Clarke County
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Orange County
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Deep Dives

Rappahannock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rappahannock County

via TaxByCounty

Rappahannock's tax rate sits below national average

Rappahannock County's effective rate of 0.569% ranks well below the national median of 0.85%, making it one of America's more tax-friendly jurisdictions. The median property tax of $2,787 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting Rappahannock's elevated median home value of $490,200 for a rural county.

Virginia's second-lowest effective tax rate

At 0.569%, Rappahannock boasts one of Virginia's lowest effective rates, trailing only Prince Edward (0.403%) among all state counties. The median annual bill of $2,787 exceeds the state median of $1,960 due to Rappahannock's substantially higher property values.

Rappahannock offers exceptional tax advantages

Rappahannock's 0.569% rate is lower than all immediate peers, including Powhatan (0.634%), Pulaski (0.644%), and Radford (0.703%). For wealthy homeowners seeking low-tax rural communities, Rappahannock leads the region.

Rappahannock's annual property tax bill

On a median home valued at $490,200, Rappahannock residents pay approximately $2,787 per year in property taxes. That's roughly $232 monthly, offering a favorable rate for high-value rural properties.

Affluent Rappahannock owners should verify valuations

With median home values exceeding $490,000, Rappahannock properties are sometimes assessed above true market value. A free reassessment appeal could identify overvaluations and recover thousands in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rappahannock County

via CostByCounty

Rappahannock balances wealth and value

Rappahannock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% is excellent, supported by median household income of $98,125—more than $23,000 above the national median. Though median rent of $1,384 is among the highest profiled, high incomes here absorb the costs with ease.

Well above Virginia's affordability average

Rappahannock's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties by this measure. The combination of high household income and reasonable housing burden makes Rappahannock an outlier.

Similar to Powhatan; homes twice as valuable

Rappahannock and Powhatan share nearly identical rent-to-income ratios (16.9% vs 12.0%), but Rappahannock's median home value of $490,200 far exceeds Powhatan's $381,300. Both cater to affluent households, though Rappahannock attracts those seeking rural character over suburban convenience.

High incomes support premium properties

Renters in Rappahannock pay $1,384 monthly while homeowners face $1,544 in monthly costs on a median home value of $490,200. With median household income at $98,125 annually ($8,177 monthly), housing consumes just 17% of income, leaving ample resources for lifestyle.

Rappahannock: Rural luxury for affluent seekers

Relocating to Rappahannock County appeals to high-earning households ($98,000+) prioritizing rural character and scenic beauty over suburban connectivity. A 16.9% rent-to-income ratio and excellent affordability make this wine-country destination financially feasible for those with strong incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rappahannock County

via IncomeByCounty

Rappahannock exceeds national income median

Rappahannock County's median household income of $98,125 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 31%, reflecting an affluent rural community. The strength stems from wealthy retirees, telecommuters, and professionals drawn to the county's Piedmont character.

Rappahannock ranks among Virginia's top earners

Rappahannock's $98,125 median household income places it in Virginia's top tier, exceeding the state average of $74,957 by $23,168. The county attracts high-income households seeking rural living within reasonable distance of Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia job centers.

Rappahannock earns solidly above peers

Rappahannock ($98,125) exceeds Powhatan ($110,667) narrowly and significantly outearns Prince George ($88,225) and all lower-income counties in this analysis. The county's high per-capita income of $57,136 suggests concentrated wealth among smaller population base.

Housing costs minimal despite pricey homes

Rappahannock residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, well below the national benchmark, even with median home values of $490,200. The low ratio reflects exceptional incomes that dwarf housing costs, enabling substantial discretionary spending and investment.

Pursue aggressive wealth-building strategies

Rappahannock households earning $98,125 can direct $12,000–$22,000 yearly (12–22% of income) to retirement, real estate, and diversified investments. The combination of high income and low housing burden creates ideal conditions for building significant intergenerational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rappahannock County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Rappahannock

Rappahannock County is one of the safest areas in the nation, with a total crime rate of 821.9 per 100,000. This is nearly a third of the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 98.7 reflects this highly secure environment.

A top-tier safety performer in Virginia

The county's safety score of 98.7 far exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of 821.9, it is twice as safe as the average Virginia county. Two reporting agencies maintain consistent oversight to keep these numbers low.

Leading the region in low crime

Rappahannock is significantly safer than Pulaski County, where the crime rate is nearly four times higher at 3,164.8. It also outperforms Prince George County, which reports a crime rate of 1,412.0. This makes Rappahannock a premier choice for those prioritizing public safety.

Very low violent and property crime

Violent crime is rare here, with a rate of 148.2 per 100,000 compared to the state average of 229.7. Property crime is similarly low at 673.7, far below the national rate of 2,015.7. These low figures indicate a high level of community security.

Maintaining a secure home environment

Even in high-safety areas like Rappahannock, basic security measures are worthwhile. Property crime still accounts for the majority of the 821.9 total rate, so simple locks and lighting go a long way. Keeping your community safe starts with individual home awareness.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rappahannock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Landscape in Rappahannock

Rappahannock County maintains a small, focused footprint with just two public schools serving 735 students. This single-district system consists of one elementary school and one high school.

Exceptional Scores and Strategic Investment

The county earns an impressive school score of 64.2, well above the state average of 54.8. Graduation rates reach a stellar 95.0%, supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $10,715.

Concentrated District Excellence

Rappahannock County Public Schools manages the entire student population with no charter schools in the county. The district's small scale allows for a highly personalized approach to public education.

Small Schools in a Rural Environment

Both schools are situated in rural locales, reflecting the county’s quiet, open character. Rappahannock County Elementary is the larger facility with 446 students, while the high school remains small and tight-knit with 289 students.

Rural Living with Top-Tier Schools

For families seeking small class sizes and high academic outcomes, Rappahannock County is a standout choice. Consider the long-term value of a home in this high-investment, high-performance district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rappahannock County

via RiskByCounty

Rappahannock ranks among America's safest counties

With a composite risk score of 6.90, Rappahannock is very low risk—far below the national average. The county's rural character and distance from major population centers create particularly favorable natural disaster conditions.

Virginia's second-safest jurisdiction

Rappahannock's score of 6.90 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.3, placing it among the commonwealth's most resilient counties. Only Radford city ranks safer in the entire state.

Nearly as safe as Radford; safer than all others

Rappahannock (6.90) ranks just slightly higher than Radford (2.64) but far below Prince Edward (32.4), Powhatan (21.1), and all other Virginia counties. The county's remote rural positioning creates exceptional protection from concentrated hazards.

Wildfire and hurricane pose modest threats

Rappahannock's wildfire risk of 38.5 leads all other hazard types, though it remains below state averages. Hurricane risk of 55.3 ranks second; tornado, flood, and earthquake exposures all fall significantly below state norms.

Standard coverage fully addresses your needs

Rappahannock homeowners can rely on basic homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection against typical perils. The county's exceptionally low disaster risk means specialized policies or riders are unnecessary for most residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rappahannock County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Violations in Rappahannock

Rappahannock County receives an F grade due to a high violation rate of 3,030.3 per 100,000 residents. Although only 6 health violations were recorded, the small population makes the per-capita risk much higher than the state average of 126.9. This indicates a serious need for infrastructure attention.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Average

Approximately 40% of the county's 65 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the Virginia average of 46.1%. The 2022 cycle highlights E. coli, temperature, and benthic life as the main concerns. Overall, the natural watershed remains in better condition than the public drinking water infrastructure.

Diverse Monitoring Across Thirty-Four Sites

The county maintains 34 monitoring sites that have collected 9,986 measurements recently. Data groups include nutrients, metals, and major inorganics, providing a comprehensive look at water chemistry. This diverse monitoring helps detect specific mineral and agricultural runoff issues.

Battle Run Flow Critically Low

The USGS gauge at Battle Run near Laurel Mills shows a current discharge of 8 cfs, just 31% of its long-term mean. This low flow can lead to increased water temperatures and stress on aquatic life. It also reduces the dilution of agricultural E. coli runoff.

Prioritize Filtration and Flow Awareness

The extremely high violation rate and F grade make certified water filtration essential for Rappahannock residents. Because Battle Run is flowing at only 31% of its mean, E. coli levels in local streams may be more concentrated than usual. Monitoring both tap water and local stream levels is critical for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rappahannock County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler pocket of the humid South

Rappahannock County's annual average temperature of 54.2°F sits just below the national median. This humid subtropical climate offers a temperate balance compared to more extreme regions of the United States.

Consistently cooler than the Virginia average

The county stays notably cooler than the state average of 55.9°F. Its position in the foothills keeps it more temperate than the tidewater regions to the east.

Damp and snowy compared to neighbors

With 48.8 inches of annual precipitation, Rappahannock is wetter than the state average of 45.7 inches. Its 21 inches of annual snowfall also exceeds many of its surrounding lowland neighbors.

Brisk winters and manageable summer heat

Residents experience about 27 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, concentrated in a July that averages 74.4°F. Winter brings a chillier reality, with January temperatures averaging 33.7°F.

Prepare for snow and humid summers

Homeowners should prioritize sturdy snow removal equipment to handle the 21 inches of yearly snowfall. Reliable HVAC systems are essential to navigate both the 27 heat days and the freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rappahannock County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Piedmont

Rappahannock County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.05, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the low pH suggests a need for lime amendments in most traditional agricultural applications. These levels fall slightly below the Virginia state average pH of 5.23.

A Balanced Granular Mix

The soil composition features a balanced mix of 44.5% sand and 37.6% silt, with a smaller 16.1% clay component. This texture offers decent workability for farmers while providing enough structure to hold onto essential nutrients. The relatively low clay content prevents the heavy, sticky conditions found in other parts of the state.

Solid Foundations for Growth

Organic matter stands at 2.12%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.148 in/in is slightly better than the Virginia average of 0.143 in/in. These figures indicate a soil that retains moisture well enough to support consistent crop growth.

Managing Water Movement

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. However, the sandy-silt mix generally suggests moderate internal drainage that prevents frequent ponding. Local builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to confirm water movement patterns before major projects.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 7a

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 7a, Rappahannock is a prime location for apple orchards and cool-weather vegetables. The soil’s moisture retention supports diverse perennial plantings and traditional timber. Gardeners should focus on acid-loving plants or apply lime to balance the naturally low pH levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rappahannock County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Hurdles in Rappahannock

Rappahannock County has a lawn difficulty score of 47.5, making it more challenging than the average Virginia county. In this hardiness zone 7a area, homeowners must be proactive to keep their turf thriving against environmental pressures.

Abundant Rain but Intense Heat Exposure

The county receives 48.8 inches of rain, which is higher than the state average and ideal for growth. However, with 27 extreme heat days and 3,412 growing degree days, lawns require consistent monitoring during the summer months.

Addressing High Acidity in Sandy Soil

A soil pH of 5.05 indicates high acidity, necessitating regular lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The soil is 44.5% sand, providing good drainage but making it susceptible to drying out during the county's frequent dry spells.

Defending Lawns Against Long Droughts

Lawns here endured 36 weeks of drought over the past year, placing significant stress on non-irrigated yards. With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, utilizing rain barrels and drought-resistant grass varieties is a smart strategy.

Maximizing the Rappahannock Season

The growing season runs from the last frost on April 16 to the first frost on October 27. Plan your seeding for early fall to take advantage of the 48.8 inches of rain while avoiding the peak of the 27 extreme heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rappahannock County's county score?
Rappahannock County, Virginia has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Rappahannock County rank among counties in Virginia?
Rappahannock County ranks #21 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 Rappahannock County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Rappahannock County is $2,787, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Rappahannock County a tax score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rappahannock County?
The median household income in Rappahannock County, Virginia is $98,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rappahannock County earns an income score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rappahannock County, Virginia a good place to live?
Rappahannock County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock County 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.