CountyScore

Richmond city

Virginia · VA

#124 in Virginia
60.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Richmond city, Virginia

Richmond city outpaces national median

With a composite score of 62.9, Richmond city ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 79th percentile nationally. This means the city's overall livability scores better than nearly four out of five counties across the country.

Below Virginia's county average

Richmond city scores 62.9 compared to Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle tier among Virginia's counties. While solid nationally, the city lags slightly behind its state peers.

Tax burden stands out

Richmond city excels in its tax environment with a score of 78.0 and an effective tax rate of just 0.864%, offering residents meaningful tax relief. The city also maintains moderate housing costs with a median rent of $1,314 per month and median home values around $328,100.

Income growth lags behind peers

The income score of 24.3 reveals a significant weak point, with a median household income of $62,671 that trails many Virginia counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a full livability picture.

Best for tax-conscious urban dwellers

Richmond city appeals to professionals and families prioritizing low taxes and urban amenities who can accept moderate incomes and moderate housing costs. It suits those seeking city living with manageable tax obligations, though income growth may be a long-term consideration.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78Cost61.3SafetyComing SoonHealth67.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.3Risk21.6WaterComing Soon
🏛78
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Richmond city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Louis city
Missouri
60.6
Median income: $55,279
Hockley County
Texas
60.6
Median income: $54,810
Imperial County
California
60.7
Median income: $56,393
Honolulu County
Hawaii
60.5
Median income: $104,264
Bureau County
Illinois
60.5
Median income: $65,894

Deep Dives

Richmond city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richmond city

via TaxByCounty

Richmond city taxes above national average

At 0.864%, Richmond city's effective property tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,834, compared to the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value slightly higher at $328,100.

Higher than most Virginia counties

Richmond city ranks among Virginia's highest-taxed jurisdictions, with an effective rate of 0.864% well above the state average of 0.671%. This puts the city's tax burden 29% higher than typical Virginia counties.

City taxes dwarf surrounding rural areas

Richmond city's 0.864% rate towers over nearby Richmond County (0.555%) and Rockbridge County (0.600%), reflecting urban service costs. Even compared to other city jurisdictions like Roanoke (1.013%), Richmond city sits in the middle of Virginia's urban tax spectrum.

Nearly $2,900 annually for median home

On a median home valued at $328,100, Richmond city homeowners pay approximately $2,834 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less at $2,798, while those without mortgages pay $2,932.

Many homeowners may be overassessed

If you believe your Richmond city property valuation is too high, you have the right to appeal your assessment. Overassessed homeowners could recover hundreds in annual tax savings by successfully challenging their county valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richmond city

via CostByCounty

Richmond rents strain household budgets

Renters in Richmond city spend 25.2% of their income on housing, well above the national sweet spot of 30% as a maximum burden. The median household income here is $62,671—$12,084 below the national median—making that 25.2% hit harder than it does elsewhere.

Less affordable than most Virginia counties

Richmond city's rent-to-income ratio of 25.2% ranks it among Virginia's least affordable markets, compared to the state average of 18.6%. The median rent of $1,314 runs 15% higher than Virginia's typical $1,140, signaling a tight rental market in the city core.

More expensive than surrounding counties

Richmond city's median rent ($1,314) significantly exceeds nearby Rockbridge County ($956) and Russell County ($682), though it trails slightly behind Roanoke city ($964). Home values tell a similar story: Richmond's median of $328,100 is the highest among neighboring jurisdictions, reflecting strong demand in the urban center.

Housing claims over a quarter of income

The median renter pays $1,314 monthly while homeowners face $1,514 in monthly costs—both substantial chunks of the $62,671 annual median household income. At 25.2%, rent consumes a larger share of income here than in most Virginia markets, leaving less for transportation, food, and savings.

Consider affordability in your relocation plans

If housing costs are a primary concern, Richmond city's 25.2% rent-to-income ratio suggests exploring surrounding counties like Rockbridge or Russell for more breathing room in your budget. However, the urban amenities and job density of Richmond may justify the premium for some relocating professionals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richmond city

via IncomeByCounty

Richmond city earns 16% below national average

The median household income in Richmond city stands at $62,671, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $12,084. This gap reflects Richmond's position as an urban center with a more diverse economic profile than many faster-growing regions.

Middle of the pack in Virginia

Richmond city ranks in the middle range among Virginia counties with a median household income of $62,671, just below the state average of $74,957. The city's per capita income of $44,249 exceeds the state's $39,155 average, suggesting a more educated workforce concentrated in professional roles.

Outearning nearby smaller cities

Richmond city's $62,671 median income outpaces nearby Roanoke city ($52,671) by $10,000 annually, reflecting Richmond's status as the state capital with stronger institutional employment. However, it lags suburban Roanoke County ($82,931) and the more prosperous Rockingham County ($78,468).

Housing costs remain manageable here

At 25.2% of income, Richmond city's rent-to-income ratio sits at the upper limit of affordability, meaning housing consumes a significant but workable share of earnings. The median home value of $328,100 requires roughly 5 years of gross household income, putting homeownership within reach for dual-income households.

Build long-term wealth in Richmond

With median income of $62,671, Richmond households have meaningful opportunity to save and invest—even modest regular contributions to retirement accounts compound significantly over time. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about tax-advantaged accounts and building an emergency fund as the foundation for wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richmond city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags national average

At 74.4 years, Richmond city's life expectancy falls below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting persistent health challenges in Virginia's capital. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%.

Below Virginia's health trend

Richmond city ranks below Virginia's average life expectancy of 75.1 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's 95 counties and cities. The city's 20.5% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Virginia's typical performance.

Urban health disparities in region

Richmond city trails its neighboring Roanoke city in life expectancy (74.4 vs. 70.2 years) but faces higher poor/fair health rates than surrounding suburban counties. Urban centers in Virginia show similar patterns of health challenges compared to regional peers.

Strong primary care presence

With 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Richmond city exceeds state needs and offers robust mental health support at 524 providers per 100,000. Still, 8.6% of residents lack health insurance, slightly above Virginia's 7.9% average.

Access health coverage today

If you're among Richmond city's uninsured residents, Virginia's health insurance marketplace and Medicaid programs can connect you to affordable coverage. Visit vaccines.gov or your local health department to explore options and improve your health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richmond city

via RiskByCounty

Richmond city faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 78.40, Richmond city sits well above the national median and carries a "Relatively Low" rating overall. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquake (92.72) and flood (82.63) risks that exceed typical U.S. patterns.

Among Virginia's highest-risk jurisdictions

Richmond city's composite score of 78.40 ranks it near the top of Virginia counties, far exceeding the state average of 33.27. The city's earthquake risk of 92.72 is exceptionally elevated compared to most other Virginia jurisdictions.

Riskier than surrounding rural counties

Richmond city's score of 78.40 dramatically exceeds nearby Richmond County (10.43), reflecting the concentrated urban exposure to seismic and flood hazards. Urban density amplifies vulnerability compared to less developed neighboring areas.

Earthquakes and flooding pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk scores 92.72—the highest hazard in the city—followed closely by flood risk at 82.63, driven by proximity to the James River and tidal zones. Tornado risk of 66.76 rounds out your top three concerns, making multi-hazard preparedness essential.

Prioritize earthquake and flood insurance now

Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake and flood damage; Richmond city residents should obtain separate earthquake and flood policies immediately. Given your elevated composite risk of 78.40, comprehensive coverage is not optional—it's a financial necessity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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