countyscore
27.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 63Lawn Care 55.3Property Tax 48

County Report Card

About Richmond city, Virginia

Richmond falls below national livability marks

With a composite score of 27.4, Richmond city trails significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This score puts the state capital in a lower tier of urban centers when compared to nationwide peers.

Capital city trails Virginia average score

Richmond's overall score of 27.4 sits far below the Virginia state average of 50.9. This indicates that residents experience a lower quality of life metric than the typical Virginian across most tracked dimensions.

Moderate tax burden and stable incomes

Richmond's primary strengths are its tax score of 48.0 and income score of 47.2. The effective tax rate of 0.864% remains manageable for residents earning a median household income of $62,671.

High costs and safety concerns persist

The city faces a steep challenge in affordability with a cost score of 9.9, driven by a median gross rent of $1,314. Public safety also lags with a score of 3.7, while water data remains unavailable for a full assessment.

A hub for high-energy urban professionals

Richmond best suits young professionals who value urban amenities over immediate affordability or suburban security. The city's profile suggests a trade-off between cultural access and higher cost-of-living pressures.

Score breakdown

Tax48Cost9.9Safety3.7Health45.5Schools31.6Income47.2Risk21.6WaterComing SoonWeather63
🏛48
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
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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Counties with similar scores

Norfolk city
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Bernalillo County
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Angelina County
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Fort Bend County
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Roanoke city
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Val Verde County
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Nearby counties

Henrico County
Virginia
39.1
Chesterfield County
Virginia
43.3
Hanover County
Virginia
55.4
Hopewell city
Virginia
29.7
Colonial Heights city
Virginia
36.9
Petersburg city
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29
Goochland County
Virginia
64
Powhatan County
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54.7

Deep Dives

Richmond city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Richmond city

via CrimeByCounty

Richmond City faces significant safety hurdles

Richmond City reports a total crime rate of 3,820.0 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.0. As a major urban center, it experiences more frequent incidents than surrounding rural counties.

Crime rates exceed state averages

The city's safety score of 94.0 is lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 3,820.0 is more than double the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. These figures, reported by a single agency, highlight the unique challenges of the state's capital city.

Urban crime vs. neighboring counties

Richmond City's crime rate of 3,820.0 is vastly higher than Prince William's 1,650.6. It is also more than six times the rate of neighboring Richmond County. This sharp contrast emphasizes the higher density of crime typical in large urban environments.

High property crime defines the landscape

Property crime is the primary driver of Richmond's rate, sitting at 3,457.7 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 362.3 is also higher than the state average of 229.7, but property crimes occur nearly ten times as often. Theft and burglary remain the most common safety concerns.

Prioritizing security in the city

With a property crime rate of 3,457.7, city residents should invest in monitored alarm systems. Visible cameras and secure entry points are highly effective in dense urban neighborhoods. Always ensure vehicles are locked and valuables are removed to prevent common opportunistic thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Richmond city

via SchoolsByCounty

The Extensive Urban Network of Richmond

Richmond City operates a large network of 58 public schools, including 26 elementary and 10 high schools. Over 20,383 students are enrolled across six different school districts.

Navigating Urban Educational Challenges

The city faces performance challenges with a 67.0% graduation rate, significantly lower than the national average of 87.0%. Despite this, the per-pupil expenditure of $7,961 remains in line with the state average of $7,941.

Richmond City Public Schools Dominance

The primary district, Richmond City Public Schools, serves 21,130 students across 53 facilities. Two charter schools operate within the city, representing a 3.4% share of the total school landscape.

Purely Urban Education Settings

Every school in the system is located in a city locale, with an average enrollment of 443 students per school. Large high schools like Huguenot (1,551 students) and George Wythe (1,309 students) define the scale of the city's secondary education.

Relocating to Richmond's City Schools

With dozens of elementary schools and diverse charter options, Richmond offers a variety of urban educational pathways. Research individual school scores to find the right neighborhood fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Richmond city

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soils with High Acidity

Richmond City features an average soil pH of 5.13, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is typical for the region but remains below the state average of 5.23. Without taxonomic classification data, the low pH serves as the primary indicator for soil management needs.

High Sand and Fast Drainage

The city’s soil is dominated by sand at 63.5%, with only 13.3% clay and 22.9% silt. This high sand content ensures excellent drainage but may lead to rapid nutrient leaching in urban garden beds. The low clay percentage makes the soil very easy to work, though it lacks the 'grip' of heavier soils.

Challenging Nutrient Retention

Organic matter in the city is relatively low at 1.65%, falling below both the national 2.0% and state 2.90% averages. The available water capacity of 0.122 in/in is also lower than the state average of 0.143 in/in. Gardeners should expect to supplement these soils with compost to improve both fertility and water holding capacity.

Infiltration and Urban Runoff

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the 63.5% sand content points toward rapid infiltration. In an urban environment, this can help reduce surface runoff during moderate rains. However, the lack of data on hydrologic groups means site-specific drainage should be verified for construction.

Flourishing in Zone 7b

Richmond's 7b hardiness zone allows for a long growing season and success with heat-tolerant varieties. Southern favorites like figs and crape myrtles thrive in these sandy, well-draining conditions. Regular mulching is essential here to keep soil temperatures stable and preserve what little moisture the sandy soil holds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richmond city

via LawnByCounty

Managing an Urban Lawn in Richmond City

Richmond city earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.3, placing it right in line with the Virginia state average of 55.4. While it is easier to maintain grass here than the national median of 50.0, the city environment presents unique challenges. This hardiness zone 7b region requires a balance of heat-tolerant species and consistent maintenance.

Summer Heat Hits Richmond Lawns Hard

The city experiences 44 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 28 days. While 45.5 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range, the intense summer sun can quickly dry out turf. Gardeners must manage watering carefully during the 79.0°F average July peak to prevent wilting.

Acidic and Sandy Soils Require Attention

Richmond's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.13, well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most grasses. The high sand content of 63.5% ensures quick drainage but may struggle to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular lime applications and organic compost help stabilize this foundation for healthier roots.

Monitoring Dry Spells in the City

Though only three weeks were spent in drought over the last year, 100% of the city currently sits at an abnormally dry status. This lack of moisture combined with the city's heat can cause grass to go dormant prematurely. Smart irrigation systems can help navigate these dry spells while conserving the city's water resources.

Choosing the Right Grass for Richmond

Tall Fescue and Bermuda grass thrive in this 7b zone due to their heat and drought resistance. While local frost dates are currently unavailable, late summer remains the gold standard for seeding to allow roots to establish before winter. With the right grass type, a Richmond lawn can stay green despite the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richmond city's county score?
Richmond city, Virginia has a composite county score of 27.4 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 Richmond city rank among counties in Virginia?
Richmond city ranks #132 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 Richmond city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Richmond city is $2,834, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Richmond city a tax score of 48/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richmond city?
The median household income in Richmond city, Virginia is $62,671 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richmond city earns an income score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richmond city, Virginia a good place to live?
Richmond city scores 27.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #132 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Richmond 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 Richmond 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.