CountyScore

Richmond County

Virginia · VA

#41 in Virginia
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Richmond County, Virginia

Richmond County ranks in top half nationally

Richmond County's composite score of 74.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 88th percentile. This rural county outperforms nearly nine out of ten counties nationwide.

Above average among Virginia counties

Richmond County scores 74.2, outperforming Virginia's state average of 70.3, and ranks in the upper tier of Virginia's counties. Its performance stands notably above most of its state neighbors.

Tax and affordability excel

Richmond County shines with an exceptional tax score of 86.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.555%, the lowest among the eight counties examined. Housing is equally impressive, with a cost score of 77.0, median rent of only $1,011 per month, and median home values of $214,200.

Income remains the limitation

Despite excellent tax and cost scores, the income score of 25.3 reflects a median household income of $64,184, limiting long-term wealth building. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available for a complete assessment.

Ideal for budget-first rural families

Richmond County suits families and retirees seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a rural setting. It's perfect for those whose primary concern is stretching every dollar while maintaining a low overall cost of living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.7Cost77SafetyComing SoonHealth63.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.3Risk89.6WaterComing Soon
🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.6
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 County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alpine County
California
72.8
Median income: $110,781
Modoc County
California
72.8
Median income: $56,648
Chickasaw County
Iowa
72.8
Median income: $73,421
Leslie County
Kentucky
72.8
Median income: $40,176
Benzie County
Michigan
72.8
Median income: $72,603

Deep Dives

Richmond County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richmond County

via TaxByCounty

Richmond County taxes well below national

At 0.555%, Richmond County's effective property tax rate ranks below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $1,188 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Among Virginia's lowest-taxed counties

Richmond County's 0.555% effective rate places it below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the bottom third of Virginia's 133 jurisdictions. County residents enjoy substantially lighter tax obligations than the typical Virginian.

Most affordable taxes in the region

Richmond County's 0.555% rate beats nearby Rockbridge County (0.600%) and stands well below urban centers like Richmond city (0.864%) and Roanoke (1.013%). This rural county offers some of the region's lowest property tax rates.

Under $1,200 annually for median home

On a median home valued at $214,200, Richmond County homeowners pay approximately $1,188 in annual property taxes. This is among the lowest tax burdens in Virginia, making the county attractive for tax-conscious homebuyers.

Check your assessment for accuracy

Even in low-tax Richmond County, some homeowners may be overassessed and eligible for tax appeals. Reviewing your property valuation could identify additional savings opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richmond County

via CostByCounty

Richmond County offers solid affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.9%, Richmond County sits just above Virginia's state average of 18.6% and comfortably within the national comfort zone for housing costs. The median household income of $64,184 is close to the state median, making this an accessible market for many households.

Middle of the pack in Virginia affordability

Richmond County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio places it near the state average of 18.6%, marking it as a stable, moderately affordable option compared to pricier urban areas. Median rent of $1,011 runs slightly below the state average of $1,140, offering modest savings for renters.

Cheaper rents than Richmond city neighbors

Richmond County's median rent of $1,011 undercuts Richmond city ($1,314) by $303 monthly while matching the affordability of Rockingham County ($1,125). Home values of $214,200 are significantly more modest than the city's $328,100, appealing to buyers seeking rural charm with reasonable pricing.

Balanced housing and income picture

Renters spend $1,011 monthly on housing while homeowners face $858 in monthly costs from a median income of $64,184. This relatively balanced distribution means residents keep more income for other necessities and discretionary spending compared to pricier Virginia markets.

A solid choice for rural-minded relocators

Richmond County's near-average affordability combined with lower home values makes it attractive for families prioritizing space and rural living over urban amenities. The modest rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% suggests sustainable housing costs over the long term.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richmond County

via IncomeByCounty

Richmond County trails national income by 14%

Richmond County's median household income of $64,184 falls $10,571 short of the national median of $74,755. Despite this gap, the county's per capita income of $27,687 reflects a working-class economy with more modest individual earnings.

Below-average income across Virginia

Richmond County ranks below Virginia's state average median household income of $74,957, earning about $10,773 less per household. The county's per capita income of $27,687 significantly trails the state's $39,155 average, indicating lower individual earnings potential.

Rural county in lower income tier

Richmond County's $64,184 median income sits modestly above struggling Russell County ($49,020) but well below prosperous Rockingham County ($78,468) and Roanoke County ($82,931). The county represents the rural middle ground of Virginia's economic landscape.

Housing costs stay reasonable

Richmond County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% indicates housing is comfortably affordable, consuming less than one-fifth of typical household earnings. The median home value of $214,200 equals roughly 3.3 years of gross household income, making homeownership achievable for most working families.

Strategic saving unlocks opportunity

With median income of $64,184 and manageable housing costs, Richmond County households can redirect savings toward long-term wealth building through retirement accounts and conservative investments. Even small monthly contributions compound substantially—start where you can and increase contributions as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richmond County

via HealthByCounty

Longer lives despite health challenges

Richmond County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 76.3 years, slightly above the national average of 76.1 years, yet one in four report poor or fair health. This paradox suggests that while lifespan is competitive, daily health struggles affect quality of life.

Mid-range performer in Virginia

At 76.3 years, Richmond County's life expectancy exceeds Virginia's average of 75.1 years, positioning it above the state median. However, its 25.5% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in Virginia, indicating significant wellness disparities.

Rural access constraints

Richmond County's 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in its peer group—constrains healthcare access compared to neighboring counties with 25-124 providers. The county's mental health provider ratio of 185 per 100,000 also lags regional standards.

Provider shortage affects daily care

Residents face significant barriers to routine healthcare due to just 11 primary care providers per 100,000, requiring many to travel for preventive care. With 9.6% uninsured—above Virginia's 7.9% average—some residents delay seeking help entirely.

Bridge coverage gaps now

Richmond County's high uninsured rate means many families miss preventive care opportunities that could improve those concerning health metrics. Explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans at vacciness.gov to find affordable coverage for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richmond County

via RiskByCounty

Richmond County enjoys minimal disaster risk

Richmond County's composite risk score of 10.43 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating across most hazard categories. This rural county benefits from geographic insulation from major earthquake zones and wildfire-prone regions.

Virginia's safest county by composite score

Richmond County's 10.43 score ranks among the absolute lowest in Virginia, significantly below the state average of 33.27. Only a handful of Virginia counties match this level of natural disaster resilience.

Safest in a relatively low-risk region

Richmond County's score of 10.43 edges out nearby Russell County (36.55) and stands dramatically lower than urban centers like Richmond city (78.40). The Northern Neck's rural character and distance from major fault lines provide genuine protection.

Hurricane exposure remains your sole concern

Hurricane risk scores 79.47—your only significantly elevated hazard—reflecting coastal vulnerability despite the county's overall low composite risk of 10.43. Flood risk of 48.20 is moderate, while wildfire (4.13) and tornado (20.29) risks are minimal.

Coastal residents need hurricane and flood coverage

While Richmond County's overall risk is low, residents in flood-prone or hurricane-vulnerable areas should secure flood insurance, especially near the Rappahannock River. Standard homeowners policies won't cover hurricane or flood damage—gap protection is essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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