CountyScore

Rockbridge County

Virginia · VA

#32 in Virginia
73.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Rockbridge County, Virginia

Rockbridge ranks in top tier nationally

Rockbridge County's composite score of 74.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 90th percentile. The county outperforms nine out of ten counties nationwide.

Among Virginia's strongest performers

Rockbridge County scores 74.8, topping Virginia's state average of 70.3, and ranks among the best counties in the state. It stands in the top tier of Virginia's counties overall.

Tax and cost excellence combine

Rockbridge County excels with a tax score of 85.4 and an effective tax rate of just 0.600%, coupled with an outstanding cost score of 79.2. Median rent stands at $956 per month and median home values are $238,700, offering excellent value.

Income growth remains modest

The income score of 25.1 reflects median household income of $63,975, which limits long-term wealth accumulation compared to some peers. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available for complete evaluation.

Best for value-seeking rural retirees

Rockbridge County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability and low taxes in a scenic rural setting. It suits those who can sustain themselves on moderate incomes while enjoying exceptional cost of living benefits.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.4Cost79.2SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.1Risk66.7WaterComing Soon
🏛85.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.7
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 Rockbridge County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lemhi County
Idaho
73.4
Median income: $52,057
DeKalb County
Indiana
73.4
Median income: $70,080
Sullivan County
Missouri
73.4
Median income: $55,500
Antelope County
Nebraska
73.4
Median income: $63,750
Grant County
Oregon
73.4
Median income: $59,800

Deep Dives

Rockbridge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rockbridge County

via TaxByCounty

Rockbridge County taxes below national

At 0.600%, Rockbridge County's effective property tax rate falls below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,432 is substantially less than the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Virginia

Rockbridge County's 0.600% effective rate sits below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the lower half of Virginia's 133 jurisdictions. County residents enjoy a lighter tax load than the typical Virginian.

Competitive rates in the region

Rockbridge County's 0.600% rate compares favorably to nearby Richmond County (0.555%) and beats Roanoke County (0.875%) and Roanoke city (1.013%). The county offers reasonable tax rates for rural Virginia.

Around $1,430 annually for median home

On a median home valued at $238,700, Rockbridge County homeowners pay approximately $1,432 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,483, while homeowners without mortgages pay $1,365.

Assessment accuracy protects your wallet

Even in a relatively low-tax county like Rockbridge, some homeowners may discover they're overassessed. Filing an appeal if your valuation seems high could unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rockbridge County

via CostByCounty

Rockbridge offers balanced affordability

Rockbridge County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits comfortably below Virginia's state average of 18.6% and aligns with national affordability benchmarks. The median household income of $63,975 is modest, yet the county achieves strong affordability through consistently low housing costs.

Better than average Virginia affordability

At 17.9%, Rockbridge County's rent-to-income ratio ranks above the Virginia state average of 18.6%, reflecting efficient housing markets in this rural Blue Ridge location. Median rent of $956 runs 16% below the state median, demonstrating real cost advantages for renters.

Among the cheapest rents in the region

Rockbridge County's $956 median rent is substantially lower than Roanoke County ($1,148) and Richmond County ($1,011), though comparable to Roanoke city ($964). Home values of $238,700 position the county in the middle range, balancing rural character with reasonable entry points for homebuyers.

Low costs at modest income levels

Renters spend $956 monthly while homeowners pay $783 from a median household income of $63,975. The 17.9% rent-to-income ratio reflects Rockbridge's position as one of Virginia's most cost-efficient markets for both renters and owners.

Great for rural living on a budget

Rockbridge County delivers genuine affordability alongside natural beauty and small-town character—a rare combination in modern Virginia. If you value affordable housing, outdoor access, and lower density living, this county offers exceptional value with a rent-to-income ratio well below state average.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rockbridge County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockbridge County slightly below national median

Rockbridge County's median household income of $63,975 falls $10,780 short of the national median of $74,755, representing about 85% of national earnings. The county's per capita income of $37,739 closely mirrors state levels, reflecting a fairly typical earnings distribution.

Middle-income county in Virginia

Rockbridge County's median household income of $63,975 sits below Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $11,000, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The per capita income of $37,739 nearly matches the state's $39,155 average, indicating fairly typical individual earning patterns.

Moderate earnings in rural setting

Rockbridge County's $63,975 median income falls between struggling Russell County ($49,020) and the more prosperous Rockingham County ($78,468) and Roanoke County ($82,931). The county occupies the rural middle-income tier of the region.

Affordable housing supports families

Rockbridge County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% indicates housing is quite affordable, consuming less than one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $238,700 equals 3.7 years of gross household income—well within reach for working families with modest down payment savings.

Build savings with steady income

Rockbridge County households earning $63,975 annually benefit from moderate housing costs that free up income for savings and investment. Start with employer-sponsored retirement plans and gradually increase contributions as income grows—small consistent actions compound into substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rockbridge County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above national norm

At 76.2 years, Rockbridge County residents exceed the U.S. average of 76.1 years, with only 18.0% reporting poor or fair health. The county's balanced health profile reflects stable community wellness and accessible primary care.

Above-average Virginia performer

Rockbridge County's 76.2-year life expectancy surpasses Virginia's 75.1-year average, placing it in the upper half of the state's health rankings. Its 18.0% poor/fair health rate is notably below Virginia's typical rates.

Balanced health outcomes

Rockbridge County maintains moderate health metrics compared to neighboring Roanoke County (77.5 years) and rural peers, with life expectancy and wellness rates reflecting stable rural healthcare access. The county avoids both the disparities of urban centers and the provider scarcity of remote areas.

Limited mental health resources

With 93 primary care providers per 100,000, Rockbridge County offers adequate preventive care access, but only 5 mental health providers per 100,000—a severe shortage compared to state and regional norms. Just 7.3% lack insurance, slightly below Virginia's 7.9% average.

Secure coverage for mental health

Rockbridge County's critical shortage of mental health providers makes insurance coverage essential for residents seeking behavioral health care outside the county. Explore marketplace and Medicaid plans at vacciness.gov to ensure access to care when local resources are unavailable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rockbridge County

via RiskByCounty

Rockbridge County sits at national risk average

Rockbridge County's composite risk score of 33.30 aligns almost perfectly with the national median, earning a "Very Low" rating despite modest exposure to multiple hazards. The county's risk profile reflects typical Appalachian mountain geography with localized flooding concerns.

Right at Virginia's average risk level

Rockbridge County's score of 33.30 matches Virginia's state average of 33.27 almost exactly, placing it in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county represents a typical Virginia jurisdiction in natural disaster exposure.

Safer than Roanoke County, riskier than Russell

Rockbridge County's 33.30 score sits between Roanoke County (52.19) and Russell County (36.55), with wildfire risk of 59.06 notably elevated compared to nearby rural areas. Hurricane exposure of 69.13 surprises many mountain residents but reflects statewide coastal influence.

Wildfires and floods demand preparation

Wildfire risk of 59.06 is Rockbridge County's dominant hazard, driven by Appalachian forest coverage and mountain ridge exposure. Flood risk of 55.76 follows closely, while hurricane (69.13) and earthquake (38.10) risks remain modest.

Focus on wildfire mitigation and flood awareness

Rockbridge County residents should clear vegetation and maintain defensible space around homes given wildfire risk of 59.06, particularly critical in mountain locations. Obtain flood insurance if your property is in a valley or near waterways; review your elevation and flood zone designation.

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.