Rockingham County

Virginia · VA

#86 in Virginia
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Rockingham County, Virginia

Rockingham County ranks very high nationally

Rockingham County's composite score of 74.1 substantially surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 88th percentile. The county outperforms roughly nine out of ten counties across the nation.

Above Virginia's county average

Rockingham County scores 74.1, exceeding Virginia's state average of 70.3, and ranks among the top Virginia counties. Its performance places it firmly in the upper tier statewide.

Tax relief and solid income balance

Rockingham County leads with an exceptional tax score of 87.3 and the lowest effective tax rate of 0.532% among these eight areas. It also boasts a strong income score of 34.6 with median household income of $78,468, supporting long-term financial stability.

Cost score shows moderate constraint

The cost score of 74.1 is the lowest measured dimension, reflecting median home values of $287,900 and median rent of $1,125 per month. Complete safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable.

Perfect for affluent families seeking value

Rockingham County suits professional families and established households with solid incomes who want low taxes and suburban stability. It appeals to those who can afford mid-range housing costs while maximizing tax advantages and income security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.3Cost74.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.6Risk25WaterComing Soon
🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼34.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
25
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Rockingham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rockingham County

via TaxByCounty

Rockingham County taxes well below national

At 0.532%, Rockingham County's effective property tax rate ranks below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. Despite median homes valued at $287,900—near the national median—the median property tax of just $1,532 is far below the national median of $2,690.

Among Virginia's lowest-taxed counties

Rockingham County's 0.532% effective rate ranks among Virginia's lowest, falling well below the state average of 0.671%. County residents enjoy one of Virginia's lightest property tax burdens.

Valley county with modest tax rates

Rockingham County's 0.532% rate beats nearby Rockbridge County (0.600%) and Russell County (0.538%), making it among the region's most tax-friendly. It stands well below urban neighbors like Roanoke city (1.013%) and Roanoke County (0.875%).

Under $1,550 on higher-valued homes

On a median home valued at $287,900, Rockingham County homeowners pay approximately $1,532 in annual property taxes. This represents excellent value, as homeowners on near-national-average home values pay significantly below national-average taxes.

Double-check assessments for savings

Rockingham County's favorable tax rates don't eliminate the possibility of overassessment for some homeowners. Verifying your property's valuation could uncover additional tax relief opportunities.

Cost of Living in Rockingham County

via CostByCounty

Rockingham combines income and affordability

Rockingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is the second-lowest profiled and comfortably below Virginia's state average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $78,468—above both state and national medians—residents enjoy strong earning power paired with manageable housing costs.

Near the top for Virginia affordability

Rockingham County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's most affordable markets, substantially better than the state average of 18.6%. The median rent of $1,125 remains reasonable despite above-average incomes, signaling a healthy balance between supply and demand.

Better than most regional peers

Rockingham County's $1,125 median rent falls between Roanoke County ($1,148) and Richmond County ($1,011), yet its 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats both thanks to higher incomes. Home values of $287,900 are competitive with Roanoke County, offering solid suburban living at reasonable prices.

Strong income offsets moderate rents

Renters allocate $1,125 monthly to housing while homeowners pay $909 from a solid median income of $78,468. At 17.2%, the rent-to-income ratio is the second-best among profiled counties, reflecting the county's economic strength and housing balance.

Ideal for families prioritizing stability

Rockingham County combines strong local incomes, below-average housing burdens, and Shenandoah Valley charm—making it ideal for families seeking economic security. With the second-lowest rent-to-income ratio statewide, you'll enjoy both affordability and access to quality neighborhoods and schools.

Income & Jobs in Rockingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockingham County outearns the nation

Rockingham County's median household income of $78,468 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $3,713, placing it solidly in the upper-income tier. This strong performance reflects a diverse economy with thriving manufacturing, agriculture, and education sectors.

Above-average earners in Virginia

Rockingham County ranks above Virginia's state average median household income of $74,957, earning $3,511 more per household. The county's per capita income of $39,011 matches the state average precisely, indicating typical individual earning potential with solid household consolidation.

Second-highest in the region

Rockingham County's $78,468 median income ranks second only to Roanoke County ($82,931) in the region, outearning Rockbridge County ($63,975) by $14,493 and Salem city ($66,716) by $11,752. The county represents strong suburban-rural prosperity.

Excellent housing affordability

Rockingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% ranks among the best in the region, meaning housing costs consume minimal household earnings. The median home value of $287,900 equals 3.7 years of gross household income—very achievable for dual-income households.

Strong income fuels investments

With median income of $78,468 and excellent housing affordability, Rockingham County households are well-positioned to build substantial wealth through consistent investing. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive strategy: maximize retirement accounts, build emergency savings, then expand into diversified investments.

Health in Rockingham County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy leads the nation

At 78.1 years, Rockingham County residents enjoy one of Virginia's longest lifespans, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by two years. Only 16.7% report poor or fair health, reflecting strong preventive care and chronic disease management.

Virginia's longevity standout

Rockingham County ranks among Virginia's healthiest with a 78.1-year life expectancy, three years above the state average of 75.1 years. Its strong performance places it in the state's elite health performers.

Outperforms regional peers

Rockingham County's 78.1-year life expectancy leads most surrounding counties, rivaling even Roanoke County's 77.5 years while maintaining lower health burden than neighboring Rockbridge County. The county's rural character and health infrastructure support exceptional longevity.

Provider shortage despite good outcomes

With only 25 primary care providers and 32 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Rockingham County faces significant access constraints despite excellent health outcomes. Yet 9.3% lack insurance—above Virginia's 7.9% average—creating care barriers for vulnerable populations.

Close coverage gaps for all

Though Rockingham County boasts strong overall health, its 9.3% uninsured rate and low provider density mean some residents struggle to access care. Visit vacciness.gov to explore Medicaid and marketplace options that ensure all county residents can achieve health parity.

Disaster Risk in Rockingham County

via RiskByCounty

Rockingham County faces significant disaster exposure

Rockingham County's composite risk score of 75.03 substantially exceeds the national median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that masks substantial flood and wildfire vulnerability. The county ranks among the most exposed jurisdictions in Virginia for a rural area.

Virginia's third-highest risk jurisdiction

Rockingham County's composite score of 75.03 ranks it among Virginia's top three most exposed areas, behind only Richmond city (78.40) and Roanoke city (72.87). The county far exceeds the state average of 33.27, making it an outlier in natural disaster exposure.

Dramatically riskier than neighboring counties

Rockingham County's 75.03 score towers over Rockbridge County (33.30) and Russell County (36.55), reflecting unique geographic vulnerability to multiple hazard types. The Shenandoah Valley's flood exposure and wildfire susceptibility set it apart from surrounding counties.

Floods and wildfires define your hazard profile

Flood risk of 84.64 tops all hazards in Rockingham County, followed by wildfire risk of 64.41—both substantially higher than neighboring mountain counties. Hurricane exposure of 82.52 and earthquake risk of 67.02 round out a multi-hazard environment.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential

Rockingham County residents must obtain flood and wildfire insurance—your composite risk of 75.03 demands multiple layers of protection beyond standard homeowners policies. Create defensible space around your home and understand your specific flood zone and elevation relative to the Shenandoah River.

ByCounty Network

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