CountyScore

Russell County

Virginia · VA

#23 in Virginia
74.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Russell County, Virginia

Russell County ranks highest nationally

Russell County's composite score of 79.2 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. The county outperforms nineteen out of twenty counties across the entire United States.

Virginia's top performer

Russell County scores 79.2, substantially exceeding Virginia's state average of 70.3, and ranks among the absolute best counties in the state. Its performance stands well above most Virginia peers.

Affordability and tax are exceptional

Russell County delivers outstanding affordability with a cost score of 89.2, median rent of just $682 per month, and median home values of $119,600—by far the lowest among these counties. The tax score of 87.1 with an effective rate of 0.538% adds to its exceptional value.

Limited income growth opportunity

The income score of 15.4 is the lowest among all eight counties, with median household income at $49,020, reflecting rural economic constraints. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are unavailable for a complete livability picture.

Ideal for budget-focused rural residents

Russell County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal expenses in a rural mountain setting. It's perfect for those with fixed or independent income seeking the lowest possible cost of living in Virginia.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.1Cost89.2SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.4Risk63.5WaterComing Soon
🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.5
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 Russell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $50,733
Gem County
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74.2
Median income: $66,245
Fulton County
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74.2
Median income: $62,878
Pike County
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74.2
Median income: $66,250
Starke County
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Median income: $62,933

Deep Dives

Russell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Russell County

via TaxByCounty

Russell County has lowest tax rate

At 0.538%, Russell County's effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.76%. The median property tax of just $644 is among the lowest in the nation, reflecting both low rates and modest home values of $119,600.

Among Virginia's most tax-friendly

Russell County's 0.538% effective rate ranks in the bottom tier of Virginia's 133 jurisdictions, significantly below the state average of 0.671%. County residents enjoy exceptionally light property tax obligations.

Lowest taxes in southwest Virginia

Russell County's 0.538% rate competes with nearby Rockingham County (0.532%) and beats Rockbridge County (0.600%) and Roanoke County (0.875%). It offers among the region's most affordable property taxes.

Just $644 annually for typical home

On a median home valued at $119,600, Russell County homeowners pay approximately $644 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $766, while homeowners without mortgages pay $583.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in low-tax Russell County, accurate assessments matter—overassessed homeowners could recover meaningful savings. A quick assessment review could confirm you're paying your fair share.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Russell County

via CostByCounty

Russell County: ultra-affordable rural gem

Russell County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is among the lowest profiled, even though median household income of $49,020 is the lowest of all eight counties. This southwestern county achieves genuine affordability through exceptionally low rents and home values, not high incomes.

Virginia's cheapest housing by far

Russell County's median rent of $682 is the lowest statewide and 40% cheaper than Virginia's state average of $1,140, while the 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the most affordable Virginia jurisdictions. These extreme cost advantages come with rural trade-offs that won't suit every relocator.

Dramatically cheaper than all peers

Russell County's $682 median rent is less than half of neighboring Roanoke County ($1,148) and substantially below all other profiled counties. Home values of $119,600 represent the lowest in the group, offering true entry-level homeownership opportunities vanishingly rare in today's market.

Minimal housing burden despite low income

Renters spend just $682 monthly while homeowners pay $467 from a median income of only $49,020. At 16.7%, the rent-to-income ratio actually rivals more affluent counties, proving that Russell County's ultra-low housing costs enable manageable expenses even on modest earnings.

Maximum value for budget-first relocators

Russell County is unmatched for pure affordability: median rents and home values are the lowest statewide, making homeownership achievable on modest incomes. If you can accept rural isolation and limited urban amenities, this Appalachian county offers exceptional financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Russell County

via IncomeByCounty

Russell County faces significant income gap

Russell County's median household income of $49,020 ranks 34% below the national median of $74,755—a gap of $25,735. This substantial shortfall reflects the county's post-coal economy and the challenges facing Appalachian communities in transition.

Second-lowest income in Virginia

Russell County's median household income of $49,020 ranks among the lowest in Virginia, trailing the state average of $74,957 by $25,937. The per capita income of $28,484 significantly lags the state's $39,155 average, indicating systemic economic strain.

Struggling in regional comparison

Russell County's $49,020 median income stands well below all peer counties, ranking lowest in the region and trailing Roanoke city ($52,671) by $3,651. The county faces the steepest economic challenges among all areas studied.

Housing is the bright spot

Russell County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is exceptionally favorable, among the best in the region, because median home values of just $119,600 are well-matched to local incomes. However, this reflects depressed property values tied to economic conditions rather than strong affordability fundamentals.

Focus on economic stability first

Russell County households earning $49,020 annually should prioritize basic financial stability—building emergency savings and managing debt—before pursuing long-term investments. Local workforce development programs and community banking services can help residents access financial planning tools suited to their circumstances.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Russell County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trailing national rates

At 73.1 years, Russell County residents live nearly three years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, with 22.7% reporting poor or fair health. The county faces significant health disparities typical of Appalachian communities.

Low-ranking Virginia health profile

Russell County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks in Virginia's lower tier, falling nearly two years behind the state average of 75.1 years. Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds most Virginia counties, signaling concentrated health challenges.

Rural health struggle

Russell County significantly underperforms neighboring Roanoke County (77.5 vs. 73.1 years) and other regional peers, reflecting typical Appalachian rural health barriers. The county's isolation and economic pressures contribute to elevated chronic disease burden.

Provider scarcity constrains care

With just 35 primary care providers and 110 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Russell County faces severe healthcare access barriers. Additionally, 8.2% lack insurance, leaving many unable to afford care when providers are located far away.

Insurance opens care pathways

Russell County's rural isolation and provider scarcity make health insurance coverage critical for accessing care, whether locally or in nearby regional centers. Apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage at vacciness.gov to remove financial barriers to the healthcare you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Russell County

via RiskByCounty

Russell County carries moderate disaster risk

Russell County's composite risk score of 36.55 sits slightly above the national median, earning a "Very Low" rating despite scattered exposure to wildfires and earthquakes. The county's risk reflects typical southwestern Virginia mountain geography.

Lower-middle risk among Virginia counties

Russell County's score of 36.55 ranks slightly above Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the safer half of the state's jurisdiction distribution. The county avoids the extreme exposure seen in eastern and valley counties.

Safer than Roanoke and Rockingham counties

Russell County's 36.55 score comfortably beats Roanoke County (52.19) and Rockingham County (75.03), though slightly exceeds Rockbridge County (33.30). The southwestern mountain location provides genuine protection from coastal and major valley hazards.

Wildfires pose your primary hazard threat

Wildfire risk of 54.42 dominates Russell County's hazard profile, driven by Appalachian forest coverage and ridge-top exposure. Earthquake risk of 55.06 follows, while flood (48.22), hurricane (50.86), and tornado (16.38) risks remain substantially lower.

Prioritize wildfire defensibility and planning

Russell County residents should maintain 30+ feet of defensible space around homes and clear dead vegetation given wildfire risk of 54.42. Consider earthquake insurance given your risk score of 36.55, and maintain standard flood insurance if in a valley or near waterways.

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.