countyscore
61.3
County Score
Cost of Living 92.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.1

County Report Card

About Russell County, Virginia

Surpassing national norms for rural living

Russell County achieves a composite score of 61.3, well above the national median of 50.0. This highlights the county as a standout for livability in the Appalachian region.

Exceeding the state average score

Russell County's score of 61.3 outperforms the Virginia average of 50.9 by a healthy margin. It provides a high standard of living characterized by extreme affordability and low taxes.

Nation-leading affordability and low taxes

The county's cost score of 92.8 is elite, with median home values at only $119,600 and rent at $682. The tax score is also high at 82.1, with an effective rate of 0.538%.

Low median incomes and health hurdles

The income score of 12.5 is the county's biggest challenge, with median household incomes at $49,020. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 37.5, reflecting regional trends in healthcare access.

Best for those seeking maximum value

Russell County is an unbeatable choice for people with portable incomes or retirees who want their dollars to go further. Its combination of low taxes and incredible housing value is hard to find elsewhere.

2040608010082.192.844.437.553.112.563.58672.7Tax82.1Cost92.8Safety44.4Health37.5Schools53.1Income12.5Risk63.5Water86Weather72.761.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Russell County DNA

Doverall

How Russell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Russell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92.8/100) but notably weak in Income (12.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.1+30.099999999999994
Cost
92.8+44.8
Safety
44.4-10.600000000000001
Health
37.5-12.5
Schools
53.1
Income
12.5-38.5
Risk
63.5+16.5
Water
86+28
Weather
72.7+16.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Russell County?

Many homeowners in Russell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$682/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,020/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

74.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Russell County with Henry County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
Indiana
Median income: $60,144
61.3
Jay County
Indiana
Median income: $54,114
61.3
Owen County
Indiana
Median income: $59,586
61.3
Louisa County
Iowa
Median income: $80,223
61.3
Bracken County
Kentucky
Median income: $59,521
61.3
Floyd County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,582
61.3
Dukes County
Massachusetts
Median income: $102,348
61.3
Chariton County
Missouri
Median income: $63,307
61.3

Nearby counties

Washington County
Virginia
58.3
Dickenson County
Virginia
64.1
Bristol city
Virginia
41.6
Buchanan County
Virginia
51.4
Norton city
Virginia
47.5
Wise County
Virginia
54
Sullivan County
Tennessee
52.8
Smyth County
Virginia
56.8

Deep Dives

Russell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Russell County

via CrimeByCounty

Russell County Boasts High Safety

Russell County’s total crime rate of 1246.0 per 100K is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 98.0 for the area.

Outpacing the Virginia State Average

With a safety score of 98.0, the county ranks better than the Virginia average of 97.3. It provides a consistently safe environment compared to many other regions in the state.

A Safety Leader Among Peers

Russell County’s crime rate of 1246.0 per 100K is lower than several of its peers, including Scott County at 1676.3. This positions the county as a local leader in public safety metrics.

The Reality of Local Crime

Property crime is the most common issue at 1055.8 per 100K, while violent crime is very low at 190.2. These rates are significantly lower than both the national and state averages.

Proactive Steps for Home Safety

While the risk is low, most local crime involves property rather than people. Securing your home with basic alarms or cameras helps ensure you remain part of the county's safe majority.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Russell County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Learning Network

Russell County operates 14 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 3,375 students. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools to support the local community.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $7,022 sits below the state average of $7,941, the 54.6 school score remains competitive with the statewide median.

Russell County Public Schools Leads the Way

Russell County Public Schools is the primary provider, managing 13 schools and the entire 3,375 student population. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public education model.

A Quiet, Rural Educational Setting

Most students attend one of the 10 rural schools, where the average enrollment is a modest 307 students. Lebanon High is the largest facility with 606 students, while many primary schools offer a more intimate learning environment.

Plant Roots Near Successful Local Schools

For families seeking high graduation rates in a peaceful rural setting, Russell County offers a compelling case. Explore homes in Lebanon or Honaker to join a community that consistently sees its students through to the finish line.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Russell County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Water Compliance in Russell County

Russell County earns an 'A' grade for its drinking water, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate compares favorably to the Virginia average of 126.9 per 100,000 residents. Local water utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Russell Watershed Health Beats State Average

In Russell County, 41.0% of the 117 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 46.1%. The 48 impaired sites suffer mainly from E. coli, fecal coliform, and poor biological health for macroinvertebrates. These findings come from the most recent 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle.

Consistent Monitoring of Physical and Nutrient Data

Researchers have documented 6,153 measurements from 59 monitoring sites across Russell County over the past five years. These efforts focus primarily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and microbiological indicators. This data is critical for tracking the 48 water bodies that currently fail to meet health standards.

Clinch River Running Low at Cleveland

The Clinch River at Cleveland is currently flowing at 260 cfs, which is only 36% of its long-term mean of 720 cfs. This gauge monitors 533 square miles of drainage area and currently reflects the regional dry spell. Low flow can impact the sensitive biological life that characterizes this river system.

Protecting the Clinch River's Sensitive Ecosystem

While your drinking water is highly rated, 41% of local water bodies are impaired, mostly by bacterial contamination like E. coli. Current river flows are low at 36% of normal, which can stress the fish and insects identified in biological assessments. Reducing waste runoff is essential to protecting the Clinch River during these low-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Russell County

via WeatherByCounty

High elevation keeps things cool

Russell County's 53.7°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. Its Appalachian location creates a climate that avoids the extreme heat found elsewhere.

Among Virginia's cooler high-country regions

The county's average temperature of 53.7°F is well below the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It benefits from mountain breezes that keep it cooler than the Piedmont or Coastal Plain.

Typical rainfall with mild summers

Russell's 45.9 inches of precipitation almost perfectly matches the state average of 45.7. It stands out for having very few extreme heat days compared to its eastern neighbors.

Rare extreme heat and modest snow

The county only experiences 6 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, making for very comfortable summers. Winters are moderate for the mountains, with 12.4 inches of snow and a January average of 33.9°F.

Focus on heating over cooling

With only 6 days of extreme heat, heavy-duty air conditioning is less of a priority than in other parts of Virginia. Instead, focus on reliable home heating to manage the winter average of 36.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Russell County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Soils of Southwest Virginia

Russell County features an average pH of 5.38, one of the higher readings in the state and well above the Virginia average of 5.23. While still acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils are less taxing on farmers than more acidic coastal regions. No dominant taxonomic order is currently listed.

A Silty Appalachian Blend

The soil is composed of 43.4% silt, 33.6% sand, and 17.4% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and gives it a high capacity for holding onto minerals. The balanced clay and sand percentages provide a stable medium for both agriculture and construction.

Top-Tier Organic Matter Content

Russell County stands out with a massive 5.15% organic matter, nearly doubling the state average of 2.90%. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.149 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile and resilient. It provides an ideal environment for high-yield pastures and robust garden growth.

Strong Natural Water Management

The silty-clay mix offers good structural stability and moderate water movement. While specific hydrologic data is missing, the high organic matter helps keep the soil porous and prevents excessive runoff. This makes it a dependable choice for both farming and managing local watersheds.

Growing Large in Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, Russell County’s elite organic matter levels support incredible plant growth. You have the perfect soil foundation for a high-output home garden or a thriving orchard. With such rich soil, minimal fertilization is needed to see impressive results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Russell County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawn in the Region

Russell County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 76.1, making it the easiest county in this group for lawn maintenance. This rating is significantly higher than the state average of 55.4 and the national median of 50.0. The climate in zone 7a creates an ideal environment for consistent, lush growth.

Perfect Moisture and Minimal Heat

With only 6 extreme heat days per year, Russell County lawns face almost no summer thermal stress compared to the rest of the state. The 45.9 inches of annual precipitation is near perfect for keeping grass hydrated and green. This cool, moist climate allows for a very manageable mowing and watering schedule.

Rich Soils with Typical Acidity

The soil pH is 5.38, which is slightly better than neighbors but still requires lime to hit the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil composition is 33.6% sand and 17.4% clay, offering a good balance of drainage and nutrient retention. A simple soil test and standard fertilization will go a long way in this hospitable environment.

High Resilience and Rare Droughts

Over the past year, the county saw only one week of drought conditions, demonstrating excellent natural water resilience. While the entire county is currently considered abnormally dry, it is far less prone to severe dry spells than its neighbors. This consistency makes it much easier to maintain a green lawn year-round.

A Short But Productive Season

The growing season is defined by a last spring frost on April 25 and a first fall frost on October 16. Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are perfect choices for these 3,274 growing degree days. Early September is the prime time to plant and take advantage of the county's naturally favorable conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Russell County's county score?
Russell County, Virginia has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Russell County rank among counties in Virginia?
Russell County ranks #19 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 Russell County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Russell County is $644, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Russell County a tax score of 82.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Russell County?
The median household income in Russell County, Virginia is $49,020 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Russell County earns an income score of 12.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Russell County, Virginia a good place to live?
Russell County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Russell County 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 Russell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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