CountyScore

Scott County

Virginia · VA

#33 in Virginia
73.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Scott County, Virginia

Scott County outpaces national average

Scott County scores 77.6 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, driven largely by exceptional affordability and favorable tax rates.

Top performer among Virginia counties

Scott County ranks above the Virginia state average of 70.3, standing out as one of the commonwealth's more livable smaller counties. The county's 77.6 score reflects its competitive position across multiple dimensions measured by CountyScore.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Scott County excels in cost-of-living metrics with a housing affordability score of 89.4 and a tax score of 83.3, backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.675%. Median home values of $122,300 and rents of $665 per month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.

Income levels lag behind peers

The county's income score of just 12.9 reflects a median household income of $45,136, significantly below state and national averages. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available, so a complete livability picture awaits additional metrics.

Ideal for cost-conscious Virginians

Scott County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over income earning potential. Its low tax burden and housing costs make it a compelling choice for those seeking rural Virginia living without urban price tags.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.3Cost89.4SafetyComing SoonHealth67.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.9Risk58.1WaterComing Soon
🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡58.1
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 Scott County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Sullivan County
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Median income: $55,500
Antelope County
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Median income: $63,750
Grant County
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Median income: $59,800

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes rank well nationally

Scott County's effective tax rate of 0.675% sits below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. At this rate, Scott homeowners pay roughly $1,901 annually on the national median home value—well below the typical U.S. burden and putting the county in the lower-tax half of American counties.

Slightly above Virginia's average rate

Scott County's 0.675% effective rate edges just above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it a middle-of-the-pack county across the Commonwealth. Residents pay a median property tax of $826, which is about 58% less than Virginia's $1,960 state median, largely due to lower home values in the region.

Lower taxes than Smyth County nearby

Scott County's 0.675% rate compares favorably to neighboring Smyth County at 0.609%, though both rural southwestern Virginia counties remain among the state's most affordable. Scott's median annual tax of $826 is notably lower than adjacent areas, reflecting the region's modest home values around $122,000–$126,000.

Median Scott home costs $826 yearly

On a median home value of $122,300, Scott County homeowners pay about $826 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $949; without one, it drops to $760—among Virginia's lowest annual property tax burdens.

Check your assessment for accuracy

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed and could reduce their bill through an appeal. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't reflect the current market, filing a formal appeal with Scott County's assessor's office is free and can generate real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County's Rent Bargain

At 17.7%, Scott County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average by offering households more breathing room in their budgets. The typical renter here spends just $665 per month—less than half the national median rent—while earning a median household income of $45,136.

Among Virginia's Most Affordable

Scott County ranks among Virginia's most housing-friendly counties, with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average of 18.6%. This affordability advantage means families and renters stretching modest incomes find better odds here than across most of the commonwealth.

Southwest Virginia's Affordable Core

Neighboring Smyth County matches Scott's affordability at 17.7%, while both significantly undercut Shenandoah County's 18.0% ratio and its higher median rent of $968. This tight cluster of affordable counties offers renters and homebuyers genuine alternatives to pricier regions across the state.

Housing Costs in Context

Renters in Scott County spend $665 monthly while homeowners pay $472—a remarkably compact difference that reflects the county's overall affordability. With a median home value of $122,300, both rental and ownership paths remain accessible to households earning the county's $45,136 median income.

Consider Scott for Affordability

If you're weighing relocation for cost of living, Scott County delivers one of Virginia's best rent-to-income ratios without sacrificing community. Compare its $665 rents and $122,300 home values against pricier northern Virginia counties to see substantial monthly savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County lags far behind national median

Scott County's median household income of $45,136 falls 39.7% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects the economic challenges facing rural southwestern Virginia and places the county in the lower tier nationally for earning power.

Among Virginia's lowest-earning counties

Scott County ranks well below Virginia's state average median income of $74,957, earning about $29,821 less than the typical Virginia household. The county trails the state per capita income average of $39,155 by $11,146.

Similar struggles across rural Southwest Virginia

Scott County's $45,136 median income closely mirrors neighboring Smyth County at $46,859, both among the region's lowest earners. In contrast, wealthier counties like Spotsylvania ($109,576) and Stafford ($133,792) earn more than double what households earn here.

Housing remains affordable on modest income

Scott County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio signals good housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that defines burden. A median home value of $122,300 requires disciplined saving but remains achievable for households earning $45,136.

Build wealth despite lower earnings

Scott County residents benefit from affordable housing that frees up income for savings and investments. Consider consulting a local financial advisor about employer retirement plans, IRA contributions, and modest investment strategies suited to rural Virginia's cost of living.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County's Life Expectancy Lags National Average

At 73.4 years, Scott County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents (20.6%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 16%. These numbers signal significant health challenges that demand attention.

Below Average Health Outcomes Statewide

Scott County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of Virginia's state average of 75.1 years. The county ranks in the lower tier of Virginia's 133 municipalities for health outcomes, with poor health rates exceeding the state benchmark.

Health Disparities Across Appalachian Region

Scott County trails nearby Shenandoah County (76.6 years) and Spotsylvania County (77.9 years) by 3-4 years in life expectancy. However, Scott County offers more primary care providers (33 per 100K) than some neighbors, showing uneven access to healthcare resources.

Healthcare Access Exists but Capacity Limited

Scott County's 7.2% uninsured rate is better than Virginia's state average of 7.9%, yet 33 primary care providers per 100,000 people leaves gaps in daily access. Mental health support is available at 154 providers per 100K, but residents often face long waits and travel distances.

Explore Coverage Options Today

If you're among Scott County's uninsured residents, the Health Insurance Marketplace and Virginia's Medicaid program may offer affordable options. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to understand plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County's disaster risk profile

Scott County scores 41.95 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits above Virginia's state average of 33.27. This means residents face relatively modest natural hazard exposure compared to the nation's most vulnerable counties.

Among Virginia's safest counties

Scott County ranks among Virginia's lower-risk communities, with its 41.95 composite score reflecting above-average protection from multiple hazard types. The county's very low rating demonstrates comparatively resilient conditions within the Commonwealth.

Similar risk to nearby mountain counties

Scott County's risk profile mirrors nearby Smyth County (57.79), though Scott faces notably lower earthquake risk at 64.47 versus Smyth's 61.51. Both Appalachian counties share moderate flood and wildfire exposure but avoid the extreme risks seen in coastal Virginia.

Earthquakes and floods top concerns

Earthquake risk dominates Scott County's hazard profile at 64.47, followed by flood risk at 65.01—both reflecting the county's location in seismically active southwestern Virginia. Wildfire risk remains moderate at 52.32, while tornado and hurricane threats are comparatively low at 19.94 and 37.84 respectively.

Prioritize earthquake and flood coverage

Scott County homeowners should consider earthquake insurance given the county's 64.47 earthquake risk score, a critical gap in standard homeowners policies. Flood insurance also matters: while not mandatory outside high-risk zones, the county's 65.01 flood risk justifies a review of whether you're adequately protected.

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.