countyscore
53.8
County Score
Cost of Living 93.7Weather & Climate 72.7Property Tax 66

County Report Card

About Scott County, Virginia

Above the National Average

Scott County earns a composite score of 53.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Leading the Virginia Average

With a 53.7 composite score, the county outpaces the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks among the more competitive regions in the Commonwealth for overall livability.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

A standout cost score of 93.7 reflects a very low cost of living, featuring median rents of just $665. The effective tax rate of 0.675% remains relatively modest compared to other high-service areas.

Economic Growth Opportunities

The income score of 7.4 is a primary challenge, as the median household income sits at $45,136. Additionally, the water quality score of 30.8 suggests a need for infrastructure investment.

Best for Budget-Conscious Living

Scott County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their purchasing power. While local wages are lower, the incredibly low housing costs provide a significant lifestyle advantage.

Score breakdown

Tax66Cost93.7Safety29.7Health46.7Schools42.5Income7.4Risk58.1Water30.8Weather72.7
🏛66
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County Beats National Averages

Scott County reports a total crime rate of 1676.3 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a high safety score of 97.4 for the jurisdiction.

Aligning with Virginia Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.4 is almost identical to the Virginia state average of 97.3. It mirrors the general safety profile found across the Commonwealth.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Scott County’s crime rate of 1676.3 per 100K is higher than neighboring Russell County at 1246.0. However, it remains lower than the state average total crime rate of 1728.8.

The Balance of Local Incidents

Property crime sits at 1402.3 per 100K, while violent crime is 274.0 per 100K. These numbers suggest that while crime is infrequent, theft remains the most likely issue residents might face.

Simple Defense for Your Property

Strengthening home security is an effective way to address the local property crime rate. Simple additions like deadbolts and motion sensors provide an important layer of defense for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive School Options in Scott County

Scott County maintains 16 public schools across two districts, supporting a student body of 4,024. The landscape is diverse, featuring seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools.

Meeting State Standards with Efficiency

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, matching the Virginia state average exactly. Education is delivered with a per-pupil spend of $7,075, resulting in a school score of 53.2.

The Reach of Scott County Public Schools

Scott County Public Schools manages 15 of the 16 schools, serving the entirety of the 4,024 student population. The county offers no charter school alternatives, focusing its resources on the local public district.

Small Schools in Rural and Suburban Hubs

Schools are split between nine rural and seven suburban locales, with a low average size of 287 students. Gate City High stands as the largest school with 619 students, while Gate City Middle serves 333.

Discover Quiet Communities with Quality Schools

Scott County is perfect for families who prefer smaller school environments and steady academic outcomes. Check out properties near Gate City to enjoy the benefits of a district that meets every state benchmark.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Scott County’s Acidic Mountain Soil

The soil here maintains an average pH of 5.48, which sits above the state average of 5.23 but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the soil score of 44.0 indicates significantly higher quality than the Virginia state average of 30.6.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

Scott County soil consists of 45.7% silt, 31.4% sand, and 20.3% clay. This silt-dominant texture provides a smooth workability for farmers and gardeners alike. The balanced clay content helps retain essential nutrients while the sand ensures the ground doesn't become overly compacted.

Above Average Organic Richness

Organic matter reaches 3.17%, surpassing both the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in provides plants with a reliable reservoir during dry spells. This combination creates a fertile environment with strong growing potential.

Natural Water Movement in Scott

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not formally recorded for this area, the high silt content suggests naturally moderate permeability. Gardeners should monitor local slopes to manage runoff during heavy Appalachian rains. Proper site preparation remains key for any new building projects.

Success in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide variety of cool-weather crops and hardy perennials. The rich organic matter makes this soil perfect for establishing productive vegetable patches or orchards. Start your garden today to take advantage of these nutrient-dense mountain soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Scott County

Scott County earns a lawn difficulty score of 63.6, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. The county outperforms the Virginia state average of 55.4, providing a friendly environment for Zone 7a homeowners. Residents find success with less effort compared to neighboring regions.

Ample Rainfall Powers Local Growth

With 53.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This abundance of water, paired with only 7 extreme heat days per year, keeps grass green and reduces the need for constant irrigation. While specific growing degree data is unavailable, the moderate climate generally supports a steady mowing schedule.

Managing Acidic Soils for Healthy Turf

The local soil pH sits at 5.48, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. While the soil contains a balanced 31.4% sand and 20.3% clay, homeowners should prioritize lime applications to raise the pH level. These amendments unlock vital nutrients that help lawns thrive in the regional dirt.

Short-Term Dry Spells Require Attention

The county experienced 4 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. While overall conditions remain stable, homeowners should monitor soil moisture during these dry windows. Targeted watering during early morning hours helps maintain root strength without wasting resources.

Strong Starts for Zone 7a Lawns

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for this Zone 7a climate. Because local frost date data is limited, homeowners should watch local weather patterns to time their fall seeding for the best results. A well-chosen grass type quickly establishes a lush, resilient carpet across your property.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Virginia has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Scott County rank among counties in Virginia?
Scott County ranks #59 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 Scott County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $826, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 66/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Virginia is $45,136 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 7.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Virginia a good place to live?
Scott County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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