CountyScore

Shenandoah County

Virginia · VA

#87 in Virginia
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Shenandoah County, Virginia

Shenandoah outshines national median

Shenandoah County scores 72.9 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance reflects a balanced profile of tax advantages and moderate affordability across the region.

Slightly above Virginia's average

With a score of 72.9, Shenandoah County edges past Virginia's state average of 70.3. The county ranks among the middle tier of Virginia communities in overall livability, balancing its tax efficiency with other quality-of-life factors.

Tax efficiency and moderate incomes

Shenandoah County shines with a tax score of 86.9 and the lowest effective tax rate at 0.546%, paired with a median household income of $64,437 that substantially exceeds lower-income rural peers. The county's income score of 25.5 and tax advantages create solid financial footing for residents.

Housing affordability mixed

While the county's cost score of 74.3 is respectable, median home values of $265,800 and rents of $968 monthly represent higher burdens than some rural neighbors. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable.

Best for middle-income seekers

Shenandoah County appeals to families earning $60,000–$75,000 annually who value tax breaks and small-town character over rock-bottom housing costs. It's a balanced choice for those wanting the Shenandoah Valley without the premium prices of urban-adjacent areas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.9Cost74.3SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.5Risk40.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.2
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 Shenandoah County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
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Median income: $64,000
Chicot County
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69.7
Median income: $39,683
Elbert County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $129,477
Park County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $95,450
Franklin County
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69.7
Median income: $52,264

Deep Dives

Shenandoah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shenandoah County

via TaxByCounty

Shenandoah County taxes well below U.S. median

Shenandoah County's effective tax rate of 0.546% ranks among Virginia's lowest and is significantly below the national median property tax of $2,690. On the national median home value of $281,900, this rate would yield annual taxes of roughly $1,539—nearly 43% less than typical U.S. homeowners pay.

One of Virginia's lowest tax rates

At 0.546%, Shenandoah County claims one of the Commonwealth's most favorable effective tax rates, about 19% below Virginia's 0.671% state average. The median property tax of $1,451 is roughly 26% below the state median of $1,960, making Shenandoah an especially affordable option for Virginia homeowners.

Lowest rate in the southwestern region

Shenandoah County's 0.546% rate undercuts nearby Scott County (0.675%) and Smyth County (0.609%), offering the region's best tax value. This low rate applies to homes averaging $265,800—higher than neighboring counties—making Shenandoah competitive for buyers seeking both affordability and value.

Median Shenandoah tax runs about $1,451

On Shenandoah County's median home value of $265,800, homeowners pay roughly $1,451 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes total $1,390; without one, $1,581—reflecting the county's exceptionally low rate even on mid-range home values.

Review your assessment; savings possible

Even low-tax counties see some homes overassessed relative to fair market value. If your home's tax assessment seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, you can file an appeal with Shenandoah County's assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shenandoah County

via CostByCounty

Shenandoah's Mid-Market Affordability

Shenandoah County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national norm, offering moderate relief compared to costlier coastal metros. With median rent at $968 and median household income at $64,437, working families here have more financial flexibility than typical renters nationwide.

Just Above Virginia's Average

At 18.0%, Shenandoah County's rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it solidly in the middle tier of the commonwealth's affordability landscape. The county offers reasonable housing costs while maintaining access to rural charm and community amenities.

Shenandoah's Position in the Valley

Shenandoah County's $968 rent sits between affordable Scott and Smyth counties (both around $665-$692) and pricier northern options like Spotsylvania. This positions the county as the gateway between Southwest Virginia's bargain neighborhoods and the state's more expensive regions.

Renting vs. Owning Trade-offs

Renters in Shenandoah pay $968 monthly while homeowners spend $1,092—a notable $124 premium that reflects higher property values averaging $265,800. Despite the ownership premium, both pathways remain accessible to the county's $64,437 median household income.

Shenandoah: Balanced Cost, Scenic Life

If you're relocating for mid-range affordability with natural beauty, Shenandoah County delivers reasonable housing costs without the frugal trade-offs of poorer regions. Compare its $968 rents and $265,800 median home values to neighboring counties and pricier state averages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shenandoah County

via IncomeByCounty

Shenandoah County earns below national average

Shenandoah County's median household income of $64,437 sits 13.8% below the national median of $74,755. While the gap is narrower than many rural counties, households still earn roughly $10,300 less than the typical American family.

Below state average but solidly middle tier

Shenandoah County earns $10,520 less than Virginia's state median of $74,957 and trails per capita income by $3,795. The county ranks in Virginia's middle range, outperforming struggling southwestern counties while falling short of the state's wealthiest regions.

Competitive with regional counterparts

Shenandoah County's $64,437 income significantly exceeds nearby Scott County ($45,136) and Smyth County ($46,859), but trails Southampton County ($68,465). The Shenandoah Valley region shows varied economic performance, with larger employers and agricultural diversity creating income variation.

Housing affordability improves quality of life

At 18.0% of income, Shenandoah County's rent-to-income ratio remains well below the affordability threshold, meaning most households spend less than $10,000 yearly on housing. A median home value of $265,800 remains within reach for households earning $64,437 with conventional financing.

Strategic savings unlock long-term wealth

Shenandoah County's affordable housing creates breathing room for families to save and invest in their future. Take advantage of lower housing costs to maximize retirement contributions, build emergency funds, and explore real estate investment opportunities in the growing Shenandoah Valley.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Shenandoah County

via HealthByCounty

Shenandoah County Exceeds National Health Standards

With a life expectancy of 76.6 years, Shenandoah County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a strong showing for rural Virginia. Only 18.5% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 16%, signaling better overall wellness.

Above-Average Health in Virginia

Shenandoah County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 1.5 years. The county's 18.5% poor health rate outperforms state benchmarks, placing it in the healthier half of Virginia's municipalities.

Regional Leader in Health Outcomes

Shenandoah County's life expectancy edges out Scott County (73.4 years) and matches closely with Staunton (74.9 years). The county offers 34 primary care providers per 100K, competitive with surrounding rural areas.

Solid Access Despite Rural Challenges

Shenandoah County's 8.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Virginia's average of 7.9%, affecting about 1 in 12 residents. The county provides 34 primary care providers and 82 mental health providers per 100K—adequate for routine care, though mental health resources remain stretched.

Close the Coverage Gap Today

Shenandoah County residents without insurance should explore Marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility through healthcare.gov. Local health departments can guide you to enrollment assistance and answer questions about coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shenandoah County

via RiskByCounty

Shenandoah faces elevated national risk

Shenandoah County scores 59.83 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it nearly 26 points above Virginia's average of 33.27. This above-state-average exposure reflects the county's diverse hazard vulnerabilities, from hurricanes to floods.

Among Virginia's higher-risk counties

Shenandoah County ranks in the upper half of Virginia's risk distribution at 59.83, reflecting notably elevated exposure compared to most Commonwealth counties. The rating signals residents should take preparedness seriously.

Riskier than peers in the Shenandoah region

Shenandoah County's 59.83 composite score exceeds Smyth County (57.79) and significantly outpaces Scott County (41.95). The county's 80.14 hurricane risk—the state's highest—drives much of this elevation and reflects vulnerability to Atlantic tropical systems.

Hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires threaten

Hurricane risk at 80.14 dominates Shenandoah's hazard landscape, followed closely by flood risk at 73.89—both well above state and national averages. Wildfire exposure at 63.36 also ranks among Virginia's highest, creating a compound vulnerability to weather-driven disasters.

Hurricane insurance and flood prep matter most

Shenandoah County homeowners must ensure wind and hail coverage is robust given the 80.14 hurricane risk score; standard policies sometimes exclude these perils. Flood insurance is essential: at 73.89 flood risk, the Shenandoah Valley's river systems pose meaningful threats to properties in low-lying areas.

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.