CountyScore

Southampton County

Virginia · VA

#38 in Virginia
72.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Southampton County, Virginia

Southampton rises above national median

Southampton County scores 73.3 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. The county's performance reflects strong tax advantages and moderate housing costs that support its above-average overall livability ranking.

Competitive Virginia ranking

With a score of 73.3, Southampton County exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, positioning it among the commonwealth's stronger-performing regions. The county demonstrates solid livability across the dimensions currently measured by CountyScore.

Strong incomes and fiscal discipline

Southampton County scores highest on income at 28.1, reflecting a median household income of $68,465 that outpaces most rural Virginia peers and signals strong economic fundamentals. A tax score of 83.7 and effective tax rate of 0.661% add to the county's financial attractiveness.

Housing costs rising

While the cost score of 76.7 is solid, median home values of $208,800 and rents of $930 monthly represent steeper outlays than lower-income rural counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions are not yet available.

Strong fit for upper-middle earners

Southampton County appeals to families earning $65,000–$80,000 annually seeking a balance of moderate housing costs and tax efficiency outside urban corridors. It's an accessible choice for those wanting rural character with above-average economic stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.7Cost76.7SafetyComing SoonHealth72.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.1Risk70.2WaterComing Soon
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.2
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 Southampton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Kit Carson County
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Median income: $59,810
Baker County
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Median income: $44,405
Clearwater County
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Median income: $57,961

Deep Dives

Southampton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Southampton County

via TaxByCounty

Southampton County taxes well below U.S. norm

Southampton County's effective tax rate of 0.661% falls significantly below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. Applied to the national median home value, this rate yields roughly $1,864 in annual taxes—about 31% lower than typical U.S. homeowners pay.

Near Virginia's statewide average rate

Southampton County's 0.661% effective rate sits just below Virginia's 0.671% state average, placing it squarely in Virginia's middle tier. The median property tax of $1,380 falls about 30% below Virginia's $1,960 state median, reflecting more modest home valuations in the county.

Middle ground in southeastern Virginia

Southampton County's 0.661% rate positions it between some lower-tax rural counties and higher-tax urbanized areas in the region. Median home values around $208,800 place Southampton ahead of southwestern Virginia's Scott and Smyth counties but well below booming northern Virginia suburbs.

Southampton homeowners pay roughly $1,380

On Southampton County's median home value of $208,800, the typical property tax bill runs approximately $1,380 annually. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $1,494; without one, it falls to $1,241—keeping costs moderate across most household situations.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many Southampton County homeowners could reduce their tax burden by challenging inflated assessments through a free appeal process. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value, contact Southampton County's assessor to request a review.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Southampton County

via CostByCounty

Southampton's Best-in-Class Ratio

Southampton County posts Virginia's best rent-to-income ratio at 16.3%, beating both the national average and most comparable counties statewide. With $930 monthly rent and a $68,465 median household income, working renters here enjoy genuine financial breathing room.

Virginia's Affordability Champion

At 16.3%, Southampton County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these profiled Virginia counties, significantly outperforming the state average of 18.6%. This advantage reflects both moderate rents and solid median household incomes relative to housing costs.

Southampton Leads the Region

Southampton County's 16.3% ratio and $930 rent edge out nearby counties, offering renters the best value proposition in its geographic area. Its affordability advantage proves especially pronounced when compared to higher-cost regions elsewhere in the state.

Balanced Rental and Owner Costs

Renters in Southampton spend $930 monthly while homeowners pay $976—a narrow $46 gap that reflects balanced housing markets. With a median home value of $208,800 and median income of $68,465, both renting and ownership remain reasonably accessible.

Southampton: Your Affordability Best Bet

Southampton County delivers Virginia's tightest rent-to-income ratio at 16.3%, making it an optimal choice for cost-conscious relocators. Compare its $930 rents and $208,800 home values against pricier counties to see why budget-focused families should seriously evaluate this option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Southampton County

via IncomeByCounty

Southampton County edges closer to national income

Southampton County's median household income of $68,465 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 8.4%, a relatively narrow gap for a rural Virginia county. While still below average, households here earn roughly $6,300 less than typical American families.

Approaching Virginia's state average income

Southampton County earns $6,492 less than Virginia's state median of $74,957, placing it near the state's mid-range despite rural designation. The county's per capita income of $32,981 falls $6,174 below the state average, indicating moderate wage competition.

Outperforms struggling Southwest Virginia peers

Southampton County's $68,465 income significantly exceeds Scott County ($45,136) and Smyth County ($46,859), reflecting southeastern Virginia's stronger economic base. The county's agricultural heritage and proximity to regional employers create relative stability compared to southwestern mountain counties.

Excellent housing affordability supports stability

At 16.3% of household income, Southampton County posts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all eight counties, signaling exceptional housing affordability. A median home value of $208,800 requires disciplined saving but remains realistic for the typical household earning $68,465.

Outstanding affordability enables aggressive saving

Southampton County's best-in-class housing affordability means households can dedicate significant income to building wealth and security. Leverage this advantage by maximizing retirement account contributions, establishing investment portfolios, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the growing rural Southeast.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Southampton County

via HealthByCounty

Southampton County Meets National Health Benchmarks

Southampton County's 75.3-year life expectancy nears the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it in the middle range nationally. Just 16.9% of residents report poor or fair health, matching the national average of 16% and indicating generally solid population health.

Slightly Above Virginia's Health Average

With a life expectancy of 75.3 years, Southampton County exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by a small margin. The county's 16.9% poor health rate positions it among the healthier Virginia municipalities.

Consistent with Regional Health Trends

Southampton County's 75.3-year life expectancy aligns closely with Suffolk (75.4 years) and outperforms Scott County (73.4 years) by 2 years. The county offers 22 primary care providers per 100K, the lowest in its region, yet maintains competitive health outcomes.

Best-in-Region Insurance Coverage; Limited Providers

Southampton County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among peer counties at 6.8%, well below Virginia's 7.9% average. However, 22 primary care providers per 100K is the region's scarcest, and mental health provider data remains unavailable—suggesting potential access gaps for specialized care.

Maintain Coverage and Access

Southampton County's strong insurance coverage reflects effective outreach, yet residents should verify annual plan options at healthcare.gov. Contact your county health department to discuss provider access and local resources for preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Southampton County

via RiskByCounty

Southampton's risk stays well below average

Southampton County scores just 29.80 with a Very Low rating, sitting below Virginia's state average of 33.27. Despite coastal location vulnerabilities, the county maintains the Commonwealth's lowest overall disaster risk profile.

Virginia's safest county overall

Southampton County ranks as one of Virginia's lowest-risk counties at 29.80, with its very low rating reflecting strong resilience across most hazard categories. The county's brief exposure window to hurricanes is offset by minimal earthquake and wildfire threats.

Safest in southeastern Virginia

Southampton County's 29.80 composite score substantially underperforms Suffolk city (60.11), the region's riskiest jurisdiction. The difference reflects Southampton's rural character and limited exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards.

Hurricanes pose the primary threat

Hurricane risk at 83.94 is Southampton County's standout vulnerability—among Virginia's highest—reflecting coastal storm surge and wind exposure. Flood risk (29.77), tornado risk (23.38), and earthquake risk (42.18) all remain well-managed, though wildfire is virtually negligible at 15.78.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

Southampton County homeowners must ensure wind and hail protection given the 83.94 hurricane risk score; this is the county's single critical insurance priority. Standard homeowners policies often exclude hurricane damage, making separate windstorm coverage essential for coastal resilience.

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.