countyscore
54.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 72.6Disaster Risk 70.2Property Tax 67.4

County Report Card

About Southampton County, Virginia

Above the National Baseline

Southampton County holds a composite score of 54.7, outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable and consistent standard of living for its residents.

Competitive Virginia Ranking

At 54.7, the county scores higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It maintains a competitive edge through a mix of safety and educational quality.

Safety and Resilience

A high risk score of 70.2 suggests the county is well-protected against environmental hazards. Coupled with a school score of 66.5, it provides a secure environment for raising a family.

Infrastructure and Affordability

The water score of 29.5 suggests a need for improvement in local utilities. Additionally, the cost score of 35.0 indicates that housing affordability is tightening for some residents.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

Southampton suits families seeking a low-risk, education-focused community with solid middle-class incomes. It offers a dependable lifestyle where safety and schools take center stage.

Score breakdown

Tax67.4Cost35Safety44.4Health64.5Schools66.5Income63Risk70.2Water29.5Weather72.6
🏛67.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.9
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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Nearby counties

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Hertford County
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Deep Dives

Southampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Southampton County

via CrimeByCounty

Southampton County ranks among the nation's safest

Southampton County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.0, placing it far above the average American community. The total crime rate of 1,244.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here enjoy a significantly lower risk profile than most of the country.

Leading the Commonwealth in safety

The county's safety score of 98.0 exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,244.2 per 100,000 is nearly 500 points lower than the state average of 1,728.8. This performance makes Southampton one of the more secure rural districts in Virginia.

Outperforming neighboring Sussex County

Southampton County is notably safer than nearby Sussex County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,619.7 per 100,000. While Surry County to the north is even lower at 794.4, Southampton remains a regional leader in public safety. The county provides a stable environment compared to the higher-traffic areas in the region.

Minimal violent crime reported locally

Violent crime is remarkably rare in Southampton County, with only 133.3 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime constitutes the bulk of local activity at 1,110.9 per 100,000. These statistics suggest that most residents will rarely encounter serious criminal activity.

Secure your property in Southampton

Property crime represents nearly 90% of the reported incidents in the county, making home security a smart investment. Installing motion-sensor lights and alarm systems can further deter opportunistic thefts. Vigilance and community awareness remain the best tools for keeping these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Southampton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Focus in Southampton Schools

Southampton County manages 7 public schools within a single district, serving 2,579 students. The landscape consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Top-Tier Scores and Graduation Rates

Southampton boasts a high 92.0% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 57.0. The county invests $8,125 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Virginia state average of $7,941.

Unity in Southampton County Public Schools

All 2,579 students are served by Southampton County Public Schools across seven campuses. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing entirely on its core public infrastructure.

A Purely Rural Educational Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 430 students. Southampton High is the largest school with 769 students, while smaller elementary schools like Meherrin serve 244.

Find Excellence in a Rural Setting

Southampton County offers some of the highest academic scores and graduation rates in the region. If you value a close-knit, rural school environment with strong funding, this is the county for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Southampton County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Plain Sandy Soils

Southampton County's soil score of 29.9 sits right near the state average of 30.6. The pH level of 5.40 is slightly more basic than the Virginia average of 5.23, but still requires monitoring to reach the national 6.5 target. These soils are typical of the Virginia coastal plain, favoring drainage over heavy nutrient storage.

High Sand, Low Clay

Sand dominates this county at 66.1%, with silt at 19.5% and clay at only 12.3%. This high sand content ensures that the soil never feels heavy or sticky, even after a torrential rain. However, the lack of clay means the soil has less natural ability to grip onto liquid fertilizers.

Moderate Organic and Water Levels

Organic matter is slightly lower than the state average at 2.49%, though it still beats the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.125 in/in is below the state average of 0.143, meaning these soils dry out more quickly. Regular mulching is recommended to help keep moisture near plant roots.

Rapid Drainage in the Lowlands

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the 66.1% sand content indicates rapid water movement through the soil profile. This is excellent for preventing puddles but means the water table can fluctuate quickly. Building projects in these sandy areas generally benefit from the lack of expansive clays.

Thriving in Zone 7b

The warmer 7b hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season than northern neighbors. Sandy soils are perfect for root crops like peanuts or sweet potatoes which thrive in loose earth. With a bit of extra irrigation, your Southampton garden can be incredibly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Southampton County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Lawn in Zone 7b

Southampton County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.9, slightly trailing the state average of 55.4. While it remains above the national median of 50.0, the warmer Zone 7b climate introduces more heat-related stress for homeowners. Success here requires a more proactive approach to irrigation and grass selection.

Hot Summers Demand Water Management

Annual precipitation of 49.6 inches provides plenty of water, but 29 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the surface. Because temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, grass growth may stall in the peak of summer. Homeowners should plan for increased watering during these heat waves to keep lawns from thinning.

Sandy Soils Require Extra Care

The soil is very sandy at 66.1%, which means water drains away quickly and nutrients leach easily. With a low pH of 5.40, the soil needs lime and frequent light fertilization rather than heavy, occasional doses. Organic matter like compost is a great addition to help these sandy soils hold onto moisture.

Facing Severe Drought Threats

Southampton faced 14 weeks of drought last year, and 17% of the county is currently in a severe drought (D2+). These conditions are harder on lawns than in neighboring counties, making water conservation critical. Prioritize watering high-traffic areas and consider letting secondary zones go dormant during extreme dry periods.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Varieties

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices for this Zone 7b environment. These varieties thrive in the high heat and handle the sandy soil better than cool-season alternatives. Start your lawn projects in late spring when soil temperatures consistently stay above 65°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southampton County's county score?
Southampton County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Southampton County rank among counties in Virginia?
Southampton County ranks #55 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 Southampton County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Southampton County is $1,380, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Southampton County a tax score of 67.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Southampton County?
The median household income in Southampton County, Virginia is $68,465 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Southampton County earns an income score of 63/100 on CountyScore.
Is Southampton County, Virginia a good place to live?
Southampton County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Southampton 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 Southampton 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.