countyscore
54.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.5Property Tax 74.1Health 73.3

County Report Card

About Spotsylvania County, Virginia

Outpacing the National Norm

Spotsylvania County's score of 54.4 places it above the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing region defined by strong economic outputs.

Beating the State Average

The county's 54.4 composite score is higher than the Virginia average of 50.9. It stands out for its high earning potential compared to many rural peers.

High Incomes and Health

The county boasts an elite income score of 97.5, with a median household income of $109,576. This wealth supports a high health score of 73.3 and a safe community environment.

Strained Housing Affordability

A very low cost score of 4.2 represents a major challenge for new residents. With median rents at $1,733, the barrier to entry for this high-income area is significant.

Best for Established Professionals

This county is tailored for high-earning professionals who prioritize health and safety over low housing costs. It is a premium market where lifestyle quality follows financial success.

Score breakdown

Tax74.1Cost4.2Safety71.4Health73.3Schools44.1Income97.5Risk47.1Water66Weather59.5
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41
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

Fredericksburg city
Virginia
37.1
Stafford County
Virginia
53.6
Culpeper County
Virginia
50.1
Caroline County
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Deep Dives

Spotsylvania County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Spotsylvania County

via TaxByCounty

Spotsylvania taxes run below U.S. median

Spotsylvania County's effective tax rate of 0.604% remains well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 median home. At this rate, the typical U.S. homeowner's house would cost just $1,703 to tax annually in Spotsylvania—about 37% savings versus the national norm.

Below Virginia average, strong home values

Spotsylvania County's 0.604% effective rate sits about 10% below Virginia's 0.671% state average, and the median property tax of $2,263 slightly exceeds the state median of $1,960. This reflects Spotsylvania's higher home values ($375,000 median) driven by proximity to Richmond and growing suburban demand.

Lowest rate in northern Virginia region

Spotsylvania County's 0.604% rate undercuts Stafford County (0.720%) and Staunton city (0.709%), the region's other major population centers. Despite higher home values than rural neighbors, Spotsylvania maintains a competitive tax position for its growing suburban market.

Median Spotsylvania tax is $2,263 yearly

With a median home value of $375,000, Spotsylvania County homeowners pay approximately $2,263 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,304; without one, it drops to $2,107—making taxes moderate relative to home values in this expanding suburb.

Check your valuation; appeals are free

Even in fairly assessed counties, some homes drift above true market value during rapid growth periods like Spotsylvania's suburban expansion. A free appeal to Spotsylvania County's assessor can confirm your home's worth and potentially recover thousands in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spotsylvania County

via CostByCounty

Spotsylvania's Premium Pricing

Spotsylvania County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, reflecting its position as an affluent Washington, D.C. suburban enclave. With $1,733 monthly rents and a $109,576 median household income, the county attracts higher-earning families willing to pay for proximity to the capital.

Among Virginia's Pricier Options

At 19.0%, Spotsylvania County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Virginia's 18.6% state average, positioning it firmly in the commonwealth's higher-cost tier. This premium reflects the county's booming northern Virginia suburban character and proximity to federal employment centers.

Northern Virginia's Cost Profile

Spotsylvania's $1,733 rent significantly outpaces Southwest Virginia counties like Scott ($665) and Smyth ($692), while its $375,000 median home value dwarfs their $122,000-$126,000 range. The gap illustrates northern Virginia's commanding price premium across both rental and ownership markets.

High Costs, High Incomes

Renters in Spotsylvania spend $1,733 monthly while homeowners pay $1,720—a remarkable parity that reflects the county's wealthy, dual-income households. With median home values of $375,000 and median income of $109,576, Spotsylvania targets affluent professionals rather than budget-conscious families.

Spotsylvania: D.C. Proximity Premium

Spotsylvania County commands northern Virginia's premium pricing—expect $1,733 rents and $375,000 homes—justified by proximity to federal jobs and urban amenities. Compare these costs against affordable Southwest Virginia counties or adjacent areas to determine if the D.C. access justifies the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spotsylvania County

via IncomeByCounty

Spotsylvania County significantly exceeds national median

Spotsylvania County's median household income of $109,576 soars 46.6% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's wealthier counties. Households here earn nearly $35,000 more annually than the typical American family.

Virginia's upper-income tier attracts affluent families

Spotsylvania County earns $34,619 more than Virginia's state median of $74,957, ranking among the state's most prosperous counties. The $46,837 per capita income exceeds the state average by $7,682, reflecting a highly educated, professional workforce.

Stafford and Spotsylvania dominate regional incomes

Spotsylvania County's $109,576 income yields only to neighboring Stafford County's $133,792—together these Northern Virginia suburbs rank among America's richest. Both counties far outpace rural Southwest Virginia peers, earning more than double what Scott and Smyth counties earn.

Wealth enables ambitious housing goals

Spotsylvania County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects higher housing costs but remains affordable, with median home value reaching $375,000. Affluent households here comfortably manage mortgages while maintaining substantial discretionary income for savings and investments.

Build generational wealth through strategic investment

Spotsylvania County's elevated incomes position households to pursue sophisticated wealth-building strategies beyond basic homeownership. Partner with certified financial planners to optimize tax efficiency, diversify investment portfolios, and establish trusts or education savings vehicles for future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Spotsylvania County

via CrimeByCounty

Spotsylvania maintains elite safety levels

Spotsylvania County earns a near-perfect safety score of 98.9, making it one of the safest jurisdictions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 682.5 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights a exceptionally secure environment for families and businesses.

A top-tier performer in Virginia

Spotsylvania's crime rate of 682.5 is well below the Virginia average of 1,728.8. With a safety score of 98.9, the county significantly outperforms the state average of 97.3. It stands as a model for public safety within the Commonwealth's growing suburban corridors.

Safer than neighboring Stafford County

Spotsylvania's total crime rate is significantly lower than that of its neighbor, Stafford County, which reports 1,084.3 incidents per 100,000. This makes Spotsylvania a standout in the region for its low crime metrics. The county manages to maintain high safety standards despite its rapid population growth.

Remarkably low property crime rates

The property crime rate in Spotsylvania is just 496.1 per 100,000, which is approximately four times lower than the national average. Violent crime is also low at 186.4, roughly half the national figure. These balanced numbers reflect a community where both residents and their belongings are well-protected.

Maintaining a secure home environment

While crime rates are exceptionally low, keeping homes secure helps preserve the county's high safety standing. Simple measures like smart doorbells and well-lit entryways effectively discourage the small amount of property crime that does occur. Resident participation in neighborhood watch programs continues to be a local strength.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Spotsylvania County

via HealthByCounty

Spotsylvania Exceeds National Life Expectancy

At 77.9 years, Spotsylvania County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a strong achievement. Only 15.4% report poor or fair health, beating the national benchmark of 16% and suggesting excellent population health.

One of Virginia's Healthiest Counties

Spotsylvania County's 77.9-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 2.8 years, placing it among the state's top performers. The 15.4% poor health rate is among Virginia's lowest, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Regional Health Leader in Northern Virginia

Spotsylvania County's 77.9-year life expectancy edges out most regional peers, trailing only Stafford County (79.3 years) by 1.4 years. The county offers 48 primary care providers and 124 mental health providers per 100K, ensuring strong access to care.

Strong Coverage and Provider Access

Spotsylvania County's 8.0% uninsured rate mirrors Virginia's average at 7.9%, ensuring most residents have insurance. With 48 primary care and 124 mental health providers per 100K, the county supports robust day-to-day healthcare access for routine and specialty care.

Secure Your Healthcare Coverage

Spotsylvania County residents seeking or renewing insurance can explore plans at healthcare.gov or contact local Medicaid offices. With strong provider networks in place, affordable coverage ensures timely access to the healthcare you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Spotsylvania County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School System

Spotsylvania County is home to 35 public schools across two districts, serving a massive 24,201 students. The system includes 17 elementary schools and 5 high schools to accommodate its large population.

Steady Academic Output at Scale

The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, staying above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,389, supporting a district-wide school score of 53.3.

Spotsylvania County Public Schools Dominates

The main district manages 34 schools and all 24,201 students, representing one of the largest systems in the state. No charter schools are available, as the county relies on its robust public network.

Suburban Hubs Meet Rural Landscapes

The county offers a mix of 19 rural and 16 suburban schools with a high average enrollment of 835 students. Riverbend High is the largest campus, hosting nearly 2,000 students in a suburban setting.

Join a Vibrant, Growing District

Spotsylvania offers a wide range of educational settings, from high-capacity suburban high schools to smaller rural campuses. Research homes in this county if you want a diverse selection of schools with consistent performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spotsylvania County

via RiskByCounty

Spotsylvania faces elevated national risk

Spotsylvania County scores 52.89 with a Relatively Low rating, running nearly 20 points above Virginia's state average of 33.27. The elevation reflects particular exposure to earthquakes and hurricanes, with tornadoes emerging as a secondary concern.

Upper-middle risk ranking statewide

Spotsylvania County ranks in Virginia's higher-risk tier at 52.89, placing it above most Commonwealth counties. The Piedmont location exposes residents to multiple hazard types, particularly seismic activity and Atlantic weather systems.

Riskier than inner Piedmont peers

Spotsylvania County's 52.89 score exceeds Staunton city (10.62) dramatically but lags Stafford County (65.04), its northern neighbor and peer risk profile. The progression reflects the region's earthquake sensitivity and hurricane exposure gradient.

Earthquakes and hurricanes dominate risk

Earthquake risk at 76.18 represents Spotsylvania County's top vulnerability, reflecting the county's position near Virginia's seismic zones. Hurricane risk at 72.17 and tornado risk at 44.72 form a secondary concern tier, while flood and wildfire risks remain comparatively low.

Earthquake and wind coverage essential

Spotsylvania County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance; at 76.18 risk, the standard homeowners policy excludes this peril entirely. Wind and hail coverage also matters: the 72.17 hurricane risk score suggests ensuring robust storm protection beyond basic coverage limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Spotsylvania County

via SoilByCounty

Tough Soil Challenges in Spotsylvania

Spotsylvania County faces soil hurdles with a score of 18.1, which is significantly lower than the state average of 30.6. The pH level of 5.22 is almost identical to the state average but remains quite acidic compared to the national 6.5 median. Improving this soil requires consistent attention to pH and nutrient levels.

A Sandy and Silty Profile

The soil is comprised of 54.0% sand and 31.3% silt, leaving a small 14.7% for clay. This composition can be prone to erosion if left uncovered by vegetation. The high sand percentage helps with drainage but provides little in the way of natural mineral fertility.

Lower Organic Matter Content

At 1.49% organic matter, these soils fall below both the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.134 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark. Gardeners here should prioritize adding compost to build up the soil's biology and water retention.

Predicting Water Flow

Though formal hydrologic groups aren't listed, the 54% sand content suggests a soil that drains relatively well. However, the low organic matter can lead to surface crusting, which sometimes prevents water from soaking in. Breaking up the surface and adding mulch helps improve how this soil handles rain.

Gardening Success in 7a

Despite the lower soil score, Zone 7a offers a great climate for many Virginia favorites. Focusing on soil-building techniques like cover cropping will transform these sandy plots into thriving gardens. Start small and use plenty of organic amendments to see your plants flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Spotsylvania County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Environment for Spotsylvania Lawns

Spotsylvania County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 41.0, well below the state average of 55.4. This score indicates that homeowners must work harder than most to maintain a lush yard in Zone 7a. The county is significantly more difficult than the national average of 50.0.

Intense Heat Limits Growing Success

The county endures 41 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average. While 43.4 inches of rain falls annually, the high temperatures often evaporate moisture before it can reach deep roots. This climate creates a stressful environment for traditional cool-season grasses during the long summer months.

High Sand and High Acidity

With a soil pH of 5.22, local dirt is highly acidic and requires significant lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is 54.0% sand, which leads to rapid drainage and potential nutrient loss. Lawns here benefit from top-dressing with organic material to improve water retention and soil health.

Long Drought Seasons Demand Strategy

Homeowners navigated 35 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. To combat these long dry spells, it is essential to raise mower blades to 3-4 inches to shade the soil. Deep irrigation early in the morning is the most effective way to sustain the lawn.

Build a Resilient Spotsylvania Lawn

Given the high heat, heat-tolerant tall fescue blends are the most reliable option for this Zone 7a region. Since specific frost dates are unavailable, aim for fall seeding as soon as the summer heat breaks to allow for root growth. Patience and soil preparation are the keys to overcoming the local difficulty score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spotsylvania County's county score?
Spotsylvania County, Virginia has a composite county score of 54.4 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 Spotsylvania County rank among counties in Virginia?
Spotsylvania County ranks #56 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 Spotsylvania County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Spotsylvania County is $2,263, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Spotsylvania County a tax score of 74.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spotsylvania County?
The median household income in Spotsylvania County, Virginia is $109,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spotsylvania County earns an income score of 97.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spotsylvania County, Virginia a good place to live?
Spotsylvania County scores 54.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Spotsylvania 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 Spotsylvania 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.