CountyScore

Spotsylvania County

Virginia · VA

#111 in Virginia
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Spotsylvania County, Virginia

Spotsylvania modestly above national median

Spotsylvania County scores 64.0 on the CountyScore composite index, above the national median of 50.0 but below its own state average. The county's mixed profile reflects high incomes offset by elevated housing costs and reduced affordability.

Below Virginia's state average

Spotsylvania County scores 64.0, falling below Virginia's state average of 70.3, despite proximity to metropolitan Fredericksburg and stronger earning potential. The county's score reflects the trade-off between higher incomes and substantially elevated housing costs.

Incomes significantly outpace state

Spotsylvania County excels with an income score of 54.9 and median household income of $109,576, among the highest in Virginia and well above the state median. Low tax burden (score: 85.3, effective rate: 0.604%) further supports household budgets.

Housing affordability severely constrained

The county's cost score of just 50.2 reflects median home values of $375,000 and rents of $1,733 monthly—pricing that requires substantial six-figure incomes to achieve reasonable affordability. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable.

Suited for well-compensated professionals

Spotsylvania County is best for dual-income households earning $100,000+ who prioritize proximity to job centers and can afford premium real estate. It's a growing corridor community trading rural affordability for suburban connectivity and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.3Cost50.2SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.9Risk47.1WaterComing Soon
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.1
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 Spotsylvania County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Grady County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $54,312
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615

Deep Dives

Spotsylvania County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.