CountyScore

Stafford County

Virginia · VA

#118 in Virginia
62.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Stafford County, Virginia

Stafford above national but below state

Stafford County scores 59.2 on the CountyScore composite index, above the national median of 50.0 but notably below Virginia's state average of 70.3. The county's profile shows strong income potential offset significantly by high housing costs.

Underperforms Virginia neighbors

Stafford County's score of 59.2 trails Virginia's state average of 70.3, reflecting the county's growing suburban character and rising real estate prices. Despite economic strength, housing affordability challenges suppress overall livability ranking relative to peer counties.

Highest incomes in Virginia sample

Stafford County dominates on income with a score of 70.7 and median household income of $133,792, the highest among all measured counties. The county offers substantial earning potential and economic opportunity for well-compensated workers seeking Northern Virginia access.

Affordability crisis severely limits livability

Stafford County's cost score of just 39.2 reflects median home values of $458,800 and monthly rents of $1,925—among the highest measured across all counties. These costs consume 35–40% or more of even high household incomes, constraining true livability despite strong earnings.

Only for affluent Washington commuters

Stafford County suits high-earning professionals ($130,000+) working in Northern Virginia who accept premium housing costs for proximity to jobs and urban amenities. It's fundamentally a bedroom community for the Washington, D.C. metro area rather than a standalone livable county for average earners.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82Cost39.2SafetyComing SoonHealth78.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome70.7Risk35WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35
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 Stafford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
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Yuba County
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Median income: $73,313
Paulding County
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62.1
Median income: $94,557
Genesee County
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62.1
Median income: $60,673
Linn County
Oregon
62.1
Median income: $73,396

Deep Dives

Stafford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stafford County

via TaxByCounty

Stafford County taxes below U.S. standard

Stafford County's effective tax rate of 0.720% remains beneath the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home, yielding roughly $2,030 annually. However, Stafford's median home value of $458,800—62% above the national median—pushes actual tax bills higher for typical residents in this high-demand suburban market.

Slightly above Virginia's average rate

Stafford County's 0.720% effective rate edges above Virginia's 0.671% state average, making it one of the Commonwealth's pricier tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $3,301 nearly doubles Virginia's $1,960 state median, driven by strong home values reflecting Stafford's proximity to Washington, D.C., and federal employment.

Highest rate among northern Virginia peers

Stafford County's 0.720% rate exceeds neighboring Spotsylvania County (0.604%) and Staunton city (0.709%), making it the region's most expensive tax jurisdiction. This reflects Stafford's premium position as the closest affordable suburb to the D.C. metro area and its corresponding property values exceeding $458,000 median.

Median Stafford tax hits $3,301 annually

On Stafford County's median home value of $458,800, homeowners pay roughly $3,301 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $3,385; without one, it drops to $2,983—the highest annual bills among the profiled counties.

Appeal potential savings worth thousands

In high-value markets like Stafford, assessment errors are costly; a 10% overvaluation on a $458,800 home costs $330 annually. Filing a free appeal with Stafford County's assessor could uncover overvaluation and deliver substantial long-term savings, especially in a volatile real estate market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stafford County

via CostByCounty

Stafford's Affluent Affordability Sweet Spot

Stafford County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average while commanding the state's highest median household income at $133,792. This combination delivers both reasonable housing costs and extraordinary earning power, positioning Stafford as Virginia's most prosperous county by income.

Virginia's Wealthiest County

Stafford County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's best while supporting a median household income of $133,792—nearly double the state and national medians. This exceptional combination reflects the county's status as a high-income suburban haven anchored by federal employment.

Stafford's Earnings Dominance

Stafford's $133,792 median household income dwarfs even neighboring Spotsylvania County's $109,576, while its $1,925 rent reflects comparable northern Virginia pricing. This income advantage means Stafford residents spend a smaller percentage of earnings on housing despite higher absolute costs.

Premium Pricing, Premium Incomes

Renters in Stafford pay $1,925 monthly while homeowners spend $2,206—the state's highest absolute housing costs—yet the $133,792 median income keeps the rent-to-income ratio at 17.3%. Median home values of $458,800 target dual-income professional households seeking northern Virginia's best schools and federal job access.

Stafford: For High-Earning Relocators

Stafford County offers the state's most expensive housing ($1,925 rents, $458,800 homes) paired with exceptional median income of $133,792—ideal for high-earning professionals relocating to D.C.-area jobs. Compare Stafford's premium costs against other northern Virginia counties to gauge value for your income level.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stafford County

via IncomeByCounty

Stafford County ranks among America's richest

Stafford County's median household income of $133,792 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 78.9%, placing it firmly in America's elite income tier. Households here earn nearly $59,000 more annually than the typical U.S. family, reflecting its role as a prosperous Northern Virginia suburb.

Virginia's wealthiest county outpaces state average

Stafford County earns $58,835 more than Virginia's state median of $74,957, ranking as the state's most affluent county by median household income. The $51,999 per capita income towers $12,844 above the Virginia average, driven by federal government employment and professional services.

Dominates entire Northern Virginia economic landscape

Stafford County's $133,792 income exceeds every other county in this analysis, even surpassing neighboring Spotsylvania County's $109,576 by $24,216. The wealth gap between Stafford and rural Southwest Virginia is staggering—Stafford households earn nearly three times what Scott County households earn.

Premium housing reflects premium incomes

Stafford County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates strong affordability despite steep housing costs, with median home value at $458,800. Affluent households comfortably manage substantial mortgages while retaining significant income for luxury spending and aggressive wealth accumulation.

Maximize wealth through sophisticated financial planning

Stafford County's exceptional income levels enable comprehensive wealth strategies including real estate diversification, stock portfolios, and tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Work with high-net-worth financial advisors to address estate planning, charitable giving, business ownership, and legacy building objectives.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Stafford County

via HealthByCounty

Stafford County Leads National Health Rankings

With a life expectancy of 79.3 years, Stafford County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Only 14.6% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among all Virginia counties, signaling exceptional population wellness.

Virginia's Healthiest County

Stafford County's 79.3-year life expectancy leads Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 4.2 years, the largest gap among all counties. At 14.6% poor health, it holds the state's best outcome, making it a model for population health.

Clear Health Advantage in Northern Virginia

Stafford County's 79.3-year life expectancy exceeds nearby Spotsylvania County (77.9 years) by 1.4 years and outpaces most Virginia peers by 3+ years. The county offers 26 primary care and 128 mental health providers per 100K, supporting consistent access.

Lowest Uninsured Rate; Adequate Provider Access

Stafford County's 6.0% uninsured rate is Virginia's lowest, meaning 94% of residents have health insurance coverage. The county supports 26 primary care providers and 128 mental health providers per 100K, enabling most residents to access care without significant barriers.

Keep Coverage Strong and Current

Stafford County residents benefit from strong insurance penetration, but annual plan reviews at healthcare.gov ensure continuous, affordable coverage. Local health departments can answer questions about plan options and preventive care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stafford County

via RiskByCounty

Stafford County faces significant national risk

Stafford County scores 65.04 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it nearly 32 points above Virginia's state average of 33.27. This represents the county's highest-in-group exposure, driven by elevated flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks.

Among Virginia's riskiest counties

Stafford County ranks in Virginia's top tier of disaster risk at 65.04, reflecting significant exposure compared to most Commonwealth counties. The Northern Virginia location concentrates multiple hazard vulnerabilities that warrant serious preparedness attention.

Riskiest in the Northern Virginia cluster

Stafford County's 65.04 score represents the highest risk among Northern Virginia counties in this analysis, exceeding Spotsylvania County (52.89) substantially. The differential reflects Stafford's particular flood and hurricane exposure relative to inland peers.

Flooding and hurricanes top the list

Flood risk at 75.48 dominates Stafford County's hazard profile, followed closely by hurricane risk at 77.51—both among Virginia's highest. Tornado risk at 52.16 and earthquake risk at 70.55 add meaningful secondary concerns, while wildfire remains minimal at 18.19.

Flood and windstorm insurance critical

Stafford County homeowners must secure separate flood insurance; at 75.48 flood risk, the Rappahannock River and tributaries pose serious threats that standard policies exclude. Wind and hail coverage is equally important given the 77.51 hurricane risk score—verify your coverage limits match current property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.