countyscore
53.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.5Health 86.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Stafford County, Virginia

National Leader in Living Standards

Stafford County scores 53.6, remaining well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It offers top-tier amenities and economic opportunities found in few other places.

Above the Virginia Average

The county's 53.6 composite score beats the state average of 50.9. It is one of the more affluent and well-resourced counties in the Commonwealth.

Elite Incomes and Health

An exceptional income score of 99.5 reflects a median household income of $133,792. High-quality infrastructure is evident in a water score of 86.0 and a health score of 86.9.

Premium Costs of Living

The cost score of 1.6 is among the lowest in the state, signaling extreme housing pressure. Median home values reach $458,800, making it difficult for lower-income workers to live locally.

Prime for High-Earning Families

Stafford is a top choice for affluent families who demand excellent health services and infrastructure. The high cost of entry is offset by some of the best economic prospects in the country.

Score breakdown

Tax60.9Cost1.6Safety51.7Health86.9Schools64.5Income99.5Risk35Water86Weather70.5
🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49
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
Spotsylvania County
Virginia
54.4
King George County
Virginia
54.7
Culpeper County
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Prince William County
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Caroline County
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Manassas city
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Charles County
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Deep Dives

Stafford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Stafford County

via CrimeByCounty

Stafford County beats national safety averages

Stafford County holds a strong safety score of 98.3, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,084.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics place Stafford among the safer suburban counties in the nation.

Exceeding Virginia's safety benchmarks

Stafford’s safety score of 98.3 sits comfortably above the Virginia average of 97.3. The county's total crime rate of 1,084.3 is also much lower than the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement maintains a high standard of safety as the community continues to expand.

Comparative safety in the I-95 corridor

Stafford County reports a total crime rate of 1,084.3, which is slightly higher than neighboring Spotsylvania’s 682.5 but still very low. Compared to more urban areas in Northern Virginia, Stafford offers a quieter and more secure landscape. The county remains a preferred location for those seeking a balance of accessibility and safety.

A look at violent and property crime

Violent crime in Stafford is 202.4 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most common issue at 881.9, though it still remains less than half the national rate of 2,015.7. This means the vast majority of residents will never experience a violent encounter.

Protecting your property in Stafford

With property crime representing over 80% of local reports, residents should prioritize home security. Installing basic security cameras and ensuring windows are locked can deter the crimes of opportunity that sometimes occur in suburban neighborhoods. Community vigilance is key to keeping Stafford’s crime rates on their current downward trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Stafford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure for Learning

Stafford County manages 36 public schools across two districts, supporting a population of 31,105 students. This includes 17 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 5 high schools.

High Graduation Rates in a Growing County

Stafford achieves a standout 93.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both state and national benchmarks. This high performance comes with a school score of 56.3 and per-pupil spending of $7,551.

Stafford County Public Schools Overview

This massive district manages 34 schools and is responsible for over 31,000 students. There are no charter schools in Stafford, meaning the local public system is the primary path for all families.

Suburban Centers with Large School Sizes

With 25 suburban schools, the average campus size is a significant 972 students. Mountain View High leads the county with 2,203 students, illustrating the large-scale suburban feel of the district.

Success Awaits in Stafford's Suburbs

Stafford County is a premier destination for families seeking top-tier graduation rates and modern suburban schools. Explore the thriving neighborhoods near North Stafford to find a home in this high-achieving district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Stafford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Dynamic East Coast Weather

Stafford County’s annual average temperature of 58.1°F is significantly warmer than the national median, reflecting its Mid-Atlantic climate. The county receives 41 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly lower than the Virginia state average.

Among Virginia’s Warmer Counties

Stafford exceeds the state average temperature of 55.9°F by more than 2 degrees. This positioning makes it part of the warmer corridor of Northern Virginia that transitions into the humid subtropical south.

Bridging the Gap Near the Potomac

Stafford maintains a climate profile similar to its Northern Virginia neighbors but experiences more heat than the mountain counties to the west. Its July average of 79.3°F is nearly 6 degrees warmer than Smyth County in the southwest.

Hot Summers and Manageable Snow

The county faces 30 extreme heat days each year where temperatures hit 90°F or higher. Winter remains distinct but manageable, averaging 12.4 inches of snow and a January mean of 36.6°F.

Managing the Summer Humidity

With a summer average of 77.2°F and frequent 90-degree days, robust air conditioning is a necessity for local residents. Winter preparation should include basic snow removal tools, though snowfall remains moderate compared to the Appalachian region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stafford County

via SoilByCounty

Stafford’s Acidic Sandy Earth

Stafford County has an average pH of 5.12, making it one of the more acidic soils in the region and notably lower than the state average of 5.23. The overall soil score of 25.7 sits below the state average of 30.6. These conditions mean that most garden plants will need supplemental lime to thrive.

Sand-Dominant Ground Structure

The soil contains 55.5% sand, 29.7% silt, and 14.8% clay. This high sand content provides a loose structure that is easy to dig but can struggle to hold onto nutrients. It is a very workable soil that doesn't suffer from the heavy, wet characteristics of high-clay areas.

Building Up Soil Health

Organic matter stands at 1.92%, which is below the state average of 2.90% and just under the national average. The available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is surprisingly healthy, slightly beating the state average. This means the soil can hold moisture well once it is properly amended.

Hydrology in the Coastal Transition

Drainage and hydrologic data are limited, but the sandy profile generally indicates good drainage for homes and farms. Water moves through the 55.5% sand fraction quickly, reducing the risk of standing water. Proper grading is still essential to manage runoff during heavy Virginia storms.

Cultivating in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a is perfect for a wide range of native plants and hardy vegetables. By adding organic matter, you can boost the 1.92% level and see a dramatic increase in plant health. Start your gardening journey by testing your pH and building your soil's foundation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stafford County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Work Required in Stafford

Stafford County has a lawn difficulty score of 49.0, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. Compared to the Virginia average of 55.4, local conditions are slightly more taxing for homeowners. Maintaining a healthy lawn in Zone 7a here requires careful attention to the local climate and soil.

Balancing Heat and a Long Season

The county sees 30 extreme heat days annually, which can stress grass even with 41.0 inches of precipitation. However, 4,379 growing degree days provide a very long window for turf development and repair. This combination means your lawn is active for most of the year but requires extra water during the summer peak.

Amending Sandy, Acidic Soil Foundations

A soil pH of 5.12 makes Stafford one of the more acidic areas for lawn care, necessitating regular lime applications. The soil is 55.5% sand and 14.8% clay, which allows for good drainage but poor nutrient storage. Frequent soil testing is the best way to manage fertilizer needs throughout the season.

Coping with Sustained Dry Periods

Lawns faced 32 weeks of drought last year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. To survive these conditions, encourage deep rooting by only watering when the grass shows signs of wilt. This practice builds a more resilient lawn that can handle Stafford's frequent dry spells.

Optimize Your Stafford Planting Window

The long season between the March 28 spring frost and November 8 fall frost gives you plenty of time for lawn care. Planting tall fescue in the early fall is highly recommended as it allows roots to establish before the first freeze. This timing ensures your lawn is strong enough to survive the next summer's heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stafford County's county score?
Stafford County, Virginia has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Stafford County rank among counties in Virginia?
Stafford County ranks #62 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 Stafford County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Stafford County is $3,301, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Stafford County a tax score of 60.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stafford County?
The median household income in Stafford County, Virginia is $133,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stafford County earns an income score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stafford County, Virginia a good place to live?
Stafford County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Stafford 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 Stafford County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.