countyscore
45.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.4Weather & Climate 69Lawn Care 64.9

County Report Card

About Staunton city, Virginia

Trailing the National Median

Staunton city scores 45.7, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the city faces challenges compared to the average US county.

Below the State Benchmark

With a score of 45.7, Staunton city sits below the Virginia state average of 50.9. The city is currently working through unique urban pressures that affect its overall ranking.

Superior Environmental Resilience

A remarkable risk score of 89.4 makes Staunton one of the most protected areas from natural disasters. The city also maintains a respectable tax score of 62.1, keeping the burden manageable.

Safety and Data Gaps

The safety score of 21.0 is a point of concern for residents and planners alike. Currently, water data is unavailable, leaving an incomplete picture of the city's utility infrastructure.

Best for Disaster-Averse Renters

Staunton city is a strong fit for those who prioritize a low risk of natural disasters and moderate taxes. It offers a distinct urban lifestyle, though safety metrics suggest room for community improvement.

2040608010062.128.82158.555.546.989.469Tax62.1Cost28.8Safety21Health58.5Schools55.5Income46.9Risk89.4Water—Weather6945.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Staunton city DNA

Foverall

How Staunton city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Staunton city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (21/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.1+10.100000000000001
Cost
28.8-19.2
Safety
21-34
Health
58.5+8.5
Schools
55.5
Income
46.9
Risk
89.4+42.400000000000006
Weather
69+13
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$239,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$993/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$239,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,586/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Jefferson County
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Nearby counties

Augusta County
Virginia
58.8
Waynesboro city
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40.2
Harrisonburg city
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38.5
Rockingham County
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58.3
Nelson County
Virginia
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Albemarle County
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Rockbridge County
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Highland County
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Deep Dives

Staunton city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Staunton city

via TaxByCounty

Staunton taxes competitive with U.S. norm

Staunton city's effective tax rate of 0.709% sits just below the national median property tax ratio and would yield roughly $2,000 on the national median home value of $281,900. However, Staunton's median home value of $239,300—15% below the national median—means typical residents pay less in absolute dollars despite a higher-than-average rate.

Above Virginia's average rate overall

Staunton city's 0.709% effective rate exceeds Virginia's 0.671% state average by about 6%, positioning it in the higher-tax tier across the Commonwealth. The median property tax of $1,696 runs about 13% below Virginia's $1,960 state median, thanks to home values modestly below the statewide norm.

Pricier than rural southwestern counties

Staunton city's 0.709% rate significantly exceeds nearby rural counties like Shenandoah (0.546%) and Smyth (0.609%), reflecting its status as a regional urban hub. However, Staunton remains cheaper than Stafford County (0.720%) in the state's more expensive northern region.

Median Staunton tax is $1,696 yearly

With a median home value of $239,300, Staunton city homeowners pay approximately $1,696 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,657; without one, it climbs to $1,743—moderate costs for a city with growing cultural and educational amenities.

Free appeals available for overpaid taxes

Staunton homeowners suspicious of their assessment values can appeal to the city assessor at no cost, especially important after the downtown revitalization and rising property values. Older assessments may not reflect current fair market values, potentially reducing your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Staunton city

via CostByCounty

Staunton's Urban Affordability Challenge

Staunton city's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, reflecting tight housing markets in this historic downtown revitalization hub. At $993 monthly rent and $62,586 median household income, urban amenities come at a premium compared to surrounding rural counties.

Above Virginia's Average Ratio

Staunton city's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Virginia's 18.6% state average, placing it among the commonwealth's tighter housing markets. This premium reflects the city's growing popularity as a cultural and economic center, attracting young professionals and remote workers.

Urban Premium vs. Rural Bargains

Staunton's $993 rent significantly exceeds nearby rural counties like Shenandoah ($968) while its 19.0% ratio exceeds Southwest Virginia's affordable trio of Scott, Smyth, and Shenandoah. The urban affordability challenge reflects Staunton's renewed appeal as a downtown revitalization success story.

Balanced Urban Housing Costs

Renters in Staunton spend $993 monthly while homeowners pay $1,040—a modest $47 gap reflecting the city's accessible ownership markets. With median home values of $239,300 and median income of $62,586, first-time homebuyers find urban convenience within reasonable reach.

Staunton: Downtown Living Trade-offs

Staunton city offers walkable urban amenities at a premium—$993 rents and $239,300 homes—compared to surrounding rural Virginia. If downtown culture and community justify higher housing costs, compare Staunton's value against other revitalized small cities across the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Staunton city

via IncomeByCounty

Staunton trails national income by 16.3%

Staunton's median household income of $62,586 falls 16.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a substantial gap for a city-designated municipality. Households here earn approximately $12,169 less annually than the typical American family, reflecting mid-sized city economic realities.

Below Virginia average but maintaining presence

Staunton earns $12,371 less than Virginia's state median of $74,957, ranking below the state average despite its role as a Shenandoah Valley cultural hub. The $35,941 per capita income trails the state by $3,214, suggesting uneven wealth distribution within the city.

Competitive with Shenandoah Valley economies

Staunton's $62,586 income falls slightly below neighboring Shenandoah County's $64,437 but exceeds struggling southwestern counties like Scott ($45,136) and Smyth ($46,859). The city's position reflects its identity as a regional cultural and commercial center with modest but stable employment.

Housing affordability strained by higher ratio

Staunton's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest burden among these eight jurisdictions, suggesting housing costs consume more of household income here. A median home value of $239,300 remains achievable for Staunton households, though with less financial flexibility than surrounding counties.

Disciplined planning compensates for modest income

Staunton residents must employ careful budgeting to maximize wealth-building potential given higher housing cost ratios. Explore first-time homebuyer assistance, employer retirement matching programs, and community development financial institutions that support modest-income households in building long-term assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Staunton city

via CrimeByCounty

Staunton maintains safety despite urban profile

Staunton reports a total crime rate of 2,044.5 per 100,000 residents, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. The city holds a safety score of 96.8 out of 100. While higher than some rural neighbors, Staunton is statistically safer than many similar-sized cities nationwide.

Measuring Staunton against Virginia averages

Staunton’s safety score of 96.8 is slightly lower than the Virginia state average of 97.3. However, its violent crime rate of 140.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 229.7. Most reported crime in the city consists of non-violent incidents.

Understanding local reporting data

Staunton's crime data comes from a single reporting agency, which means local figures are highly concentrated. Its total crime rate of 2,044.5 is higher than nearby Smyth County’s 1,399.4. This difference often reflects the higher density and commercial activity typical of independent cities compared to rural counties.

Property crime drives local statistics

Violent crime in Staunton is very low at 140.7 per 100,000, while property crime is much higher at 1,903.8. This property crime rate is nearly on par with the national average of 2,015.7. Residents are far more likely to experience theft or vandalism than any form of physical harm.

Deterring property crime in Staunton

Because property crime accounts for over 93% of Staunton's reports, home and vehicle security are paramount. Simple habits like locking car doors and using exterior lighting can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Engaging with local law enforcement programs helps keep the city’s safety score stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Staunton city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Urban Learning Network

Staunton maintains 11 public schools, including four elementary and two high schools, across four distinct districts. The infrastructure supports a total enrollment of 2,753 students, balancing traditional education with specialized learning facilities.

Beating State Spending Averages

The city invests $8,569 per pupil, which exceeds the Virginia average of $7,941 though it remains below the $13,000 national benchmark. This investment yields a graduation rate of 87.9%, outperforming the national average of 87.0%.

Spotlight on Staunton City Public Schools

Staunton City Public Schools serves as the primary district, managing six schools and 2,692 students. The area also hosts specialized institutions like the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, though no charter schools currently operate here.

Small Classes in a City Setting

With an average school size of 306 students, Staunton offers an intimate environment compared to many urban centers. While nine schools sit in city locales, Staunton High serves as the largest hub with 822 students.

Discover Homes Near Staunton Schools

Families looking for a community that prioritizes per-pupil investment should explore Staunton's residential options. Local school quality remains a top driver for property values in this historic city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Staunton city

via RiskByCounty

Staunton ranks among America's safest

Staunton city scores just 10.62 with a Very Low rating, placing it far below Virginia's state average of 33.27. This represents exceptional resilience across nearly all natural hazard categories, making Staunton one of the nation's lowest-risk municipalities.

Virginia's lowest disaster risk city

Staunton city's 10.62 composite score ranks it as the Commonwealth's safest jurisdiction by far, reflecting minimal exposure across earthquake, wildfire, tornado, flood, and hurricane hazards. The rating reflects the city's inland Shenandoah Valley position and favorable topography.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Staunton city's 10.62 score is less than one-fifth of adjacent Shenandoah County's 59.83, demonstrating how dramatically municipal boundaries can affect risk. The city's compact urban footprint and distance from major flood corridors account for much of this differential.

Hurricane risk the only meaningful concern

Hurricane risk at 62.29 is Staunton's sole hazard scoring above 50, reflecting atmospheric exposure despite inland location. All other risks score well below state average: earthquakes (41.38), flood (30.41), tornado (15.52), and wildfire (11.16).

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Staunton residents enjoy exceptional natural hazard protection and can likely rely on standard homeowners policies for most risks. However, verify wind and hail coverage details; the 62.29 hurricane risk—while low absolutely—represents the city's only meaningful insurance consideration.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Staunton city

via WaterByCounty

Staunton Compliance Records Currently Unavailable

Federal drinking water compliance data for Staunton is not currently recorded in the 5-year lookback. Residents should refer to local municipal reports to compare performance against the state's average violation rate of 126.9 per 100K.

Watershed Assessments Show Limited Impairment

In the 2022 cycle, only 10% of Staunton's assessed water bodies were flagged as impaired. The primary stressors identified include PCBs and E. coli, though the overall impairment rate is much lower than the Virginia average of 46.1%.

Limited Monitoring Footprint in Staunton City

The EPA Water Quality Portal shows just 4 monitoring sites within city limits, with only 32 measurements recorded. This small data set focuses on physical and organic properties, suggesting a need for more comprehensive local monitoring.

No Active USGS Streamgage in Staunton

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Staunton city. Without live streamflow, water managers rely more heavily on regional precipitation and watershed health markers to assess water availability.

Support Local Monitoring for Water Security

With only 32 recent monitoring records, residents can advocate for expanded data collection to better understand local water health. Though watershed impairment is low at 10.0%, the presence of PCBs suggests caution for those fishing in local streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Staunton city

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Climate

Staunton averages 54.1°F annually, aligning closely with the national average for temperate climates. The city sees 40.6 inches of precipitation per year, providing a consistent supply of moisture for the local landscape.

Cooler and Drier Than Average

Staunton is roughly 1.8 degrees cooler and 5 inches drier than the Virginia state averages. This difference highlights the city's protected position within the Shenandoah Valley, away from coastal humidity.

Valley Living With Extra Snow

Staunton receives 21.6 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than counties like Stafford or Smyth. While July highs are similar to Smyth County at 73.9°F, the winter snowfall sets Staunton apart from its regional peers.

Mild Summers With Snowy Peaks

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 11 days per year reaching 90°F or above. Winter is the defining season, characterized by a chilly 35.6°F average and frequent snowfall from December through February.

Winter Tires and Valley Gear

Given the 21.6 inches of annual snow, residents should own reliable snow removal equipment and winter-rated tires. The mild summers mean outdoor activities are pleasant, though light layers are recommended for cool mountain evenings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Staunton city

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Urban Soils in Staunton

Staunton city holds a soil score of 30.8, placing it right at the state average of 30.6. The average pH of 5.30 is slightly better than the Virginia average but still more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This provides a stable, if slightly acidic, foundation for urban gardening and landscaping.

A Silty, Fine-Textured Base

With 47.0% silt and 22.1% clay, this soil has a finer texture than many coastal counties. Sand makes up only 23.1% of the mix, meaning the soil can hold onto nutrients effectively. However, the higher clay and silt content can make the ground prone to compaction in high-traffic city areas.

Good Water Storage, Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.94%, falling below the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity is strong at 0.150 in/in, which is better than the state benchmark. This means the soil is excellent at storing water for plants even if it lacks some organic richness.

Water Movement in the City

Specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, but the high silt content suggests the soil can be slow to drain when saturated. Urban gardeners should be mindful of drainage patterns around buildings and paved surfaces. Using raised beds can help manage moisture in these silt-heavy soils.

Growing Green in Staunton

Staunton's strong water capacity makes it an excellent place for thirsty landscape plants and shrubs. Adding compost will help improve the 1.94% organic matter and break up the silty texture. Turn your backyard into a lush oasis by taking advantage of these reliable soil traits.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Staunton city

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in Staunton

Staunton city enjoys a high lawn difficulty score of 64.9, indicating that lawns are relatively easy to manage here. This score is significantly higher than both the Virginia state average (55.4) and the national average (50.0). Even without a specified hardiness zone, the local data suggests a very favorable environment.

Cooler Summers and Steady Growth

With only 11 extreme heat days, Staunton's lawns avoid the severe burning seen in hotter parts of the state. The 40.6 inches of rain falls perfectly within the ideal range, while 3,434 growing degree days support healthy turf activity. These factors create a predictable schedule for both mowing and maintenance.

Managing Clay-Rich Acidic Soil

The soil contains 22.1% clay and 23.1% sand, providing a stable foundation that holds onto water better than sandy coastal regions. However, the pH is low at 5.30, so adding lime is essential to keep the soil healthy. Aeration is particularly helpful here to prevent the clay-heavy soil from becoming too compacted.

Monitoring Moisture During Dry Years

Staunton saw 31 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the city remains in an abnormally dry state. Because the soil has higher clay content, it can hold moisture longer, but you should still water during extended dry periods. Focus on morning irrigation to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal growth.

Best Planting Windows for Staunton

The window between the April 15 spring frost and October 27 fall frost is the prime time for lawn work. Fall is the best time to seed, as it gives grass a long period to mature before the summer heat returns. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue are standard favorites for this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Staunton city's county score?
Staunton city, Virginia has a composite county score of 45.7 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 Staunton city rank among counties in Virginia?
Staunton city ranks #95 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 Staunton city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Staunton city is $1,696, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Staunton city a tax score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Staunton city?
The median household income in Staunton city, Virginia is $62,586 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Staunton city earns an income score of 46.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Staunton city, Virginia a good place to live?
Staunton city scores 45.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Staunton city 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 Staunton city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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