countyscore
35.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.8Weather & Climate 70.7Health 65.2

County Report Card

About Suffolk city, Virginia

Behind the National Median

Suffolk city earns a 35.9 composite score, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the city faces more headwinds than the typical American locality.

Below Virginia's Average

Suffolk's score of 35.9 is well below the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it has pockets of wealth, other metrics pull down its overall standing in the Commonwealth.

Strong Incomes and Health

Suffolk excels in earning potential with an income score of 92.1 and a median income of $90,089. This financial strength supports a solid health score of 65.2 for the community.

Safety and Cost Pressures

A safety score of 15.2 and a cost score of 5.5 represent significant quality-of-life hurdles. High property taxes, with a 0.932% effective rate, further impact resident finances.

Suits Career-Focused Residents

Suffolk is best for high earners who can navigate its safety challenges and high costs to tap into its economic opportunities. It serves as a high-income hub, though it requires a trade-off in affordability.

20406080100415.715.265.240.691.839.970.7Tax41Cost5.7Safety15.2Health65.2Schools40.6Income91.8Risk39.9Water—Weather70.735.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Suffolk city DNA

Foverall

How Suffolk city compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Suffolk city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (91.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41-11
Cost
5.7-42.3
Safety
15.2-39.8
Health
65.2+15.200000000000003
Schools
40.6-13.399999999999999
Income
91.8+40.8
Risk
39.9
Weather
70.7+14.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Suffolk city

Whether buying or refinancing in Suffolk city, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$347,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,563/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$347,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$62,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $92,666/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.0

per 100K

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
Compare Suffolk city with Sutter County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Sutter County
California
Median income: $79,704
35.6
Jackson County
Illinois
Median income: $48,763
35.6
Grenada County
Mississippi
Median income: $48,804
35.6
Alamance County
North Carolina
Median income: $65,651
35.6
Nolan County
Texas
Median income: $50,747
35.6
Cowlitz County
Washington
Median income: $76,531
35.6
Coconino County
Arizona
Median income: $72,966
35.5
Yuma County
Arizona
Median income: $62,876
35.7

Nearby counties

Isle of Wight County
Virginia
47.9
Franklin city
Virginia
35.2
Chesapeake city
Virginia
39.3
Gates County
North Carolina
55.7
Portsmouth city
Virginia
26.6
Southampton County
Virginia
54.5
Norfolk city
Virginia
27.1
Newport News city
Virginia
31

Deep Dives

Suffolk city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Suffolk city

via TaxByCounty

Suffolk city taxes well above U.S. median

Suffolk city's effective tax rate of 0.932% significantly exceeds the national median property tax burden, representing one of Virginia's highest rates. On the national median home value of $281,900, this rate generates $2,627 in annual taxes—nearly matching the national median property tax of $2,690.

Highest rate among profiled Virginia cities

Suffolk city's 0.932% effective rate towers above Virginia's 0.671% state average by 39%, making it the most expensive jurisdiction profiled. The median property tax of $3,073 exceeds Virginia's state median of $1,960 by 57%, reflecting both a high rate and substantial home values around $329,600.

Significantly costlier than neighboring counties

Suffolk city's 0.932% rate vastly exceeds Southampton County's 0.661% and all southwestern Virginia counties, placing it among the state's priciest jurisdictions. This reflects Suffolk's status as a major urban port city and regional economic hub in southeastern Virginia, justifying higher municipal service costs.

Median Suffolk tax is $3,073 annually

On Suffolk city's median home value of $329,600, homeowners pay approximately $3,073 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $3,135; without one, it drops to $2,869—the highest annual bill among all profiled Virginia jurisdictions.

Review assessment; appeals save serious money

In high-tax cities like Suffolk, assessment accuracy is crucial—a 10% overvaluation on a $329,600 home costs $307 annually, or $3,070 over a decade. File a free appeal with Suffolk's assessor if your home's valuation seems high relative to comparable sales; the potential savings justify the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Suffolk city

via IncomeByCounty

Suffolk City exceeds national income benchmark

Suffolk's median household income of $90,089 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 20.5%, positioning the city comfortably above the national average. Households here earn approximately $15,334 more annually than typical American families, reflecting southeastern Virginia's economic strength.

Outperforms Virginia state average considerably

Suffolk earns $15,132 more than Virginia's state median of $74,957, ranking well above the state average despite its working-class port city heritage. The $45,135 per capita income exceeds the Virginia average by $5,980, signaling solid middle-class prosperity.

Southeast Virginia's strongest earner

Suffolk's $90,089 income significantly outpaces rural Southwest Virginia counties, matching or exceeding mid-tier earners across the state. Only Spotsylvania ($109,576) and Stafford ($133,792) surpass Suffolk, underscoring the city's economic importance as Hampton Roads' dominant municipality.

Housing affordability pressured by highest ratio

Suffolk's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest burden in this analysis, indicating tighter housing affordability despite strong income. A median home value of $329,600 requires significant savings capacity, though combined household incomes and favorable financing can make homeownership realistic.

Solid income supports diversified wealth strategies

Suffolk residents with $90,089 median household income can pursue balanced wealth-building despite slightly elevated housing costs. Consider real estate investment in the growing Hampton Roads region, diversified stock portfolios, and business ownership opportunities in one of Virginia's major economic engines.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Suffolk city

via CrimeByCounty

Suffolk city mirrors national crime trends

Suffolk city reports a total crime rate of 2,374.1 per 100,000, placing it very close to the national average of 2,385.5. The city earns a safety score of 96.3. As an independent city with a single reporting agency, its data reflects the complexities of a growing urban-suburban mix.

Suffolk's standing in the Commonwealth

With a safety score of 96.3, Suffolk falls slightly below the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 2,374.1 is higher than the state average of 1,728.8. However, it remains a safer alternative to many other major metropolitan centers in the Tidewater region.

Regional comparisons in Tidewater

Suffolk's crime rate is significantly higher than rural Southampton County, which sits at 1,244.2. This is common for a city that serves as a regional commercial hub with a much higher population density. Local residents experience a different safety landscape than those in the surrounding rural counties.

Analyzing violent and property crime

Suffolk's violent crime rate of 494.4 is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, its property crime rate of 1,879.7 is lower than the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that while property is relatively safe, personal safety requires more localized awareness.

Enhanced security for Suffolk residents

Given that violent crime rates are above the national average, residents should prioritize comprehensive home security. Using alarm systems and participating in community watch programs can help reduce risks. Awareness of your surroundings and securing your property are the best defenses in an urban environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Suffolk city

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid Coastal Conditions

Suffolk city features a warm average annual temperature of 59.4°F, which is well above the national median. Its high annual precipitation of 49.9 inches reflects its proximity to the Atlantic and the Great Dismal Swamp.

One of Virginia’s Warmest Spots

At 3.5 degrees above the state average, Suffolk is significantly warmer than most of Virginia. It is also one of the wettest jurisdictions in the state, exceeding the Virginia precipitation average by over 4 inches.

Consistent With Tidewater Neighbors

Suffolk shares the heat of nearby Virginia Beach but experiences slightly more rain at nearly 50 inches annually. Both cities face similar July averages near 79°F, cementing the region's subtropical feel.

Long Summers and Rare Snow

The city experiences 37 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winter is mild with a January average of 40.0°F and only 4.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Built for Heat and Moisture

High-capacity HVAC systems and dehumidifiers are vital for managing the 37 annual extreme heat days and humid air. Minimal winter gear is needed, as snow is infrequent and rarely stays on the ground for long.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Suffolk city

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Coastal Soils

Suffolk city soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.03, falling below the state average of 5.23. The soil score of 28.7 is slightly lower than the Virginia average of 30.6. These conditions reflect the city's coastal geography and the presence of specialized ecosystems like the Great Dismal Swamp.

A Very Sandy Foundation

Sand makes up 65.0% of the soil, while silt and clay account for 19.3% and 10.7% respectively. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and makes the soil very easy to work with a shovel. However, it lacks the structural stability that higher clay concentrations provide.

Rich Organic Matter in the Lowlands

Suffolk boasts an impressive 4.42% organic matter, nearly double the state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is low at 0.119 in/in due to the high sand content. This means while the soil is full of nutrients, it doesn't hold onto water very long.

Fast Drainage for Coastal Living

The 65% sand content ensures that water moves through the soil quickly, a common trait in this part of Virginia. While specific hydrologic data is missing, this usually means fewer issues with standing water after a storm. Building in these areas requires accounting for the sandy, non-cohesive nature of the ground.

Gardening in Warm Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long, warm growing season that is unique in Virginia. The high organic matter of 4.42% provides a fantastic start for heat-loving crops like peppers and melons. Keep your hose handy to compensate for the low water capacity, and you will see amazing results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Suffolk city

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tough Turf in Suffolk

Suffolk city faces more challenges than most, with a lawn difficulty score of 46.1. This rating is lower than both the state average of 55.4 and the national median of 50.0. Residents in Zone 8a must be more intentional with their lawn care strategy to overcome local climate and soil factors.

High Heat and Long Seasons

The city experiences 37 extreme heat days annually, which can be brutal for many common grass types. While 49.9 inches of annual rain is plentiful, the 4,560 growing degree days mean your lawn works overtime almost year-round. This leads to high maintenance needs and a long, demanding mowing season.

Correcting Acidic and Sandy Soil

Suffolk's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.03 and is very sandy at 65.0%. This combination means nutrients and water wash away quickly, requiring more frequent, light fertilization and lime. Improving the soil structure with organic matter is the best long-term strategy for a green lawn here.

Preparing for Coastal Dry Spells

The city spent 13 weeks in drought last year, and today the entire area is classified as abnormally dry. Sandy soils dry out faster than clay, so you must watch for signs of grass stress earlier than in other counties. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties can help reduce your dependence on heavy irrigation.

Successful Planting in Zone 8a

In this warm Zone 8a climate, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda often perform best. Aim to establish these after the last frost on April 7, giving them the entire summer to thrive in the heat. Ensure you are finished with major renovations well before the first fall frost on November 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Suffolk city's county score?
Suffolk city, Virginia has a composite county score of 35.6 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 Suffolk city rank among counties in Virginia?
Suffolk city ranks #123 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 Suffolk city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Suffolk city is $3,229, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Suffolk city a tax score of 41/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Suffolk city?
The median household income in Suffolk city, Virginia is $92,666 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Suffolk city earns an income score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Suffolk city, Virginia a good place to live?
Suffolk city scores 35.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #123 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Suffolk 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 Suffolk city with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.