countyscore
35.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.1Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax42.9Cost5.5Safety15.2Health65.2Schools40.6Income92.1Risk39.9WaterComing SoonWeather70.7
🏛42.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.1
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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Deep Dives

Suffolk city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Suffolk city

via CostByCounty

Suffolk's Affordability Squeeze

Suffolk city's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio stands among Virginia's highest, exceeding both national and state averages by a significant margin. With $1,484 monthly rent and $90,089 median household income, renters here face tighter housing affordability than most comparable communities nationwide.

Virginia's Tightest Affordability Ratio

Suffolk city's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among all profiled Virginia counties, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by a notable 1.2 percentage points. This tight squeeze reflects the city's position as a major port and military hub where housing demand outpaces supply.

Hampton Roads' Housing Crunch

Suffolk's 19.8% ratio significantly exceeds Southampton County's 16.3% just 40 miles away, illustrating the dramatic affordability differential within the same region. This gap reflects Suffolk's role as a major economic center with higher incomes ($90,089) but proportionally even higher housing costs.

Steep Housing Cost Burden

Renters in Suffolk spend $1,484 monthly while homeowners pay $1,803—a $319 gap reflecting the city's expensive ownership market with $329,600 median home values. Despite the $90,089 median income, both renting and ownership consume a larger percentage of household budgets than surrounding counties.

Suffolk: Premium Port City Pricing

Suffolk city commands Hampton Roads' steepest housing costs ($1,484 rents, $329,600 homes) and worst rent-to-income ratio at 19.8%, reflecting major employer concentration. Compare Suffolk's affordability challenge against nearby Southampton County and rural alternatives before committing to relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Suffolk city

via HealthByCounty

Suffolk Approaches National Health Standards

Suffolk's 75.4-year life expectancy nears the U.S. average of 78.9 years, though still 3.5 years behind. With 17.4% reporting poor or fair health, the city slightly exceeds the national rate of 16%, suggesting generally solid community wellness.

Just Above Virginia's State Average

Suffolk's 75.4-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 0.3 years. The 17.4% poor health rate aligns with state patterns, positioning Suffolk in the middle tier of Virginia's municipalities.

Strong Provider Access Across the Region

Suffolk's 75.4-year life expectancy matches Southampton County (75.3 years) and exceeds Scott County (73.4 years) by 2 years. At 77 primary care providers per 100K, Suffolk offers the densest primary care network among peer counties.

Best-in-Class Primary Care; Strong Coverage

Suffolk's 6.4% uninsured rate is among Virginia's lowest, meaning 94% of residents carry health insurance. The city's 77 primary care providers per 100K lead the region, while 176 mental health providers per 100K ensure robust specialty care access.

Maximize Your Healthcare Coverage

Suffolk residents should review annual insurance options at healthcare.gov to maintain affordable coverage. With abundant providers in the city, securing insurance ensures seamless access to the healthcare resources available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Suffolk city

via SchoolsByCounty

Suffolk's Expansive Suburban School System

A single consolidated district manages 22 public schools, ranging from 11 elementary schools to three high schools. This robust network supports 14,490 students across a mix of suburban and rural campuses.

Aligning Investment with State Standards

Suffolk spends $8,028 per student, placing it just above the Virginia state average of $7,941. While the 83.0% graduation rate trails the national average of 87.0%, the city maintains a school score of 52.1, which is above the national median.

Unified Under Suffolk City Public Schools

Suffolk City Public Schools manages the entire local student body of 14,490 across its 22 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the district, ensuring a centralized approach to public education.

Larger Campuses in Growing Suburbs

The average school size is 763 students, reflecting the city's suburban character where 14 of the 22 schools are located. Nansemond River High is the largest facility, housing 1,698 students.

Moving to Suffolk's School Districts

As Suffolk continues to grow, its suburban school campuses remain a major draw for relocating families. Explore home listings near top-rated elementary schools to secure a spot in this developing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Suffolk city

via RiskByCounty

Suffolk faces substantial national risk

Suffolk city scores 60.11 with a Relatively Low rating, running nearly 27 points above Virginia's state average of 33.27. The elevation reflects multiple concurrent hazards: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and significant wildfire exposure.

Among Virginia's highest-risk jurisdictions

Suffolk city ranks in Virginia's top tier of disaster risk at 60.11, placing it among the Commonwealth's most exposed municipalities. The coastal-adjacent, low-lying geography concentrates multiple weather-driven vulnerabilities.

Riskiest in southeastern Virginia

Suffolk city's 60.11 score significantly exceeds Southampton County (29.80), the region's safest county, highlighting how urban concentration and geography amplify risk. Suffolk's tornado risk (55.73) and wildfire exposure (55.60) dwarf rural Southampton's equivalent scores.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding converge

Hurricane risk at 88.19 dominates Suffolk's hazard landscape—among Virginia's highest—followed closely by tornado risk (55.73) and flood risk (61.00). Wildfire exposure at 55.60 adds a fourth significant concern, while earthquake risk remains moderate at 53.98.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Suffolk homeowners must ensure wind and hail protection given the exceptional 88.19 hurricane risk score; this is the city's primary insurance priority. Flood insurance is equally critical at 61.00 flood risk—verify coverage before hurricane season, particularly for properties in low-lying areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 35.8 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 $3,073, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Suffolk city a tax score of 42.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Suffolk city?
The median household income in Suffolk city, Virginia is $90,089 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Suffolk city earns an income score of 92.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Suffolk city, Virginia a good place to live?
Suffolk city scores 35.8/100 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.

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