countyscore
67.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.3Schools 91.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Surry County, Virginia

Surry County Outperforms the National Median

Surry County earns a 67.1 composite score, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects an exceptionally high quality of life compared to most American counties.

A Top Performer in Virginia

With a 67.1 overall score, Surry outperforms the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a top performer among the state's jurisdictions, providing services that exceed state expectations.

Elite Education and Low Environmental Risk

The county boasts a stellar school score of 91.4 and a risk score of 95.3, indicating extreme environmental stability. Residents also enjoy high incomes, with a median household bringing in $71,458.

Navigating Higher Housing Costs

Affordable housing is the primary hurdle, as reflected in a cost score of 43.1. While gross rent averages $858, high home values can make entry into the local market difficult for some buyers.

Premier Destination for Families

Surry is an ideal destination for families who prioritize top-tier public schools and long-term environmental safety. It suits professionals looking for high-earning potential in a secure rural-suburban setting.

Score breakdown

Tax71.4Cost43.1Safety66.1Health58.4Schools91.4Income70.1Risk95.3Water86Weather71.5
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓91.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.3
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

Surry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Surry County

via TaxByCounty

Surry's tax rate beats the national norm

Surry County's effective tax rate of 0.627% sits well below the national median effective rate, meaning homeowners here pay less in property taxes relative to home values than most Americans. At the national median, a homeowner with Surry's median home value of $235,200 would pay about $2,690 annually—but Surry residents pay just $1,474, a savings of over $1,200 per year.

Surry ranks middle of the Virginia pack

With an effective rate of 0.627%, Surry County sits slightly below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the middle tier of Virginia's tax burden. The county's median property tax of $1,474 trails the state median of $1,960, reflecting both lower home values and slightly lower tax rates across the region.

Surry taxes compare favorably locally

Among nearby rural counties, Surry's effective rate of 0.627% is competitive, falling between Sussex County's lowest rate of 0.541% and Warren County's higher rate of 0.586%. Surry homeowners pay more in absolute dollars than their Sussex neighbors, but less than those in pricier Warren County, where median homes are valued 34% higher.

Median Surry home costs $1,474 yearly

On the county's median home value of $235,200, a homeowner pays approximately $1,474 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, that figure rises to $1,647, while outright owners pay closer to $1,359.

Check your assessment—appeal if overvalued

Many Virginia homeowners are assessed above fair market value and can recover money through formal appeals. If you believe your home is overassessed, filing a challenge with Surry County's assessor costs nothing and often results in lower taxes retroactively.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Surry County

via CostByCounty

Surry rents don't break the budget

At 14.4%, Surry County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national affordability threshold and beats the state average of 18.6%. Renters here spend roughly $858 per month while earning a median household income of $71,458—making it one of Virginia's most affordable rental markets.

A bargain among Virginia counties

Surry County ranks among Virginia's most affordable places to rent, with a ratio nearly 4 percentage points below the state average. The median gross rent of $858 is $282 cheaper than Virginia's state median, reflecting the county's rural character and lower cost of living.

Competing against neighboring counties

Compared to nearby Sussex County ($952 rent) and Washington County ($832 rent), Surry offers moderate pricing with a balanced income-to-rent equation. Homebuyers here face median home values of $235,200—more expensive than Tazewell or Sussex but more affordable than Warren County's $315,800.

Where your paycheck goes

Renters dedicate $858 monthly (14.4% of income) while homeowners spend $940 on monthly costs with a median home value of $235,200. Combined, housing absorbs a manageable share of Surry household budgets, leaving resources for other essentials.

Ready to relocate affordably?

Surry County delivers rare affordability in Virginia—rent below $900 and homeownership within reach for middle-income families. If you're weighing relocation, compare Surry's balanced costs against higher-priced neighbors like Virginia Beach or Warren County to maximize your housing dollars.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Surry County

via IncomeByCounty

Surry's income slightly trails the nation

Surry County's median household income of $71,458 falls short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This $3,297 gap suggests residents earn modestly compared to their U.S. counterparts, though the difference is relatively modest.

Below Virginia's income average

At $71,458, Surry's median household income lags Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about 4.7%. The county ranks in the bottom half of Virginia's income distribution, reflecting its rural character.

Comparable to other rural Virginia counties

Surry's $71,458 income edges above Sussex County ($62,821) and Washington County ($62,774), but trails Warren County ($84,331) significantly. Among similar-sized rural localities, Surry occupies a middle position in the income spectrum.

Rent remains affordable for most households

At 14.4%, Surry's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters spend a manageable portion of earnings on housing. The median home value of $235,200 is accessible to middle-income households without severe financial strain.

Build financial resilience in Surry

With a median household income of $71,458, Surry residents have solid ground for building savings and investments. Starting with an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then moving into retirement accounts and low-cost index funds, can help households grow wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Surry County

via CrimeByCounty

Surry County is one of the nation's safest

Surry County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 794.4 per 100,000 is three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes Surry one of the most secure locations for residents in the entire country.

A safety leader in Virginia

Surry’s safety score of 98.7 significantly outpaces the Virginia average of 97.3. The total crime rate of 794.4 is also less than half of the statewide average of 1,728.8. These numbers solidify Surry's reputation as a peaceful and low-crime jurisdiction.

Safer than surrounding counties

Surry County is notably safer than its neighbors, with a crime rate of 794.4 compared to Southampton’s 1,244.2 and Sussex’s 1,619.7. Residents benefit from a quiet, rural atmosphere that sees far fewer reported incidents than nearby areas. This makes it a regional standout for public safety.

Extremely low violent crime rates

Violent crime in Surry is remarkably low at 76.4 per 100,000, roughly five times lower than the national rate. Property crime is also minimal at 718.0, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Physical safety is a defining characteristic of life in the county.

Maintaining Surry's peaceful environment

With such low crime rates, basic precautions are usually sufficient to maintain home security. Simple measures like locking outbuildings and installing motion-activated lights can prevent the few property crimes that occur. Community-wide vigilance helps ensure the county remains a top-tier safety performer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Surry County

via HealthByCounty

Surry's life expectancy edges ahead

At 75.6 years, Surry residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a modest advantage reflected in its 20.1% poor/fair health rate. This solid performance suggests generally stable health outcomes for the county, though nearly one in five residents reports struggling with their health.

Outpacing Virginia's baseline

Surry's 75.6-year life expectancy tops Virginia's 75.1-year state average, ranking it among healthier Virginia communities. The county's 6.5% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 7.9%, giving more residents access to care.

Surry leads nearby rural counties

Compared to neighboring Sussex County (72.2 years) and Westmoreland County (75.3 years), Surry performs competitively on life expectancy. However, Surry lags on primary care providers at 15 per 100K—less than half the availability in nearby Warren County (59 per 100K).

Limited providers, lower uninsured rates

Only 15 primary care providers per 100K residents serve Surry—a significant gap for rural healthcare—though mental health support is more robust at 46 providers per 100K. The county's strong insurance rate (93.5% covered) means most residents have a path to care, but finding that care locally remains a daily challenge.

Protect your health with coverage

If you're among the 6.5% of Surry residents without insurance, now is the time to explore your options through Virginia's Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid. Covered residents report better health outcomes—invest in your future by getting protected today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Surry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Education in Surry

Surry County operates a streamlined system of just three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This tight-knit infrastructure serves a total of 681 students in a purely rural setting.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Investment

Surry County boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 89.0% and the national 87.0%. This success follows a high per-pupil expenditure of $12,490, which nearly matches the national average.

Focused Care in a Single District

Surry County Public Schools manages all 681 students with a high level of individual attention and no charter schools. Surry Elementary is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains small with only 271 students.

Small Schools, Big Results

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 227 students across three rural campuses. Luther P. Jackson Middle is the smallest at 201 students, ensuring a low student-to-teacher ratio.

Rural Living with Top-Tier Schools

For families seeking small-town charm and exceptional graduation rates, Surry County is a hidden gem. Investing in a home here means joining a community with some of the highest academic scores in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Surry County

via RiskByCounty

Surry ranks far below national risk

Surry County's composite risk score of 4.71 places it among the safest counties in the nation for natural disasters. The county's Very Low rating reflects significantly lower exposure than the typical U.S. county, meaning residents face minimal combined hazard risk across flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Virginia's safest county for disasters

Surry ranks as one of Virginia's lowest-risk counties, with a composite score of 4.71 compared to the state average of 33.27. This makes Surry substantially safer than most other Virginia communities when measuring overall natural disaster exposure.

Safer than nearby Sussex and Warren

Surry's risk profile (4.71) significantly outperforms neighboring Sussex County (13.23) and Warren County (31.58) on composite risk. Among its peer counties, Surry benefits from lower flood and wildfire exposure, making it one of the region's most resilient areas.

Hurricane risk stands above other threats

While Surry's overall risk is very low, hurricane exposure at 69.59 represents the county's most significant hazard, though still manageable compared to coastal Virginia regions. Flood risk (42.00) and earthquake risk (28.09) remain secondary concerns, while wildfire and tornado risks are minimal.

Basic coverage protects your assets

Despite low overall risk, Surry residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage to address hurricane exposure. Annual premium review ensures your policy reflects the county's modest but real weather and seismic risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Surry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Coastal Soils in Surry

Surry County's soil carries an average pH of 5.06, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This profile is typical for the region but requires lime adjustments for many traditional garden crops.

A Sandy Foundation for Farming

The soil consists of 54.7% sand, 30.3% silt, and 14.1% clay. This sandy mix ensures the ground is easy to work and till, though it may require more frequent watering than heavier soils.

Solid Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at 2.78%, nearly matching the state average of 2.90% and exceeding the national average. The available water capacity of 0.148 in/in indicates these soils hold moisture slightly better than the average Virginia field.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

While specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, the high sand content generally points to rapid drainage. Local growers should focus on maintaining cover crops to protect the soil from nutrient runoff.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

The warm climate of zone 8a paired with sandy soil is perfect for heat-loving crops like peanuts and watermelons. It is a fantastic environment to start a productive summer garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Surry County

via LawnByCounty

Surry County's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Surry County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.3, placing it just below the national average of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 8a region is more challenging than the Virginia state average of 55.4.

Abundant Rain and Summer Heat

The county receives 51.2 inches of annual rainfall, which is slightly above the ideal range for most turf. With 37 extreme heat days annually, lawns face more thermal stress than the state average of 28 days.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The local soil pH of 5.06 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring lime amendments. A high sand content of 54.7% ensures quick drainage but may require more frequent light watering.

Current Dry Spells in Surry

While the county only saw 3 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Deep watering once a week helps lawns establish the roots necessary to survive these fluctuations.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 8a

Bermuda and Zoysia grasses thrive in this coastal climate and handle the 79.3°F July average well. Since frost data is limited, homeowners should wait until soil temperatures consistently top 65°F to begin seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surry County's county score?
Surry County, Virginia has a composite county score of 67.1 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 Surry County rank among counties in Virginia?
Surry County ranks #4 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 Surry County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Surry County is $1,474, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Surry County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Surry County?
The median household income in Surry County, Virginia is $71,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Surry County earns an income score of 70.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Surry County, Virginia a good place to live?
Surry County scores 67.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Surry 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 Surry County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.