49.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.4

County Report Card

About Sussex County, Virginia

Sussex Matches National Quality Standards

Sussex County’s composite score of 49.8 lands it right at the national median of 50.0. It offers a typical American lifestyle profile with a balance of affordability and public services.

Stable Standing Within Virginia

The county trails the Virginia state average of 50.9 by only a narrow margin. It remains a competitive choice for those seeking lower-tax environments within the Commonwealth.

Low Tax Burden and Disaster Resilience

Taxpayers benefit from a robust tax score of 81.4 and a low effective property tax rate of 0.541%. Additionally, the county shows strong resilience to natural disasters with a risk score of 86.8.

Opportunities in Health and Safety

Healthcare access and public safety represent the biggest opportunities for growth, with scores of 36.6 and 31.2 respectively. Enhancing local medical facilities and community policing could boost these future rankings.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Commuters

Sussex is ideal for commuters and remote workers who want to maximize their take-home pay through low local taxes. It offers a stable, low-risk environment for those who don't mind traveling for specialized medical care.

Score breakdown

Tax81.4Cost42.5Safety31.2Health36.6Schools46.3Income47.6Risk86.8Water86Weather65.3
🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠42.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼47.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡31.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
36.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓46.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
86.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨22
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱48.3
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

Sussex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sussex County

via TaxByCounty

Sussex has the lowest tax rate here

Sussex County's effective tax rate of 0.541% ranks well below the national median, delivering substantial savings compared to typical American property tax burdens. On the national median home value of $281,900, Sussex's rate would amount to about $1,526—but Sussex homeowners with a median home of $178,500 pay just $966, a difference of over $700 annually.

Sussex ranks among Virginia's lowest taxed

At 0.541% effective rate, Sussex County claims one of Virginia's lowest property tax rates, well below the state average of 0.671%. The county's median tax of $966 is less than half the state median of $1,960, making it an exceptional value for homeowners seeking low tax burden.

Sussex undercuts all nearby counties

Sussex's 0.541% effective rate is the lowest among comparable rural Virginia counties—Tazewell comes in at 0.618%, Washington at 0.514%, and Surry at 0.627%. Homeowners in Sussex save significantly compared to neighbors in all directions, though Washington County edges slightly lower on the rate alone.

Sussex homes average $966 in yearly taxes

A homeowner with Sussex's median property value of $178,500 pays approximately $966 annually in taxes. With mortgage considerations, that climbs to $1,084, while owners without mortgages pay around $785.

Appeal your assessment if numbers don't match

Even in low-tax Sussex, homeowners sometimes face overvalued assessments and can appeal to recover funds. Sussex County's assessment appeals process is free and can result in refunds dating back several years if successful.

Cost of Living in Sussex County

via CostByCounty

Sussex sits near affordability balance

Sussex County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Virginia's state average of 18.6%, just above the national affordability benchmark. At $952 monthly rent against a $62,821 median household income, Sussex represents typical housing cost pressure for Virginia renters.

Mid-pack affordability in Virginia

Sussex County's rent-to-income ratio ranks near the state median, reflecting moderate housing pressure compared to pricier northern Virginia. The county's $952 median rent falls between rural Tazewell and urban centers, positioning it as a transitional affordability zone.

Trading costs with similar counties

Sussex's $952 rent undercuts Warren County ($1,199) and Virginia Beach ($1,649) but exceeds Tazewell ($738) and Washington ($832). For homebuyers, Sussex offers the lowest median home value at $178,500—significantly cheaper than all neighboring counties in this comparison.

Housing eats most of the budget

Renters pay $952 monthly (18.2% of income), while homeowners spend $831—making Sussex a better market for buyers than renters. At $62,821 median household income, residents here face tighter affordability than higher-earning neighbors, but home values of $178,500 remain accessible.

Sussex: affordable for homebuyers

If you're buying rather than renting, Sussex County offers Virginia's lowest median home value at $178,500. Renters considering relocation should compare Sussex's 18.2% ratio against cheaper rentals in Tazewell or Washington County before deciding.

Income & Jobs in Sussex County

via IncomeByCounty

Sussex lags well behind national income

Sussex County's median household income of $62,821 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $12,000, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. This 16% gap reflects the county's rural character and limited economic diversification.

Among Virginia's lower-income counties

Sussex's $62,821 median household income falls 16.1% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking the county in the bottom quartile statewide. Economic challenges and population decline have constrained local income growth.

Income struggles compared to nearby counties

Sussex's $62,821 income matches Washington County nearly dollar-for-dollar but falls short of Surry County ($71,458) by $8,637. The county faces steeper income gaps when compared to stronger performers like Warren County ($84,331).

Housing costs press harder in Sussex

Sussex's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains under the 30% threshold, though it's noticeably higher than Surry County's 14.4%. The median home value of $178,500 is the lowest among comparable counties, reflecting both affordability and limited property appreciation potential.

Strategic financial planning for Sussex families

With median household income at $62,821, Sussex residents should prioritize high-impact financial moves: eliminating high-interest debt, maximizing employer retirement contributions, and leveraging lower housing costs to build home equity. Even modest monthly investments of $100–200 into diversified funds can compound significantly over decades.

Safety in Sussex County

via CrimeByCounty

Sussex County maintains high safety standards

Sussex County earns a safety score of 97.4, which is better than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,619.7 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. This data reflects a relatively secure rural environment for the local population.

Sussex aligns with Virginia safety averages

Sussex County's safety score of 97.4 is just above the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,619.7 is also slightly lower than the state average of 1,728.8. The county is performing well compared to the Commonwealth as a whole.

Local comparisons to Surry and Southampton

Sussex County’s crime rate of 1,619.7 is higher than neighboring Southampton (1,244.2) and Surry (794.4). While still safe by national standards, Sussex experiences more reported incidents than its immediate neighbors. This suggests a slightly more active criminal landscape than in the counties to the east.

Understanding the Sussex crime profile

Violent crime in Sussex sits at 386.5 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much lower at 1,233.2 compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Most reported issues involve property, though personal safety requires standard awareness.

Enhancing home security in Sussex

Because violent crime is slightly above the national average, residents should use comprehensive safety measures like home security systems. Ensuring all entry points are secure and using smart technology can provide extra peace of mind. Staying connected with neighbors is a powerful way to keep the community safe.

Health in Sussex County

via HealthByCounty

Sussex faces significant health challenges

At 72.2 years, Sussex County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by more than two years, a substantial gap. With 22.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health—among the highest rates in Virginia—the county faces serious population health pressures.

Virginia's lowest life expectancy ranks

Sussex's 72.2-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom among Virginia counties, about 3 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The county's uninsured rate of 7.9% matches the state average, meaning insurance access isn't the primary issue—health outcomes themselves need intervention.

Sussex underperforms rural peers

Sussex trails Surry County (75.6 years) by 3.4 years and even lags Westmoreland County (75.3 years) by 3.1 years despite similar rural character. Sussex does maintain more primary care providers (28 per 100K) than Surry, but mental health support is limited at just 19 per 100K.

Healthcare access exists, but health lags

Sussex offers 28 primary care providers per 100K, above some rural peers, yet residents report the poorest health outcomes in the region at 22.4% poor/fair health. Limited mental health providers (19 per 100K) may contribute to the gap, suggesting county health challenges extend beyond simple access to include behavioral health support.

Insurance is your first step

With 7.9% of Sussex residents uninsured, closing this gap could improve health outcomes across the community. Check your eligibility for Virginia Medicaid or marketplace coverage—having insurance is the foundation for better health.

Schools in Sussex County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Rural Schooling in Sussex

Sussex County provides a centralized educational campus featuring one elementary, one middle, and one high school. The district serves a total of 998 students across its three rural facilities.

Investment Exceeds State Average

The county spends $9,032 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the Virginia average. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 82.0%, trailing the state average of 89.0%.

Sussex County Public Schools Unified

The single school district of Sussex County Public Schools manages all 998 students without any charter schools. Sussex Central Elementary is the most populated building, hosting 443 students.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a consistent environment for the average student body of 333. Sussex Central Middle is the smallest campus, serving 236 students.

Find Space and Schools in Sussex

Sussex County offers a quiet rural lifestyle where students attend a single, centralized campus from kindergarten through graduation. Consider the local education investment when touring homes in the area.

Disaster Risk in Sussex County

via RiskByCounty

Sussex well below national danger

Sussex County's composite risk score of 13.23 reflects a Very Low rating nationally, placing it among safer U.S. counties for natural disasters. The county experiences notably lower combined hazard exposure than average American communities.

Ranks low within Virginia

Sussex County's score of 13.23 sits well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the safer Virginia communities overall. Among peer counties, Sussex maintains substantially lower natural disaster risk.

Safer than Tazewell, comparable to Surry

Sussex (13.23) outperforms nearby Tazewell County (60.18) significantly and remains safer than most Virginia peers. Only Surry County (4.71) and Waynesboro (10.34) show comparably low risk in the region.

Hurricane and earthquake drive risk

Sussex's highest exposures are hurricane risk (73.26) and earthquake risk (43.54), though these remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (20.83) and wildfire risk (19.91) rank lower but warrant standard precautions.

Standard insurance meets Sussex needs

Homeowners insurance with windstorm riders provides adequate protection for Sussex County's modest natural disaster exposure. Residents should verify their policies cover hurricane-force winds given the county's elevated hurricane ranking.

Weather & Climate in Sussex County

via WeatherByCounty

Frequent Heat and Heavy Rain

Sussex County averages 58.9°F annually, placing it among the warmer temperate regions in the United States. Its 49.6 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the national median, indicating a very wet climate.

Above Average in Heat and Rain

Sussex stays 3 degrees warmer than the Virginia state average and is roughly 4 inches wetter. This combination makes it a productive agricultural area but increases the intensity of summer humidity.

The Regional Leader in Heat

With 45 days of 90°F heat, Sussex is hotter than neighboring Suffolk and Stafford. Its July average of 79°F is among the highest for inland counties in the region.

Extreme Heat Defines the Summer

Summers are intense, with 45 days exceeding 90°F and a three-month average of 76.9°F. Winters are mild, seeing only 5.3 inches of snow and maintaining a January average of 39.0°F.

Prepare for a Long Hot Season

Summer heat safety is the priority here, as 45 days of extreme heat require reliable cooling and hydration. Gardening and farming plans must account for the high annual rainfall of nearly 50 inches.

Soil Quality in Sussex County

via SoilByCounty

Low pH Levels in Sussex

Sussex County soil records an average pH of 5.21, falling below the national median of 6.5. This acidic lean mirrors the state average of 5.23, reflecting the weathered nature of Virginia's coastal soils.

Dominance of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is 60.0% sand and 26.3% silt, making it one of the sandier profiles in the region. With only 13.6% clay, this mix offers excellent drainage but low natural nutrient storage.

Nutrient Needs and Water Capacity

At 1.85%, organic matter levels are below the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation.

Fast Drainage for Sussex Fields

Though formal drainage data is limited, the 60% sand content facilitates quick water movement through the soil profile. This makes the land suitable for structures but requires careful management for thirsty crops.

Gardening in Zone 7b

Sussex sits in hardiness zone 7b, supporting a wide variety of southern staples. Root vegetables and legumes thrive in this light soil, making it a great place to plant your first patch.

Lawn Care in Sussex County

via LawnByCounty

Sussex County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Sussex County's lawn difficulty score of 48.3 makes it one of the tougher places in Virginia to maintain green space. This Hardiness Zone 7b area requires more active management than the national median.

High Heat Drives Growth

With 45 extreme heat days per year, Sussex is significantly hotter than the Virginia average. A high growing degree day count of 4517 suggests rapid grass growth that necessitates a rigorous mowing schedule.

Correcting the Sandy Soil Base

The soil is dominated by 60.0% sand, which limits its ability to hold nutrients for thirsty grass. A low pH of 5.21 means most lawns need regular lime applications to reach a productive state.

Building Drought Defenses

Sussex spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year and currently faces abnormally dry conditions across 100% of its land. Incorporating organic matter into the sandy soil can help retain the 49.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Timing Your Sussex Lawn

Tall fescue and heat-tolerant warm-season blends are ideal for this climate. Aim to seed after the April 9th last frost or in the early fall before the first frost arrives on October 30th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sussex County's county score?
Sussex County, Virginia has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Sussex County rank among counties in Virginia?
Sussex County ranks #84 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 Sussex County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Sussex County is $966, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Sussex County a tax score of 81.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sussex County?
The median household income in Sussex County, Virginia is $62,821 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sussex County earns an income score of 47.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sussex County, Virginia a good place to live?
Sussex County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Sussex 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 Sussex County with other counties side by side.