countyscore
50
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.9Property Tax 72.2

County Report Card

About Tazewell County, Virginia

Tazewell Aligns with National Median

Tazewell County hits a composite score of 50.0, aligning perfectly with the national median. It provides a standard quality of life while offering extreme advantages in specific local costs.

Affordability Leader in Virginia

Compared to the Virginia state average of 50.9, Tazewell sits just slightly below the mean. It distinguishes itself from its neighbors through one of the most affordable housing markets in the state.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Affordability is the headline here, with a cost score of 83.9 and a median home value of only $116,100. Residents also benefit from a reliable 86.0 score for water quality and infrastructure.

Economic and Educational Hurdles

The local economy faces hurdles, as evidenced by a low income score of 8.1 and a median household income of $45,788. School performance and public safety scores also lag behind state leaders at 32.2 and 26.0.

A Haven for Retirees

This county is a haven for retirees or those on fixed incomes who prioritize very low housing costs. It is less suited for career-driven professionals looking for high-growth sectors or premium school districts.

2040608010072.283.92638.232.28.139.88668.5Tax72.2Cost83.9Safety26Health38.2Schools32.2Income8.1Risk39.8Water86Weather68.550/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Tazewell County DNA

Foverall

How Tazewell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tazewell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83.9/100) but notably weak in Income (8.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.2+20.200000000000003
Cost
83.9+35.900000000000006
Safety
26-29
Health
38.2-11.799999999999997
Schools
32.2-21.799999999999997
Income
8.1-42.9
Risk
39.8
Water
86+28
Weather
68.5+12.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$738/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,788/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

62.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

McDowell County
West Virginia
57
Smyth County
Virginia
56.8
Bland County
Virginia
72.8
Buchanan County
Virginia
51.4
Wythe County
Virginia
57.6
Mercer County
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55.9
Wyoming County
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61.5
Russell County
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61.3

Deep Dives

Tazewell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tazewell County

via TaxByCounty

Tazewell taxes are a national bargain

Tazewell County's effective tax rate of 0.618% sits far below the national median, and the county's lower home values amplify the savings. While the national median home costs $281,900 and generates $2,690 in annual taxes, Tazewell's median home of $116,100 results in just $718—a difference of nearly $2,000 per year.

Tazewell ranks well below Virginia average

Tazewell County's effective rate of 0.618% trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, and its median annual tax of $718 represents less than a third of the state median of $1,960. The county offers affordable homeownership compared to most of Virginia, especially in rural regions.

Tazewell sits middle among mountain peers

Tazewell's 0.618% effective rate falls between Washington County's lowest 0.514% and Surry's 0.627%, making it a moderate option for southwestern Virginia homeowners. Dollar-for-dollar, Tazewell residents pay less because homes are significantly more affordable, with medians around $116,100 versus $235,200 in Surry.

Tazewell's median tax is just $718 yearly

On the county's median home value of $116,100, homeowners pay approximately $718 in annual property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that rises to $917, while outright owners pay closer to $634.

Know your home's true value before paying

Tazewell homeowners should verify their assessments match actual market value, as overassessments still occur even in affordable counties. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can result in retroactive tax refunds if your property is found to be overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tazewell County

via CostByCounty

Tazewell has low income, low rent

Tazewell County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Virginia's average of 18.6%, but the absolute rents are far below national norms at just $738 monthly. The trade-off: a median household income of $45,788—significantly below the national average of $74,755.

Virginia's most affordable rents

Tazewell County boasts the lowest median rent among these eight Virginia counties at $738—nearly $400 below the state average. However, its below-average income means the affordability ratio remains slightly worse than state average, reflecting a county facing economic headwinds.

The bargain for renters

Tazewell's $738 rent significantly undercuts Washington County ($832), Sussex ($952), and Warren ($1,199), making it the region's cheapest rental market. Homebuyers also find rock-bottom prices with a $116,100 median home value—less than half of Warren County's $315,800.

Cheap housing, tight paychecks

Renters dedicate $738 monthly (19.3% of income) while homeowners spend $552—making ownership dramatically more affordable than renting in Tazewell. Yet the median household income of $45,788 means even these low housing costs consume significant household resources.

Tazewell: lowest cost, lowest income

Tazewell offers Virginia's cheapest rents and homes, ideal if you're relocating for housing affordability alone. But factor in the lower local wages—compare job prospects carefully against higher-income counties like Warren or Virginia Beach before moving.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tazewell County

via IncomeByCounty

Tazewell faces significant income challenges

Tazewell County's median household income of $45,788 ranks far below the national median of $74,755—a gap of nearly $29,000 or 38.7%. This is among the lowest income levels in the nation, reflecting the county's economic dependence on declining industries.

Lowest income county in Virginia sample

At $45,788, Tazewell's median household income is the lowest among the counties analyzed, trailing Virginia's state average of $74,957 by 39%. The county's coal-mining heritage and limited economic diversification have created persistent income pressures.

Tazewell significantly behind peer counties

Tazewell's $45,788 income falls far short of Sussex County ($62,821), nearly $17,000 behind. The gap widens dramatically when compared to higher-income areas like Warren County ($84,331) and Virginia Beach ($90,685).

Housing costs consume larger income share

Tazewell's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is the highest among comparable counties, indicating housing expenses eat a larger share of household earnings. The median home value of $116,100 is the lowest in the sample, offering affordability but also signaling limited wealth-building through property appreciation.

Building wealth from modest means

Tazewell residents earning $45,788 should focus on low-cost, high-impact strategies: automating even small savings ($25–50 monthly), taking full advantage of employer 401(k) matches, and exploring skills training for higher-wage work. Community financial literacy programs and nonprofit credit counseling can help navigate limited resources toward long-term stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tazewell County

via CrimeByCounty

Tazewell Outperforms National Crime Averages

Tazewell County maintains a safety score of 97.1, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,809.7 per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Tazewell to Virginia Standards

The county’s total crime rate of 1,809.7 sits slightly above the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Despite this, its safety score of 97.1 nearly matches the state’s high average score of 97.3.

Local Trends in Southwest Virginia

Tazewell’s crime rate is higher than neighboring Washington County, which reports a lower total of 1,626.3 per 100,000. Data from eight reporting agencies across the county provide a comprehensive view of these regional trends.

Understanding the Local Crime Breakdown

Property crimes account for the vast majority of incidents at 1,569.6 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively low at 240.1, though this is marginally higher than the state average of 229.7.

Taking Steps to Secure Your Property

With property crime making up most local reports, home security is a smart investment. Residents should consider basic lighting and camera systems to protect their households and maintain the community's safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tazewell County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Network of Town Schools

Tazewell County manages 14 public schools, including seven elementary and three high schools. The district supports 5,416 students, primarily located in town centers throughout the county.

Strong Graduation on a Lean Budget

Tazewell achieves an 88.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,473. The county's school score of 51.3 remains competitive with the national median.

Tazewell County Public Schools Spotlight

The county operates under a single district, Tazewell County Public Schools, which manages all 5,416 students. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on a unified traditional curriculum.

Classic Town-Centered Campuses

Most students attend one of the 11 schools located in town settings, where the average school size is 417 students. Richlands High is the largest institution in the county, with 636 students enrolled.

Your Home in Tazewell County

Tazewell's schools offer reliable graduation outcomes and a community-oriented town atmosphere. Check out homes near the Richlands or Tazewell high school clusters for convenient access to local education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tazewell County

via RiskByCounty

Tazewell faces above-average hazards

Tazewell County's composite risk score of 60.18 reflects a Relatively Low national rating but exceeds the U.S. median, signaling notably higher exposure than typical American counties. Multiple hazard types drive this elevated risk profile.

Higher risk than most Virginia peers

Tazewell's score of 60.18 nearly doubles Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters. Only Virginia Beach and a handful of other localities exceed Tazewell's composite risk.

Riskiest county in its region

Tazewell (60.18) faces substantially higher exposure than Washington County (46.56) and Warren County (31.58) nearby. The county's terrain and geography create distinct vulnerability compared to surrounding areas.

Flooding and wildfires dominate threats

Tazewell residents face significant flood risk (75.06) and wildfire risk (57.73), the county's two primary hazards. Earthquake exposure (68.13) also ranks notably high, while tornado risk (15.36) remains relatively modest.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Tazewell homeowners should prioritize flood insurance separate from standard policies, given the county's 75.06 flood risk score. Wildfire-resistant landscaping and evacuation planning complement adequate insurance coverage for this higher-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tazewell County

via WaterByCounty

Tazewell maintains 'A' Grade for Water Quality

Tazewell County reports zero health violations over the last five years, earning a perfect 'A' grade for its drinking water systems. This zero-violation rate stands in stark contrast to the state average of 126.9 violations per 100,000 residents.

Watershed Impairment Lower Than State Average

Approximately 37.5% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the Virginia state average of 46.1%. The 2022 assessment identifies E. coli and fecal coliform as the primary challenges for local stream health.

Robust Monitoring Network Covers Forty-Eight Sites

Local water quality is tracked via 48 monitoring sites that have recorded 5,011 measurements in the past five years. Researchers prioritize tracking physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics to protect the region's headwaters.

Bluestone River Running at Half Capacity

The Bluestone River at Falls Mills shows a current discharge of 32 cfs, roughly 49% of its long-term mean. While higher than some neighbors, this flow is still significantly below the typical average of 66 cfs.

Focus on Bacterial Safety in Local Streams

Because over a third of local waters struggle with E. coli and fecal coliform, residents should avoid swimming in streams immediately following heavy rainfall. Despite these watershed pressures, the county's drinking water infrastructure remains a reliable and high-performing asset.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tazewell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool and High-Altitude Climate

Tazewell County averages just 51.4°F annually, making it one of the cooler counties in the eastern United States. This temperature profile is below the national median and reflects the county’s rugged mountain terrain.

The Coldest County in This Group

Tazewell sits 4.5 degrees below the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It is notably cooler than its neighbors, providing a distinct highland climate within the Commonwealth.

Colder and Snowier Than Smyth

Tazewell averages 32.3 inches of snow, more than triple the 10.3 inches seen in neighboring Smyth County. Its July average of 70.2°F is also significantly lower than most of the surrounding region.

Snowy Winters and Brief Summers

With only 3 days per year reaching 90°F, extreme heat is almost non-existent in Tazewell. However, winter is long and snowy, with 32.3 inches of snowfall and a January mean of 31.8°F.

Ready for Heavy Winter Snow

Heavy-duty winter gear and snow removal equipment are essential for navigating the 32 inches of annual snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely a priority, as summer highs are among the mildest in the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tazewell County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Soils in the Mountains

Tazewell County earns a high soil score of 42.6, driven by a stable pH of 5.31. While still below the national median of 6.5, this acidity is well-suited for the region's diverse forest and pasture lands.

A Silty Mountain Blend

The soil is comprised of 42.0% silt and 34.8% sand, providing a balanced texture for many uses. With 17.9% clay, the soil retains nutrients better than sandier coastal neighbors while remaining workable.

Exceptional Organic Richness

Tazewell boasts a remarkable 5.09% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 2.90%. This high fertility, combined with a water capacity of 0.145 in/in, creates a powerful growing environment.

Hydrology in High Elevations

While specific drainage classes are not currently logged, the high organic matter suggests good structure and water absorption. Farmers in this area benefit from soil that resists drought better than most.

Cool Weather Success in 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, Tazewell is ideal for cool-season crops like kale, peas, and potatoes. The rich organic soil provides a perfect head start for any home gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tazewell County

via LawnByCounty

Tazewell's High-Performing Mountain Lawns

Tazewell County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 68.4, making it far easier than the national average. This Zone 6b environment provides a hospitable climate for lush, green turf.

Cool Summers and Steady Rain

With only 3 extreme heat days a year, cool-season grasses are spared the scorching stress seen elsewhere in Virginia. The 46.1 inches of annual precipitation perfectly matches the state average for consistent growth.

A Balanced Soil Foundation

The soil pH sits at 5.31, which is acidic but common for the region's diverse landscape. A texture featuring 17.9% clay and 34.8% sand offers a stable environment that retains moisture well.

Mild Drought Conditions

Tazewell faced 8 weeks of drought last year, and currently, 68.3% of the county is abnormally dry. These relatively stable conditions allow for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to neighboring counties.

Ideal for Cool-Season Grass

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are the stars of this high-altitude county. Start your lawn projects after the May 9th frost to take full advantage of the mild 70.2°F July average.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tazewell County's county score?
Tazewell County, Virginia has a composite county score of 50 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 Tazewell County rank among counties in Virginia?
Tazewell County ranks #83 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 Tazewell County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Tazewell County is $718, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Tazewell County a tax score of 72.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tazewell County?
The median household income in Tazewell County, Virginia is $45,788 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tazewell County earns an income score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tazewell County, Virginia a good place to live?
Tazewell County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Tazewell 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 Tazewell County 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.