CountyScore

Tazewell County

Virginia · VA

#72 in Virginia
70.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Tazewell County, Virginia

Tazewell stands out nationally

Tazewell County's composite score of 76.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the strongest-performing counties in America. This 54% advantage reflects a county that delivers genuine livability at a price most households can afford.

Virginia's most livable county in this group

Tazewell's composite score of 76.9 ranks it highest among all eight profiled Virginia counties and well above the state average of 70.3. The county's performance signals exceptional value and livability compared to nearly all its in-state neighbors.

Unbeatable affordability and low taxes

Tazewell's cost score of 86.8 and tax score of 84.9 are among the highest in the sample, with median home values of just $116,100 and rents at $738/month—the lowest profiled. The effective tax rate of 0.618% ensures minimal burden on household income.

Incomes lag significantly behind other counties

Tazewell's income score of 13.3 with median household earnings of $45,788 is the lowest in the sample, indicating severely limited employment and wage growth opportunities. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality leave other livability dimensions unmeasured.

Best for those seeking true affordability

Tazewell County offers the deepest affordability and lowest taxes of any Virginia county profiled, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing cost over income potential. It's the logical choice for those willing to trade wage opportunities for genuine financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.9Cost86.8SafetyComing SoonHealth65.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.3Risk39.8WaterComing Soon
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡39.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Tazewell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elmore County
Alabama
70.9
Median income: $75,553
Randolph County
Arkansas
70.9
Median income: $52,838
Wilcox County
Georgia
70.9
Median income: $48,036
Putnam County
Illinois
70.9
Median income: $77,526
Greene County
Iowa
70.9
Median income: $59,159

Deep Dives

Tazewell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Tazewell County

via HealthByCounty

Tazewell's life expectancy lags significantly

At 70.5 years, Tazewell County residents live nearly 4 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a critical gap reflecting deep health disparities. Though its 19.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than some peers, the county's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Virginia.

Virginia's shortest lifespans, strongest mental health

Tazewell's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks lowest among these eight Virginia communities, about 4.6 years below the state average. Remarkably, the county boasts 284 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding the state average and any peer—suggesting focused regional investment in behavioral health.

Tazewell trails all regional benchmarks

Tazewell's 70.5-year life expectancy significantly underperforms Washington County (74.3 years) and Warren County (74.7 years), its Appalachian neighbors. However, Tazewell leads in mental health provider availability (284 per 100K vs. 244 in Washington), indicating distinct regional health priorities.

World-class mental health, persistent mortality gap

Tazewell's 284 mental health providers per 100K represent exceptional capacity for behavioral care, and primary care availability (48 per 100K) is solid by rural standards. Yet these provider strengths haven't translated into longer lives, suggesting challenges rooted in substance use, chronic disease, or occupational health tied to the region's coal-mining heritage.

Coverage plus care equals better outcomes

At 8.0% uninsured, Tazewell has slightly higher coverage barriers than the state average—but insurance alone won't close the life expectancy gap. Explore Virginia Medicaid and marketplace options, then work with providers to address chronic conditions and mental health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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