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.

Score breakdown

Tax72.2Cost83.9Safety26Health38.2Schools32.2Income8.1Risk39.8Water86Weather68.5
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.4
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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Nearby counties

McDowell County
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Smyth County
Virginia
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Bland County
Virginia
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Buchanan County
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Deep Dives

Tazewell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

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.

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