countyscore
44.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.3Health 82.8Weather & Climate 74.7

County Report Card

About Virginia Beach city, Virginia

Coastal Costs Impact National Standing

Virginia Beach city scores a 44.4 composite, falling below the national median of 50.0. High costs of living in this coastal hub offset its significant strengths in health and income.

An Economic Engine for Virginia

The city trails the Virginia state average of 50.9, largely due to housing price pressures. However, it remains one of the state's primary economic engines with high household earnings and healthy residents.

Wealthy Residents and Healthy Living

The city excels in health with a score of 82.8 and attracts high earners with a median household income of $90,685. These factors create a vibrant, active community for those with the budget to live here.

High Entry Price for Housing

Real estate affordability is a major challenge, reflected in a very low cost score of 4.4 and median rents of $1,649. While water data is currently unavailable, public safety scores also have room for improvement.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Virginia Beach is best for high-earning professionals and active families who value wellness and urban amenities. It is a premium market that requires a significant budget for housing and lifestyle costs.

2040608010053.34.425.182.854.992.342.274.7Tax53.3Cost4.4Safety25.1Health82.8Schools54.9Income92.3Risk42.2Water—Weather74.744.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Virginia Beach city DNA

Foverall

How Virginia Beach city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Virginia Beach city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (92.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (4.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.3
Cost
4.4-43.6
Safety
25.1-29.9
Health
82.8+32.8
Schools
54.9
Income
92.3+41.3
Risk
42.2
Weather
74.7+18.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$366,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,649/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$366,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$65,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $90,685/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.7

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

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Portsmouth city
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Hampton city
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Camden County
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Deep Dives

Virginia Beach city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Virginia Beach city

via TaxByCounty

Virginia Beach taxes exceed national median

Virginia Beach's effective tax rate of 0.800% is one of the highest among Virginia municipalities and exceeds the national median rate. Homeowners here with the median value of $366,300 pay $2,929 annually—just $239 more than the national median, but Virginia Beach's higher home values mean higher absolute costs.

Virginia Beach ranks among state's highest taxed

At 0.800% effective rate, Virginia Beach exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671% by a significant margin, placing it among the state's highest property tax burdens. The city's median annual tax of $2,929 is 49% above the state median of $1,960, reflecting both the city's premium real estate and elevated tax rate.

Virginia Beach taxes far exceed rural areas

Virginia Beach's 0.800% rate dwarfs rural counties like Sussex (0.541%) and Washington (0.514%), and even exceeds Warren County's 0.586%. A homeowner in Tazewell pays $718 on a median home; that same relative rate in Virginia Beach would mean $2,900+, reflecting the city's urban tax model.

Virginia Beach averages $2,929 yearly

On Virginia Beach's median home value of $366,300, homeowners pay approximately $2,929 in annual property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that figure holds near $2,876, while owners outright pay slightly higher at $3,131.

Challenge your assessment if it's inflated

Virginia Beach residents should verify that their property valuations reflect current market conditions, as assessments can lag or overestimate value. The city's appeals process is free and can recover years of overpayment if your assessment is found excessive.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Virginia Beach city

via CostByCounty

Virginia Beach: costly but well-paid

Virginia Beach's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.6% and leans high by national standards, with median rent at $1,649 monthly. However, the median household income of $90,685 runs well above the national average of $74,755, partially offsetting the higher costs.

Virginia's most expensive rental market

Virginia Beach ranks as Virginia's priciest city for renters and owners alike, with median rent ($1,649) nearly 45% above the state average of $1,140. Home values of $366,300 far exceed any other county in this comparison, reflecting the city's urban and military economic advantages.

Premium pricing, premium wages

Virginia Beach's $1,649 rent towers over rural Tazewell ($738) and Washington ($832), while home values of $366,300 more than double Warren County's $315,800. Yet Virginia Beach residents earn $90,685 median income—the highest in this group—which helps absorb those elevated costs.

Renters squeezed more than owners

Renters spend $1,649 monthly (21.8% of income) while homeowners face $1,785 in monthly costs for properties valued at $366,300. The divergence suggests Virginia Beach's rental stock is newer or more competitive, pushing rents higher relative to ownership costs.

Virginia Beach: expensive, rewarding

Virginia Beach demands the highest housing costs in this analysis, but offers correspondingly high incomes and urban opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Relocators should expect to spend roughly 22% of earnings on rent—acceptable only if job prospects or lifestyle factors justify the premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Virginia Beach city

via IncomeByCounty

Virginia Beach leads the income pack

Virginia Beach's median household income of $90,685 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755, a 21.3% premium that ranks the city in the top tier nationally. The military presence and thriving tech sector drive this robust income advantage.

Virginia's highest-income locality

Virginia Beach's $90,685 median household income tops Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $15,728, making it the highest-earning locality in this analysis. The city's economic strength reflects its role as a major military and commercial hub.

Income advantage across all peer counties

Virginia Beach's $90,685 income dominates comparisons, exceeding Warren County ($84,331) by $6,354 and Surry County ($71,458) by nearly $19,000. No other locality in the sample comes close to matching the city's earning power.

High incomes offset elevated housing costs

Virginia Beach's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% is elevated compared to Surry County (14.4%), yet residents earn substantially more in absolute dollars. The median home value of $366,300 is the highest in the sample, but robust household incomes make it accessible to local buyers.

Wealth-building at scale in Virginia Beach

With median household income at $90,685, Virginia Beach residents are well-positioned for aggressive wealth building: maxing out retirement accounts, diversifying into taxable investment accounts, and exploring real estate leverage. Professional financial planning and tax optimization strategies can significantly accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Virginia Beach city

via CrimeByCounty

Virginia Beach Beats National Averages

Virginia Beach boasts a strong safety score of 97.1, indicating it is safer than many large American cities. Its total crime rate of 1,849.1 per 100,000 is notably lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

How Virginia Beach Ranks in Virginia

The city's total crime rate of 1,849.1 is higher than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. However, its safety score of 97.1 aligns closely with the state average of 97.3, showcasing strong overall security.

Coastal Comparisons and Regional Data

While Virginia Beach reports 1,849.1 crimes per 100,000, users should note this data comes from a single reporting agency. This rate is higher than Westmoreland County but remains very competitive for a major metropolitan hub.

Low Violent Crime Rates Stand Out

The city maintains an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 96.3 per 100,000, which is less than half the state average. Property crime accounts for nearly all local activity at 1,752.8 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Simple Precautions for Coastal Living

Since property crime is the main concern, staying vigilant about locking vehicles and doors is essential. Modern smart home features can provide peace of mind in this high-density coastal area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Virginia Beach city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Urban Education Hub

Virginia Beach operates an massive network of 88 public schools, including 55 elementary and 12 high schools. This system serves 65,456 students, making it one of the largest in the state.

High Graduation in the Coastal City

The city boasts a 91.0% graduation rate, outperforming both Virginia and national averages. It achieves these results with a per-pupil spend of $7,511, which is close to the state average of $7,941.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Virginia Beach City Public Schools manages 87 of the city's schools, including one charter school. The district is defined by large high schools like Landstown High, which enrolls 2,226 students.

Urban Density and Large Campuses

Nearly all schools are located in city settings, where the average enrollment is 798 students per school. The scale is significant, with five different high schools each serving over 1,800 students.

Living Near Top Virginia Beach Schools

With high graduation rates and a diverse range of schools, Virginia Beach is a premier destination for families. Research specific high school zones to find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Virginia Beach city

via RiskByCounty

Virginia Beach faces elevated hazards

Virginia Beach's composite risk score of 57.86 reflects a Relatively Low rating but indicates above-average exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The city's coastal location and population density create multiple overlapping disaster vulnerabilities.

Among Virginia's highest-risk areas

Virginia Beach's score of 57.86 substantially exceeds the state average of 33.27, ranking among Virginia's most disaster-exposed localities. Only a few peer counties in the state face comparable combined hazard levels.

Westmoreland and Sussex face lower risk

Virginia Beach (57.86) experiences notably higher composite risk than nearby Westmoreland County (37.37) and Sussex County (13.23). The city's coastal geography and urban density distinguish it from interior Virginia counties.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding loom

Virginia Beach residents confront the state's highest hurricane risk (88.94), combined with significant tornado exposure (66.67) and flood risk (67.40). These three hazards require serious preparation and insurance planning for city residents.

Robust insurance is non-negotiable

Virginia Beach homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including flood insurance and windstorm protection; standard policies often exclude hurricane damage. Annual policy review and home hardening against high winds provide essential protection for this high-exposure city.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Virginia Beach city

via WaterByCounty

Limited Federal Data for City Water Compliance

Federal SDWIS health violation data is currently unavailable for Virginia Beach City. Residents should refer to their annual local consumer confidence reports to compare city performance against the Virginia average violation rate of 126.9.

Oxygen Levels Challenge Coastal Watershed Health

The 2022 assessment shows that 61.8% of water bodies in Virginia Beach are impaired, exceeding the state average of 46.1%. Low dissolved oxygen and excess aquatic plants are the most significant factors degrading these coastal environments.

Massive Monitoring Effort Spans the City

Virginia Beach boasts a dense network of 198 monitoring sites that have logged a staggering 58,846 measurements in five years. This intensive data collection focuses on physical and microbiological health to manage its complex estuarine systems.

No Active USGS Flow Monitoring Available

Virginia Beach City does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data. Without real-time flow signals, regional managers rely heavily on coastal monitoring records and historical water quality trends.

Combat Nutrient Runoff to Protect Estuaries

High impairment from low dissolved oxygen suggests that residents should minimize fertilizer use to prevent nutrient pollution. Monitoring your local utility's specific water reports is the best way to ensure safety given the lack of recent federal compliance data.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Virginia Beach city

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Maritime Climate Profile

Virginia Beach averages 59.8°F annually, which is roughly 6 degrees warmer than the national median. This maritime climate stays wet throughout the year, with 46.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Virginia’s Warm Coastal Peak

As one of the warmest jurisdictions in the state, Virginia Beach exceeds the state average temperature by nearly 4 degrees. Its mild winters and warm summers are typical of the state’s Atlantic coastline.

Milder Winters Than the Interior

Virginia Beach stays warmer in the winter than nearby Suffolk, with a January average of 40.9°F. It also receives the least snow of this group, averaging just 3.4 inches per year.

Sun, Heat, and Minimal Snow

The city experiences 32 days of extreme heat over 90°F, mostly during the 76.8°F summer season. Snowfall is rare, averaging only 3.4 inches, making it one of the least snowy places in Virginia.

Beach Weather and Salt Air

Residents should plan for persistent summer heat and high humidity, which makes air conditioning a standard requirement. Winter gear can be minimal, but homes should be prepared for high rainfall and potential coastal storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Virginia Beach city

via SoilByCounty

Unique Acidic Coastal Identity

Virginia Beach has a very acidic soil pH of 4.16, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This unique chemical profile is common in coastal areas with high concentrations of organic peat.

Sandy Texture with Low Clay

The city's soil is 41.7% sand and 21.2% silt, but features a very low clay content of only 7.0%. This makes for a light soil that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Incredible Organic Matter Content

At 8.70%, the organic matter here is nearly triple the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is below average, meaning the soil dries out faster than its dark color suggests.

Coastal Drainage Challenges

Data on specific drainage classes is limited for this urban area. Growers must balance the high organic levels with the low water capacity to ensure plants stay hydrated during hot coastal summers.

Warm Growing in Zone 8b

Zone 8b offers one of the longest growing seasons in Virginia, perfect for figs and summer squash. Acid-loving plants like blueberries will absolutely thrive in this high-organic, low-pH soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Virginia Beach city

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Living and Lawn Care

Virginia Beach scores 49.2 for lawn difficulty, reflecting the unique challenges of a coastal Zone 8b environment. This is slightly more difficult than the national average but manageable with the right grass.

A Long Growing Season

The city experiences 4623 growing degree days, fueling a long season of active lawn maintenance. While 32 extreme heat days test turf, the 46.6 inches of annual rain provides a solid baseline for health.

Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

The soil pH of 4.16 is exceptionally low and will require substantial lime to support most grass types. With only 7.0% clay, the soil provides very little natural nutrient storage for growing turf.

Drought in a Coastal City

The city is currently 100% abnormally dry after weathering 10 weeks of drought in the past year. Coastal homeowners should prioritize salt-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties to handle these sandy, dry periods.

Warm-Season Coastal Favorites

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for the long window between the March 29th and November 12th frost dates. These varieties handle the July average of 78.9°F better than traditional fescues.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virginia Beach city's county score?
Virginia Beach city, Virginia has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Virginia Beach city rank among counties in Virginia?
Virginia Beach city ranks #100 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 Virginia Beach city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Virginia Beach city is $2,929, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Virginia Beach city a tax score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Virginia Beach city?
The median household income in Virginia Beach city, Virginia is $90,685 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Virginia Beach city earns an income score of 92.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Virginia Beach city, Virginia a good place to live?
Virginia Beach city scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Virginia Beach city 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 Virginia Beach city 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.