countyscore
50.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 88Property Tax 75.8Disaster Risk 68.4

County Report Card

About Warren County, Virginia

Warren Above the National Average

Warren County’s 50.8 composite score puts it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the typical American middle-class experience.

Matching the Virginia State Average

The county’s 50.8 score almost perfectly matches the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents a solid middle-of-the-pack option that avoids the extremes of the state's wealthiest or poorest areas.

High Salaries and Friendly Taxes

Incomes are a major draw, with an 88.0 score and a median household income of $84,331. The county also keeps more money in pockets through a low effective tax rate of 0.586%.

Rising Costs and Infrastructure Needs

Rapid growth has contributed to a low cost score of 13.1, making affordable housing difficult to find. Water infrastructure scores also sit below the state average at 46.2, suggesting a need for utility investment.

Great for High-Income Households

Warren County is an excellent fit for dual-income households seeking Virginia’s high salaries without the highest tax burdens. It suits those who prioritize income growth over finding a bargain on a house.

Score breakdown

Tax75.8Cost13.1Safety46Health51.3Schools64Income88Risk68.4Water46.2Weather59.7
🏛75.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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

Rappahannock County
Virginia
59.7
Clarke County
Virginia
63.6
Winchester city
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36.2
Shenandoah County
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Frederick County
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Fauquier County
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Page County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren's rate beats national median

Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.586% sits below the national median rate, though its higher home values mean residents pay more in absolute dollars. On the national median home of $281,900, Warren's rate would yield about $1,651, but Warren's median home is $315,800—meaning residents pay $1,850 annually, still below the national median tax of $2,690.

Warren ranks below Virginia average

Warren County's effective rate of 0.586% trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it as a relatively affordable county tax-wise. However, Warren's median property tax of $1,850 exceeds the state median of $1,960 only slightly, thanks to its higher-value homes.

Warren taxes sit in the regional middle

Warren's 0.586% effective rate places it between Surry (0.627%) and Washington (0.514%), though Warren homes command premium prices at $315,800 median value. Compared to rural Tazewell ($116,100 median), Warren residents pay dramatically more per home despite a similar tax rate.

Warren homes average $1,850 annually

On the county's median home value of $315,800, homeowners pay approximately $1,850 in annual property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that rises to $1,888, while owners without mortgages pay closer to $1,748.

Verify your assessment, appeal if needed

Warren County homeowners should ensure their property valuations align with current market prices, as overassessments can happen at any price point. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and may result in tax refunds retroactively if the county's valuation is found too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren balances high pay, reasonable rents

Warren County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Virginia's 18.6% average and beats the national benchmark, even as median rent reaches $1,199 monthly. With median household income at $84,331—well above the national average of $74,755—residents here afford housing relatively easily.

An affordability sweet spot in Virginia

Warren County ranks among Virginia's most affordable places despite charging premium rents, thanks to above-average household incomes. The 17.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 18.6%, positioning Warren as an economically balanced county.

Pricier than rural neighbors, cheaper than Virginia Beach

Warren's $1,199 rent exceeds Washington ($832), Sussex ($952), and Tazewell ($738) but falls far short of Virginia Beach's $1,649. Home values of $315,800 rank second-highest in this comparison, exceeded only by Virginia Beach's $366,300.

Income covers housing comfortably

Renters dedicate $1,199 monthly (17.1% of income) while homeowners spend $1,418 on properties valued at $315,800. The relatively low rent-to-income ratio suggests Warren households have significant resources left after housing for savings and other expenses.

Warren: prosperity meets affordability

Warren County delivers an uncommon combination: home values above $300,000 paired with manageable rents and strong incomes at $84,331 median. If you're relocating for a balance of affordability and economic opportunity, Warren's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio makes it one of Virginia's smartest choices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren County income outpaces the nation

Warren County's median household income of $84,331 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $9,576, placing the county in the upper 30% nationally. Strong regional economic activity and proximity to Northern Virginia growth corridors support this income advantage.

Strong performer among Virginia counties

At $84,331, Warren County's median household income surpasses Virginia's state average of $74,957 by 12.5%, ranking the county in the top quartile statewide. The county has benefited from economic spillover effects from the D.C. metro region.

Outearns most comparable counties

Warren County's $84,331 income exceeds Surry County ($71,458) by $12,873 and nearly doubles Tazewell County ($45,788). Only Virginia Beach ($90,685) surpasses Warren's earning capacity among the counties analyzed.

Balanced housing affordability ratio

Warren County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% falls comfortably within the affordable range and is lower than Virginia Beach's 21.8%. The median home value of $315,800 is substantial but manageable for households earning $84,331 annually.

Warren's pathway to six-figure wealth

Warren County's median household income of $84,331 provides a strong foundation for substantial wealth building: prioritizing tax-advantaged retirement contributions, exploring investment property purchases, and establishing diversified portfolios. Dual-income households can accelerate toward six-figure net worth targets within 10–15 years with disciplined saving.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County Ranks High for Safety

With a safety score of 98.1, Warren County is significantly safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 1,208.3 per 100,000 is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceptional Safety Performance in Virginia

Warren County outshines the state average safety score of 97.3 with its own 98.1 rating. Its total crime rate of 1,208.3 is also much lower than the Virginia average of 1,728.8.

Leading the Way Among Neighbors

Warren County is notably safer than nearby Winchester city, which reports a much higher crime rate of 3,110.0. Three local reporting agencies contribute to this positive safety profile for the county.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime sits at 1,068.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is very low at just 139.7. These figures indicate that residents experience serious criminal activity much less frequently than in other parts of the state.

Maintaining Your Secure Home Environment

Even in safe areas like Warren, basic security awareness helps maintain low crime levels. Consider installing motion-sensor lights or smart doorbells to deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren's health outcomes approach national norms

At 74.7 years, Warren County residents live close to the U.S. average of 74.5 years, with 18.5% reporting poor or fair health. The county demonstrates solid performance relative to national benchmarks, though room for improvement remains.

Just below Virginia's average health

Warren's 74.7-year life expectancy sits slightly below Virginia's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the middle tier of Virginia communities. At 8.6% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 7.9%, meaning nearly one in eleven residents lacks insurance coverage.

Warren balances provider access well

Warren's 74.7-year life expectancy places it between Washington County (74.3 years) and Surry County (75.6 years), reflecting comparable Appalachian health dynamics. On providers, Warren leads this group on primary care access (59 per 100K) and maintains strong mental health support (122 per 100K).

Strong primary care, manageable uninsured rate

Warren offers 59 primary care providers per 100K—well above most rural peers—and 122 mental health providers per 100K, giving residents solid access to both. Yet 8.6% lack insurance, suggesting some residents may delay or avoid care despite local availability.

Don't skip coverage—use available care

With 59 primary care providers per 100K, Warren has the capacity to serve you well, but only if you have insurance to pay for it. If you're among the 8.6% uninsured, explore Virginia Medicaid and marketplace plans to unlock the healthcare your county provides.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Town School System

Warren County maintains nine public schools, including five elementary and two middle schools. This infrastructure supports 5,165 students within a single, unified district.

Exceeding State Graduation Standards

Warren County achieves a strong 93.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 89.0%. The county spends $7,516 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 56.2.

Warren County Public Schools

Warren County Public Schools serves the entire student population of 5,165 through its nine campuses. The district focuses on traditional public education with no charter schools currently available.

Consistent Town-Based Learning

All nine schools are located in town locales, providing a consistent community feel for the average student body of 574. Skyline High is the largest school in the county, enrolling 893 students.

Put Down Roots in Warren County

If high graduation rates and town-centered schools are priorities, Warren County is an excellent choice. Explore residential areas near Front Royal to be close to the county's primary academic hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren's risk slightly below national

Warren County's composite risk score of 31.58 earns a Very Low national rating, placing it roughly near typical U.S. county exposure levels. The county benefits from moderate overall disaster risk despite some localized hazard concentrations.

Close to Virginia's average risk

Warren County scores 31.58 against Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it nearly representative of statewide disaster exposure. The county sits squarely in Virginia's middle range for natural hazard vulnerability.

Riskier than Surry, safer than Tazewell

Warren (31.58) faces higher exposure than Surry County (4.71) and Sussex County (13.23) but substantially less than Tazewell County (60.18). Among regional peers, Warren represents moderate rather than extreme risk.

Flooding and earthquakes lead concerns

Warren residents face elevated flood risk (55.69) and earthquake exposure (45.17), the county's primary hazards. Hurricane risk (59.91) also merits attention, while wildfire (36.42) and tornado (24.65) risks remain secondary.

Standard coverage plus flood protection

Warren County homeowners should maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider separate flood coverage given the county's 55.69 flood risk score. Earthquake insurance may also merit evaluation depending on property location and personal risk tolerance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Mid-Atlantic Climate

Warren County maintains an annual average temperature of 54.7°F, very close to the national median. It receives 43.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly below the state average.

Typical of Northern Virginia Highlands

Warren is about 1.2 degrees cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. Its climate reflects the transition from the rolling Piedmont to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More Heat Than the Valley

Despite its mountain proximity, Warren experiences 27 days of 90°F heat, far more than the 11 days seen in Staunton. However, both jurisdictions see significant winter weather, with Warren averaging 21.1 inches of snow.

Hot Summers and Significant Snow

The county averages 27 extreme heat days per year, contributing to a July mean of 75.4°F. Winters are robust, with 21.1 inches of snowfall and an average winter temperature of 35.7°F.

Versatile Gear for Large Swings

Residents need a full range of gear to handle both the 27 days of extreme summer heat and the 21 inches of snow. Efficient insulation and reliable heating and cooling systems are necessary to manage the seasonal temperature extremes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Productive Valley Soils

Warren County’s soil pH of 5.34 is slightly higher than the state average and supports a strong soil score of 41.7. This makes it more productive than many of its neighbors in the Shenandoah region.

Heavy Silt and Balanced Clay

The soil contains 44.9% silt and 17.2% clay, which provides a smooth texture and excellent nutrient holding capacity. The 34.8% sand component ensures that the soil does not become overly compacted.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

At 3.96%, organic matter is well above the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.149 in/in also beats the state average, promising resilience during dry spells.

Reliable Water Management

While specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, the high silt and organic content typically lead to good moisture retention. This creates a stable foundation for both farming and residential construction.

Diverse Planting in Zone 7a

Warren County sits in hardiness zone 7a, a sweet spot for both orchard fruits and diverse vegetables. With such high organic matter, your garden will require less fertilizer to reach its full potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren County's Standard Success

Warren County's lawn score of 55.8 perfectly mirrors the state average, offering a predictable experience for Zone 7a gardeners. It remains easier than the national median of 50.0.

Stable Precipitation and Growth

Annual precipitation of 43.4 inches is slightly lower than the state average but sufficient for healthy turf. The 3613 growing degree days indicate a robust season that supports both cool and warm-season grasses.

Managing Clay and Sand

A soil pH of 5.34 indicates a need for balancing amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 threshold. The soil's 17.2% clay content helps retain moisture during the hotter 27 extreme heat days each year.

Navigating Significant Dry Spells

Warren faced a challenging 38 weeks of drought last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Smart irrigation and mulching are critical here to protect roots from these frequent moisture deficits.

Finding the Seeding Window

Tall fescue is the most popular choice for this region's varied terrain. For the best establishment, seed your lawn after the April 13th spring frost or during the late summer cooling period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Virginia has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Warren County rank among counties in Virginia?
Warren County ranks #78 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 Warren County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $1,850, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 75.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Virginia is $84,331 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 88/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Virginia a good place to live?
Warren County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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