countyscore
40
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.7Property Tax 64Weather & Climate 63.4

County Report Card

About Waynesboro city, Virginia

Waynesboro Faces National Quality Gaps

Waynesboro city earns a 40.2 composite score, which sits below the national median of 50.0. The city faces challenges in safety and income that drag down its overall national standing.

Building Toward State Averages

The city trails the Virginia state average of 50.9, ranking in the lower tier of the state's independent cities. High environmental stability remains its main competitive advantage over neighboring regions.

Exceptional Environmental Stability

Residents enjoy great protection from environmental hazards, evidenced by a risk score of 89.7. The tax environment is also favorable, with a score of 66.7 and an effective rate of 0.667%.

Safety and Economic Mobility Hurdles

Safety and economic mobility are the city's primary hurdles, with scores of 18.4 and 28.4 respectively. While water data is unavailable, local schools also show a need for investment with a 41.8 score.

Suits Low-Risk Living Seekers

Waynesboro suits individuals who prioritize low-risk living and modest tax burdens over high-growth careers. It is a good choice for those who value environmental stability and small-city life.

204060801006425.118.446.841.833.789.763.4Tax64Cost25.1Safety18.4Health46.8Schools41.8Income33.7Risk89.7WaterWeather63.440/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Waynesboro city DNA

Foverall

How Waynesboro city compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Waynesboro city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (18.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64+12
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
18.4-36.6
Health
46.8
Schools
41.8-12.200000000000003
Income
33.7-17.299999999999997
Risk
89.7+42.7
Weather
63.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Waynesboro city

Whether buying or refinancing in Waynesboro city, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$245,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,020/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$245,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,994/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Waynesboro city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Waynesboro city

via TaxByCounty

Waynesboro taxes sit near the top

Waynesboro's effective tax rate of 0.667% approaches the national median and exceeds Virginia's state average, placing it among higher-taxed Virginia municipalities. On a median home of $236,600, Waynesboro residents pay $1,578 annually—below the national median tax of $2,690, but higher than most comparable Virginia counties.

Waynesboro ranks above Virginia average

Waynesboro's effective rate of 0.667% nearly matches Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it squarely in the state's middle range for tax burden. The city's median annual tax of $1,578 sits well below the state median of $1,960, reflecting Waynesboro's below-average home values despite its moderate tax rate.

Waynesboro taxes higher than rural peers

Waynesboro's 0.667% effective rate exceeds most surrounding rural counties like Washington (0.514%) and Sussex (0.541%), though it trails Warren (0.586%) and Surry (0.627%). As a small city, Waynesboro's tax model more closely reflects urban costs than the rural counties surrounding it.

Waynesboro homes cost $1,578 yearly

On Waynesboro's median home value of $236,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,578 in annual property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that figure holds near $1,564, while owners outright pay slightly higher at $1,636.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Waynesboro homeowners should confirm their property assessments reflect current market conditions and can appeal without cost if valuations seem excessive. Successfully appealing an overassessment can result in refunds dating back multiple years.

Income & Jobs in Waynesboro city

via IncomeByCounty

Waynesboro income significantly below average

Waynesboro's median household income of $56,364 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,391—a 24.6% shortfall that ranks the city in the bottom 25% nationally. Limited industrial base and population loss have constrained local earning power.

Waynesboro struggles in Virginia comparison

At $56,364, Waynesboro's median household income falls 24.8% below Virginia's state average of $74,957, ranking it among the lowest-income localities in the analysis. The city has not kept pace with statewide economic growth trends.

Income disadvantages across comparisons

Waynesboro's $56,364 income trails Sussex County ($62,821) by $6,457 and falls far short of Surry County ($71,458). The gap widens dramatically against stronger performers like Warren County ($84,331) and Virginia Beach ($90,685).

Housing costs strain household budgets

Waynesboro's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% is among the highest in the sample, indicating housing expenses consume a larger share of already-modest income. The median home value of $236,600 creates an affordability challenge for households earning $56,364.

Deliberate financial planning for Waynesboro

Waynesboro residents earning $56,364 must prioritize cash flow discipline: reducing unnecessary expenses, automating small savings deposits, and seeking skill-building opportunities for income advancement. Working with nonprofit financial counselors and exploring employer benefits (401(k) matching, HSA options) can help overcome income constraints.

Safety in Waynesboro city

via CrimeByCounty

National Comparison for Waynesboro Safety

Waynesboro holds a safety score of 96.6, which reflects a solid security environment. Its total crime rate of 2,166.4 per 100,000 is still lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Waynesboro’s Position Within Virginia

The city’s total crime rate of 2,166.4 is higher than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. This places the city among the areas with more reported activity compared to the state average safety score of 97.3.

Regional Safety and Reporting Context

Waynesboro's rate of 2,166.4 is higher than nearby Warren County's 1,208.3. Because this data comes from a single agency, residents should interpret these specific figures with some caution regarding city-wide reporting.

Violent and Property Crime Insights

Property crime is the most frequent issue, recorded at 1,947.1 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 219.3 remains slightly lower than the Virginia state average of 229.7.

Staying Vigilant in the City

With property crime being the main factor, residents should prioritize home security measures. Simple steps like deadbolts and reinforced window locks go a long way in urban environments.

Weather & Climate in Waynesboro city

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-Atlantic Climate Profile

Waynesboro city maintains an annual average temperature of 54.1°F, aligning closely with national temperate standards. This allows for a balance of snowy winters and warm summers.

Cooler and Drier than Average

At 1.8 degrees below the Virginia average, Waynesboro is one of the state's cooler urban centers. Its 45.3 inches of annual rainfall almost perfectly matches the statewide average of 45.7 inches.

Bridging the Mountain and Valley

Waynesboro is slightly warmer than neighboring Wythe County by about 1.5 degrees. It experiences 18 days of extreme heat, significantly more than its neighbors in the high mountains of Wise County.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat Waves

January is the coldest month with an average of 33.8°F, while July heats up to 74.5°F. Residents can expect about 18 days a year where temperatures top 90°F, requiring occasional reliance on cooling systems.

Versatile Wardrobes for Varying Seasons

The 18 days of extreme heat and 33.8°F January lows require both robust HVAC systems and heavy winter coats. Outdoor planning should account for the city's consistent rainfall, which totals 45.3 inches annually.

Soil Quality in Waynesboro city

via SoilByCounty

Waynesboro’s Urban Soil Identity

Waynesboro features a soil pH of 5.12, reflecting a slightly more acidic profile than the state average of 5.23. The soil score of 35.4 indicates a solid middle-ground for gardening and landscaping potential.

A Sandy Loam Mix

The soil is comprised of 46.2% sand, 33.9% silt, and 16.7% clay. This balanced ratio offers a good compromise between drainage speed and the ability to hold onto fertilizer.

Healthy Soil Organic Matter

Organic matter levels in Waynesboro reach 3.50%, outperforming the state average of 2.90%. With a water capacity of 0.147 in/in, the city's soil is naturally well-equipped to support lush lawns and gardens.

Effective Drainage for City Living

Specific drainage classes are not currently available for this city area. However, the sandy-silt mix generally prevents standing water, making it a favorable environment for residential development.

Ready for Urban Gardening

While specific zone data is limited, Waynesboro's climate generally matches the Shenandoah Valley's versatility. The high organic matter makes this an inviting place to start a backyard vegetable patch or flower bed.

Lawn Care in Waynesboro city

via LawnByCounty

Waynesboro's Steady Lawn Profile

Waynesboro earns a 56.5 difficulty score, making it slightly easier to manage than the average Virginia lawn. While specific hardiness data is limited, the city offers favorable conditions for regional turf.

Moderate Heat and Healthy Rain

The city experiences 18 extreme heat days, which is well below the state average of 28. Annual precipitation of 45.3 inches provides nearly all the water a standard lawn needs to thrive.

Sandy Loam Potential

The soil pH of 5.12 is on the lower side, suggesting a need for lime to unlock soil nutrients. With 46.2% sand, the ground drains well, preventing the standing water issues common in heavier clay soils.

Addressing Drought History

Waynesboro weathered 30 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Consistent monitoring of soil moisture is necessary to keep lawns from entering dormancy during these periods.

Timing for the Shenandoah Valley

Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this area's 3419 growing degree days. Plan to seed after the April 21st frost or in early September to allow roots to establish before the October 23rd freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waynesboro city's county score?
Waynesboro city, Virginia has a composite county score of 40 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 Waynesboro city rank among counties in Virginia?
Waynesboro city ranks #108 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 Waynesboro city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Waynesboro city is $1,639, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Waynesboro city a tax score of 64/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waynesboro city?
The median household income in Waynesboro city, Virginia is $59,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waynesboro city earns an income score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waynesboro city, Virginia a good place to live?
Waynesboro city scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #108 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro city with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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