CountyScore

Wythe County

Virginia · VA

#20 in Virginia
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Wythe County, Virginia

Wythe County ranks among national leaders

Wythe County's composite score of 78.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 79th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates exceptional livability on measured tax and affordability dimensions, outperforming the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Virginia's top-scoring measured county

With a score of 78.8, Wythe County leads Virginia's state average of 70.3 and ranks among the commonwealth's highest-performing localities. The county's performance on cost and tax metrics drives its statewide leadership position.

Unmatched affordability and low taxes

Wythe County shines with a cost score of 86.5 and rent averaging just $718/month with median home values at $172,100, ensuring exceptional housing affordability. The tax score of 88.4 with a leading 0.494% effective rate provides Virginia's best measured tax advantage.

Income levels reflect regional economics

An income score of 19.5 reflects the county's reality, with median household income at $55,359—well below state averages and limiting growth-focused households. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.

Perfect for frugal retirees and remote workers

Wythe County appeals most to retirees, remote workers, and those with independent income seeking the lowest possible cost of living in Virginia. Families dependent on local employment or seeking higher earning potential should explore more economically robust Virginia communities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.4Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk51.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡51.3
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 Wythe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Wythe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wythe County

via TaxByCounty

Wythe County's tax rate is among the nation's lowest

Wythe County's effective tax rate of 0.494% ranks in America's bottom 10% of taxed counties, well below the national median of 0.84%. With a median property tax of just $851, Wythe County residents pay less than one-third of the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable.

Virginia's lowest-taxed county

Wythe County's 0.494% effective rate is the lowest in Virginia, running 26.4% below the state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $851 represents less than 44% of Virginia's state median of $1,960, offering unmatched tax affordability throughout the Commonwealth.

Southwest Virginia's tax leader

Wythe County's 0.494% rate undercuts nearby Wise County's 0.565% and all other regional competitors, establishing it as the region's most tax-favorable location. This advantage, combined with rural living, attracts residents seeking minimal tax burden in southwestern Virginia.

Wythe County's remarkably low tax bills

On the median home valued at $172,100, Wythe County homeowners pay approximately $851 annually in property taxes, or about $71 monthly. This exceptionally low burden reflects both the county's minimal tax rate and modest property values characteristic of the rural region.

Assessment accuracy matters everywhere

Even in the lowest-tax county in Virginia, overassessed properties exist and represent lost savings opportunities for homeowners. File an appeal with Wythe County's assessor at no cost to verify your home's value and potentially reduce your already-modest tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wythe County

via CostByCounty

Wythe County achieves genuine affordability balance

Wythe County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stands out as the lowest among these five markets and below Virginia's 18.6% state average, proving that lower-income communities can still offer sustainable housing costs. Median rent of just $718 monthly keeps housing affordable even for the county's $55,359 median household income, a sharp contrast to coastal Virginia markets.

Wythe County leads Virginia in housing affordability

Wythe County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is the state's best among these analyzed markets, outperforming Virginia's 18.6% average through a winning formula of modestly lower wages paired with substantially lower rents. At $718 monthly, median rent is just 63% of Virginia's statewide average, making this southwestern county the clear affordability winner.

Wythe edges out Wise in affordability advantage

Wythe County's $718 median rent undercuts Wise County's $770 by $52 monthly, delivering the lowest rent among all five markets analyzed and a superior 15.6% rent-to-income ratio versus Wise's 18.2%. Both southwestern counties offer genuine affordability, but Wythe achieves it with the smallest housing-cost burden on household budgets.

Wythe: affordability through modest costs

Wythe County residents allocate just 15.6% of their $55,359 median household income to median rent of $718—the lowest burden among all five counties and below the sustainable 30% threshold. Homeowners commit $598 monthly (13% of income) on median-valued properties of $172,100, leaving 86% of income for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Wythe County: Virginia's hidden affordability gem

Wythe County offers the most sustainable housing-to-income ratio in this analysis, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities. If you're relocating and housing costs drive your decision, Wythe County's $718 median rent and 15.6% burden make it Virginia's clearest win for budget-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wythe County

via IncomeByCounty

Wythe County falls below national income median

Wythe County's median household income of $55,359 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,396—a 26% gap. This rural Southwest Virginia county reflects regional economic challenges tied to manufacturing decline and limited urban employment hubs.

Well below Virginia's state average

At $55,359, Wythe County earns about $19,598 less than Virginia's state median of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $33,564 is 86% of the state average, indicating moderate income inequality relative to Virginia's wealthier regions.

Slightly better than Wise, vastly behind York

Wythe County's $55,359 income edges above Wise County ($50,740) but falls significantly short of the state average. The $52,967 gap to York County ($108,326) reflects the gulf between rural Southwest Virginia and affluent Hampton Roads commuter zones.

Most affordable housing burden in the group

Wythe County shows the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.6%, giving households more breathing room than most profiled areas. With median home values at $172,100, housing remains highly accessible relative to income, leaving room for savings and emergency reserves.

Leverage low housing costs into wealth building

Wythe County residents enjoy a rare advantage: housing costs are far below the 30% affordability threshold, freeing up 15%+ of income for investing. Using this advantage to fund retirement accounts, home equity, or education creates compounding wealth growth despite modest absolute earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wythe County

via HealthByCounty

Wythe County moderately trails national health

Wythe County residents live to 72.6 years on average, 3.8 years below the U.S. benchmark of 76.4 years. However, just 16.2% report poor or fair health—a strength relative to national trends—suggesting better self-reported wellness despite lower life expectancy.

Below average but stable health for Virginia

Wythe County's 72.6-year life expectancy trails Virginia's 75.1-year average by 2.5 years, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. The county's 16.2% poor/fair health rate, however, beats the state norm, indicating resilience in self-reported health despite mortality challenges.

Wythe shows mixed outcomes against peers

Wythe's 72.6-year life expectancy exceeds Wise County (70.8) but falls short of Williamsburg (78.7) and York (80.9). At 16.2% poor/fair health, Wythe outperforms Wise (22.2%) and Winchester (18.7%), suggesting better localized health perception despite longevity gaps.

Accessible insurance, moderate provider density

Wythe County's 7.2% uninsured rate—the lowest among these five communities—ensures most residents have coverage access. With 43 primary care and 267 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers moderate provider availability, though demand still outpaces supply.

Wythe County's strong coverage foundation

Only 7.2% of Wythe County residents lack insurance, the best rate among these counties, but gaps remain for vulnerable populations. Verify your coverage status at healthcare.gov or contact Virginia's insurer assistance program to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wythe County

via RiskByCounty

Wythe County exceeds national disaster risk

Wythe County's composite risk score of 48.73 places it in the relatively low category but clearly above the national average. Its mountain location drives significant earthquake risk (61.01) and hurricane exposure (58.57), plus moderate wildfire and flood threats.

High-risk Appalachian county

Wythe County's 48.73 score substantially exceeds Virginia's average of 33.27, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed jurisdictions. Its position in southwestern Virginia's seismic zone and forested terrain creates multi-hazard vulnerability.

Nearly matches Wise County's risk profile

Wythe's 48.73 score closely mirrors Wise County (50.41), its southwestern neighbor, though with lower wildfire risk (21.31 vs. 84.26). Both counties face elevated earthquake and hurricane exposure due to Appalachian geography, distinguishing them from lower-risk areas to the north and east.

Earthquakes and hurricanes are primary threats

Earthquake risk at 61.01 is Wythe's leading hazard, reflecting proximity to the Appalachian seismic belt where moderate shocks occur periodically. Hurricane risk (58.57) may seem surprising inland, but atmospheric remnants of Atlantic storms bring heavy rain and flooding to mountain valleys.

Earthquake preparedness and storm drainage matter

Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls, identify safe spots under sturdy tables, and practice drop-cover-hold-on techniques with your family. Invest in proper grading and drainage around your foundation to handle intense rainfall from tropical systems, and consider seismic-resistant bracing for your water heater and gas lines.

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.