countyscore
57.6
County Score
Property Tax 86.6Cost of Living 83Weather & Climate 69.5

County Report Card

About Wythe County, Virginia

Leading the National Average

With a composite score of 57.5, Wythe County ranks well above the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top third of counties nationwide for overall quality of life metrics.

A Standout in Rural Virginia

Wythe County is a state leader in the Southwest region, significantly outperforming the Virginia average score of 50.9. It manages to balance fiscal efficiency with a high standard of living for its residents.

Premier Affordability and Low Taxes

The county excels in financial metrics with a tax score of 86.6 and a cost score of 83.0. A very low effective tax rate of 0.494% makes it one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

Water Infrastructure and Earnings

The water score of 22.8 points to a need for infrastructure investment or environmental monitoring. Additionally, the income score of 25.9 highlights a median household income of $55,359, which is lower than the national average.

The Ultimate Destination for Retirees

Wythe County is a haven for retirees or those on fixed incomes who want to maximize their purchasing power. Its combination of rock-bottom taxes and high affordability makes it a premier choice for a low-stress financial lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax86.6Cost83Safety24.7Health55.7Schools57Income25.9Risk51.3Water22.8Weather69.5
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Wythe County

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

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Wythe County with Cleburne County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
Median income: $53,319
57.6
Dallas County
Arkansas
Median income: $44,694
57.6
Woodruff County
Arkansas
Median income: $49,982
57.6
Lawrence County
Indiana
Median income: $65,551
57.6
Hamilton County
Iowa
Median income: $71,750
57.6
Marshall County
Kansas
Median income: $70,828
57.6
Vermilion Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $57,537
57.6
Rolette County
North Dakota
Median income: $57,355
57.6

Nearby counties

Bland County
Virginia
72.8
Grayson County
Virginia
65.7
Galax city
Virginia
41.7
Carroll County
Virginia
63.4
Smyth County
Virginia
56.8
Pulaski County
Virginia
45.7
Tazewell County
Virginia
50
Alleghany County
North Carolina
59

Deep Dives

Wythe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Wythe County

via CrimeByCounty

Wythe County Exceeds National Safety Standards

Wythe County maintains a high safety score of 97.0, significantly outperforming the national benchmark. Its total crime rate of 1870.9 per 100K is 21% lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Ranking Within the Commonwealth's Safe Corridors

The county's 97.0 safety score sits just below the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1870.9 per 100K is slightly above the state's collective average of 1728.8.

Low Violent Crime Relative to Neighbors

Wythe County features a higher total crime rate than neighboring Wise County (1780.9). However, Wythe boasts a much lower violent crime rate of 141.5 compared to Wise's 216.0.

Violent Crime Remains Rare in Wythe

Violent crime occurs at only 141.5 incidents per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crimes account for the bulk of activity at 1729.4 incidents per 100K.

Securing Property in a Safe Environment

While violent crime is exceptionally low, property crimes remain the primary local concern for residents. Securing your home with smart locks and alarm systems keeps your property as safe as the rest of the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Wythe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling Across Wythe County

Wythe County supports 3,878 students through 14 public schools organized under two districts. The system includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools, as well as two specialized centers. This broad infrastructure ensures educational access for students from the town of Wytheville to the most remote rural areas.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Wythe County maintains a strong 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. The county operates efficiently with $7,321 per-pupil spending, which is below the national average of $13,000. These results contribute to a solid school score of 55.3, placing the county above the national median.

Traditional Education in Wythe County Schools

Wythe County Public Schools serves 3,878 students across 13 traditional campuses. The county has zero charter schools, ensuring a unified focus on the primary public district's mission. A regional alternative center also operates to support specific student needs within the county.

Small Schools in a Primarily Rural Setting

The county's character is defined by its nine rural and five town schools, maintaining a small average school size of 323 students. Spiller Elementary is the largest campus with 624 students, while Scott Memorial Middle offers a small-town feel with 318 students. Families can expect an intimate learning environment where teachers and students are well-acquainted.

Join a Community with Strong Academic Roots

Wythe County offers high-quality rural and town schools that consistently beat national graduation benchmarks. Families may find the perfect home near Fort Chiswell High or Rural Retreat Elementary. Use the county's strong 92% graduation rate as a confident starting point for your home search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Wythe County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the National Median

Wythe County is cooler than many peers with an average annual temperature of 52.6°F. This mountain climate is characterized by low humidity and relatively low annual rainfall of 41.7 inches.

One of Virginia's Coolest Spots

Ranking 3.3 degrees below the state average, Wythe County is one of the coolest jurisdictions in Virginia. It is also drier than the state average of 45.7 inches, receiving about 4 inches less rain.

Drier than the Mountain Neighbors

Wythe receives 18.4 inches of snow, which is less than Wise County but significant for the region. It averages only 6 days of extreme heat, making it much more temperate in summer than nearby valley cities.

Gentle Summers and Cold Januaries

July is very mild with an average of 71.7°F and almost no extreme heat days. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging 32.9°F and an annual snowfall total of 18.4 inches.

Focus on Winter Home Heating

Efficient home heating is the primary concern given the 32.9°F January average and 18.4 inches of snow. Conversely, summer cooling needs are minimal thanks to the very low number of 90-degree days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wythe County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Chemistry in Wythe County

Wythe County soil has an average pH of 5.49, sitting comfortably above the Virginia average of 5.23. This chemical balance contributes to a solid soil score of 47.2, well above the state's typical 30.6 rating.

A Versatile Silt-Sand Blend

The soil contains 44.6% silt and 33.7% sand, balanced by 18.5% clay. This combination provides a smooth texture that is easy to cultivate while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.

Strong Water Retention Potential

With 3.74% organic matter, Wythe County outperforms the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in also beats the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops during the growing season.

Steady Hydrologic Performance

While official drainage data is limited, the high silt and moderate clay percentages suggest steady moisture retention. These traits generally support both consistent agricultural yields and stable building foundations.

Ideal for Valley Farming

Wythe County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a diverse range of cool-season crops and hardy vegetables. Use the above-average water capacity to grow thirsty favorites like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wythe County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Growing Conditions in Wythe

Wythe County is a lawn-care leader with a 69.4 difficulty score, well above the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 55.4. This Zone 7a region offers some of the most favorable conditions in the Commonwealth for effortless maintenance.

Moderate Precipitation and Very Little Heat

Annual precipitation of 41.7 inches falls right in the sweet spot for healthy growth without excessive moisture issues. Because there are only 6 extreme heat days per year, heat stress is a minimal concern compared to the state average of 28 days.

Managing Soil Acidity and Texture

The average soil pH of 5.49 is low, meaning the ground is more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for turf. A composition of 18.5% clay and 33.7% sand suggests a soil that holds nutrients well but requires pH balancing to unlock them.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

The county has faced 23 weeks of drought in the last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Residents should prioritize drought-tolerant species like fescue to manage these periodic dry spells efficiently without high water bills.

Optimal Timing for Your Wythe Lawn

Tall fescue is the top recommendation for Wythe’s climate and acidic soil profile. For the best results, plant your new lawn between the April 25 last frost and the first frost on October 18 to maximize the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wythe County's county score?
Wythe County, Virginia has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Wythe County rank among counties in Virginia?
Wythe County ranks #33 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 Wythe County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Wythe County is $851, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Wythe County a tax score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wythe County?
The median household income in Wythe County, Virginia is $55,359 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wythe County earns an income score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wythe County, Virginia a good place to live?
Wythe County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Wythe 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 Wythe 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.