countyscore
52.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.8Health 91.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About York County, Virginia

Solid Performance Above Median

York County earns a composite score of 52.5, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive choice for those seeking a high standard of living on the East Coast.

Staying Ahead of State Trends

The county edges out the Virginia average score of 50.9, maintaining its status as a premier Peninsula community. It consistently performs well in categories that matter most to established households.

Elite Incomes and Health Standards

The county features a near-perfect income score of 97.2, supported by a median household income of $108,326. Residents also enjoy an exceptional health score of 91.4 and superior water quality at 86.0.

Prohibitive Housing Costs

High demand has pushed the cost score down to 3.5, with median rents reaching $1,777 a month. Safety also presents a moderate challenge, with a score of 28.1 trailing behind the county's other elite metrics.

Perfect for High-Earning Families

York County is built for established families and professionals who prioritize high-end amenities and excellent health services. While the cost of entry is steep, the economic opportunities and infrastructure provide a high-value return for residents.

2040608010066.83.928.191.46996.855.48671.5Tax66.8Cost3.9Safety28.1Health91.4Schools69Income96.8Risk55.4Water86Weather71.552.3/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

York County DNA

Foverall

How York County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

York County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (96.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.8+14.799999999999997
Cost
3.9-44.1
Safety
28.1-26.9
Health
91.4+41.400000000000006
Schools
69+15
Income
96.8+45.8
Risk
55.4+8.399999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
71.5+15.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in York County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$433,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,827/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$433,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$73,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $109,956/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.2

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in York County

via TaxByCounty

York County's taxes exceed national average

York County's effective tax rate of 0.651% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties by tax burden. With a median property tax of $2,676, York County nearly matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high property values and an elevated rate.

Above Virginia's typical tax rate

York County's 0.651% effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671% by a hair, while its median tax of $2,676 far exceeds the state median of $1,960. The gap reflects York County's substantially higher home values—median of $411,200—and its higher-tax jurisdictional model.

Higher-tax option in eastern Virginia

York County's 0.651% rate is notably higher than western Virginia counties like Wise (0.565%) and Wythe (0.494%), though lower than Winchester city's 0.769%. This places York County in the moderate-to-high tier for tax burden among Virginia jurisdictions, typical of more prosperous eastern communities.

York County's annual property tax burden

On the median home valued at $411,200, York County homeowners pay approximately $2,676 annually in property taxes, or about $223 monthly. This significant bill rivals national averages and exceeds most Virginia counties, reflecting the county's relative affluence and service demands.

High-value homes deserve assessment reviews

Overassessments are particularly costly on high-value York County properties, where even small percentage reductions yield meaningful dollar savings. Request a formal assessment review from York County's assessor today—it's free and could lower your substantial annual tax bill considerably.

Income & Jobs in York County

via IncomeByCounty

York County's income far exceeds national average

York County's median household income of $108,326 towers 45% above the national median of $74,755. This exceptional prosperity reflects the county's position as a gateway to Hampton Roads' military and maritime economy.

One of Virginia's wealthiest counties

At $108,326, York County's median household income is 44.5% above Virginia's state average of $74,957. The per capita income of $51,183 is 31% higher than the state's $39,155 average, placing York among Virginia's most affluent communities.

Economic superpower in regional comparison

York County's $108,326 income is $53,986 higher than the next-closest profiled county and more than doubles Wise County's $50,740. This dominance reflects Hampton Roads proximity, federal employment, military installations, and established wealth concentration.

Strong income supports homeownership

York County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, giving households substantial flexibility. A median home value of $411,200 is comfortably supported by the area's elevated incomes, though still requires significant savings for down payments.

Maximize wealth potential in York County

With median income at $108,326, York County households can aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies: max out retirement contributions, diversify investments, and explore real estate or business ventures. The county's economic strength provides a foundation to build generational wealth through disciplined financial planning and professional guidance.

Safety in York County

via CrimeByCounty

York County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

York County is exceptionally safe with a safety score of 97.3, matching the Virginia state average. Its total crime rate of 1734.1 per 100K is 27% lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Top-Tier Performance in the Commonwealth

York County ranks as a top safety performer in Virginia, with its 1734.1 crime rate sitting nearly flush with the state average of 1728.8. The local safety score of 97.3 perfectly mirrors the state's high overall standard.

York County Leads Regional Comparisons

York County performs well against peers, maintaining a total crime rate of 1734.1 per 100K. This figure is lower than both Wythe County (1870.9) and Wise County (1780.9).

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Landscape

Most local incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 1553.3 per 100K. Violent crime remains very low at 180.8, which is nearly 50 incidents lower per 100K than the state average.

Build Upon a Foundation of Safety

Use York County's high safety ratings as a foundation for your own home security plan. Even in safe areas, locking doors and windows remains the most effective way to deter property crime.

Weather & Climate in York County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Coastal Virginia Climate

York County is notably warmer than the national median, with an average annual temperature of 59.7°F. This coastal region experiences a humid subtropical climate with high annual rainfall of 51.2 inches.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

The county is 3.8 degrees warmer than the Virginia state average and receives 5.5 inches more rain. This makes it one of the warmest and most humid parts of the Commonwealth.

Extreme Heat Compared to Inland

York experiences 37 days of extreme heat, which is over five times the amount seen in mountain counties like Wise. It sees very little snow, averaging only 4.3 inches compared to the double digits found out west.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with an average of 79.3°F and over a month’s worth of days topping 90°F. Winters are the mildest in this group, with a December to February average of 41.8°F and minimal snowfall.

Managing Humidity and Heat

High-capacity air conditioning and dehumidifiers are essential to handle the 37 days of extreme heat and 79.3°F July average. Residents should also prepare for frequent heavy rain, totaling over 51 inches annually.

Soil Quality in York County

via SoilByCounty

The Coastal Identity of York County

In York County, specific chemical data like pH and taxonomic order are currently limited in federal records. The county's coastal location typically dictates a unique soil profile influenced by its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.

Varying Coastal Textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this area. Local growers usually encounter the sandy and loamy textures characteristic of the Virginia Peninsula's geological history.

Fertility in a Maritime Climate

Numerical data for organic matter and water capacity is not recorded for York County. However, the region's long agricultural history suggests that with proper composting, these soils can be highly productive.

Navigating Peninsula Drainage

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the county's low-lying coastal topography often results in variable drainage patterns. Areas closer to the river may require elevated beds to manage moisture effectively.

Extended Growth in Zone 8a

York County enjoys a mild Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a longer growing season than its inland neighbors. This is the perfect climate to experiment with figs, camellias, and late-harvest warm-season vegetables.

Lawn Care in York County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Maintenance in Coastal York

York County earns a 55.8 lawn difficulty score, making it slightly easier to manage than the national average but very similar to the Virginia average. This Zone 8a county deals with more heat and moisture challenges than its neighbors to the west.

Wet Climate and Extended Summer Heat

The area receives 51.2 inches of annual rain, which is higher than the state average of 46.0. High heat is a major factor here, with 37 days reaching 90°F or higher and a lengthy 4,664 growing degree days to manage.

Personal Soil Tests Guide Amendments

Detailed soil texture and pH data are not currently available for this specific county area. We recommend a professional soil test to determine the specific needs of your lawn before beginning any major fertilization or liming routines.

Protecting Turf During Abnormally Dry Periods

While only 6 weeks were spent in drought last year, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Keep a close eye on soil moisture during the long growing season to prevent heat-related dormancy and ensure root health.

Maximize the Long Growing Season

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda thrive in Zone 8a and handle the 37 extreme heat days better than cool-season varieties. Start seeding after the March 31 last frost to take full advantage of the season that lasts until November 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is York County's county score?
York County, Virginia has a composite county score of 52.3 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 York County rank among counties in Virginia?
York County ranks #69 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 York County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in York County is $2,794, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns York County a tax score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in York County?
The median household income in York County, Virginia is $109,956 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. York County earns an income score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is York County, Virginia a good place to live?
York County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate York 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 York County 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.