CountyScore

York County

Virginia · VA

#104 in Virginia
66.5
County Score

County Report Card

About York County, Virginia

York County maintains above-average livability

With a composite score of 62.4, York County ranks above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid overall livability, though performance varies significantly across measured dimensions.

Below state average but affluent

York County's score of 62.4 trails Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the lower half of the commonwealth's localities. This below-average composite score reflects high housing costs that offset the county's income and tax advantages.

Strong income and favorable taxes

York County excels with an income score of 54.1 and median household income of $108,326—the highest among these five Virginia localities and significantly above state norms. A solid tax score of 84.0 with an effective rate of 0.651% adds to the county's fiscal appeal.

Housing costs squeeze the composite score

York County's cost score of just 48.2 reveals its primary weakness, with median home values at $411,200 and rent averaging $1,777/month—among Virginia's highest. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors limits the complete livability assessment.

Best for high-earning families seeking quality

York County suits affluent families and professionals with strong incomes who can afford premium housing and value low taxes over maximum affordability. Those seeking budget-friendly living or comparing housing costs should prioritize other Virginia communities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84Cost48.2SafetyComing SoonHealth81.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.1Risk55.4WaterComing Soon
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.4
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 York County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Seminole County
Georgia
66.5
Median income: $49,559
Monroe County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $101,635
White County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $53,097
Cass County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $61,657
Crawford County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $65,039

Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in York County

via CostByCounty

York County: affluent enclave with manageable costs

York County breaks the affordability paradox, combining the highest median household income ($108,326) with a respectable 19.7% rent-to-income ratio—well below the 30% affordability ceiling and actually better than Williamsburg's 23.3%. Median rent of $1,777 and owner costs of $1,800 rank highest among these five markets, but higher wages make them sustainable for this Peninsula powerhouse.

York County leads Virginia in household income

York County's median household income of $108,326 towers 46% above Virginia's state average and dramatically exceeds all four peer counties analyzed, anchoring strong affordability despite housing costs that rival major metros. The county's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 18.6%, yet remains manageable thanks to the income foundation supporting it.

York County: prosperity with premium housing

York County renters pay $1,777 monthly—$416 more than Williamsburg and $1,059 more than Wise County—yet spend only 19.7% of income on housing because median income here ($108,326) dwarfs all peer markets. Homeowners face $1,800 monthly costs, but this represents a sustainable 19.9% of income, a burden unthinkable in southwestern Virginia.

York County: premium housing on premium wages

York County residents allocate 19.7% of their $108,326 median household income to median rent of $1,777, and homeowners commit 19.9% to owner costs of $1,800—both sustainable burdens that remain well below the 30% threshold. This financial cushion allows York County households to afford median home values of $411,200, the highest in this analysis.

York County rewards high earners seeking stability

York County's waterfront access, strong schools, and proximity to Hampton Roads make it Virginia's most desirable—and most expensive—housing market among these five, but the high median income of $108,326 makes costs sustainable. If you're relocating with household income exceeding $90,000, York County's premium neighborhoods and 19.7% affordability ratio offer genuine opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in York County

via HealthByCounty

York County leads nation in health outcomes

York County residents live to 80.9 years, nearly 4.5 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years, ranking among America's healthiest communities. Just 13.3% report poor or fair health—well below the national 21% rate—signaling exceptional population wellness.

Virginia's healthiest county by far

York County's 80.9-year life expectancy towers 5.8 years above Virginia's 75.1-year average, making it the state's clear health leader. The county's 13.3% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state wellness benchmarks, cementing its top-tier status.

York County outpaces every regional peer

York's 80.9-year life expectancy dominates all four regional comparisons—Williamsburg (78.7), Wythe (72.6), Winchester (74.2), and Wise (70.8). At just 13.3% poor/fair health, York edges even Williamsburg, establishing it as the region's unambiguous health leader.

Highest coverage, strong provider network

York County's 6.0% uninsured rate—the lowest among these five communities—ensures nearly all residents have health coverage. With 116 primary care and 140 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers solid provider access supporting its superior health outcomes.

York County: maintain coverage excellence

Just 6% of York County residents lack insurance—the best rate in this group—but maintaining that coverage is essential. Review your plan options annually at healthcare.gov to ensure you're on the plan that best serves your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in York County

via RiskByCounty

York County faces heightened disaster exposure

York County's composite risk score of 44.66 ranks it in the relatively low category but notably above the national average. Its coastal Peninsula location drives extreme hurricane risk (81.69) and significant flood exposure (57.92), offsetting lower tornado and wildfire threats.

High-risk coastal Virginia position

York County's 44.66 score exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting its status as one of the commonwealth's most hurricane-vulnerable areas. This southeastern location makes it consistently exposed to Atlantic storm systems and seasonal surge risk.

Riskier than nearby Williamsburg

York County's 44.66 composite score significantly exceeds Williamsburg city (2.42) just to the north, despite both being on the Peninsula. The difference reflects York's greater exposure to hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and tidal flooding along its longer waterfront.

Hurricanes dominate; tornadoes rising

Hurricane risk at 81.69 is York County's defining hazard—the highest among the five counties profiled here—driven by direct Atlantic exposure and frequent storm track alignment. Tornado risk (42.37) and wildfire risk (55.92) also demand respect, as spring severe weather and dry summers create compound seasonal threats.

Hurricane readiness is non-negotiable here

Ensure your homeowners insurance includes windstorm and flood coverage; standard policies exclude both, leaving you exposed in a major hurricane. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, trim trees, reinforce your roof deck, and maintain an evacuation plan with family communication protocols updated annually.

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.