IncomeBy County

Scott County, Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-40% vs. Virginia average
$45,136
Median Household Income
$28,009
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$45,136
-40% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,009
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#123 / 133
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Scott County Compares

Scott County$45,136
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$45,136
Median Household Income
$28,009
Per Capita Income
$122,300
Median Home Value
36.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Scott County

Income Verdict

Scott County has a median household income of $45,136 and per capita income of $28,009 — a gap of $17,127, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $665/month and a median household income of $45,136, rent consumes approximately 17.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $45,136, residents of Scott County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,009 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Scott County earns approximately 39.8% below the Virginia state median household income of $74,957.

Data Story

About Household Income in Scott County, Virginia

Scott County lags far behind national median

Scott County's median household income of $45,136 falls 39.7% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects the economic challenges facing rural southwestern Virginia and places the county in the lower tier nationally for earning power.

Among Virginia's lowest-earning counties

Scott County ranks well below Virginia's state average median income of $74,957, earning about $29,821 less than the typical Virginia household. The county trails the state per capita income average of $39,155 by $11,146.

Similar struggles across rural Southwest Virginia

Scott County's $45,136 median income closely mirrors neighboring Smyth County at $46,859, both among the region's lowest earners. In contrast, wealthier counties like Spotsylvania ($109,576) and Stafford ($133,792) earn more than double what households earn here.

Housing remains affordable on modest income

Scott County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio signals good housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that defines burden. A median home value of $122,300 requires disciplined saving but remains achievable for households earning $45,136.

Build wealth despite lower earnings

Scott County residents benefit from affordable housing that frees up income for savings and investments. Consider consulting a local financial advisor about employer retirement plans, IRA contributions, and modest investment strategies suited to rural Virginia's cost of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Scott County, Virginia?
The median household income in Scott County, Virginia is $45,136, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Scott County?
The per capita income in Scott County is $28,009, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $45,136.
How does Scott County compare to the Virginia average?
Scott County's median household income of $45,136 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $28,009, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Scott County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Scott County, Virginia is $28,009, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Scott County a low-income area in Virginia?
Scott County's median household income of $45,136 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $28,009 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Scott County rank for income in Virginia?
Scott County ranks #123 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $45,136 and per capita income of $28,009, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $45,136 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Virginia Average▼ 40% below
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Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,761) vs. median rent ($665/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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