Amherst
Virginia

Where you are

You live in Amherst County, Virginia. 31,426 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +99).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $64,454 a year, higher than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,248. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 62% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 25 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,449 a year.

Home

The median home costs $265K, pricier than 60% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $782 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $968 a year on that median home, lower than 84% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 55% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.8 years, shorter than 51% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 4.5 per 10,000 people. 8.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.10 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 64% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 67% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 54% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 10 out of 100, safer than 90% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 171 Mbps down, slower than 62% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.