countyscore
58.2
County Score
Property Tax 86.5Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 77.8

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Virginia

Strong Standing Across the Country

Lancaster County earns a composite score of 57.1, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a favorable position for overall livability metrics.

Outperforming Most Virginia Counties

At 57.1, the county sits more than six points above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It is one of the more desirable locations in the region based on data-driven metrics.

Low Taxes and Excellent Water Quality

Taxpayers benefit from a score of 86.9 and an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.490%. Environmental health is also high, supported by a water score of 86.0 and a solid risk resilience score of 67.7.

Housing Costs and School Performance

A cost score of 34.6 reflects housing challenges, with a median home value of $307,600. Additionally, the school score of 47.4 suggests that local education is an area for potential investment.

Ideal for Retirees and Tax-Conscious Residents

With its low tax burden and high environmental quality, Lancaster County is perfect for those looking to maximize their savings. It suits individuals who prioritize financial efficiency and natural beauty.

2040608010086.537.458.951.347.461.367.78677.8Tax86.5Cost37.4Safety58.9Health51.3Schools47.4Income61.3Risk67.7Water86Weather77.858.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Lancaster County DNA

Foverall

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

Lancaster County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Property Tax (86.5/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (37.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.5+34.5
Cost
37.4-10.600000000000001
Safety
58.9
Health
51.3
Schools
47.4
Income
61.3+10.299999999999997
Risk
67.7+20.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
77.8+21.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Lancaster County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$327,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,033/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$327,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,713/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.4

per 100K

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

Hancock County
Illinois
Median income: $65,865
58.2
Livingston County
Kentucky
Median income: $58,984
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East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $73,085
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Webster Parish
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Median income: $41,182
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Barnstable County
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Median income: $95,241
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Dodge County
Minnesota
Median income: $95,739
58.2
Meeker County
Minnesota
Median income: $75,446
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Furnas County
Nebraska
Median income: $61,048
58.2

Nearby counties

Middlesex County
Virginia
53.9
Northumberland County
Virginia
65.8
Mathews County
Virginia
63.5
Richmond County
Virginia
61.9
Gloucester County
Virginia
54.1
King and Queen County
Virginia
63.5
Essex County
Virginia
51.1
James City County
Virginia
56.2

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lancaster County

via TaxByCounty

Lancaster offers rare tax relief nationally

Lancaster County's effective tax rate of 0.490% ranks among the lowest in America, well below the national median property tax of $2,690. Residents pay just $1,508 annually on the median home—44% less than the typical American household.

Virginia's second-cheapest county

Lancaster County has the second-lowest effective tax rate in Virginia at 0.490%, trailing only King and Queen's 0.523%. Median property taxes of $1,508 are 23% below Virginia's $1,960 state median.

Unbeaten value in the region

Lancaster County's 0.490% rate is the lowest among all nearby Tidewater counties, beating King and Queen (0.523%), King George (0.561%), and all others significantly. This represents exceptional value for property owners in the region.

What $307,600 home costs yearly

On Lancaster's median home value of $307,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,508 per year in property taxes. This breaks down to roughly $126 monthly—exceptionally low for a county with healthy property values.

Even low-tax areas have appeal opportunities

Even in Lancaster County's favorable tax environment, some homeowners remain overassessed and could benefit from a valuation appeal. A quick professional review might uncover additional tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lancaster County

via IncomeByCounty

Lancaster trails nation but earns respectably

Lancaster County's median household income of $67,169 falls below the national median of $74,755 by $7,586, representing a 10% shortfall. Despite this gap, Lancaster residents still earn more than many rural American counties, reflecting a stable if modest economic base.

Below-average income for Virginia

Lancaster County's median household income of $67,169 lags Virginia's state average of $74,957 by roughly $7,800. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle range of Virginia's 95 counties and cities for household earnings.

Lowest earner in eastern corridor

Lancaster County's $67,169 median household income is the lowest among its immediate eastern Virginia neighbors, trailing King and Queen ($72,851), King William ($85,212), and King George ($110,517). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than wealthier neighboring communities.

Housing costs tight despite modest home values

At 17.5% of household income, Lancaster's rent-to-income ratio approaches the comfort threshold, though median home values of $307,600 suggest a supply of premium properties that may inflate local costs. Lower-income households in Lancaster face tighter housing affordability pressures than county medians indicate.

Prioritize savings in lower-income county

Lancaster residents earning near the median should treat housing affordability seriously and limit mortgage obligations to under 30% of gross income. Building an emergency fund of 6-12 months of expenses becomes especially critical for households with below-average incomes, before pursuing aggressive investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lancaster County

via CrimeByCounty

A Coastal Haven of High Safety

Lancaster County boasts a safety score of 98.5, indicating a very low risk to residents. The total crime rate of 948.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights the county's status as a secure community on the national stage.

Exceeding the Commonwealth Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.5, Lancaster County ranks well above the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 948.0 sits far below the statewide average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. The county remains one of the more tranquil jurisdictions in Virginia's Northern Neck.

Comparing Crime Rates Across the Region

Lancaster's crime rate of 948.0 per 100,000 is slightly lower than Louisa County's rate of 1,060.2. While it sees more activity than King William County's 650.1, it remains vastly safer than larger urban centers. The county maintains a consistent profile of rural security.

Analyzing Violent versus Property Crime

Violent crime in Lancaster is low at 184.1 per 100,000, roughly half the national benchmark. Property crime sits at 763.9 per 100,000, which is considerably lower than the U.S. property crime rate of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve theft or property damage rather than physical threats.

Practical Security for Coastal Residents

Property crimes make up the bulk of local law enforcement activity. Installing smart doorbells and keeping outbuildings locked can significantly deter opportunistic theft. Consistent community awareness helps preserve the high level of safety residents enjoy today.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Lancaster County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Soil Identity Unknown

Specific soil pH and taxonomic order data for Lancaster County are currently not available in our digital records. While the state average pH is a low 5.23, coastal soils often vary based on local mineral deposits.

Undefined Soil Composition

Sand, silt, and clay proportions remain unrecorded in the local soil survey, making site-specific testing essential for growers. Knowing your texture is the first step toward improving drainage and workability.

Assessing Regional Fertility

Digital data lacks organic matter levels, but coastal neighbors typically range between 2% and 3%. Without specific available water capacity data, irrigation planning should be a top priority for local farmers.

Water Management in Lancaster

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes remain unlisted, though the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay often dictates high water tables. Proper site assessment is necessary before building or installing heavy drainage systems.

Mild Climate in Zone 8a

Located in zone 8a, the county enjoys a mild climate perfect for long-season crops like sweet potatoes and figs. This maritime influence helps extend the growing season well into the autumn months.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lancaster County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Growing in Zone 8a

Lancaster County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, marking it as one of the warmer coastal regions in Virginia. While a specific difficulty score is unavailable, the warmer zone allows for a wider variety of warm-season grasses. You likely experience a longer growing season than your inland neighbors.

A Coastal Climate Profile

Specific annual precipitation and heat day data are currently limited for this county. Generally, coastal Virginia sees humidity that can either help moisture retention or encourage fungal growth. Local observation is key to timing your watering and mowing in this unique microclimate.

Know Your Coastal Soil

Local soil pH and texture data are not currently available for Lancaster County. Coastal soils often vary between heavy clay and very light sand, making a home soil test essential. Understanding your specific site's drainage will be the first step in a successful lawn plan.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

The county has seen 10 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Water conservation is critical even in coastal areas where salt spray can further stress thirsty grass. Focus on soil health to help your lawn withstand these periods of limited rainfall.

Warm-Season Grasses Thrive Here

The Hardiness Zone 8a climate is ideal for warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda. These varieties are highly resilient to heat and go dormant in the winter to survive. Consult a local nursery to find the best variety for your specific sun exposure and soil type.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lancaster County's county score?
Lancaster County, Virginia has a composite county score of 58.2 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 Lancaster County rank among counties in Virginia?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lancaster County is $1,558, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Lancaster County a tax score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lancaster County?
The median household income in Lancaster County, Virginia is $69,713 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lancaster County earns an income score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lancaster County, Virginia a good place to live?
Lancaster County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Lancaster 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 Lancaster County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.