CountyScore

Lancaster County

Virginia · VA

#40 in Virginia
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Virginia

Top-tier affordability and financial value

Lancaster's composite score of 74.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 50%, making it one of the most livable counties nationwide. The score reflects exceptional tax and cost advantages that drive overall livability.

Second-best livability in Virginia

Lancaster ranks second among Virginia counties with a score of 74.9, exceeding the state average of 70.3 by 4.6 points. The county stands among the Commonwealth's elite communities.

Unbeatable taxes and housing affordability

Lancaster delivers Virginia's lowest effective tax rate at 0.490% with a stunning tax score of 88.5, while a cost score of 76.7 reflects median rent of just $978/month and home values around $307,600. For budget-conscious residents, few Virginia counties compare.

Lower incomes present financial limitations

The income score of 27.2 reveals median household income of just $67,169, the lowest among these eight peer counties. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain incomplete.

Perfect for cost-conscious retirees and families

Lancaster excels for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing maximum financial value and minimal tax burden. The county is ideal if your income needs are modest but your desire for affordability is paramount.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.5Cost76.7SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.2Risk67.7WaterComing Soon
🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.7
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 Lancaster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alpine County
California
72.8
Median income: $110,781
Modoc County
California
72.8
Median income: $56,648
Chickasaw County
Iowa
72.8
Median income: $73,421
Leslie County
Kentucky
72.8
Median income: $40,176
Benzie County
Michigan
72.8
Median income: $72,603

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Lancaster County

via CostByCounty

Lancaster punches above its weight on affordability

Lancaster County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, even though household income of $67,169 runs 10% below the U.S. median. This rural gem delivers exceptional affordability for households earning in the $60,000–$70,000 range.

Virginia's true affordable housing refuge

Lancaster's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Virginia's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's most accessible counties for middle-income renters. This coastal community offers affordability without sacrificing Virginia's rural charm.

Lowest rents in the rural cluster

Lancaster's median rent of $978 matches King and Queen ($982) as the cheapest option among these rural neighbors, undercut only marginally by King and Queen. Yet Lancaster's median home value of $307,600 runs significantly higher, suggesting strong owner appreciation over time.

Affordable rents, stable home values

Renters pay just $978 monthly while homeowners spend $917, creating unique affordability where ownership costs less than renting. With household income at $67,169, housing consumes a reasonable 17.5% of income for both renters and owners.

Lancaster for coastal Virginia seekers

If you earn $65,000–$70,000 and value waterfront living with affordability, Lancaster delivers $978 rent and $307,600 median home values—the best renter pricing in this cluster. Compare to King and Queen for similar costs or Louisa if you prefer central Virginia proximity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lancaster County

via HealthByCounty

Below-average life expectancy trend

Lancaster County's 75.3-year life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 78.2 years by nearly 3 years. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate approaches national figures, though still elevated for a rural community.

Slightly above state average

Lancaster's 75.3-year life expectancy edges out Virginia's 75.1-year average by just 0.2 years, putting the county near the state midpoint. Health outcomes align with typical rural Virginia performance.

Mixed results among peers

Lancaster's 17.7% poor/fair health rate places it between healthier King George (15.8%) and less healthy King and Queen (21.2%). The county offers moderate health outcomes compared to surrounding rural areas.

Solid provider infrastructure

Lancaster County features 37 primary care providers and 101 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—above most rural averages. However, an uninsured rate of 10.3%—notably above Virginia's 7.9%—creates barriers for one in ten residents.

Don't delay—find coverage now

One in ten Lancaster residents lack health insurance, facing serious financial risk from unexpected illness or injury. Visit Healthcare.gov today to explore subsidized plans and ensure your household gets the protection it needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lancaster County

via RiskByCounty

Lancaster: Low Risk Despite Exposure

Lancaster County's composite risk score of 32.28 and Very Low rating keep it below the national disaster risk average. Despite elevated hazard exposure in some categories, your county remains a relatively safe place overall.

Nearly Meets Virginia's Average

At 32.28, Lancaster County sits just below Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting moderate disaster risk within the commonwealth. Your county is roughly average compared to other Virginia counties.

Higher Risk Than Nearby Counties

Lancaster's 32.28 score exceeds neighboring King William (8.27), King George (12.75), and King and Queen (16.19) but matches Louisa County (32.19). Your county faces notably higher hazard exposure than its immediate southern neighbors.

Hurricanes and Flooding Drive Risk

Lancaster County faces the state's highest hurricane risk at 85.48 and significant flood exposure at 60.60, driven by its Eastern Shore coastal location. Earthquakes (42.91) present moderate concern, while tornadoes and wildfires remain relatively minimal threats.

Flood and Hurricane Insurance Essential

Your county's location on the Eastern Shore makes flood and hurricane coverage non-negotiable—standard policies exclude both. Review your coverage limits regularly and consider additional windstorm protection given the 85.48 hurricane risk score.

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.