With a composite score of 68.0, Westmoreland County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This 36% advantage reflects a county where affordability and tax burden are genuinely competitive at a national level.
2 / 5
Above average in Pennsylvania
Westmoreland scores 68.0, slightly higher than Pennsylvania's average of 66.0, making it one of the stronger performers across the state. Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, it ranks solidly in the better half for overall livability.
3 / 5
Housing and taxes are the draw
The county excels in affordability, with a cost score of 78.7 and a median home value of just $193,100—well below national norms. A low effective tax rate of 1.281% and median rent of $843/month make this county genuinely budget-friendly for working families.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind
With a median household income of $72,468 and an income score of just 30.7, wage levels are notably lower than many peer counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious workers
Westmoreland suits established workers, retirees, and young families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high salaries. It's a practical choice for those who value financial stability and community over rapid career growth.
With a composite score of 68.0, Westmoreland County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This 36% advantage reflects a county where affordability and tax burden are genuinely competitive at a national level.
Above average in Pennsylvania
Westmoreland scores 68.0, slightly higher than Pennsylvania's average of 66.0, making it one of the stronger performers across the state. Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, it ranks solidly in the better half for overall livability.
Housing and taxes are the draw
The county excels in affordability, with a cost score of 78.7 and a median home value of just $193,100—well below national norms. A low effective tax rate of 1.281% and median rent of $843/month make this county genuinely budget-friendly for working families.
Income growth lags behind
With a median household income of $72,468 and an income score of just 30.7, wage levels are notably lower than many peer counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
Ideal for cost-conscious workers
Westmoreland suits established workers, retirees, and young families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high salaries. It's a practical choice for those who value financial stability and community over rapid career growth.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛66.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Westmoreland County's effective tax rate of 1.281% sits comfortably below the national median effective rate, making it more affordable than most U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,473 annually—$217 less than the national median of $2,690—despite lower home values working in residents' favor.
Among Pennsylvania's more affordable counties
Westmoreland ranks favorably within Pennsylvania, with an effective tax rate of 1.281% compared to the state average of 1.317%. Residents pay $2,473 in median annual property taxes, slightly below the state median of $2,657.
Cheaper than nearby Wyoming County
Westmoreland County offers a modest tax advantage over its neighbor Wyoming County, which has a 1.344% effective rate and median taxes of $2,763. This 0.063 percentage point difference translates to roughly $290 annually on a typical home in Westmoreland.
What you pay on a typical home
The median home in Westmoreland County is valued at $193,100, which translates to an estimated annual property tax of $2,473. For homeowners with a mortgage, expect to pay around $2,646 annually when other fees are included.
You may be paying too much
Many Westmoreland County homeowners are overassessed and have never appealed their property values. A tax assessment appeal could save you hundreds annually—contact your county assessor's office to learn whether your home's assessed value is fair.
At 14.0%, Westmoreland's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national baseline, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $843 per month is significantly lower than state peers, giving households more breathing room in their budgets compared to the national norm.
A top affordability spot in Pennsylvania
Westmoreland ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% well below the state average of 16.5%. This advantage makes the county an attractive option for renters seeking lower housing costs without leaving the region.
Westmoreland undercuts neighboring counties
At $843 per month, Westmoreland's median rent trails nearby Wyoming County ($897) and significantly undercuts York County ($1,150), offering renters in the area the most affordable option. Homebuyers here also benefit, with a median home value of $193,100 versus York's $235,000.
Where Westmoreland dollars go
Renters spend an average of $843 monthly on housing while homeowners commit $954 to mortgage costs, against a median household income of $72,468. This means housing—whether rented or owned—consumes roughly 14-16% of typical household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.
Consider Westmoreland for budget-friendly living
If affordable housing is your priority, Westmoreland delivers: rents 12% below the state average and the lowest home values among our three-county comparison. With household incomes near $72,500 and housing costs staying lean, this county offers genuine financial breathing room for families and individuals planning a move.
Westmoreland County's median household income of $72,468 falls just 3% below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county ranks in the middle tier nationally, it demonstrates solid earning power comparable to most American communities.
Above average for Pennsylvania
At $72,468, Westmoreland households earn 4% more than Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, reflecting stronger-than-average earning capacity.
More stable than neighboring Wyoming
Westmoreland's $72,468 median income exceeds nearby Wyoming County by $2,200, though it trails York County's $82,238 by nearly $10,000. The county positions itself as a middle-income anchor in the region.
Housing costs are sustainable here
With a rent-to-income ratio of 14%, Westmoreland households allocate less than 15% of income to rent—well below the national affordability standard of 30%. The median home value of $193,100 remains accessible relative to household earnings.
Build wealth with solid fundamentals
Westmoreland's sustainable housing costs leave room for savings and investment. Households earning $72,468 annually should prioritize emergency funds, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth strategies to match or exceed regional growth.
Residents here live to 76.6 years on average, exceeding the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years. With 14.3% reporting poor or fair health, Westmoreland performs better than the national average of 16%, suggesting overall health resilience across the county.
A healthier corner of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland edges out Pennsylvania's state life expectancy of 76.4 years and ranks among the state's healthier counties. The county's relatively low poor/fair health rate reflects better-than-average wellness compared to many Pennsylvania peers.
Outpacing surrounding counties
Westmoreland's 76.6-year life expectancy beats neighboring Wyoming County (75.4 years) and matches better performers like York County (77.5 years). The county's 14.3% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among these three, indicating consistent health advantages.
Strong provider access, low uninsured rate
Only 4.7% of residents lack health insurance—well below Pennsylvania's 7.0% average—giving more people direct access to care. The county supports 72 primary care providers and 224 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring robust healthcare infrastructure.
Already insured? Stay prepared.
While Westmoreland leads on coverage, the remaining uninsured 4.7% deserve support. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Pennsylvania Health Connector to explore affordable insurance options and ensure no one falls through the cracks.
With a composite risk score of 87.85, Westmoreland County ranks in the relatively moderate category—significantly higher than the national average of around 50. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding, which poses an outsized threat to the region.
Among Pennsylvania's most at-risk counties
Westmoreland's score of 87.85 substantially exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it in the upper tier of county risk statewide. The county's flood risk score of 93.77 is particularly concerning relative to peers.
Westmoreland stands out in Southwest PA
Compared to nearby Wyoming County (44.78 composite score), Westmoreland faces nearly double the overall risk. York County to the southeast poses similarly elevated threat levels at 90.43, making both counties regional hotspots for natural disaster preparedness.
Flooding and earthquakes dominate local hazards
Flood risk scores 93.77 for Westmoreland—among the highest in the state—driven by vulnerable watershed infrastructure and aging stormwater systems. Earthquake risk at 73.76 and hurricane risk at 69.00 also warrant preparation, particularly for older building stock in the region.
Get covered against Westmoreland's top threats
Homeowners should prioritize flood insurance immediately, as standard policies exclude flood damage and coverage sells out during seasons of elevated risk. Consider seismic reinforcement for older homes and ensure hurricane preparedness—together, these hazards affect substantial portions of county residents.