countyscore
55.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 83.9Property Tax 72.4

County Report Card

About Westmoreland County, Virginia

Solid Performance Above National Median

Westmoreland County posts a 55.4 composite score, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a solid performer with high marks in education and utility reliability.

Exceeding State Averages in Quality

The county’s 55.4 score puts it ahead of the Virginia average of 50.9. It offers a higher baseline quality of life than many of its rural peers in the Northern Neck region.

Elite Schools and Reliable Infrastructure

Education is a massive highlight, with a school score of 83.9 that far exceeds state norms. The county also maintains strong water infrastructure (86.0) and a very fair tax score of 72.4.

Pressure on Housing and Income

Housing affordability is the main pressure point, resulting in a cost score of 27.1. Despite these costs, household incomes remain modest at a median of $59,766, creating tight budgets for some.

Hidden Gem for Young Families

This county is a hidden gem for families who prioritize public education and reliable utilities. It is best for those who value a strong school system and are willing to pay a premium for coastal-adjacent living.

2040608010072.427.156.142.683.938.362.68663.2Tax72.4Cost27.1Safety56.1Health42.6Schools83.9Income38.3Risk62.6Water86Weather63.255.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Westmoreland County DNA

Foverall

How Westmoreland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Westmoreland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (83.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (27.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.4+20.400000000000006
Cost
27.1-20.9
Safety
56.1
Health
42.6
Schools
83.9+29.900000000000006
Income
38.3-12.700000000000003
Risk
62.6+15.600000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
63.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Westmoreland County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$244,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$991/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$244,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,766/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
Compare Westmoreland County with Calhoun County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Arkansas
Median income: $63,654
55.4
Boone County
Indiana
Median income: $104,865
55.4
Noble County
Indiana
Median income: $70,908
55.4
Acadia Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $45,266
55.4
Todd County
Minnesota
Median income: $63,039
55.4
Cherry County
Nebraska
Median income: $63,750
55.4
Columbia County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $61,992
55.4
Brewster County
Texas
Median income: $52,612
55.4

Nearby counties

Richmond County
Virginia
62.9
Essex County
Virginia
51.1
St. Mary's County
Maryland
52.3
King George County
Virginia
54.7
Charles County
Maryland
48.2
Northumberland County
Virginia
66.8
Caroline County
Virginia
47.9
King and Queen County
Virginia
63.7

Deep Dives

Westmoreland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Westmoreland County

via TaxByCounty

Westmoreland taxes beat national median

Westmoreland County's effective tax rate of 0.617% sits comfortably below the national median rate, delivering savings compared to most U.S. communities. On the national median home value of $281,900, this rate would yield about $1,739, but Westmoreland's median home of $244,000 results in $1,506 annually—nearly $1,200 less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Westmoreland ranks below Virginia average

Westmoreland County's effective rate of 0.617% trails Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it as a relatively affordable county for property taxes. The county's median annual tax of $1,506 is 23% below the state median of $1,960, reflecting both modest tax rates and moderate home values.

Westmoreland sits comfortably in range

Westmoreland's 0.617% effective rate places it among the middle of comparable Virginia counties—above Sussex (0.541%) and Washington (0.514%), but below Surry (0.627%) and Warren (0.586%). Dollar-for-dollar, Westmoreland residents pay modestly compared to similar rural communities across Virginia.

Westmoreland averages $1,506 yearly

On the county's median home value of $244,000, homeowners pay approximately $1,506 in annual property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that rises to $1,564, while owners without mortgages pay closer to $1,463.

Check your assessment, appeal if overvalued

Westmoreland homeowners should verify their property assessments align with current market values and can file free appeals if they believe valuations are too high. Successful appeals can result in refunds of taxes paid in prior years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Westmoreland County

via CostByCounty

Westmoreland: above-average housing burden

Westmoreland County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio runs well above Virginia's state average of 18.6% and exceeds the national affordability threshold, with median rent at $991 monthly. The median household income of $59,766 falls significantly below the national average of $74,755, intensifying the housing cost squeeze.

Westmoreland faces notable affordability pressure

Westmoreland County ranks among the state's least affordable places, with a 19.9% rent-to-income ratio trailing only Virginia Beach (21.8%) and Waynesboro (20.7%). The combination of moderate rents and lower-than-average income creates sustained housing affordability challenges for residents.

Moderately priced, thinly budgeted

Westmoreland's $991 rent sits between Washington ($832) and Warren ($1,199), while $244,000 home values cluster mid-range across these counties. The county's affordability problem mirrors Waynesboro's: absolute housing costs aren't extreme, but resident incomes make them feel unaffordable.

Renters and owners equally strained

Renters spend $991 monthly (19.9% of income) while homeowners pay $1,087 for properties valued at $244,000—suggesting balanced pressure across both markets. At $59,766 median income, Westmoreland households sacrifice a higher percentage of earnings to housing than most peers.

Westmoreland: moderate costs, tight margins

Westmoreland offers neither the bargain pricing of Tazewell nor the earning power of Virginia Beach—it's a middle-ground with affordability challenges. Relocators should compare the 19.9% housing burden against higher-income counties like Warren ($84,331 median) to ensure financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Westmoreland County

via IncomeByCounty

Westmoreland income lags national standard

Westmoreland County's median household income of $59,766 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $14,989, a 20.1% gap reflecting its rural, Eastern Shore location. The county ranks in the lower third of income distribution nationally.

Below Virginia's income benchmark

At $59,766, Westmoreland County's median household income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by 20.2%, placing it among the lower-income counties in the state. Economic opportunities remain limited compared to urban and Northern Virginia regions.

Income slightly above lowest performers

Westmoreland's $59,766 income edges above Waynesboro ($56,364) but trails Sussex County ($62,821) by $3,055. The county faces substantial income disparities compared to higher-earning localities like Warren County ($84,331).

Housing costs consume notable income share

Westmoreland's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% is among the highest in the sample, indicating housing expenses absorb a significant portion of household earnings. The median home value of $244,000 creates affordability tension for households at the $59,766 median income level.

Building stability in rural Westmoreland

With median household income at $59,766, Westmoreland residents should prioritize financial foundations: establishing emergency savings, reducing high-interest debt, and maximizing employer retirement match programs. Community investment and skills training initiatives can help unlock income growth pathways over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Westmoreland County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety in Westmoreland

Westmoreland County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.4, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,006.5 per 100,000 is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5.

One of Virginia’s Safest Counties

The county’s total crime rate of 1,006.5 is significantly lower than the Virginia average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 98.4 is also well above the state average of 97.3.

Regional Superiority in Public Safety

Westmoreland is safer than many of its Virginia peers, including Williamsburg and Virginia Beach city. Three local agencies report these statistics, confirming a consistently low-crime environment.

Understanding Local Crime Dynamics

While total crime is low, the violent crime rate of 276.0 is actually higher than the state average of 229.7. Conversely, property crime is exceptionally low at just 730.5 per 100,000 residents.

Protecting Your Westmoreland Home

Despite high safety scores, the elevated violent crime rate suggests staying aware of your surroundings. Installing a modern home security system can provide an extra layer of protection for your family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Westmoreland County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Focused on Growth

Westmoreland County supports 2,135 students across six public schools, ranging from primary to high school levels. The county's education landscape is divided between two distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to serve this coastal community.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace the Nation

Westmoreland boasts an impressive 96.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. The county spends $8,630 per pupil, which is nearly $700 more than the Virginia average. This investment is reflected in a high composite school score of 60.5, well above the national median.

Two Districts Serving Coastal Students

Westmoreland County Public Schools is the larger provider with 1,561 students, while Colonial Beach Public Schools serves 574 students. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public education. These two districts provide localized governance for the county's varied residential areas.

Small Schools with a Rural Heart

The county features a mix of four rural and two town-based schools, where the average enrollment is just 356 students. Westmoreland High is the largest campus with 486 students, while Montross Middle provides a smaller community feel for 309 students. Families here enjoy the benefits of smaller class sizes and close-knit school environments.

High-Performing Schools in a Scenic Setting

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Westmoreland County is an attractive choice for education-focused homebuyers. You can explore homes near high-performing sites like Cople Elementary or Washington District Elementary. This county proves that rural settings can deliver elite academic outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Westmoreland County

via RiskByCounty

Westmoreland below typical U.S. risk

Westmoreland County's composite risk score of 37.37 earns a Very Low national rating but exceeds median U.S. exposure levels slightly. The county faces moderate combined disaster hazards concentrated in specific threat categories.

Moderately elevated within Virginia

Westmoreland's score of 37.37 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the state's upper-middle risk range. The county faces notably more combined natural disaster exposure than most Virginia localities.

Riskier than Sussex, safer than Virginia Beach

Westmoreland (37.37) surpasses Sussex County (13.23) and Surry County (4.71) but trails Virginia Beach (57.86) substantially. Among its peer counties, Westmoreland represents moderate rather than extreme risk.

Hurricanes and flooding drive exposure

Westmoreland residents face significant hurricane risk (86.57) and substantial flood risk (64.80), the county's two dominant hazards. Earthquake exposure (47.46) and tornado risk (26.91) rank secondary, while wildfire (16.63) remains minimal.

Windstorm and flood coverage essential

Westmoreland homeowners should prioritize homeowners insurance with windstorm riders and obtain separate flood coverage, given the county's 86.57 hurricane and 64.80 flood risk scores. Waterfront property owners face particularly elevated exposure and should review coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Westmoreland County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Westmoreland Water

Westmoreland County earns an 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This record is far superior to the state average violation rate of 126.9 per 100,000 people.

Westmoreland Watersheds Face Significant Impairment

A high 72.1% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired, well above the state average of 46.1%. The 2022 assessment lists excess aquatic plants and fecal bacteria as the top causes for these water quality failures.

Sixty-Five Sites Monitor Local Water Quality

Researchers maintain 65 monitoring sites that have logged 6,044 measurements over the last five years. This data footprint provides essential insights into nutrient and microbiological trends across the county's various streams.

No Live Streamflow Gauges in the County

There is no representative USGS streamgage currently reporting live flow data for Westmoreland County. Residents should look to historical watershed health and drinking water compliance as the primary indicators of water security.

Target Bacteria and Runoff for Safer Water

The high rate of watershed impairment means residents should be extra cautious of bacterial contamination in local streams after rain. While drinking water systems are currently meeting all health standards, protecting the broader watershed from runoff remains a priority.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Westmoreland County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the Potomac

Westmoreland County features Entisols, characterized by a dominant sand texture and a pH of 4.81. This acidity is significantly sharper than the national median of 6.5, typical of young, sandy coastal soils.

Light and Workable Sand

With 48.8% sand and 35.9% silt, the soil is very light and easy to till. The low clay content of 12.5% means the soil drains quickly, which is a benefit for roots but requires careful nutrient management.

Competitive Fertility Levels

The county boasts an organic matter level of 3.16%, which sits comfortably above the state average of 2.90%. This fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.144 in/in, ensuring a steady supply for crops.

Fast-Moving Coastal Hydrology

Specific drainage classes are not available, but the sandy Entisol classification implies that water moves through the profile rapidly. This reduces the risk of root rot but requires growers to watch for dry soil.

Coastal Favorites in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b provides a long growing season for tomatoes and peppers. The sandy texture and healthy organic levels make this an ideal spot for a productive, well-drained kitchen garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Westmoreland County

via LawnByCounty

Westmoreland's Tough Lawn Conditions

Westmoreland County faces a difficult score of 31.2, the most challenging in this group. Lawns in this Zone 7b area require significant effort to stay healthy compared to the 55.4 state average.

Managing Coastal Challenges

While specific temperature data is unavailable for this county, its location and difficulty score suggest a humid, stress-heavy environment. Homeowners must be vigilant against fungal diseases that thrive in coastal conditions.

Sandy and Acidic Soil Needs

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.81 and a high sand content of 48.8%. With only 12.5% clay, this 'Sand' texture soil struggles to hold onto water and fertilizers without regular organic amendments.

Drought in the Northern Neck

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry after enduring 20 weeks of drought last year. Because sandy soil dries out quickly, installing a smart irrigation system is a wise investment for local lawns.

Choosing Rugged Grass Types

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia are often the best bet for these sandy, acidic conditions. While frost dates are not recorded, late spring is typically the safest time to start new growth in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Westmoreland County's county score?
Westmoreland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Westmoreland County rank among counties in Virginia?
Westmoreland County ranks #49 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 Westmoreland County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Westmoreland County is $1,506, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Westmoreland County a tax score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Westmoreland County?
The median household income in Westmoreland County, Virginia is $59,766 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Westmoreland County earns an income score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Westmoreland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Westmoreland County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.