CountyScore

Westmoreland County

Virginia · VA

#91 in Virginia
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Westmoreland County, Virginia

Westmoreland outperforms national average

Westmoreland County's composite score of 71.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 43%, ranking it well above the typical U.S. county. This strong position reflects reliable livability across the economic fundamentals that shape household budgets.

Slightly above Virginia's average

Westmoreland's composite score of 71.6 exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, positioning it among the stronger-performing counties in the commonwealth. The county delivers above-average livability compared to most in-state peers.

Low taxes and reasonable housing costs

Westmoreland's tax score of 84.9 with an effective rate of 0.617% and cost score of 73.9 reflect median home values of $244,000 and rents at $991/month. These fundamentals ensure housing remains accessible to working families earning the county median of $59,766.

Income score reflects limited earning power

Westmoreland's income score of 22.4 with median household earnings of $59,766 indicates fewer high-wage employment opportunities, suggesting dependence on existing jobs or remote work. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

Good fit for budget-conscious households

Westmoreland County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and modest-income families who value low taxes and stable, affordable housing over employment growth prospects. It's a balanced, practical choice for those seeking predictability over advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.9Cost73.9SafetyComing SoonHealth65.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk62.6WaterComing Soon
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡62.6
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 Westmoreland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Chugach Census Area
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Sharp County
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Rabun County
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Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

Westmoreland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Westmoreland County

via HealthByCounty

Westmoreland matches U.S. health average

At 75.3 years, Westmoreland County residents live nearly at parity with the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a solid foundation. However, 21.8% report poor or fair health, and the county's 9.9% uninsured rate is the highest in this group.

Life expectancy solid, coverage a concern

Westmoreland's 75.3-year life expectancy tops Virginia's 75.1-year state average by 0.2 years, yet its 9.9% uninsured rate dramatically exceeds the state average of 7.9%. This gap suggests health is fragile and coverage barriers may prevent residents from sustaining their modest longevity advantage.

Westmoreland's coverage crisis stands out

Westmoreland's 75.3-year life expectancy compares favorably to Surry (75.6 years) and Waynesboro (73.6 years), but its 9.9% uninsured rate far exceeds all peers. The county also lags on providers: just 21 primary care and 16 mental health per 100K, among the lowest in this group.

Few providers, highest uninsured rate

Westmoreland's 21 primary care providers per 100K and 16 mental health providers per 100K represent severe resource scarcity even for a rural county. At 9.9% uninsured—the highest in this group—nearly one in ten residents cannot access these already-limited providers.

Coverage is urgent for Westmoreland

With the region's highest uninsured rate at 9.9% and the fewest healthcare providers, Westmoreland residents face a critical access crisis. Check Virginia Medicaid and marketplace eligibility immediately—getting covered is your first step toward protecting your health in a medically underserved community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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