countyscore
56.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 83.9Property Tax 71.6

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.

2040608010071.629.656.142.683.94462.68663.2Tax71.6Cost29.6Safety56.1Health42.6Schools83.9Income44Risk62.6Water86Weather63.256.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Westmoreland County DNA

Foverall

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

Westmoreland County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Schools (83.9/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (29.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.6+19.599999999999994
Cost
29.6-18.4
Safety
56.1
Health
42.6
Schools
83.9+29.900000000000006
Income
44
Risk
62.6+15.600000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
63.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Westmoreland County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$269,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,018/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$269,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,398/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Westmoreland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Westmoreland County's county score?
Westmoreland County, Virginia has a composite county score of 56.9 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 #38 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 $1,628, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Westmoreland County a tax score of 71.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Westmoreland County?
The median household income in Westmoreland County, Virginia is $63,398 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Westmoreland County earns an income score of 44/100 on CountyScore.
Is Westmoreland County, Virginia a good place to live?
Westmoreland County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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