CountyScore

Williamsburg city

Virginia · VA

#42 in Virginia
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Williamsburg city, Virginia

Williamsburg outpaces national average

With a composite score of 69.1, Williamsburg ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This score reflects a city that outperforms most U.S. counties on the measured dimensions of tax burden and housing affordability.

Slightly below Virginia's average

Williamsburg's score of 69.1 falls just shy of Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's localities. While competitive statewide, the city sits below several other Virginia communities on overall livability.

Tax benefits and manageable costs

Williamsburg shines with an exceptional tax score of 86.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.576%, making it one of Virginia's most tax-friendly places. The cost score of 66.4 reflects moderately affordable housing, with median rent at $1,361/month and median home values around $393,200.

Income levels lag behind peers

The income score of 29.2 is Williamsburg's weakest dimension, with median household income at $70,206—notably below what higher-scoring Virginia counties offer. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting the full livability picture.

Best for retirees and budget-conscious families

Williamsburg appeals to those seeking low taxes and reasonable housing costs in a historic setting, particularly retirees with fixed incomes. Families concerned about earning potential or looking for comprehensive school and safety data should explore other Virginia options.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.1Cost66.4SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk97.6WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.6
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 Williamsburg city 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

Williamsburg city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Williamsburg city

via TaxByCounty

Williamsburg taxes rank low nationally

Williamsburg's effective tax rate of 0.576% sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,265 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—despite higher home values, reflecting the city's lighter tax hand.

Below-average tax burden in Virginia

Williamsburg's 0.576% effective rate runs 14.5% lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the more tax-friendly localities in the Commonwealth. The city's median tax of $2,265 exceeds the state average of $1,960, driven by higher property values rather than higher rates.

Lowest rate in the urban cluster

Among Virginia's city jurisdictions, Williamsburg's 0.576% rate is substantially lower than Winchester city's 0.769%, giving homeowners a meaningful advantage. Williamsburg's lighter tax load reflects its smaller local budget needs compared to its more populated neighbor to the north.

Your annual tax bill in Williamsburg

On the median home valued at $393,200, a Williamsburg homeowner pays approximately $2,265 per year in property taxes. This translates to roughly $189 monthly—a modest burden relative to both national and state averages when adjusted for home value.

Even low-tax jurisdictions see overassessments

Many Williamsburg homeowners may still be paying taxes on inflated property assessments, especially if their home hasn't been revalued recently. Filing an appeal with the local assessor's office is free and can uncover significant savings, regardless of your jurisdiction's overall tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Williamsburg city

via CostByCounty

Williamsburg renters stretch budgets nationwide

Williamsburg's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% significantly exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing—well above the sustainable 30% threshold and higher than comparable markets. The median household income of $70,206 falls below the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $1,361 climbs well above what local wages typically support.

Williamsburg ranks among Virginia's priciest

With a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio, Williamsburg faces affordability pressure that exceeds Virginia's statewide average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable markets for renters. The city's median rent of $1,361 outpaces the state average of $1,140 by $221 monthly, widening the gap between local wages and housing costs.

Williamsburg vs. Winchester: college town premium

Williamsburg renters pay $63 more per month than Winchester renters ($1,361 vs. $1,298), yet both cities struggle with affordability ratios above Virginia's 18.6% average—Williamsburg at 23.3% and Winchester at 24.1%. Winchester homebuyers face steeper monthly costs at $1,367, but Williamsburg's median home value of $393,200 reflects stronger property appreciation in this historic destination.

Rent dominates Williamsburg household budgets

At $1,361 monthly, median rent consumes 23.3% of Williamsburg's $70,206 median household income, while homeowners pay $1,117 monthly (19.1% of income). Together, these housing costs leave limited room for other expenses, making Williamsburg less affordable than state averages for both renters and owners.

Consider Williamsburg if you value culture

Williamsburg offers walkable, historic neighborhoods and strong schools, but prospective residents should budget carefully—housing consumes nearly a quarter of income here. If you're relocating, compare Williamsburg's cultural amenities against the 5-point affordability premium you'll pay versus southwestern Virginia alternatives like Wise or Wythe counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Williamsburg city

via IncomeByCounty

Williamsburg earns below the national average

At $70,206, Williamsburg's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by about $4,500. This places the city in the lower-middle range nationally, despite its historic significance and tourism-driven economy.

Below Virginia's median income

Williamsburg ranks below Virginia's state average of $74,957, earning roughly $4,750 less per household. The city's per capita income of $35,732 also lags the state's $39,155 average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Competing with nearby regional centers

Williamsburg's $70,206 income exceeds neighboring Winchester ($64,648) and regional counties like Wise ($50,740), but falls well short of York County's $108,326. The city's economic profile reflects tourism and college employment, while York's proximity to Hampton Roads drives higher incomes.

Housing remains affordable here

A 23.3% rent-to-income ratio means Williamsburg households spend less than a quarter of income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $393,200 is manageable relative to local incomes, making homeownership feasible for established households.

Build financial stability in Williamsburg

With median income at $70,206 and reasonable housing costs, Williamsburg residents have breathing room to invest and plan for retirement. Starting or reviewing a 401(k), building an emergency fund, and consulting a financial advisor can help turn stable earnings into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Williamsburg city

via HealthByCounty

Williamsburg lives longer than most Americans

At 78.7 years, Williamsburg's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. Just 17% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%, suggesting stronger overall wellness in the community.

Top tier health outcomes in Virginia

Williamsburg ranks among Virginia's healthiest cities, with life expectancy 3.6 years above the state average of 75.1 years. The city's 17% poor/fair health rate places it firmly in the upper quartile of Virginia communities.

Williamsburg outpaces regional peers

Williamsburg's 78.7-year life expectancy significantly exceeds nearby Wise County (70.8 years) and Winchester (74.2 years), reflecting stronger community health indicators. The city's mental health provider density of 38 per 100K trails some neighbors but supports accessible care.

Strong insurance coverage, limited primary care

Williamsburg's 7.8% uninsured rate matches Virginia's average, ensuring most residents have coverage access. However, with just 13 primary care providers per 100K residents, demand for appointments often exceeds supply.

Keep coverage strong in Williamsburg

Nearly 8 in 10 Williamsburg residents have health insurance, but 7.8% remain uninsured. Explore coverage options at healthcare.gov or contact the Virginia Department of Insurance to find plans that fit your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Williamsburg city

via RiskByCounty

Williamsburg faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 2.42, Williamsburg ranks well below the national average and sits among Virginia's safest communities. This rating reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, though hurricane risk registers at 66.96—a reminder that coastal proximity still matters.

Safest city in Virginia for disasters

Williamsburg's score of 2.42 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the most resilient jurisdictions in the commonwealth. This advantage stems from lower flood, tornado, and wildfire exposure compared to inland and mountainous Virginia counties.

Outperforming nearby coastal counties

Williamsburg's very low composite score contrasts sharply with York County (44.66), its neighbor to the south, which faces significantly higher hurricane and flood risks. Winchester city (16.86), further inland, sits in the middle—safer than southern coastal areas but riskier than Williamsburg itself.

Hurricane and earthquake are top concerns

Hurricane risk at 66.96 is Williamsburg's most pressing hazard due to its Peninsula location and Atlantic exposure. Earthquake risk registers at 40.52, reflecting the region's position near moderate seismic zones, though major quakes remain unlikely.

Prioritize hurricane and flood coverage

Even in a low-risk area, hurricane winds and storm surge demand serious planning—standard homeowners insurance typically excludes both. Consider windstorm coverage and evaluate flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, especially if you're in or near a flood zone.

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.