countyscore
50.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.6Property Tax 77.2Weather & Climate 71.5

County Report Card

About Williamsburg city, Virginia

A National Middleweight for Living

Williamsburg city holds a composite score of 50.1, placing it just slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that aligns closely with typical American living standards.

Trailing the Virginia State Average

While competitive nationally, the city sits just below the Virginia state average score of 50.9. It functions as a stable anchor in the Tidewater region despite missing the top tier of state rankings.

Exceptional Safety from Natural Hazards

The city boasts a remarkable risk score of 97.6, indicating very low vulnerability to natural disasters. Residents also benefit from a low 0.576% effective tax rate and a strong health score of 71.4.

High Costs and Safety Concerns

Housing affordability is a significant hurdle, with a cost score of 16.2 and median home values reaching $393,200. Additionally, the safety score of 25.8 suggests there is room for improvement in local crime metrics.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Professionals

This city is a perfect match for high-earning professionals or retirees who value environmental security and quality healthcare. While housing is expensive, the low tax burden and natural safety provide long-term peace of mind.

2040608010077.216.225.871.456.666.997.671.5Tax77.2Cost16.2Safety25.8Health71.4Schools56.6Income66.9Risk97.6Water—Weather71.550.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Williamsburg city DNA

Foverall

How Williamsburg city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Williamsburg city scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (97.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.2+25.200000000000003
Cost
16.2-31.8
Safety
25.8-29.2
Health
71.4+21.400000000000006
Schools
56.6
Income
66.9+15.900000000000006
Risk
97.6+50.599999999999994
Weather
71.5+15.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Williamsburg city

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$393,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,361/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$393,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$54,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,206/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

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Nearby counties

James City County
Virginia
56.3
York County
Virginia
52.5
Gloucester County
Virginia
53.6
Surry County
Virginia
67.1
Newport News city
Virginia
31.1
Charles City County
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Poquoson city
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Mathews County
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63.4

Deep Dives

Williamsburg city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Williamsburg city

via CrimeByCounty

Williamsburg’s Safety Compared to Nation

Williamsburg earns a safety score of 97.1, reflecting a generally secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,821.0 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

How Williamsburg Fits Into Virginia

The city’s total crime rate of 1,821.0 sits slightly above the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.1 is nearly identical to the state average of 97.3.

Regional Data and Agency Context

Williamsburg’s crime rate is comparable to Virginia Beach’s 1,849.1 but higher than Westmoreland’s 1,006.5. This data reflects a single reporting agency and should be viewed as a specific city snapshot.

Breaking Down the Crime Types

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,607.9, while violent crime is reported at 213.1 per 100,000. Both metrics show that incidents are less frequent here than the national averages.

Maintaining Safety in a Historic City

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should focus on securing their homes. Visible security cameras and good exterior lighting are effective deterrents in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Williamsburg city

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Suburban Schooling in Williamsburg

Williamsburg City operates three public schools that serve a total of 1,632 students in a strictly suburban setting. The local inventory includes one elementary school and two middle schools. High school students typically transition into the broader regional system as part of a joint arrangement.

Solid Performance and Local Investment

The city maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87% but falls just shy of the Virginia average. Per-pupil expenditure is strong at $8,663, sitting well above the state average of $7,941. These investments support a school score of 56.1, indicating performance that exceeds the national median.

Collaborative Regional School Management

Schools within the city limits are part of the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools system. This partnership manages all 1,632 local students, and no charter schools currently operate in the city. This shared resource model allows the small city to provide amenities often found in much larger districts.

Moderate Sizes in a Suburban Locale

The city's three schools are all suburban, with an average enrollment of 544 students. Berkeley Middle is the largest campus with 652 students, while Matthew Whaley Elementary offers a slightly smaller community of 435. Attending school here feels connected and accessible, with campuses integrated into the suburban fabric.

Education Excellence in a Historic City

Williamsburg combines historic charm with a school system that invests heavily in every student. Families looking to buy a home can find high-quality options near James Blair Middle or the historic Matthew Whaley campus. Consider the city's strong school score as you evaluate local real estate opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Williamsburg city

via WaterByCounty

Limited public compliance records for Williamsburg

Drinking water quality grades and specific violation counts for Williamsburg are currently unavailable in the federal SDWIS database. For context, Virginia counties average 126.9 health violations per 100,000 residents over a five-year period. Residents should consult the city's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local safety details.

High impairment in assessed Williamsburg waters

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 60.0% of the five assessed water bodies in the city fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the state average of 46.1%. Top causes for these failures include Enterococcus, excess aquatic plants, and PCBs in fish tissue.

No federal monitoring data available

There are currently no water quality monitoring records for Williamsburg city documented in the EPA Water Quality Portal. This absence of data indicates a lack of recent public readings for nutrient levels or chemical contaminants. Local environmental health depends on monitoring from neighboring jurisdictions or private city records.

No active streamflow gauges tracked

Williamsburg lacks a representative USGS streamgage for live discharge and flow monitoring. Without real-time stream data, water managers must rely on historical trends and drinking water compliance signals to gauge system health. This lack of data is common in smaller, highly urbanized independent cities.

Watch for bacteria and fish advisories

With 60% of local waters impaired by Enterococcus, residents should avoid swimming in or contacting natural water bodies after heavy rainfall. High levels of PCBs in fish tissue also suggest following state health department consumption advisories for locally caught fish. Because federal compliance data is limited, staying informed through city-issued water updates is essential.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Williamsburg city

via LawnByCounty

Easier Than Average Growth in Williamsburg

Williamsburg earns a 61.4 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and the Virginia state average of 55.4. While specific hardiness zone data is limited for the city center, the region generally enjoys a favorable environment for consistent growth.

High Rainfall and Significant Coastal Heat

The city receives 51.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal range of 30-50 inches. Residents must manage 37 extreme heat days over 90°F, significantly more than the state average of 28, requiring more attentive summer hydration.

Local Soil Testing Recommended for Success

Detailed soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this specific city jurisdiction. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to determine the exact nutrient levels and amendments needed for their specific landscape.

Managing Dry Spells in the Historic District

The city experienced three weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering in the early morning to build resilient root systems during these dry coastal periods.

Start Your Williamsburg Lawn with Heat-Tolerant Turf

Tall fescue or Bermuda grass are excellent choices to handle the 37 annual extreme heat days found here. Plan your seeding or sodding projects for early spring to ensure the roots establish before the summer humidity peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Williamsburg city's county score?
Williamsburg city, Virginia has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Williamsburg city rank among counties in Virginia?
Williamsburg city ranks #82 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 Williamsburg city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Williamsburg city is $2,265, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Williamsburg city a tax score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Williamsburg city?
The median household income in Williamsburg city, Virginia is $70,206 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Williamsburg city earns an income score of 66.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Williamsburg city, Virginia a good place to live?
Williamsburg city scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Williamsburg city 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 Williamsburg city 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.