countyscore
36.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 83.2Lawn Care 65.2Weather & Climate 60.3

County Report Card

About Winchester city, Virginia

Falling Below the National Median

Winchester city earns a composite score of 36.2, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community facing several structural challenges compared to the average U.S. county.

Lacking Pace with State Peers

The city trails the Virginia state average of 50.9 by nearly 15 points, ranking in the lower tier of the state’s independent cities. Its overall performance suggests it struggles to match the livability found in neighboring jurisdictions.

Resilient Schools and Low Risk

Winchester’s primary strengths are its risk score of 83.2 and a respectable school score of 56.7. These numbers suggest a community that is physically secure from disasters and focused on education.

A Critical Safety Deficit

The city faces a major challenge with a safety score of 6.9, which is among the lowest in the region. Low housing affordability, reflected in a cost score of 12.1, further complicates the living experience for many residents.

A City for Dedicated Educators

Winchester is best suited for individuals who prioritize school quality and environmental stability over absolute safety or affordability. It offers a unique niche for those willing to navigate a more urban, challenging safety environment for localized benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax55.8Cost12.1Safety6.9Health44.2Schools56.7Income52.7Risk83.2WaterComing SoonWeather60.3
🏛55.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Frederick County
Virginia
54.8
Clarke County
Virginia
63.6
Warren County
Virginia
50.8
Jefferson County
West Virginia
55.9
Berkeley County
West Virginia
54.7
Hampshire County
West Virginia
64.1
Shenandoah County
Virginia
53.4
Morgan County
West Virginia
57

Deep Dives

Winchester city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winchester city

via TaxByCounty

Winchester's taxes align with national norms

Winchester's effective tax rate of 0.769% sits near the national median of 0.84%, placing it squarely in the middle of the U.S. tax distribution. The city's median property tax of $2,505 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting home values moderately higher than the national average.

Above Virginia's state average rate

Winchester's 0.769% effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671% by 14.6%, making it one of the Commonwealth's higher-tax cities. The median tax bill of $2,505 significantly exceeds the state average of $1,960, resulting in a notably steeper burden for Winchester property owners.

Highest rate among peer cities

Winchester's 0.769% effective rate is 33.5% higher than Williamsburg's 0.576%, making it the most tax-heavy city jurisdiction in this comparison. This higher rate reflects Winchester's larger municipal budget demands and more expansive service delivery compared to other Virginia cities.

What Winchester homeowners pay annually

On a median home valued at $325,900, Winchester residents pay approximately $2,505 per year in property taxes, or about $209 monthly. This represents a noticeably higher burden than Williamsburg despite comparable home values, reflecting the city's elevated tax rate.

Appeal your assessment to cut costs

Many Winchester homeowners are overassessing their property's true market value, creating opportunities for tax savings through formal appeals. The process is straightforward and costs nothing—contact Winchester's assessor's office to challenge your assessment and potentially reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winchester city

via CostByCounty

Winchester homebuyers face national headwinds

Winchester's 24.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's least affordable markets, forcing renters to allocate nearly a quarter of their $64,648 median income to housing. Homeowners fare slightly better with monthly costs of $1,367, but purchasing power here lags when compared to the national median household income of $74,755.

Winchester struggles hardest among Virginia cities

Winchester ranks as one of Virginia's least affordable markets with a 24.1% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among the five counties analyzed and 5.5 points above the state average of 18.6%. The city's median rent of $1,298 rivals larger metros, yet median household income of $64,648 ranks lowest among its peer group.

Winchester pricier than Williamsburg for buyers

Winchester and Williamsburg are locked in an affordability struggle, but their challenges differ: Winchester renters pay $63 less monthly ($1,298 vs. $1,361), yet Winchester homeowners pay $250 more ($1,367 vs. $1,117). Winchester's median home value of $325,900 undercuts Williamsburg's $393,200, offering better value for buyers despite steeper monthly costs.

Winchester incomes stretched by twin pressures

Renters allocate 24.1% of Winchester's $64,648 median income to monthly rent of $1,298, while homeowners commit 25.4% to owner costs of $1,367—both pushing affordability limits. This dual squeeze on both renter and owner households makes Winchester one of Virginia's most cost-burdened markets.

Winchester: vibrant but budget carefully

Winchester's downtown revitalization and location in the Shenandoah Valley attract young professionals, but housing affordability remains a real concern. If relocating here, prioritize maximizing household income—or explore more affordable southwestern Virginia markets like Wise County, where rent-to-income ratios drop below 18.2%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winchester city

via IncomeByCounty

Winchester lags the national income standard

Winchester's median household income of $64,648 falls about $10,100 short of the $74,755 national median. This 13.5% gap reflects the city's smaller regional economy compared to major metropolitan areas across the country.

Winchester ranks below state average

The city's $64,648 median household income sits roughly $10,300 below Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $36,073 is also notably lower than the state's $39,155, indicating income disparity relative to Virginia's wealthier regions.

Mid-range earner in the Shenandoah region

Winchester at $64,648 exceeds Wise County ($50,740) and Wythe County ($55,359), but significantly trails York County's $108,326. As the Shenandoah Valley's commercial hub, Winchester's economy sits between rural southwestern Virginia and affluent Northern Virginia.

Rent takes a bigger bite here

At 24.1%, Winchester's rent-to-income ratio pushes closer to the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning housing costs absorb more of household budgets. The median home value of $325,900 remains accessible but requires substantial down payments relative to local earnings.

Strategic savings boost Winchester prosperity

With slightly tighter housing affordability, Winchester residents benefit from intentional budgeting and automated savings plans. Opening a high-yield savings account, exploring employer retirement matches, and reducing discretionary spending can accelerate wealth building despite modest median income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winchester city

via CrimeByCounty

Winchester’s Safety in a National Context

Winchester has a safety score of 95.1 and a total crime rate of 3,110.0 per 100,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a higher volume of reported incidents.

Comparing Winchester to Virginia Averages

The city's total crime rate of 3,110.0 is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 95.1 also falls below the state average of 97.3.

Neighboring Comparisons and Data Quality

Winchester reports a much higher crime rate than neighboring Warren County, which sits at 1,208.3. Because this data comes from a single agency, it reflects a concentrated urban environment.

Violent vs Property Crime Reality

Property crime is the main driver of the total rate, reaching 2,825.3 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 284.7 is also above the Virginia state average of 229.7.

Enhancing Your Home Security Strategy

Given the higher property crime rates, investing in a comprehensive home security system is recommended. Active monitoring and secure entry points can help mitigate local risks effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winchester city

via HealthByCounty

Winchester's health lags national averages

Winchester residents live to 74.2 years on average—2.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 19% report poor or fair health, above the national benchmark of 21%, signaling elevated chronic disease burden.

Below-average health outcomes for Virginia

Winchester's 74.2-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of Virginia's 75.1-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing cities. The 18.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state norm, indicating concentrated health challenges.

Winchester struggles compared to regional peers

Winchester's 74.2-year life expectancy trails Williamsburg (78.7 years) by 4.5 years and Wythe County (72.6 years) by 1.6 years. However, Winchester boasts exceptional provider density: 256 primary care providers and 822 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding regional averages.

Higher uninsured rate despite provider abundance

Winchester's 10.6% uninsured rate exceeds Virginia's 7.9% average, meaning one in ten residents lacks health coverage. The city's exceptional provider network—256 primary care and 822 mental health providers per 100K—ensures access for the insured, but coverage remains a barrier for many.

Winchester residents: find affordable coverage

More than 1 in 10 Winchester residents are uninsured, the highest rate among these five counties. Visit healthcare.gov or call Virginia's insurance helpline at 1-844-VPI-HELP to explore plans and subsidies available now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winchester city

via SchoolsByCounty

An Active Urban Education Hub

Winchester City manages 5,071 students across eight public schools, providing a robust urban educational infrastructure. The city features four elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. This system serves as the primary academic engine for the city's diverse residential neighborhoods.

Beating State Averages in Graduation Rates

Winchester achieves a graduation rate of 89.4%, slightly outpacing the Virginia average and the 87% national benchmark. The city spends $8,170 per student, ensuring local funding remains higher than the state average of $7,941. A composite school score of 55.7 confirms the city's status as a high-performing educational center.

Winchester City Public Schools Lead the Way

Winchester City Public Schools is the dominant district, managing seven schools and 4,268 of the city's students. While there are no charter schools, the district offers a range of traditional programs from primary to secondary levels. The presence of Frederick County's James Wood Middle within city data highlights the area's role as a regional school hub.

The Pulse of City-Centered Learning

All eight schools are located in city locales, with an average enrollment of 634 students per campus. John Handley High is the largest and most iconic school with 1,384 students, while John Kerr Elementary provides a smaller environment for 526 children. Education here is defined by larger, vibrant campuses and an active urban atmosphere.

Urban Living Near Distinguished Schools

Families seeking an urban lifestyle will find Winchester's school system delivers both high graduation rates and strong funding. Homes near the historic John Handley High or Daniel Morgan Intermediate are popular choices for those prioritizing education. Explore the city's real estate to find a residence within these top-performing urban zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winchester city

via RiskByCounty

Winchester sits well below average risk

Winchester's composite risk score of 16.86 puts it in the very low category and roughly half the national average. This Shenandoah Valley location benefits from distance to coastlines and limited exposure to major hurricane and flood corridors.

Mid-range safety among Virginia cities

At 16.86, Winchester scores below Virginia's average of 33.27, placing it among the state's safer jurisdictions. However, it ranks higher-risk than Williamsburg (2.42) and faces challenges that nearby Wise and Wythe counties contend with in the state's northwestern corner.

Safer than Appalachian mountain counties

Winchester's score of 16.86 is substantially lower than Wise (50.41) and Wythe (48.73) to the southwest, which face severe wildfire and flood threats. This advantage reflects Winchester's location in lower elevation, less forested terrain with better flood drainage.

Earthquakes and tornadoes deserve attention

Winchester's earthquake risk (62.98) and tornado risk (25.25) are its primary concerns, reflecting the region's position near the Appalachian seismic belt and spring storm corridors. Flood risk at 31.90 remains moderate but manageable with proper drainage and insurance.

Secure storm coverage and emergency plans

Ensure your homeowners policy covers tornado damage and wind—standard policies typically include this, but verify your specific deductible and limits. Develop a family earthquake plan with secure furniture placement and identify safe room locations, as seismic activity, though infrequent, can strike without warning.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winchester city

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Temperate Climate Patterns

Winchester averages 54.3°F annually, reflecting the typical temperate climate found across the United States. This city experiences significant seasonal swings from winter freezes to summer peaks.

Drier than Most of Virginia

Winchester is notably drier than the rest of the state, receiving just 40.7 inches of rain compared to the 45.7-inch average. It remains about 1.6 degrees cooler than the typical Virginia county.

More Snow than Southern Neighbors

Winchester receives a substantial 23.1 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the snowfall in coastal areas like York County. It also faces 23 days of extreme heat, making it more prone to summer spikes than its mountain neighbors.

Significant Snow and Summer Heat

July averages 75.8°F with nearly 23 days reaching over 90°F, while winters are cold with a 32.6°F January average. The 23.1 inches of annual snowfall defines the winter landscape here.

Snow Gear and Summer Cooling

Residents must prioritize snow removal equipment and winter insulation to manage the 23.1 inches of yearly snowfall. Summer heat peaks require efficient air conditioning to handle the frequent 90-degree days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winchester city

via SoilByCounty

Winchester's High-Performing Urban Soils

Winchester city boasts a soil score of 57.8, nearly doubling the Virginia state average of 30.6. The average pH of 5.81 is more alkaline than the state average of 5.23, though it remains below the national median of 6.5.

Silt-Driven Soil Texture

The city's soil is composed of 46.1% silt, 26.6% sand, and 21.5% clay. This silty mix offers excellent workability for gardeners while providing better nutrient retention than sandy coastal soils.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 5.64%, the organic matter in Winchester is nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. This richness, combined with an available water capacity of 0.161 in/in, creates a highly fertile environment for plant growth.

Reliable Moisture Management

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the high water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture effectively. This trait is beneficial for maintaining lush green spaces in an urban setting during dry spells.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

Winchester's climate and rich soil are ideal for growing apples, pears, and hardy perennials. Gardeners should take advantage of the superior organic content to start a productive backyard vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winchester city

via LawnByCounty

Winchester Offers Favorable Growing Conditions

Winchester scores a 65.2 on the lawn difficulty index, indicating much easier maintenance than the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the city offers a stable and productive environment for a variety of popular grass types.

Ideal Rainfall and Long Growing Seasons

With 40.7 inches of annual precipitation, the city sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf growth. The 3,590 growing degree days support a robust season, though 23 annual heat days require careful monitoring for wilt.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

Local soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.81, falling just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass species. The mix of 21.5% clay and 26.6% sand provides a solid foundation but typically requires lime applications to neutralize acidity.

Protecting Lawns Against Extended Drought

Drought resilience is critical here, as the city faced 37 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Current data shows 100% of the area is abnormally dry, making mulching and water conservation a top priority for local gardeners.

Planting Your Winchester Lawn this Season

Zone 7a is perfect for cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on April 11 or before the first frost on October 29 for the highest success rate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winchester city's county score?
Winchester city, Virginia has a composite county score of 36.2 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 Winchester city rank among counties in Virginia?
Winchester city ranks #122 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 Winchester city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Winchester city is $2,505, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Winchester city a tax score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winchester city?
The median household income in Winchester city, Virginia is $64,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winchester city earns an income score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winchester city, Virginia a good place to live?
Winchester city scores 36.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #122 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Winchester 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 Winchester city with other counties side by side.

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