Cost of Living in Westmoreland County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Westmoreland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Westmoreland County ranks #1,054 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Westmoreland County, Virginia
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Westmoreland County
Affordability Verdict
Westmoreland County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $991/month representing approximately 19.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Westmoreland County pay $991/month on average, compared to $1,087/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,586/year. With a median household income of $59,766, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Westmoreland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Westmoreland County sits 5% less expensive than Lynchburg city ($1,043/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Westmoreland County
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,395
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Westmoreland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $244,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,948 vs. your max of $1,395.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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