County Info
Location
Lancaster County lies in Virginia's coastal plain and is bounded on the east by the Chesapeake Bay and to the south and west by the Rappahannock River. Both water bodies are major contributors to the county's 180 miles of shoreline. The terrain is generally flat with the highest elevations around 100 feet above sea level.
About 65 miles from Richmond
About 150 miles from Washington DC
Climate
Our pleasant, four-season climate makes Lancaster County a great place to live or visit year-round. We have mild winters, so it rarely snows. Average high temperatures above 60 degrees six months out of the year means barefoot springs and summers.
Hospital & Health
Lancaster County is home to the region's primary health care facility, Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital. RGH offers emergency care, as well as many various medical inpatient and outpatient specialties in a state-of-the-art facility.
Ample home health, assisted living retirement communities, and nursing home options ensure lifetime care. We are also fortunate to have several well-equipped exercise facilities in our county.
Government
Lancaster County is governed by a County Administrator and five-member Board of Supervisors. Lancaster is the county seat. There are three incorporated towns—Kilmarnock, White Stone and Irvington—each with its own mayor and town council. You'll find easy access to elected officials and staff who are eager to help you at all government offices. lancova.com
Taxes
Lancaster County taxes are among the lowest in Virginia.
Our real estate tax rate is $.63 per $100 of assessed value.
The personal property tax rate is $2.04 per $100 of assessed value.
General Sales tax is 5.3%
Boats or Watercraft:0.000000000000001 per $100 assessed value.
Machinery & Tools: $1.52 per $100 of assessed value
Merchants Capital: $1.00 per $100 of assessed value.
All Other Personal Property: $1.52 per $100 of assessed value.
Real Estate
Relationship to the water is what defines property in Lancaster County. Inland, water access and waterfront are just some of the options. And waterfront comes in lots of flavors. Deep water. Sand beach. Spectacular view. Wildlife sanctuary. The more you put into the package, the higher the cost. But comparable properties in other eastern coastal enclaves go for a whole lot more.
Utilities
A variety of suppliers offer electric power, fuel (oil and liquid propane), television/streaming, and Internet services in the county. The Town of Kilmarnock provides water and sewer service to its residents. Elsewhere, on-site septic systems and wells treat wastewater and supply water.
Employment
From 2020 to 2021, employment in Lancaster County, VA grew at a rate of 0.127%, from 3.94k employees to 3.95k employees.
The most common job groups, by number of people living in Lancaster County:
Sales & Sales-Related: 379 people
Healthcare Treatment & Support: 375 people
Office & Administrative Support: 376 people
Management Roles: 313 people
Business & Financial: 309
Education & Instruction: 212
About The Chamber
Small town living and working…. at its best! As the advocate for the local business community, the Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce strives each day to fulfill our mission to “support and promote economic activities which will enhance and strengthen the local businesses we serve."
