Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Westmoreland

Median home price over the last 12 months. Source: Zillow Research.

📋 Market Summary

🏘️ Housing Profile

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

🗺️ Nearby County Comparison

🏠 Buying a Home in Westmoreland

Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania offers one of the most affordable housing markets in the greater Pittsburgh region, with a median home price of $215,422. This price point sits well below national averages, making it an attractive destination for first-time buyers, growing families, and anyone looking to maximize their purchasing power without sacrificing quality of life. The county's median household income of $69,454 aligns reasonably well with local home prices, meaning many residents can realistically pursue homeownership without being priced out of the market. Whether you're drawn to the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands or the more suburban communities near Greensburg and Murrysville, there's a wide range of property types available at various price points. Market conditions in Westmoreland County reflect a steady and measured real estate environment. With home prices nudging upward by 0.5% compared to the previous month, the market shows signs of consistent, sustainable growth rather than the volatile swings seen in some larger metro areas. This kind of gradual appreciation is encouraging for buyers because it suggests that purchasing a home here is a sound long-term investment without the pressure of a runaway seller's market. Buyers can take a bit more time to evaluate their options and negotiate thoughtfully, making for a more balanced experience on both sides of the transaction. When buying a home in Westmoreland County, preparation is key to securing the best deal. Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you can act quickly when the right property comes along, even in a moderate market. Work with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances between communities like Ligonier, Latrobe, Jeannette, and Monessen, as prices and neighborhood characteristics can vary significantly from one area to the next. Be sure to budget for property taxes, home inspections, and closing costs, and don't overlook older homes that may need some updating — these can represent exceptional value in a market where the median price already favors buyers. What truly makes Westmoreland County an attractive place to put down roots goes well beyond the numbers. The county is rich in natural beauty, anchored by access to Laurel Ridge State Park, Ohiopyle State Park nearby, and countless recreational opportunities including hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, a mix of small-town charm and suburban convenience, and relatively easy access to Pittsburgh for employment and entertainment. The county also boasts a respected network of schools, healthcare facilities like Excela Health, and a growing local dining and arts scene centered around Greensburg. For buyers seeking a high quality of life at a manageable cost, Westmoreland County makes a compelling case.

🏢 Renting in Westmoreland

The rental market in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is notably affordable, with a median monthly rent of $822. This figure is significantly below the national median, making the county an appealing option for renters who want to live comfortably without dedicating an outsized portion of their income to housing costs. The rental landscape here includes a diverse mix of housing types, from single-family homes and duplexes in quieter townships to apartment complexes closer to Greensburg and other commercial corridors. Whether you're a young professional, a student attending Saint Vincent College or Seton Hill University, or a family in transition, the rental market in Westmoreland County provides accessible options across a range of budgets. At $822 per month, Westmoreland renters can expect to find properties that offer genuine livability. Many rentals in the area include multiple bedrooms, yard space, and off-street parking — amenities that would cost considerably more in urban markets like Pittsburgh proper. While the county's rental inventory can be more limited compared to larger cities, the trade-off is a quieter, more spacious lifestyle that appeals to those who prefer suburban or semi-rural living. Renters in communities like Irwin, North Huntingdon, or Latrobe often find themselves in well-maintained neighborhoods with relatively low crime rates and strong local schools, adding further value to what the monthly rent actually delivers. When deciding whether to rent or buy in Westmoreland County, the math increasingly favors purchasing for those with the means to do so. With a median home price of $215,422 and a homeownership rate of 77.9%, it's clear that the vast majority of residents have chosen to invest in property rather than rent long-term — and for good reason. A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home, depending on your down payment and interest rate, could land in a comparable range to current rental costs, while building equity over time. That said, renting remains a smart choice for those who are new to the area, uncertain about long-term plans, or still saving for a down payment, as the low rental costs make it entirely feasible to build savings while living comfortably.

📖 Westmoreland Real Estate Market History

Westmoreland County has a deep and storied economic history that has shaped its real estate landscape for generations. Founded in 1773 as the first county established west of the Allegheny Mountains, Westmoreland's early growth was tied to agriculture and frontier settlement. As industrialization took hold in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the county became a significant player in coal mining, glass manufacturing, and steel production. Towns like Connellsville became world-renowned for their coke production, which fueled steel mills throughout the region. These industries drew waves of immigrant workers and their families, leading to rapid residential development and the establishment of the dense, working-class neighborhoods that still characterize many of the county's boroughs today. The decline of heavy industry in the latter half of the 20th century brought significant economic challenges to Westmoreland County, as it did to much of Western Pennsylvania. Population loss, plant closures, and rising unemployment put downward pressure on property values and led to pockets of housing stock that fell into disrepair. However, the county demonstrated resilience through economic diversification. Major employers like Kennametal, a global leader in cutting tools and industrial materials headquartered in Latrobe, helped anchor the local economy. Healthcare has also emerged as a cornerstone employer through systems like Excela Health. Meanwhile, higher education institutions including Seton Hill University, Saint Vincent College, and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg have brought stability, young residents, and intellectual capital to the region. In more recent decades, Westmoreland County's real estate market has experienced a quiet but meaningful renaissance. As Pittsburgh's economy rebounded through technology, healthcare, and education — sometimes called the "eds and meds" transformation — suburban spillover began benefiting neighboring counties like Westmoreland. Buyers priced out of or uninterested in urban living discovered that Westmoreland offered excellent value, scenic surroundings, and a manageable commute to Pittsburgh. Home prices have risen steadily without the dramatic volatility seen in hotter markets, and the county's high homeownership rate of 77.9% reflects a deeply rooted culture of residential stability. Today, the market continues its measured upward trend, attracting a mix of longtime locals, returning natives, and newcomers drawn by affordability and quality of life.

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Data sourced from Zillow Research and Redfin Data Center. Updated monthly.