Amherst County, Virginia
7 ZIP codes · Avg score 63/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Amherst County, the 7 tracked ZIP codes show adequate but uneven water quality.
How Amherst County Compares
How Amherst County Compares
Amherst County scores 3 points below the Virginia state average (66/100) and 5 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Amherst County, Virginia
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15 (asthma 11.2%, diabetes 15.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $964, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.372% avg pipe failure probability, 50% of ZIPs at high risk
64.2% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $964
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
14,835 housing units in Amherst County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Amherst County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Amherst County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Amherst County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 3 systems in Amherst County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amherst Company Service Authority (acsa) | 14,799 | 10 |
| 2 | Orchard Hills Estates | 70 | 7 |
| 3 | AMHERST, TOWN OF | 2,231 | 3 |
All ZIP Codes in Amherst County
7 ZIP codes tracked in Amherst County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24572 | Madison Heights | 79 | B | 7 (1 health) | $187K |
| 2 | 24521 | Amherst | 77 | B | 3 | $234K |
| 3 | 24553 | Gladstone | 63 | C | 0 | $164K |
| 4 | 24574 | Monroe | 63 | C | 0 | $219K |
| 5 | 22964 | Piney River | 53 | D | 0 | $401K |
| 6 | 24533 | Clifford | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 24595 | Sweet Briar | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Amherst County
Strictly editorial — no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 64.2% of homes built before 1978
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Amherst County, Virginia
Overview
Amherst County in Virginia covers 7 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (63/100).
2 of 7 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.
← Back to Virginia water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.