Using molecular dynamics simulations on inhomogeneous fluids, we have studied the effects of strong density inhomogeneities of varying wavelengths on the shear viscosity computed locally. For dense fluids, the local average density model combined with an adequate weight function yields a good description of the viscosity profiles obtained by simulations. However, for low density inhomogeneous fluids, the local average density model is unable to describe correctly the viscosity profiles obtained by simulations. It is shown that this weakness can be overcome by taking into account the density inhomogeneity in the local translational contribution to the viscosity using a density gradient like approach.