Amelia County
VA · Pop. 13,342 · Suburban County
Amelia County is a suburban county in Virginia, spanning 355 square miles with 13,342 residents at a density of 37.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $240,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.43% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 198-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.2°F and average winter lows of 28.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital is 19.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 37.6% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 198-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.43% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Broadband reaches only 37.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, is 19.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Amelia County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Amelia County?
- Amelia County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 198-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.2°F, and average winter lows of 28.1°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $240,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.43%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 37.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital is 19.7 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Virginia Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.
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