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Dickenson County

VA · Pop. 13,920 · Suburban County

93/100Homestead Score

Dickenson County, Virginia covers 330 square miles with a population of 13,920 and a density of 42.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $101,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.5% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F and average winter lows of 22.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 45 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Dickenson Community Hospital is 5.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.1% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.5%
Growing Season: 162 days
Broadband: 86.1%
Density: 42.2/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.5% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $101,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Dickenson Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • Annual rainfall of 45 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • A 162-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • A poverty rate of 20.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.5%
Median Household Income$43,831
Poverty Rate20.2%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$101K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season162 days
Annual Rainfall45 inches
Avg Summer High80.7°F
Avg Winter Low22.3°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire9/10
Tornado1/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalDickenson Community Hospital (5.7 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage86.1%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.8%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Dickenson County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Dickenson County?
Dickenson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F, and average winter lows of 22.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $101,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.5%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 86.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Dickenson Community Hospital is 5.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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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.