Botetourt County
VA · Pop. 33,875 · Suburban County
Botetourt County sits in Virginia across 541 square miles, home to 33,875 people at 62.6 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $269,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.65%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 26.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Lewisgale Hospital - Alleghany is 16.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 190-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.65% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 41.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 6.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- The nearest hospital, Lewisgale Hospital - Alleghany, is 16.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Botetourt County, VA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 66/100
- Median home price
- $269k
- Property tax
- 0.65%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.2"
- Broadband
- 89.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Lewisgale Hospital - Alleghany, 16.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Botetourt County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Botetourt County?
- Botetourt County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 26.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $269,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.65%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Lewisgale Hospital - Alleghany is 16.3 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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