Buckingham County
VA · Pop. 16,914 · Suburban County
Buckingham County sits in Virginia across 580 square miles, home to 16,914 people at 29.2 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. A median home price of $168,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.52% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F and average winter lows of 26.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Centra Southside Community Hospital is 20 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.2% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.52% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $168,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Centra Southside Community Hospital, is 20 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Buckingham County, VA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 64/100
- Median home price
- $168k
- Property tax
- 0.52%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.7"
- Broadband
- 84.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Centra Southside Community Hospital, 20 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Buckingham County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Buckingham County?
- Buckingham County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.7°F, and average winter lows of 26.6°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $168,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.52%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Centra Southside Community Hospital is 20 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.