Caroline County
VA · Pop. 31,541 · Suburban County
Caroline County, Virginia covers 527 square miles with a population of 31,541 and a density of 59.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $283,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F and average winter lows of 27°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is 15.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 78.6% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 187-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.6% 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 78.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, is 15.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Caroline County, VA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 51/100
- Median home price
- $283k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 187 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.3"
- Broadband
- 78.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, 15.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Caroline County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Caroline County?
- Caroline County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F, and average winter lows of 27°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $283,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 78.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is 15.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Virginia Resources
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More counties in Virginia
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The closest counties to Caroline County by distance, including across state lines.
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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