Charles City County
VA · Pop. 6,686 · Suburban County
Charles City County, Virginia covers 183 square miles with a population of 6,686 and a density of 36.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $224,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.6%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 223-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.7°F and average winter lows of 33.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. John Randolph Medical Center is 13.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 71.1% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 223-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.6% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.4% 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 71.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, John Randolph Medical Center, is 13.5 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
Charles City County, VA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 59/100
- Median home price
- $224k
- Property tax
- 0.6%
- Growing season
- 223 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.3"
- Broadband
- 71.1%
- Nearest hospital
- John Randolph Medical Center, 13.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Charles City County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Charles City County?
- Charles City County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 223-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.7°F, and average winter lows of 33.8°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $224,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.6%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 71.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- John Randolph Medical Center is 13.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Virginia Resources
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More counties in Virginia
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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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