Fauquier County
VA · Pop. 73,935 · Mixed County
Fauquier County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Virginia, spanning 648 square miles with 73,935 residents at a density of 114.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. The median home price is $544,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.77%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F and average winter lows of 25.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Fauquier Hospital - Hospital In Northern Virginia is 2.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 202-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.77% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Fauquier Hospital - Hospital In Northern Virginia, with an emergency room, is just 2.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 6.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A median home price of $544,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- Broadband reaches only 76.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Fauquier County, VA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 46/100
- Median home price
- $544k
- Property tax
- 0.77%
- Growing season
- 202 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.5"
- Broadband
- 76.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Fauquier Hospital - Hospital In Northern Virginia, 2.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Fauquier County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Fauquier County?
- Fauquier County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F, and average winter lows of 25.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $544,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.77%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Fauquier Hospital - Hospital In Northern Virginia is 2.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Virginia Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Virginia
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The closest counties to Fauquier 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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