Frederick County
VA · Pop. 93,355 · Mixed County
Frederick County, Virginia covers 413 square miles with a population of 93,355 and a density of 226 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $355,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.51%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 196-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 25.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 38.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Valley Health Winchester Medical Center is 3.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 84% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 196-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.51% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A median home price of $355,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Valley Health Winchester Medical Center, is 3.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 226 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Frederick County, VA is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 36/100
- Median home price
- $355k
- Property tax
- 0.51%
- Growing season
- 196 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 38.3"
- Broadband
- 84%
- Nearest hospital
- Valley Health Winchester Medical Center, 3.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Frederick County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Frederick County?
- Frederick County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 196-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.2°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $355,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.51%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Valley Health Winchester Medical Center is 3.8 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Virginia Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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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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