Highland County
VA · Pop. 2,265 · Rural County
Highland County is a rural county in Virginia, spanning 415 square miles with 2,265 residents at a density of 5.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $196,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F and average winter lows of 19.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Bath County Community Hospital is 29.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.4% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $196,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 5.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 10.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 145-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Bath County Community Hospital, is 29.6 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
Highland County, VA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $196k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 145 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.7"
- Broadband
- 84.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Bath County Community Hospital, 29.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Highland County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Highland County?
- Highland County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F, and average winter lows of 19.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $196,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bath County Community Hospital is 29.6 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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The closest counties to Highland 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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