Northumberland County
VA · Pop. 12,085 · Suburban County
Northumberland County is a suburban county in Virginia, spanning 191 square miles with 12,085 residents at a density of 63.3 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $333,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.48%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 207-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.4°F and average winter lows of 29.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 44 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital is 10.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 80.8% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 207-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.48% holds annual carrying costs down.
- 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.
- The nearest hospital, Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital, is 10.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Northumberland County, VA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $333k
- Property tax
- 0.48%
- Growing season
- 207 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 44"
- Broadband
- 80.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital, 10.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Northumberland County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Northumberland County?
- Northumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 207-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.4°F, and average winter lows of 29.9°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $333,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.48%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital is 10.8 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 Northumberland 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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