Prince Edward County
VA · Pop. 21,932 · Suburban County
Prince Edward County, Virginia covers 350 square miles with a population of 21,932 and a density of 62.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. A median home price of $204,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.4% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.6°F and average winter lows of 25.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Centra Southside Community Hospital is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.6% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.4% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Centra Southside Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 21.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Prince Edward County, VA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 73/100
- Median home price
- $204k
- Property tax
- 0.4%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.8"
- Broadband
- 82.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Centra Southside Community Hospital, 5.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Prince Edward County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Prince Edward County?
- Prince Edward County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $204,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.4%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Centra Southside Community Hospital is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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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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