Sussex County
VA · Pop. 10,793 · Rural County
Sussex County, Virginia covers 490 square miles with a population of 10,793 and a density of 22 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, cotton, wheat. A median home price of $179,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.54% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.1°F and average winter lows of 29°F. Annual rainfall averages 47 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Bon Secours Southside Medical Center is 18.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 203-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $179,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 22 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, is 18.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Sussex County, VA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $179k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 203 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 47"
- Broadband
- 95.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, 18.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Sussex County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Sussex County?
- Sussex County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.1°F, and average winter lows of 29°F. The established crops are soybeans, cotton, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $179,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bon Secours Southside Medical Center is 18.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Sussex 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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