York County
VA · Pop. 70,590 · Urban County
York County is an urban county in Virginia, spanning 105 square miles with 70,590 residents at a density of 672.3 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on melons. The median home price is $411,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.65%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 33°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital is 8.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 237-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.65% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- A median home price of $411,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 672.3 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
York County, VA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $411k
- Property tax
- 0.65%
- Growing season
- 237 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.4"
- Broadband
- 95.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, 8.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in York County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in York County?
- York County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 33°F. The established crops are melons.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $411,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.65%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital is 8.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Virginia
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The closest counties to York 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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