County Crime & Safety

Augusta County, VA, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 250 total criminal incidents, with a violent crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 8.7 per 1,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office actively promotes community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activities, resulting in high clearance rates. Recent years have seen a slight decrease in overall crime, and Augusta County remains considered a safe place to live and visit.

Education, Employment and Housing

Augusta County, VA has 18 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving about 10,400 students. Around 90% of high school students graduate on time, while approximately 22% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Schools score an average of 7/10 for academic performance according to GreatSchools. The county prioritizes safety with school resource officers in all secondary schools. Educational programs feature AP courses, CTE (Career and Technical Education), and adult education through the Augusta County Public Schools Adult Learning Center, offering GED and workforce training opportunities.

As of 2023, Augusta County, VA had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing (22%), health care & social assistance (16%), and retail trade (10%). The leading occupation types are production (14%), office & administrative support (12%), and management (10%). Around 73% of residents commute to work by car, with a median commute time of 23 minutes. Notably, about 36% work outside the county, often in Staunton and Harrisonburg.

Augusta County, VA offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and rural properties. As of early 2024, the median home value is around $305,000, up 6% year-over-year. Homeownership rate stands at approximately 75%, with median monthly rents near $1,250. Popular neighborhoods include Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, and Weyers Cave. Property tax rates are roughly $0.63 per $100 of assessed value, lower than the state average. The housing market remains moderately competitive, with listings averaging 35 days on market. Rental demand is steady, driven by proximity to Staunton and Waynesboro.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Augusta County, VA has a population of approximately 77,487. The median age is 44.5 years, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (90.1%), followed by Black or African American (4.8%), Asian (0.9%), and individuals of two or more races (3.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 2.8% of the population.

Elections

As of 2023, Augusta County, VA, had approximately 52,000 registered voters. The county conducts general, primary, and special elections, with Republican candidates historically receiving about 70% of the vote in recent general elections. There are 24 polling locations across the county. Key issues include education funding and rural infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Augusta County Electoral Board and Registrar’s Office. The county leans strongly Republican, with Democratic support mainly in urban areas like Staunton and Waynesboro. In the 2022 midterms, voter turnout was approximately 62%.