Demographics

As of 2023, Buckingham County, VA has a population of approximately 16,300. The median age is 43, with 16% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is about 54% male and 46% female. Racially, the county is 63% White, 31% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% two or more races, and less than 1% Asian or other.

Elections

Buckingham County, VA, has about 10,000 registered voters as of 2023. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, with roughly 60% turnout in presidential elections. The Registrar’s office manages voter registration, polling locations (like the Community Center and fire stations), and election logistics. In recent elections, Republican candidates have won most races by margins of 10-20%. Election issues include rural broadband, education, and infrastructure. The county has an active Democratic and Republican presence. All polling sites are ADA-compliant, and results are certified by a three-member electoral board within one week of Election Day.

Education, Employment and Housing

Buckingham County, VA, serves around 2,000 students across 4 public schools, including Buckingham County High School. Approximately 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The county’s public schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 3/10. Safety measures include counseling and resource officers. Programs such as dual enrollment and career technical education are offered. The high school graduation rate is about 90%. Adult education and GED prep are available through regional partnerships, supporting lifelong learning in the community.

Buckingham County, VA, has an employment rate of approximately 54.6% (2022, ACS). Major industries include education, health care, and social assistance (27.1%), retail trade (12.2%), and manufacturing (11.5%). Top occupations are management (14.2%), production (13.5%), and office/administrative (12.9%). About 76.2% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 34.7 minutes; around 55% work outside the county, mainly in neighboring areas like Charlottesville and Richmond.

Buckingham County, VA, features a homeownership rate around 77%, with median home values approximately $186,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $800–$1,000 per month. The housing market remains largely stable, with prices rising about 6% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family houses, alongside some mobile homes and rural properties. Popular neighborhoods include Dillwyn and Arvonia. Property taxes are low, at $0.55 per $100 assessed value, making housing relatively affordable compared to state averages.

County Crime & Safety

Buckingham County, VA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, violent crimes were reported at a rate of approximately 1.8 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes stood at about 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement agencies emphasize community policing and encourage timely crime reporting. According to the Virginia State Police Crime Report, total reported offenses decreased by nearly 5% from the previous year, reflecting ongoing efforts in public safety and community engagement across the county.