Elections

Frederick County, VA, had 61,542 registered voters as of 2023. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, with recent turnout reaching 57% in the 2022 midterms. The county leans Republican; in 2020, 68% voted for the GOP presidential candidate. There are 17 polling locations, managed by the Frederick County Office of Elections. Common issues include growth management and education. Administration ensures compliance with state law, enabling registration online or in person. The two main parties, Democrats and Republicans, both actively campaign, with voter registration deadlines typically 21 days before elections.

County Crime & Safety

Frederick County, VA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 950 total crimes, including 120 violent crimes and 830 property crimes, reflecting a crime rate of about 16.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office uses modern reporting systems like the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to ensure transparency. Ongoing community policing and public awareness initiatives contribute to Frederick County’s reputation as a safe place to live, with crime rates consistently decreasing over the past five years.

Demographics

As of 2023, Frederick County, VA has a population of approximately 96,000. The median age is about 41 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county is 84% White, 6% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino. Population growth has been steady, and about 22% of residents are under 18, while 18% are over 65.

Education, Employment and Housing

Frederick County, VA, operates 18 public schools, including three high schools, with a total enrollment of about 13,500 students. The county’s graduation rate is 92%, and 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average SAT score for county students is approximately 1060. Frederick County Public Schools prioritize safety, with all schools having secure entry systems and resource officers. Educational programs include dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement, and career/technical education tracks. Adult education opportunities are available through regional partnerships, focusing on GED preparation and workforce skills.

Frederick County, VA, boasts an unemployment rate of 2.8% (April 2024). Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (13.9%), retail trade (13.7%), and manufacturing (12.4%). The largest occupational groups are office/administrative support (13.6%), management (10.9%), and sales (10.8%). Over 53% of residents commute outside the county for work, with a mean travel time of 29 minutes. Key employment locations include Winchester, the county seat, and Northern Virginia regions. The county’s workforce is roughly 47,300 strong, reflecting its growing economy in the Shenandoah Valley.

Frederick County, VA boasts a homeownership rate around 76%, with a median home value of $350,000—a 5% increase from last year. Median rent is approximately $1,400 per month. The area offers diverse housing types, from historic homes in Winchester to new developments in Stephenson and suburban neighborhoods like Redbud Run. Property tax rates are about $0.61 per $100 assessed value. Rental options are primarily single-family homes and townhouses, with multi-family units less common. The stable local economy and attractive neighborhoods continue to drive demand and upward trends in property values.