Elections

Rockingham County, VA, had 60,255 registered voters for the November 2023 election. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including Board of Supervisors and School Board races. In 2020, 72.5% backed the Republican presidential candidate. There are 28 polling locations, plus early voting sites. Key issues include education funding, agriculture, and development. The Office of Elections administers voting, led by the Director of Elections. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans dominating local offices.

County Crime & Safety

Rockingham County, VA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. As of 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.6 per 1,000 residents and property crime was 10.2 per 1,000, both below Virginia's averages. The county reported 7 violent crimes and 46 property crimes per 10,000 people. Annual crime data is provided by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, with regular public reports. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and proactive policing, contributing to the county’s reputation for safety.

Demographics

As of 2022, Rockingham County, VA, has a population of approximately 84,400. The median age is 41.7 years, with about 50.1% female and 49.9% male residents. Racially, the county is 90% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.3% Native American, while 4.7% are of Hispanic or Latino origin. The population skews slightly older than the state average, reflecting a substantial proportion of middle-aged and senior residents.

Education, Employment and Housing

Rockingham County, VA, is served by Rockingham County Public Schools, with 4 public high schools and over 20 elementary and middle schools. The high school graduation rate is around 92%, and approximately 26% of adults aged 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with all schools having safety protocols and resource officers. Average SAT scores hover around 1050. Adult education programs are offered through Massanutten Technical Center. The county provides advanced placement, dual-enrollment, and career-technical programs, supporting a well-rounded educational experience.

Rockingham County, VA, has an employment rate of approximately 62%. The leading industries are manufacturing (19%), health care and social assistance (15%), and education services (11%). Common occupations include production (13%), office and administrative support (11%), and management (10%). Most residents (81%) commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes. About 70% work within the county, while the remainder commute primarily to Harrisonburg and neighboring counties. (Data from U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates.)

Rockingham County, VA, boasts a homeownership rate of around 72%, with a median home value of approximately $270,000 in 2023—a 6% annual increase. Median monthly rent stands near $1,200. Housing includes single-family homes, townhouses, and rural properties, with neighborhoods such as Bridgewater, Dayton, and Elkton being popular. Property taxes average 0.61% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Growth in both new developments and historic homes reflects steady population increases and diverse housing options across suburban and rural settings.