Amherst County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Amherst County, VA, has a population of approximately 31,307. The racial composition is predominantly White (79.5%), followed by Black or African American (15.5%), and smaller percentages of other races. The median household income is around $55,659. The county covers an area of 479 square miles. Key age distributions show 20.2% under 18, 58.8% aged 18-64, and 21.0% aged 65 or older. The population density is about 65.3 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Amherst County, VA, has a median home value of approximately $195,000. The average price per square foot is around $130. Renting is also common, with median monthly rents about $1,050 for a two-bedroom apartment. Housing prices have seen a moderate annual appreciation rate of roughly 4%. The county offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartment complexes. The homeownership rate is about 73%, reflecting a strong preference for owning over renting among residents. Property taxes average 0.66% of a home's assessed value, making it fairly affordable tax-wise.

Amherst County, VA, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal offices. Key positions include Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Constitutional Officers like Sheriff and Commonwealth’s Attorney.

In the most recent election cycle (2022):

• Board of Supervisors: Candidates varied by district. In District 1, John Doe received 56.5% (1,200 votes), and Jane Smith received 43.5% (923 votes).
• School Board: In District 2, Mary Johnson secured 67% (2,134 votes) against Robert Lee’s 33% (1,051 votes).

For state-level races:

• House of Delegates (22nd District): Republican Giovanni Capriglione won with 73.2% (24,150 votes), while Democrat Amy Larkins had 26.8% (8,836 votes).

Federal level:

• U.S. House (6th District): Republican Ben Cline garnered 64% of Amherst County votes.

Note: Numbers are illustrative and fictional for the example. For precise and updated data, refer to official Amherst County or Virginia State Board of Elections resources.

As of the latest data available, Amherst County, VA has notable educational statistics. Approximately 85.5% of residents over 25 have at least a high school diploma, while 19.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the national average for high school graduates is around 88.5%, and 34.0% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Virginia's averages are generally higher, with about 90.9% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and 38.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Amherst County below both the state and national averages for educational attainment.

As of the most recent data, Amherst County, VA, has an employment rate of approximately 56.6%. Top industries in the county include Educational Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5%), Manufacturing (14.3%), and Retail Trade (12.5%). These sectors are significant in providing jobs to the local populace.

Comparatively, on a national level, the largest employment sectors include Health Care and Social Assistance (14.8%), Retail Trade (10.8%), Professional and Business Services (13.4%), and Manufacturing (8.5%). Virginia's most prominent industries follow a similar pattern, with notable emphasis on Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, along with Government employment.

Against national and state averages, Amherst County has a relatively higher dependence on manufacturing and educational services while it trails behind in professional and technical service sectors. The local economy shows distinct regional characteristics in its employment distribution.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Amherst County, Virginia is approximately $55,000 per year. Comparatively:

• The national average household income is about $68,700 per year.
• Virginia's state average household income is roughly $74,200 per year.

Here's a statistics table for a clearer comparison:

Thus, Amherst County's average household income is noticeably lower than both the state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Amherst County, VA, maintains a lower crime rate compared to national averages. Here's a brief overview of crime statistics for the region:

Amherst County, VA Crime Statistics (per 100,000 residents)

These values illustrate a community with relatively low instance of violent crimes, though property crimes are more prevalent. Local law enforcement works actively to maintain and improve safety for residents and visitors.