Southampton County

As of the 2020 census, Southampton County, VA, has a population of approximately 17,996 people. The racial makeup includes about 60.9% White, 37.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is around $50,249. The population density is roughly 37.5 people per square mile. The county covers an area of about 600 square miles.

As of the latest available data, the median home value in Southampton County, VA is approximately $183,000. The median rent is about $850 per month. The homeownership rate stands around 71.4%. Housing in the county varies widely, with properties ranging from rural farmhouses to suburban developments. The market has experienced modest appreciation rates, reflecting the rural character and slower-paced growth compared to urban areas. Housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with fewer multi-family units. Data might vary, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to local real estate listings and the U.S. Census Bureau.

As of the 2023 elections in Southampton County, VA, the key positions up for election include Board of Supervisors, School Board members, and Constitutional Officers such as Sheriff and Commissioner of the Revenue. Specific candidates and numerical data for these races change with each election cycle, often featuring both incumbents and new challengers.

For the Board of Supervisors, the candidates typically compete for seats in districts like Berlin-Ivor, Boykins-Branchville, Capron, Drewrvyille, Franklin, Jerusalem, and Newsoms. Electoral results for these can range from a few hundred to over a thousand votes per district. For instance, in previous elections, winners have been decided by margins as narrow as 50 votes.

Detailed and updated information on current candidates and election results can be found on the Southampton County official website or through the Virginia Department of Elections.

As of the most recent data, Southampton County, VA has lower educational attainment levels compared to national and state averages. About 80% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, and approximately 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This compares to national averages of around 87% for high school completion and about 32% for bachelor's degree attainment. Within Virginia, about 90% of adults have a high school diploma, and nearly 38% have a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures indicate that Southampton County lags behind both the state and national levels in terms of educational attainment.

Southampton County, VA, has notable employment data, albeit smaller than urban areas. As of the latest available data, the county's unemployment rate hovers around 4.1%, slightly above the national average of approximately 3.7% but close to Virginia's state average of 3.6%.

Top industries in Southampton County include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: This sector employs a significant portion of the workforce due to the county's rural nature.
2. Manufacturing: Including wood products and food processing, reflecting the area's rich natural resources.
3. Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance: Essential services form a considerable part of the local economy.
4. Retail Trade: Retail businesses provide key employment opportunities.

Comparatively, the agricultural and manufacturing sectors in Southampton hold greater employment percentages than both state and national levels, where services and technology sectors tend to dominate.

In Southampton County, VA, the average household income is approximately $56,000 per year. This is below the national average of around $68,700 and the Virginia state average of about $76,500.

Here is a comparison table:

This data shows that Southampton County's average income is significantly lower than both the national and state averages, reflecting potential economic disparities that might affect household financial stability and access to resources.

As of the latest available data, Southampton County, VA maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The area records a crime rate of approximately 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. Violent crime rates are notably lower than property crime rates in the county. Below is a summary of crime statistics:

These figures suggest that while crime is present, Southampton County remains a relatively safe area in comparison to broader state and national levels.