Stonewall
RANK #595 / 996 NAT · #15 / 37 VA · POP 92,007
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
Frederick County, Virginia, is known for its historical significance, particularly its role in the Civil War, with Winchester, the county seat, changing hands numerous times. Located in the northernmost part of the Shenandoah Valley, about 80 miles from Washington, D.C., the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and convenient access to a major metropolitan area. The landscape features scenic mountains and opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and fishing, notably at Sherando Park in Stephens City. Commuting options include access to Interstates 81 and 66, and ride-sharing services are available for those traveling towards the Washington D.C. area.
Life in Frederick County often appeals to families, with public schools generally performing above average. The community has seen an influx of new residents, contributing to its growth. The local economy is diverse, with growth in sectors such as manufacturing, corporate services, and information technology. Major employers contribute to a dynamic environment for career development, and the area is recognized for its business landscape.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Center Overlay Zone Development (Estimated)
Various (within CDI-OZ)
|
$500M | Planned/Proposed |
|
Clasen Quality Chocolate Production Facility
Clasen Quality Chocolate
|
$230M | Under Construction |
|
Bartonsville Energy Facility
Bartonsville Energy Facility, LLC (Torch Clean Energy)
|
$130M | Operating |
|
Amazon E-commerce Warehouse and Distribution Center
Amazon
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Foxglove Solar Facility
Foxglove Solar LLC (Urban Grid)
|
$75M | Operating |
|
ZM Sheet Metal Relocation and Expansion
ZM Sheet Metal
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Frederick County scores 40/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#595). Median household income is $92,443 and job growth is running at +2.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Frederick County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $333,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,347/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Frederick County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.9% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.3% clip. Home values shifted +0.8% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.58% of Frederick County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.