Ashland
RANK #407 / 996 NAT · #5 / 37 VA · POP 110,513
1YR FORECAST: +0.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Hanover County, Virginia, is known for its historical significance, including being the birthplace of Patrick Henry and home to Scotchtown, his preserved estate. The county seat, Hanover, features one of the nation's oldest continuously operating courthouses. Located just 12 miles north of Richmond, Hanover County offers a blend of rural scenery and suburban communities. Commute options include easy access to Interstates 95 and 64, with Richmond International Airport about 15 minutes away. The community maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with parks and rivers providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Life in Hanover County often appeals to families, with highly rated public schools that consistently outperform state averages in various subjects. The county offers diverse housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. Recent economic developments show growth across various sectors, including logistics and manufacturing, with new businesses and expansions contributing to the local economy. The county also emphasizes environmental stewardship and agricultural preservation.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Hanover Technology Park
Tract
|
$2,400M | Under Construction |
|
Mountain Road Technology Park
Tract
|
$900M | Proposed |
|
Transportation Projects (various road widenings and improvements)
Hanover County
|
$181M | Planned |
|
North Anna River Solar project
Strata Clean Energy
|
$145M | Planned |
|
Springfield Farm Solar Project
Springfield Farm Solar, LLC
|
$80M | Planned |
|
Wegmans Distribution Facility Natural Gas Station
Wegmans Food Markets
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hanover County scores 59/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#407). Median household income is $104,678 and job growth is running at +0.6%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Hanover County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $347,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,392/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Hanover County's population is growing — up +1.2% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.6%). Home values shifted +2.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.74% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Hanover County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.