Demographics Snapshot

Caroline County is enviably located in the rapidly growing I-95 urban corridor, separating two major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs): the Baltimore-Washington MSA comprising a population in excess of 1,978,200 (Virginia portion only, 2003) and the Richmond-Petersburg MSA encompassing a population of nearly 1,064,821 (2005). Caroline County is part of the Fredericksburg Region which was the fastest growing area in the state between 2000 and 2010, in terms of population and job creation. In the midst of this rapid growth, Caroline County has retained its rural character and charm, and is often called I-95's "last rural outpost" by some of the County's real estate professionals. Indeed, development opportunities abound, particularly in the I-95/Carmel Church, I-95/Ladysmith, and the U.S. Route 301/Bowling Green areas.

As the southernmost locality in the Fredericksburg Region, Caroline County draws from both the Fredericksburg and Greater Richmond regional labor markets.

Population
According to recent population estimates the current population for the county is 28,545 (2010 census). The county's two incorporated towns of Bowling Green and Port Royal have populations of 1,111 and 166 respectively.

Caroline County

• 1990: 19,217
• 2000: 22,082
• 2010: 28,545

Caroline County is located in the Fredericksburg region. Current population estimates and projections are as follows:

Fredericksburg Region (PDC)*

• 1990: 170,410
• 2000: 216,786
• 2010: 327,773

Richmond Metro (PDC)*

• 1990: 865,640
• 2000: 996,512
• 2010: 1,258,251

Cost of Living (2010)

• Caroline's Cost of Living is 89.7 on the COL Index


• Median Home Price is $119,000 (July 2011)

Median Age (2000)

Caroline County
37.7 (PDC)*=Planning District Commission

Income

Per Capita Income (2010)

• Caroline County: $34,095

• Caroline County: $73,245

February, 2009

• Caroline County: 14,367
• Surrounding Labor Area: 261,954
• Richmond Metro: 644,260

• At-Place Employment: 3,351
• Out-Commuters: 7,001 (57.5%)
• In-Commuters: 1,830 (15%)
• Net In-Commuting: 5,171

• Caroline County employers are able to draw from both the Fredericksburg and Richmond labor pools, as well as from the rural counties to the west and east.

2007

• Caroline County: $630
• Fredericksburg Region: $770
• Richmond Metro: $817

Right-to-Work Virginia is northernmost of the 21 states with a right-to-work law.

Local Economy Historically, Caroline County's major private industries have been tied directly to natural resources. These include agriculture and forestry products and nearly 51,604 acres of farmland. Principal crops are soybeans, wheat and corn. There are over 261,700 acres of commercial forestland which predominantly include loblolly, shortleaf pine, oak, hickory and pine. Significant mineral resources include sand, gravel, clay, mica and beryl. In addition to the expansion of some resource-based industries, Caroline County is seeing a new wave of activity from a variety of businesses and industries. Typical targeted businesses/industries include:

• Distribution and Light Manufacturing
• Environmental Remediation
• Tourism
• Business Services
• Retail/Commercial

• Mary Washington University
• Randolph-Macon College
• University of Richmond
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Union University

Residents and employers alike have the opportunity to be served by any of three community colleges which are in close proximity of the County. These include:

• Germanna Community College
• J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College
• Rappahannock Community College

In addition to their programs leading to certificates or degrees, these colleges conduct state sponsored industrial training as well as specialized training programs to meet employers' needs.

Other higher education facilties are within a short drive along the I-95 and I-64 corridors, and include (among others):

• Medical College of Virginia
• University of Virginia
• William and Mary