Back to Top

ECONOMICS

The economy of Albemarle County is vital and growing. The predominant economic sectors are services, manufacturing, education, retail, travel, trade and agriculture. The County of Albemarle's labor force is roughly 37,787 and its unemployment rate of 2.6% is consistently lower than the state and national averages.

For a list of major employers and other area business information and statistics, please click here for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Albemarle County Profile.

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view this file.  Get Acrobat Reader Here.

Back to Top

COUNTY FACTS

Click here for more Demographic Information from our Community Development Department

Location

Albemarle is located in Central Virginia. The heart of Albemarle County is approximately 110 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.; 70 miles west of Richmond; 115 miles northeast of Roanoke. Greene, Orange, Nelson, Fluvanna, Augusta, Buckingham, Rockingham, and Louisa Counties border Albemarle.

Brief History

Albemarle County was formed in 1744 by an act of the General Assembly. Its original land area included today's counties of Amherst, Buckingham, Fluvanna, and Nelson, much of Appomattox and part of Campbell. Albemarle County assumed its present boundaries in 1777. It was named in honor of William Ann Keppel, second Earl of Albemarle, who was then governor of the colony. The first county seat was located in Scottsville. In 1761, however, county government was moved to Charlottesville, which was established as a town in 1762 and established as a city on 1888.

Climate

We enjoy mild winters and mild but humid summers here in Albemarle. The mean annual average temperature is 57 degrees. June through August, the average temperature is 75 degrees, and December through February, the average is 37 degrees.

Population

At the time of the 2000 census, the population of Albemarle County was approximately 84,186. It is estimated that the County's July 1, 2005 population is 90,400 and by 2010, the population will be 97,200.

Tax rates

County revenues from local sources are derived primarily from taxes on real estate, personal property, sales and use, utility, and business licenses. The personal property tax, which is levied on items such as boats, trailers, and cars, is $4.28 per $100 of assessed value. The real estate tax is $.742 per $100 of assessed value for the 2009 calendar year. These payments are made in two installments, June 5 and December 5. The sales tax in Albemarle County is 4.5% (1% to Albemarle and 3.5% to the State) and is collected at the point of sale. In January 1998, Albemarle County implemented a 4.0% Meals Tax that is collected at restaurants and at stores that sell already prepared foods such as boxed lunches.

Back to Top

RECREATION

The park facilities in Albemarle County are categorized as Community, District and County Parks and are maintained by the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Department. Community Parks are generally located at elementary schools and district parks at middle and high schools. Facilities provided at Community and District Parks are generally for active recreational pursuits such as tennis, baseball, soccer, basketball, and playgrounds. County Parks are larger park areas that encourage more passive leisure pursuits such as picnicking, fishing, and trail hiking. In all, seven county parks offer a total of 2000 acres for residents to enjoy. Facilities at County Parks include swimming beaches, picnic shelters, nature trails, bike trails, canoe rentals, boat launches, and fishing piers.

For more information about Albemarle's parks, call Parks and Recreation at (434)296-5844.

Back to Top

MAJOR HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Ash-Lawn Highland

Home of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States and author of the Monroe Doctrine, is located two miles beyond Monticello. Special events include operas, musical theater, concerts, Christmas festivities, a wine festival, and Plantation Days. Call (434)293-9539 for information.

Court Square Area

The Albemarle County Court House, built in 1803 and still in use today.

Michie Tavern

Located on State Highway 53 between Charlottesville and Monticello, Michie Tavern has been restored and authentically furnished as a Museum of Historical Tavern Americana. Call (434)984-9800 for information.

Monticello

The Little Mountain home of Thomas Jefferson has been completely restored and authentically furnished by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation. Call (434)984-9800 for information.

Montpelier

Montpelier was the lifelong home of President James Madison and is a museum property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Guided tours, preservation work, interpretative programs, and archaeological experiences are offered. Montpelier is open daily March-December, and on weekends in January and February.

Back to Top