Economic
Development
Just 45 minutes southwest of Washington, D.C. beauty abounds in every direction, and economic
opportunities follow suit. Boasting a top-notch quality of life, connectivity, commutability, and one of
the lowest overall costs of doing business in the D.C. metro area, Fauquier County prioritizes
enterprise goals—and the pursuit of personal happiness. Here, “either/or” isn’t
the way forward; we’re a place where businesses prosper and people thrive, because we balance work
and pleasure with ease. Locate, launch, and flourish in Fauquier because there’s room to
breathe–and room to grow.
Tucked in Virginia’s wine and horse country, in a pocket of the Blue Ridge foothills, Fauquier
County has the vistas–and the value to match.
Within this backdrop, a business setting more affordable than the D.C. metro area sounds too good to be
true, but it’s real. Our standout lifestyle, low real estate costs, and top talent are meant to be
shared. Companies bring new ideas and creative people into our fold, elevating opportunities and
communities for the better.
In Fauquier, where we live influences how we live. Our outdoor recreation, culture, and grape to glass
experiences attract people who know a good thing when they see it. Our affordable real estate,
amenities, and pro-business perspective drive population growth and an influx of industry. Companies and
professionals are evaluating the balance between work and leisure more than ever before. Our low cost of
living and doing business makes life more enjoyable. We’re onto something great–and
you’ll make it even greater.
OUR COMMUNITIES
From brick-lined Main Streets with over-the-top charm to rolling hills dotted with vineyards,
Fauquier’s lifestyle suits every pace. Boasting wineries, breweries, shopping, dining, and outdoor
adventure in ample supply, Fauquier’s tourism scene is flourishing.
Our breadth of opportunity and affordability drive population growth. Access to unique experiences away
from the hustle has yielded a 11.9% population increase since 2010.
Fauquier County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, with the County Administrator
overseeing day-to-day operations in the County. To manage growth and the deployment of essential
services, Fauquier County channels development into eight Service Districts. Distributed throughout the
County, the districts are targeted growth areas for commercial, industrial, and residential
development.
Fauquier County provides residents and businesses with room to breathe, and room to grow.
OUR PEOPLE
Fauquier County residents love where they live. Local schools, businesses, and residents shape our
culture of curiosity and discovery. Over 72,000 residents enjoy our strong economy, community amenities,
educational offerings, and open spaces. Our population is steadily growing, courtesy of an unbeatable
lifestyle and new opportunities in a variety of industries.
About 37% of residents, aged 25 or higher, hold bachelor’s degrees at a minimum, echoing
attainment levels within the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is ranked 6th among U.S. News and World
Report’s 10 Most Educated States in America. Fauquier’s median household income is
$105,665—over $35,000 higher than the national average. High disposable incomes, low taxes and
real estate costs keep commerce strong.
Our employment narrative is impressive, with an unemployment rate often lower than the state and
federal averages. From trades training to specialized certifications, our commitment to skills
development accelerates achievement and keeps our workforce competitive. In fact, approximately 85.6% of
Fauquier County residents ages 25-55 participate in the labor force, paving the way in the following
industries:
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Retail
• Construction
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Public Administration
Capabilities in these sectors complement our industries, with Fauquier County jobs increasing by 2%
since 2020.
Finding that happy work-life balance isn’t elusive; it’s attainable in Fauquier County.
EDUCATION
In Fauquier County, our approach to education takes our story full circle. Within our highly rated K-12
public schools, we deliver a curriculum that is comprehensive and focused on long-term achievement. From
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and the humanities to vocational training and a gifted
and talented curriculum, we cultivate curiosity in every discipline. We shape the pathways of over
11,000 students in 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and one 6-12
alternative school. With a high school graduation rate of 91%*, Fauquier County students aim high. For
families seeking private education, Fauquier County is home to eight independent schools. Explore our
educational aptitude here.
Our dynamic collaboration with Laurel Ridge Community College which is located in Fauquier, keeps
talent agile and skills relevant to real time demand. From trades training to specialized certificate
programs, corporate training to small business development assistance, this regional partnership
elevates our residents and businesses.
Residents and businesses have access to two other community colleges, five colleges and universities,
and training facilities such as ECPI. Fauquier County’s convenient location keeps flexible
educational offerings close at hand, including:
• George Mason University
• The George Washington University
• University of Mary Washington
• University of Virginia
OUR HISTORY
Steeped in equestrian tradition, and surrounded by wineries and vineyards, today Fauquier County is
known for being at the heart of hunt and wine country. Famous for its horse farms and beautiful rolling
land at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fauquier offers contrast as both a natural haven and
gateway to bustling Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metropolitan Area.
Dating back to the 17th century and the beginnings of our country, the area we now know as Fauquier
County was listed in 1608 as part of the Northern Neck of the Colony of Virginia by Captain John Smith,
explorer and leader of the Jamestowne Colony. Named after Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of the
Colony of Virginia from 1758 to 1768, Fauquier County was founded from a section of land previously
considered Prince William County.
The rich Civil War history in Fauquier County can be experienced through several different self-driven
tours, guided tours, museums, and historical trail markers. Although no major battles were fought in
Fauquier County, a number of skirmishes involving infantry and cavalry did occur.
After the second Battle of Manassas, which took place just 15 minutes from Fauquier by today’s
travel standards, over 1,800 wounded soldiers were brought to Warrenton to makeshift hospitals set up in
Warrenton’s businesses, churches and homes. In 1862, Union General McClellan said farewell to his
troops, as Commander of the Army of the Potomac, from the balcony of what is now the Warren Green
Building.