Prince Edward County, Virginia
Prince Edward County
Forward, Together
Quick Facts about Prince Edward County, VA
Key Industries
Education, Healthcare, Retail, Tourism, Public Sector
Location
Along U.S. Routes 15 and 460, centered in Farmville with access to Richmond, Lynchburg, and Central Virginia
Major Employers
Higher Education Institutions, Healthcare Providers, Public Schools, Local Government
Airport Access
Richmond International Airport (~80 miles) and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (~80 miles)
Community Overview
Established in 1754, Prince Edward County is named for Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany. The county holds a significant place in African-American civil rights history as the site of Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, one of the cases that became part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that advanced the civil rights movement in education. Today Prince Edward County is known as a center for education and community leadership where history, innovation, and opportunity intersect.
Business & Industry
Prince Edward County’s economy is supported by education, healthcare, retail, and tourism with institutions such as Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, Centra Southside Community Hospital playing a central role in workforce development, regional economic activity, and access to essential services. The presence of these sectors, combined with a vibrant downtown in Farmville and growing rural tourism economy, supports continued economic development in Southern Virginia.
Location & Quality of Life
Prince Edward County offers a dynamic quality of life centered around education, culture, and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy destinations such as the Robert Russa Moton Museum, a nationally recognized civil rights landmark; the Longwood Center for Visual Arts; and High Bridge Trail State Park, featuring one of the longest recreational bridges in Virginia. The county’s mix of college-town energy, arts and culture, and access to natural amenities creates a unique and connected community experience.
Why Prince Edward County?
- Regional center for higher education, anchored by Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College.
- Historic leadership in civil rights and education with nationally recognized landmarks.
- Vibrant downtown Farmville, offering retail, dining, and cultural experiences.
- Strong workforce pipeline supported by higher education and regional partnerships.