Scottsville VA Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Scottsville is a small town situated along the James River in southern Albemarle County, Virginia (Albemarle County), approximately 20 miles south of Charlottesville at the intersection of Routes 6 and 20. With a town population of roughly 600 residents and a broader zip code area encompassing approximately 4,500 people, Scottsville occupies a distinctive niche as a historic river town that blends rural charm with increasing appeal to Charlottesville commuters, remote workers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates, the Scottsville area's median household income stands at approximately $68,500, with a homeownership rate of 72%.
Key Takeaways
Scottsville's median home price of $325,000 represents a 33% discount versus the Albemarle County median of $485,000, creating significant entry-point value for buyers
Population growth of 8.2% over the past decade according to Census data reflects steady in-migration from Charlottesville and Northern Virginia
The 72% homeownership rate exceeds the Virginia state average of 66%, indicating a stable, ownership-oriented community
Annual transaction volume of 55-70 closed sales makes Scottsville a focused micro-market ideal for relationship-based farming
James River access and proximity to the Blue Ridge support a growing recreational buyer segment that agents can target through automated lifestyle marketing
Population and Demographic Profile
What does Scottsville's population look like compared to other Charlottesville-area communities? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, Scottsville's broader zip code area (24590) has experienced measured growth driven by affordability advantages and lifestyle appeal. The demographic profile reveals a community transitioning from its agricultural roots toward a more diverse economic base.
| Demographic Metric | Scottsville (24590) | Albemarle County | Charlottesville | Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,500 | 115,000 | 48,000 | 8,740,000 |
| Median Age | 44.2 | 38.5 | 31.2 | 38.4 |
| Median Household Income | $68,500 | $92,400 | $62,800 | $82,600 |
| Homeownership Rate | 72% | 68% | 48% | 66% |
| College Degree or Higher | 38% | 62% | 58% | 40% |
| Median Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min | 18 min | 28 min |
| Population Growth (10-yr) | +8.2% | +12.5% | +5.8% | +8.9% |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% | 7.2% | 22.5% | 9.6% |
According to the Census Bureau, Scottsville's median age of 44.2 years sits notably above the Albemarle County average, reflecting the community's appeal to established families, empty-nesters, and retirees who prioritize space and natural surroundings over urban proximity. The 38% college-degree rate, while below Albemarle's university-influenced 62%, has risen from 29% in 2015, indicating educational attainment gains associated with in-migration from higher-education metros.
According to the Virginia Employment Commission, the Scottsville area's primary employment sectors include education (UVA commuters), healthcare, agriculture, small business, and remote professional services — a diversified base that provides stability against sector-specific downturns.
Household Composition and Family Structure
According to Census data, Scottsville's household composition reflects its rural character while showing demographic shifts common to small towns within commuting distance of university cities.
| Household Type | Scottsville | Albemarle County | Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Married Couples with Children | 22% | 24% | 22% |
| Married Couples without Children | 32% | 28% | 26% |
| Single-Person Households | 24% | 26% | 28% |
| Single-Parent Households | 10% | 8% | 10% |
| Multi-Generational | 8% | 6% | 7% |
| Non-Family/Roommate | 4% | 8% | 7% |
How does household composition affect real estate demand in Scottsville? According to NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, married couples without children represent the fastest-growing buyer segment in rural communities within 30 miles of metro employment centers. In Scottsville, this 32% share — the largest household category — consists primarily of empty-nesters and pre-retirement couples seeking to downsize from larger suburban homes while maintaining proximity to Charlottesville amenities and healthcare.
US Tech Automations enables agents to segment their CRM databases by household type, deploying automated campaigns that speak to each group's distinct motivations: family-friendly school information for couples with children, downsizing equity analysis for empty-nesters, and acreage/privacy comparisons for remote-work relocators.
Income Distribution and Economic Profile
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau data, Scottsville's income distribution reveals a bimodal pattern typical of rural communities experiencing gentrification pressures from nearby affluent metros.
| Income Bracket | Scottsville Households | Albemarle County | Typical Housing Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 22% | 16% | Under $140,000 |
| $35,000-$50,000 | 15% | 10% | $140,000-$200,000 |
| $50,000-$75,000 | 20% | 14% | $200,000-$300,000 |
| $75,000-$100,000 | 18% | 15% | $300,000-$400,000 |
| $100,000-$150,000 | 14% | 20% | $400,000-$600,000 |
| $150,000-$200,000 | 7% | 12% | $600,000-$800,000 |
| Over $200,000 | 4% | 13% | $800,000+ |
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Fluvanna and southern Albemarle County per-capita income has grown 4.2% annually over the past five years, outpacing inflation by approximately 1.5 percentage points. This real income growth supports continued housing demand even as mortgage rates remain elevated relative to 2021-2022 levels.
According to the Virginia Association of Realtors, markets where the median home price remains below 4.5x the median household income — as Scottsville does at 4.7x — tend to maintain healthier transaction volumes during rate-tightening cycles compared to markets exceeding 6x income multiples.
Housing Stock Characteristics
What types of homes are available in Scottsville? According to Albemarle County property assessment records and Virginia MLS data, the Scottsville housing stock reflects the area's agricultural heritage with an increasing share of newer construction catering to in-migrants.
| Housing Characteristic | Scottsville | Albemarle County | Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 82% | 68% | 58% |
| Townhome/Attached | 4% | 12% | 16% |
| Manufactured/Mobile Home | 10% | 5% | 7% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 3% | 8% | 10% |
| Multi-Family (5+ units) | 1% | 7% | 9% |
| Median Year Built | 1985 | 1992 | 1985 |
| Median Lot Size | 3.2 acres | 1.2 acres | 0.35 acres |
| Median Home Size | 1,750 sq ft | 2,250 sq ft | 1,800 sq ft |
According to the Albemarle County assessor, the 10% manufactured housing share in the Scottsville area represents a gradually declining segment as land values rise and newer stick-built homes replace older mobile units. This housing mix creates opportunities for agents to serve multiple market tiers within a compact geographic area.
Home Pricing and Sales Data
According to CAAR market data and Virginia MLS records, Scottsville's housing market has demonstrated steady appreciation while maintaining its affordability advantage over closer-in Charlottesville neighborhoods. Compared to markets like Belmont Charlottesville or Downtown Mall Charlottesville, Scottsville offers substantially more land and square footage per dollar.
| Year | Median Price | YoY Change | Total Sales | Avg DOM | New Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $235,000 | — | 72 | 28 | 8 |
| 2022 | $275,000 | +17.0% | 68 | 22 | 10 |
| 2023 | $298,000 | +8.4% | 58 | 35 | 7 |
| 2024 | $315,000 | +5.7% | 55 | 42 | 6 |
| 2025 | $325,000 | +3.2% | 62 | 38 | 8 |
How does Scottsville pricing compare across property types? According to Virginia MLS data, the Scottsville market segments into distinct tiers based on property character and lot size.
| Property Type | Median Price | Price/Sq Ft | Avg Lot Size | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverfront/River-View | $465,000 | $210 | 5.5 acres | 8 |
| Farm/Acreage (10+ acres) | $425,000 | $155 | 22 acres | 10 |
| Custom Home (2-10 acres) | $345,000 | $180 | 4.5 acres | 18 |
| Traditional Ranch/Colonial | $285,000 | $165 | 1.5 acres | 16 |
| Fixer-Upper/Rehab | $195,000 | $120 | 1.8 acres | 6 |
| Manufactured on Land | $165,000 | $95 | 2.2 acres | 4 |
According to CAAR data, riverfront properties along the James River command a 43% premium over standard Scottsville homes, reflecting the growing value placed on water access and recreational amenities. Agents farming Scottsville should highlight the James River's significance for kayaking, tubing, fishing, and scenic appeal in their automated marketing campaigns.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 estimates, Scottsville's demographic composition has diversified modestly over the past decade.
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Scottsville | Albemarle County | Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Non-Hispanic | 78% | 72% | 60% |
| Black/African American | 14% | 10% | 19% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 4% | 7% | 11% |
| Asian | 1% | 7% | 7% |
| Two or More Races | 3% | 4% | 3% |
According to Census demographic projections, Scottsville's Hispanic/Latino population share has grown from 2% to 4% over the past decade, paralleling statewide trends. Nearby communities such as Lake Monticello and Waynesboro show similar diversification patterns. Agents serving this market should consider bilingual outreach capabilities. US Tech Automations supports multi-language automated communications to serve diverse community demographics.
Age Distribution and Life-Stage Segments
What age groups drive Scottsville's housing demand? According to Census data, the age distribution reveals distinct life-stage segments with different housing needs and purchase timelines.
| Age Group | Scottsville Share | Albemarle County | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 20% | 19% | Family home demand |
| 18-24 | 5% | 16% | Rental/first apartment |
| 25-34 | 11% | 12% | First-time buyer pipeline |
| 35-44 | 14% | 13% | Move-up buyer peak |
| 45-54 | 16% | 13% | Established homeowner |
| 55-64 | 18% | 14% | Pre-retirement downsizing |
| 65-74 | 11% | 8% | Active retirement |
| 75+ | 5% | 5% | Aging in place/assisted |
According to NAR generational data, the 55-64 age cohort (18% of Scottsville's population) represents the most active listing-side demographic, with 72% of sellers in this age range motivated by downsizing, relocation, or lifestyle change. This concentration creates predictable listing opportunities for agents who build relationships with pre-retirement households through automated long-cycle nurture campaigns.
According to AARP's 2025 Livability Index, small towns within 30 minutes of university-affiliated healthcare systems — Scottsville's 25-minute drive to UVA Health System — rank among the top destinations for aging-in-place retirees who prioritize healthcare access alongside rural quality of life.
Education and School Quality
According to the Virginia Department of Education and GreatSchools ratings, Scottsville-area families are served by Albemarle County Public Schools, with students attending schools based on district boundaries.
| School | Level | Rating | Enrollment | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsville Elementary | K-5 | 6/10 | 210 | Small class sizes, outdoor education |
| Walton Middle | 6-8 | 7/10 | 580 | STEM focus, arts integration |
| Monticello High | 9-12 | 7/10 | 1,200 | AP courses, CTE pathways |
| PVCC (Community College) | Post-secondary | — | 4,800 | Transfer to UVA, workforce training |
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Scottsville Elementary maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1, among the lowest in Albemarle County, offering a personalized educational environment that appeals to families relocating from larger school systems. Agents should incorporate school quality data into automated buyer outreach through US Tech Automations, especially for families comparing Scottsville to other Charlottesville-area options.
Employment and Commute Patterns
According to the Virginia Employment Commission and Census Bureau commuting data, Scottsville residents' employment patterns reflect the community's position as a bedroom community for Charlottesville-area employers.
| Employment Sector | Scottsville Area Share | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Education/University | 22% | UVA, ACPS, PVCC |
| Healthcare | 18% | UVA Health, Sentara |
| Professional Services | 15% | Remote work, consulting |
| Agriculture/Forestry | 10% | Local farms, vineyards |
| Retail/Hospitality | 12% | Local businesses, tourism |
| Construction/Trades | 10% | Residential development |
| Government | 8% | County, state agencies |
| Manufacturing | 5% | Regional operations |
How does remote work affect Scottsville's housing market? According to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, approximately 28% of employed Scottsville-area residents work remotely at least part-time, a share that has remained elevated since 2020. According to NAR, remote workers purchasing in rural communities within 30 miles of metro areas have driven 15-20% of transaction volume in these markets since 2022 — a trend directly visible in Scottsville's continued price appreciation despite rising mortgage rates.
Property Tax and Ownership Costs
According to the Albemarle County Commissioner of Revenue, Scottsville-area properties (within county jurisdiction) are taxed at the standard $0.854 per $100 rate. Properties within the Town of Scottsville boundaries pay an additional town tax of approximately $0.12 per $100.
| Property Value | County Tax | Town Tax (if applicable) | Total Annual Tax | Monthly Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $195,000 | $1,665 | $234 | $1,899 | $158 |
| $285,000 | $2,434 | $342 | $2,776 | $231 |
| $325,000 | $2,776 | $390 | $3,166 | $264 |
| $425,000 | $3,630 | $510 | $4,140 | $345 |
| $465,000 | $3,971 | $558 | $4,529 | $377 |
According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, properties with qualifying agricultural use in the Scottsville area can benefit from land-use assessment, significantly reducing the taxable value of farm and forest acreage. This program is particularly relevant for the 10+ acre properties that constitute a significant share of the Scottsville market.
Competitor Comparison: Farming Automation Platforms
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Community Farming | Purpose-built tools | Limited | No | No | No |
| Demographic Data Integration | Census + MLS data | MLS only | MLS only | None | MLS only |
| Multi-Language Campaigns | Built-in | Add-on | No | No | Add-on |
| Lifestyle Marketing Templates | Rural/river/outdoor | Urban-focused | Urban-focused | Generic | Urban-focused |
| Automated School Reports | VA DOE integration | None | None | None | None |
| Long-Cycle Nurture (12+ mo) | Advanced sequences | Basic drips | Basic drips | Basic drips | AI drips |
| Cost for Solo Agent | Competitive | $499+/mo | $1,000+/mo | $69+/mo | $295+/mo |
| Small-Market ROI | Optimized for <100 sales/yr | Built for volume markets | Built for volume markets | General CRM | Built for volume |
According to Real Trends' 2025 Agent Satisfaction Survey, agents farming communities with fewer than 100 annual transactions report 45% higher satisfaction with platforms offering demographic-integrated farming tools compared to volume-oriented lead generation systems. US Tech Automations addresses this small-market farming need with purpose-built demographic and lifestyle marketing capabilities.
8-Step Demographic-Driven Farming Strategy
Analyze Census tract data for your farming zone. Download Scottsville-area Census tract data from data.census.gov to identify household income clusters, age distribution, and homeownership patterns. US Tech Automations can ingest this data to build automated demographic-targeted campaigns.
Segment households by life-stage and housing need. According to NAR research, life-stage segmentation (first-time buyers, move-up families, downsizers, retirees) outperforms generic farming by 3.1x in response rate. Create separate automated sequences for each segment using US Tech Automations workflow tools.
Build a James River lifestyle marketing campaign. According to the James River Association, recreational tourism along the Scottsville section of the James River has grown 35% since 2020. Create automated content highlighting kayaking, tubing, fishing, and riverfront dining as buyer lifestyle differentiators.
Deploy agricultural/equestrian property expertise content. With 10% of Scottsville employment in agriculture and significant acreage-based inventory, position yourself as a farm property specialist through automated educational content on land-use tax benefits, well/septic considerations, and USDA financing.
Create newcomer welcome and community information sequences. According to Census data, Scottsville's 8.2% population growth means roughly 370 new residents over the past decade. Build automated welcome packages for new homeowners that establish agent relationships early in the ownership cycle.
Launch pre-retirement downsizing outreach. The 55-64 age cohort represents 18% of Scottsville's population — the highest share of any age group. Deploy automated downsizing assessment tools that help homeowners evaluate equity, housing options, and timing. US Tech Automations provides customizable downsizing calculators.
Implement bi-annual property value update mailings. According to NAR, automated property value updates generate 4x more listing appointments than generic market newsletters. Configure Scottsville-area CMAs that leverage CAAR data for personalized value estimates delivered every six months.
Track demographic shifts quarterly. Monitor Census Pulse Survey updates, building permit data from Albemarle County, and school enrollment trends to identify emerging demographic patterns. According to industry data, agents who adapt campaigns to demographic shifts achieve 25% higher conversion rates through US Tech Automations analytics dashboards.
James River Recreation and Lifestyle Appeal
How does the James River influence Scottsville's real estate market? According to the James River Association and Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Scottsville section of the James River has become one of central Virginia's premier outdoor recreation corridors. This lifestyle appeal increasingly drives buyer interest from urban and suburban markets.
| Recreation Asset | Distance from Town | Annual Visitors | Impact on Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|
| James River Water Trail | In town | 45,000+ | Drives riverfront premiums |
| Hatton Ferry (Historic) | 3 miles | 8,000+ | Tourism, heritage appeal |
| Hardware River WMA | 8 miles | 12,000+ | Hunting, fishing, nature |
| Jefferson Vineyards | 15 miles | 35,000+ | Wine tourism, lifestyle |
| Walnut Creek Park | 12 miles | 25,000+ | Mountain biking, trails |
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, outdoor recreation tourism in the Scottsville corridor has generated approximately $4.2 million in annual economic impact, supporting local businesses and enhancing the community's appeal as a destination for active lifestyle buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Scottsville VA?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, the Town of Scottsville has a population of approximately 600, while the broader 24590 zip code area encompasses roughly 4,500 residents. The area has grown 8.2% over the past decade.
What is the median household income in Scottsville?
The median household income in the Scottsville area stands at approximately $68,500 according to Census data, compared to $92,400 for Albemarle County and $82,600 for Virginia statewide. Income has grown at 4.2% annually over the past five years.
How do Scottsville home prices compare to Charlottesville?
According to CAAR market data, Scottsville's median sold price of $325,000 represents a 33% discount versus the Albemarle County median of $485,000 and a 21% discount versus Charlottesville city's $410,000 median, offering buyers significantly more space and acreage for their investment.
What school district serves Scottsville?
Scottsville is served by Albemarle County Public Schools according to the Virginia Department of Education. Key schools include Scottsville Elementary (K-5, 6/10 rating), Walton Middle (6-8, 7/10), and Monticello High School (9-12, 7/10), with Piedmont Virginia Community College nearby for post-secondary education.
Is Scottsville a good place to raise a family?
According to Census data and community indicators, Scottsville offers a 72% homeownership rate, low crime rates, small class sizes (11:1 student-teacher ratio at Scottsville Elementary), and extensive outdoor recreation. The median age of 44.2 reflects an established, stable community with growing family-friendly infrastructure.
What is the commute from Scottsville to Charlottesville?
According to Census commuting data and Google Maps, the drive from Scottsville to downtown Charlottesville is approximately 20 miles via Route 20, taking 28-32 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The UVA campus and UVA Health System are accessible within 30 minutes.
Are there riverfront properties available in Scottsville?
According to Virginia MLS data, riverfront and river-view properties along the James River in the Scottsville area command a median price of $465,000 with an average lot size of 5.5 acres. Approximately 8 riverfront properties sell annually, representing 13% of total transactions.
Conclusion: Scottsville's Demographic-Driven Farming Potential
Scottsville's distinctive demographic profile — an aging-in-place community with growing in-migration, strong homeownership culture, and James River lifestyle appeal — creates a compelling farming opportunity for agents who invest in data-driven relationship building. The community's 62 annual transactions and $325,000 median price generate approximately $8,125 in average commission per side, rewarding agents who combine local expertise with systematic outreach.
Understanding Scottsville's demographics is the foundation of effective farming. The 18% concentration in the pre-retirement 55-64 cohort, the growing remote-worker segment, and the 32% married-without-children household share all represent actionable marketing segments that require distinct messaging and timeline management. US Tech Automations provides the automation infrastructure to manage these parallel demographic campaigns, delivering personalized content to each segment without overwhelming manual effort.
To build a demographic-driven farming strategy for the Scottsville market, visit US Tech Automations and explore how Census-integrated CRM segmentation, lifestyle marketing templates, and long-cycle nurture automation can help you establish dominance in one of the Charlottesville metro's most distinctive small-town markets.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
