Ettrick is a small town in Virginia boasting a rich history, great location, and plenty of activities to experience. If moving here has sparked your interest, we’ve formulated a comprehensive guide to living in Ettrick; we discuss everything from the town’s history, crime rates, and demographics.
Ettrick, VA, is a Chesterfield County census-designated place (CDP) that was named by a Scottish immigrant and merchant, Neil Buchanan. Buchanan decided on the name Ettrick because he felt the area resembled his hometown in Ettrick, Scotland. Ettrick is best known for being home to Virginia State University and the Petersburg Train Station. Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute (now Virginia State University) was established in the early 1900s. VSU was founded in 1882, and the college’s first president was John Mercer Langston; Langston was also the founder of Harvard Law School. In 1980, Vawter Hall and Old President’s House were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Ettrick’s interesting history doesn’t end there. The town has a 123-year-old landmark—Campbell’s Bridge. Campbell’s Bridge was constructed in 1810 and remains the only direct passage between Ettrick and Petersburg. The residents living in Ettrick take pride in the town’s history; many are members of the town’s active historical society, which has weekly events like poetry readings!
Since Ettrick is so small, most places will have a Petersburg mailing address and zip code, but Ettrick is separate from Petersburg, VA. Ettrick zip codes are 23803, 23806, and 23834.
Table of Contents
Where Is Ettrick VA?
Ettrick, Virginia, is located 2.4 miles northwest of Petersburg, VA; the town’s southside hugs the Appomattox River, providing premier scenery and endless aquatics activities. Many people visiting and living in Ettrick utilize the river for recreational activities like fishing, tubing, and kayaking; however, the Appomattox River can prove difficult to maneuver, especially for beginners.
Ettrick borders Petersburg, Matoaca, and Colonial Heights, which are also fantastic places to live.
The Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) provides public transportation for Ettrick. You can access important information like their routes and schedules online. While PAT does offer other services within Petersburg city limits, they only send bus transportation to Ettrick.
Ettrick Population & Demographics
Ettrick has a population of 7,241 and has seen a 559-person increase since 2010. The median household income here is $52,000, which is slightly below the US average of $69,021.
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ettrick is diverse: 68.8% Black or African American, 25.5% White (20.7% White non-Hispanic or Latino), 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% two or more races, 0.1% American Indian or Native Alaska. Ettrick has a notable African American or Black population!
Of 13 Chesterfield County cities, towns, and CDPs, Ettrick has the 12th highest median age (26.4). Many of Ettrick residents are young families and recently graduated adults; 54% of its residents are under the age of 30.
Additional Ettrick demographics:
- Sex ratio: 57 females to 43 males
- Educational attainment: 83.6% have high school diplomas or higher, and 24.4% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 7.5%
- Veteran population: 6.6%
Notable people from Ettrick:
- Robert Prentiss Daniel
- James Farrior
- Rudi Johnson
Safety should be your primary concern when deciding if moving to Ettrick is the right choice. While the FBI doesn’t have crime rate statistics for Ettrick, we will use Petersburg as an example. Petersburg is less than 3 miles from Ettrick, so their crime rates will be similar.
- Petersburg crime rate per 100k people: 3,218
- Virginia crime rate per 100k people: 1,665
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Petersburg violent crime rate per 100k people: 632
- Virginia violent crime rate per 100k people: 209
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Petersburg property crime rate per 100k people: 2,587
- Virginia property crime rate per 100k people: 1,456
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Although Petersburg has a higher crime rate than the state and national average, take comfort in knowing Ettrick is much smaller than Petersburg and likely sees less crime. Regardless, the Chesterfield County Police work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Ettrick! Even if there are some high-crime areas in the CDP limits, many safe neighborhoods exist.
Cost of Living in Ettrick
It’s more affordable to live in Ettrick than the average US city. Ettrick boasts a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 85.7, which is 14.3% lower than the US average of 100. Utilities are the highest expense here, but according to its cost index of 101.1, it’s still only 1.1% higher than the US average.
Housing is the most affordable cost in Ettrick; the average Ettrick home price is $267,000, and its cost of housing index is only 60.7. Although the median price per square foot has increased 8% since 2022 and now sits at $169, it is still very affordable. Renting here is also an affordable option; according to RentCafe, the average rent in Ettick is $1,204 for an 824-square-foot rental.
The Economic Policy Institute suggests an annual household income of $93,857 for a family of four to live comfortably in Chesterfield County.
Typical Ettrick living expenses:
- Loaf of bread: $3.65
- Gallon of milk: $2.29
- Dozen eggs: $2.12
- Bunch of bananas: $3.16
- Hamburger: $4.83
- Typical Ettrick utilities per month: $449 (per Doxo)
Source: Payscale; these figures are for Petersburg and Richmond, VA, but you can expect similar prices when living in Ettrick.
Ettrick, VA, is a very inexpensive place to live. While the housing market is affordable, there aren’t many Ettrick, VA homes for sale, so finding a house in good condition can be competitive and difficult. There are seldom new-construction homes for sale here, so if you’re looking for a well-established home boasting traditional elements and a vintage feel, Ettrick’s real estate market can accommodate you.
Ettrick Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Ettrick
Here are a couple of the best neighborhoods in Ettrick!
College Park
College Park is an established community in northeast Ettrick. While homes aren’t for sale often, anyone living within this community loves its tight-knit feel. Many homeowners have been around for years, offering a safe and tranquil space for you to live, grow a family, or focus on your career.
This community provides optimal positioning near Ettrick Park and Rogers Stadium! You’re also near great eateries like Bad As Philly; an Ettrick staple!
Laurel Branch Farms
While new construction homes are hard to come by here, Laurel Branch Farms is one of the only new-construction communities in the CDP. Laurel Branch boasts beautifully constructed homes in various styles and designs, ideal for any family’s unique needs and desires. Sizes vary, but most are around 1,400 to 1,600 square feet, and prices range from $198,000 to $319,950. If you’re looking for a centrally located community in Ettrick, Laurel Branch Farms is the place to look!
Ettrick Weather & Climate
Ettrick has a Koppen classification of Cfa, which is best described as a humid subtropical climate. Humid subtropical climates typically have hot and muggy summers and very cold and very snowy winters—this is the case for Ettrick. The temperatures here vary drastically, ranging from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
From May 29 to September 15 (the hot season), the average high is 82 degrees, and the hottest month is July; the average high in July is 90 degrees! Temperatures take a major dip from December 1 through March 1, where the average low is 30 degrees and temperatures rarely exceed 57 degrees. Ettrick sees an annual rainfall of 46 inches annually; August and September are the rainiest months. Ettrick sees an annual snowfall of 7 inches; the short-lived snowy season typically goes from late December to early February.
The best time to visit Ettrick is in the summer and early fall! Come check out the town between mid-May to mid-June and from mid-August to mid-October; this way, you can enjoy any warm weather activities or early Virginia’s lovely fall season!
Things to Do in and Near Ettrick
Ettrick boasts many things to do; aside from the numerous historical landmarks and parks, Ettrick has a few notable shopping centers, too. The Food Lion and Kings Mart are both great options for daily essentials, and Southgate Square is the nearest shopping mall.
Ettrick Park
Ettrick Park is one of the best parks in Ettrick; although it does have a Petersburg address, it’s located in the CDP limits. There is a paved walking path, a playground, and nature trails.
20400 Laurel Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803, (804) 706-2596
Battersea Foundation
Battersea Foundation is located just over the Appomattox River in Petersburg, Virginia. This historical landmark was built for the notable politician John Banister. Take a tour at Battersea Foundation—it’s a great activity to do with children!
1289 Upper Appomattox St, Petersburg, VA 23803, (804) 732-9882
Peter Jones Trading Station
Once a jail during the Civil War, then a storefront for gunpowder and firearms, Peter Jones Trading Station is a must-see when living in Ettrick!
600-698 N Market St, Petersburg, VA 23803, (800) 313-1434
Additional Attractions in and Near Ettrick VA
Chesterfield County maintains the parks and the Ettrick community center. Ettrick is a tight-knit community, and you can keep track of the community’s events with the Chesterfield County special events calendar!
Ettrick Restaurants
Here are the best places to eat in Ettrick, Virginia!
Ettrick Deli
The Ettrick Deli is famous and beloved by locals and tourists alike—their menu boasts items like their mouthwatering Philly cheese steak and spicy chicken ranch sandwich.
3608 E River Rd, South Chesterfield, VA 23803, (804) 526-3354
La Loteria
If you’re craving Mexican cuisine during your stay in Ettrick, La Loteria is worth stopping by. Try their authentic steak fajitas or chimichangas!
20867 Woodpecker Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803, (804) 835-9392
Bellas Pizza
Bella’s is one of the best restaurants in Ettrick! Come here to experience authentic Italian cuisine in a casual setting.
20845 Woodpecker Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803, (804) 526-3981
Ettrick Jobs
Not only is Ettrick an affordable place to live, but its economy boasts many job opportunities and prominent roots in the agriculture and farming industries. Its economy employs 2,400 people; however, many do commute to outside cities like Richmond, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights.
The leading industries here are educational services, health care, accommodations, and food services. According to Greater Richmond Partnership, HCA Virginia Health System, Amazon, and U.P.S. are the main employers in Chesterfield County. Notable local businesses in Ettrick are Carver’s Country Store, Ettrick Hardware, Ettrick Pharmacy, and Ettrick Veterinary Hospital.
Ettrick has an unemployment rate that’s 1.2% lower than the national average and is predicted to see a future job growth of 37.5% by 2033. Virginia is known for having low taxes, and the sales tax rate in Ettrick is 2% lower than the US average! People working in Ettrick earn an average hourly wage of $26.42 and an annual salary of $54,958, and 40.67% of its residents earn between $100,000 to $200,000 or more annually—these are impressive figures, especially for a smaller CDP in a less affluent county.
If you’re searching for jobs in Ettrick, take comfort in knowing there are plenty of options—whether you’re in the healthcare industry or manufacturing realm, their economy can support you. If you’re interested in public administration, Chesterfield County also has numerous job openings! Since Etrrick is conveniently located, even if you don’t see your dream job in the CDP limits, nearby cities are just a short drive away!
Ettrick Schools
Before moving to Ettrick, let’s take a closer look at their schools and what their school district offers—we think you’ll be pleased with what you see!
Ettrick is part of the Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) district. There is only one school in the CDP limits—Ettrick Elementary—but plenty of notable middle and high schools are just miles outside of the town. Colonial Heights Middle School, Petersburg High School, and Maoaca High School are great options. CCPS offers student services such as school psychologists and social workers in all their schools, providing optimal student safety measures. You can even access their literacy plan online, which is a great resource for tracking your child’s progress!
If you’re considering furthering your education, Ettrick is home to a popular US college, Virginia State University, and is located near Central Texas College in Fort Gregg Adams. The Ettrick Library (Little Free Library) is also a fantastic resource. Students often use this facility to study, and Ettrick parents love bringing their young children here for community events like storytime or arts and crafts!
Ettrick Statistics & Information
- County: Chesterfield County
- Ettrick area: 3 square miles
- Ettrick area code: 804
- Etrrick, VA zip code: 23803, 23806, 23834
- Ettrick elevation: 105’
- Ettrick time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5:00)
- Closest airport to Ettrick: Richmond International Airport (RIC / KRIC) is 24.7 miles from Ettrick
Map of Ettrick
Explore more things to do in Ettrick with this map!
If you’ve decided moving to Ettrick is the right decision, On The Fly Moving Guy has trusted Ettrick movers who can help make your transition feel simple and easy! Call us at 804-836-4954 for your relocation needs.
