Joseph Woods
What Living in Goochland County Is Really Like ️ | Ultimate Guide to Goochland Virginia
Last Updated On: 15th January 2026, 11:00 pm
If you want to live near Richmond without being in the center of all of the action, then you may want to consider Goochland County VA. Goochland County is just a short distance from the capital city and is known for its quiet atmosphere, family-friendly attractions, and top-rated schools. As such, Goochland County is a good place to live. If you are interested in moving to Goochland, then read on to learn more about everything this gorgeous county has to offer.
Goochland County is located in the Piedmont of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is bordered to the south by the James River. The county spans nearly 300 square miles and contains one census-designated place, Goochland. In addition to the CDP of Goochland, the county contains the unincorporated communities of Centerville, Crozier, Fife, Hadensville, Maidens, Manakin-Sabot, Oilville, Sandy Hook, and Shannon Hill.
Living in Goochland County is popular among commuters as it is only 38.7 miles from the heart of Goochland VA to Richmond VA. However, certain areas of Goochland County are only around 15 miles from Richmond.
Where Is Goochland County VA?
Goochland County is located in the Piedmont of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is bordered to the south by the James River. The county spans nearly 300 square miles and contains one census-designated place, Goochland. In addition to the CDP of Goochland, the county contains the unincorporated communities of Centerville, Crozier, Fife, Hadensville, Maidens, Manakin-Sabot, Oilville, Sandy Hook, and Shannon Hill.
Living in Goochland County is popular among commuters as it is only 38.7 miles from the heart of Goochland VA to Richmond VA. However, certain areas of Goochland County are only around 15 miles from Richmond.
Goochland County Population & Demographics
The Goochland County population is 24,727, which is a 13.8% increase over the past decade. Because the county comprises several hundred miles of land, there are many Goochland VA zip codes. These zip codes range from 23014 to 23238. Goochland is popular among older individuals and families, as the median age in the county is 49. Of the 9,788 households in the county, 76% are occupied by married couples, which is 25% higher than the amount in Virginia. The county is also very affluent, with a median household income of $105,600 (20% higher than the Virginia average of $87,249). Additional Goochland Demographics:- Sex ratio: 50.5% female, 49.5% male
- Racial and ethnic composition: 81.8% White (78.9% non-Hispanic), 14.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, 1.9% two or more races, 0.4% American Indian
- Educational attainment: 94.2% high school degree (or higher), 44.4% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 3.6%
- Notable people from Goochland County: Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Governor James Pleasants, baseball player John Hicks
- Overall crime in Goochland County: 822 crimes per 100,000 people (57% lower than state average and 65% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime in Goochland County: 100 crimes per 100,000 people (80% lower than state average and 73% lower than the national average)
- Property crime in Goochland County: 722 crimes per 100,000 people (80% lower than state average and 63% lower than the national average)
Cost of Living in Goochland County VA
Before moving to Goochland County, you will want to set aside some extra cash for your everyday expenses. The Cost of Living Index in Goochland is 111.5, meaning that it is 11.5% more expensive than the national average to live in Goochland. It is also 7.3% more expensive than the Virginia average of 104.2. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Goochland VA would need to earn $95,949 per year ($7,996 per month) to live comfortably in the county. Child care is one of the biggest expenses for Goochland County families, so for a family of two without children, this number drops to $61,250 per year ($5,104 per month).Typical Goochland Living Expenses
- Gallon of milk: $3.37
- Loaf of bread: $2.57
- Pound of oranges: $3.04
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Gallon of gas: $3.43
- Average Goochland utilities per month: $145.99
- Fitness membership (monthly): $59.44
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Goochland County Neighborhoods | Where To Live In Goochland County
Whether you want to live in a rural area with lots of land or in an urban setting with several neighbors, there is a Goochland County neighborhood for you. Here are just a few of the best places to enjoy Goochland living.The Blufftons | An Affluent Southern-Inspired Community
Located just off of Route 6 and Route 88 sits the beautiful neighborhood of The Blufftons. This new-construction development features ten different Southern-style home plans to choose from. The community where The Blufftons is located is very walkable and home to many different cute shops and restaurants.Manakin-Sabot | Gorgeous Area With Large New Construction Homes
Looking for new construction in Goochland VA? The Manakin-Sabot area is perfect for those who are looking for brand new homes for sale in Goochland VA. The average home price in this area is $568,000, with homes ranging from 2,000 to 4,000+ square feet. When living in this area, you will enjoy large, spacious yards for your kids to run around and play in.Fife | Rural Area Popular Among Families
If you aren’t interested in being super close to Richmond, then check out the community of Fife, located in the western portion of the county. Fife is about 12 miles northwest of the county seat of Goochland and is outside of the hustle and bustle of Richmond. This area is popular among families and is home to the top-rated Byrd Elementary School.Goochland Weather VA & Demographics
According to the Köppen Classification, Goochland has a humid subtropical climate. This means that the county experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters. Goochland VA Weather Statistics:View this post on Instagram
- Average summer Goochland temperature: 79ºF
- Average winter Goochland temperature: 39ºF
- Average annual snowfall in Goochland: 13 inches
- Average annual rainfall in Goochland: 43 inches
Things To Do In Goochland VA
After moving to Goochland, you can get your grocery shopping done at Food Lion or D’Amore’s Food Market. Both Goochland Square and Short Pump Town Center are great options for retail shopping. Here are just a few more fun things to do in Goochland VA.Dover Lake
Dover Lake VA is a 101-acre lake situated in The Meadows neighborhood. Residents and visitors can enjoy the walking trails around the lake as well as several quiet places to fish. Goochland, Virginia 23103Elk Island Winery
Enjoy an afternoon at Elk Island Winery, which offers wine tastings every weekend from noon to 6 PM. All of the grapes at this winery are from Virginia and 90% are grown in Goochland.5759 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063, (804) 627-3929View this post on Instagram
Historic Tuckahoe
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the childhood home of one of Goochland County’s most famous residents- Thomas Jefferson. 12601 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238, (804) 971-8329Additional Goochland Attractions
The Goochland County Parks & Recreation department runs several parks in the area, and you can always find something to do on the County Event Calendar. If you're planning a weekend visit or looking for a peaceful retreat nearby, Cabinns offers cozy, nature-inspired lodging options in and around Goochland.Goochland Restaurants
These popular eateries are a must-visit when living in Goochland VA.Goochland Restaurant
The Goochland Restaurant has been serving residents since 1950. Stop by any day of the week from 7 AM to 3 PM for delicious homestyle breakfast and lunch platters. 2966 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063, (804) 556-9990Los Panchos
If you are craving a margarita, taco, or burrito, then head over to Los Panchos. This yummy Mexican restaurant offers large portions at an affordable price. 1940-D Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland, VA 23063, (804) 556-0650Bella Sicilia Italian Restaurant
For over a decade, Bella Sicilia has been providing residents with freshly baked pizza, delicious sub sandwiches, and more. This eatery offers dine-in, take-out, and catering options. 2913 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063, (804) 556-1037Jobs in Goochland VA
Because Goochland is so close to Richmond, many people living in the area commute into the city for work. However, the county’s close proximity to Richmond has also attracted many businesses to the area. Therefore, there are plenty of Goochland VA jobs for you to choose from. The top employers in the area include:- Capital One: 5,600 employees
- CarMax: 1,000+ employees
- Luck Stone: 250-999 employees
- Performance Food Group: 250-999 employees
- Virginia Farm Bureau: 300 employees
- Goochland County Public Schools Jobs: 200+ employees
Goochland County Schools
Goochland County Public Schools serves all students living in Goochland County. GCPS has been named the #1 school division in the Richmond metro region by Niche.com six years in a row. The website has also ranked Goochland teachers as the best in the Richmond area. The five schools in the county include:- Byrd Elementary School
- Goochland Elementary School
- Randolph Elementary School
- Goochland Middle School
- Goochland High School
Every school in the county has been named an Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished Schools are categorized as some of the most innovative schools in the world and are described as “centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology. Goochland County Public Schools serves around 2,600 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. Students and residents living in Goochland can utilize the Goochland Branch Library.View this post on Instagram
Goochland County Statistics & Information
- Goochland County area: 290 square miles
- Goochland County zip codes: 23014 to 23238
- Goochland County area code: 804
- Goochland County elevation: 520-530 feet
- Goochland County time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport to Goochland County: Richmond International Airport (RIC), 45.9 miles away
Goochland Virginia Map
Is moving to Goochland County in your future? Goochland living has never been better, and there’s something for everyone in the area. When you’re ready to make the move, On The Fly Moving is here for you. Call our experienced Goochland movers today at (804) 836-4954 for a free quote.
Joseph Woods
The founders of On The Fly Moving Guys, Joseph Woods and Jordan Berry, are two childhood friends who in their teen years learned to love the moving industry. After perfecting their crafts, they launched On The Fly Moving Guys in 2018 and the rest is history. Since then they worked hard to build the most trustworthy and reputable moving company in Richmond Virginia. Our 5 star ratings and thousands of happy customers prove it.
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