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Moving to Amherst, Virginia

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The current estimated population of Amherst is 2,300, with 47% male and 53% female. The population has remained stable, supported by agriculture, small businesses, and tourism.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1807
  • County: Amherst County
  • Land area: 5.0 square miles
  • Population density: 460 people per square mile
  • Area code: 434
  • Zip code: 24521

Geography and Location

Amherst is located in central Virginia, in Amherst County, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town serves as the county seat and is known for its historic charm and scenic surroundings. Agriculture, particularly apple orchards and vineyards, plays a significant role in the local economy. Amherst is located along U.S. Route 29, providing access to nearby Lynchburg and Charlottesville. The town experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Demographics

Median resident age: 43.4 years
Median household income: $33,000
Median house value: $101,400

Population by Race

Races in Amherst:

  • White Non-Hispanic (68.3%)
  • Black (29.6%)
  • Hispanic (1.0%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (20.2%), English (14.2%), German (8.0%), Irish (5.4%), Scottish (2.6%), Scotch-Irish (1.7%).

Elevation: 766 feet

Land area: 5.0 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Amherst

  • High school or higher: 74.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.7%
  • Unemployed: 6.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 22.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Amherst town

  • Never married: 26.0%
  • Now married: 46.8%
  • Separated: 2.5%
  • Widowed: 14.6%
  • Divorced: 10.1%

2.2% Foreign born (1.5% Europe, 0.4% Latin America, 0.4% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +366 (+19.4%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Amherst:

  • VIRGINIA BAPTIST HOSP & LYNCHBURG GENL (about 15 miles; LYNCHBURG, VA)
  • CENTRAL VIRGINIA TRAINING CENTER (about 15 miles; LYNCHBURG, VA)
  • STONEWALL JACKSON HOSPITAL (about 34 miles; LEXINGTON, VA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Amherst:

  • LYNCHBURG REGIONAL/PRESTON GLENN FLD (about 21 miles; LYNCHBURG, VA; Abbreviation: LYH)
  • SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL (about 48 miles; STAUNTON/WAYNESBORO/HARRIS, VA; Abbreviation: SHD)
  • CHARLOTTESVILLE-ALBEMARLE (about 57 miles; CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA; Abbreviation: CHO)

Other public-use airports nearest to Amherst:

  • FALWELL (about 16 miles; LYNCHBURG, VA; Abbreviation: W24)
  • NEW LONDON (about 29 miles; FOREST, VA; Abbreviation: W90)
  • BROOKNEAL/CAMPBELL COUNTY (about 31 miles; BROOKNEAL, VA; Abbreviation: 0V4)

Amtrak station near Amherst:

  • 14 miles: LYNCHBURG (825 KEMPER ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Amherst:

  • LIBERTY UNIVERSITY (about 19 miles; LYNCHBURG, VA; Full-time enrollment: 5,348)
  • WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY (about 34 miles; LEXINGTON, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,063)
  • UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA-MAIN CAMPUS (about 48 miles; CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA; Full-time enrollment: 19,602)
  • LONGWOOD COLLEGE (about 50 miles; FARMVILLE, VA; Full-time enrollment: 3,557)
  • PIEDMONT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 50 miles; CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,012)
  • JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY (about 61 miles; HARRISONBURG, VA; Full-time enrollment: 14,447)
  • VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 68 miles; ROANOKE, VA; Full-time enrollment: 3,535)

Schools

Public high school in Amherst:

  • AMHERST COUNTY HIGH (Students: 1,398; Location: 139 LANCER LANE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Amherst:

  • AMHERST MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 456; Location: 165 GORDONS FAIRGROUND RD; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • CENTRAL ELEM. (Students: 422; Location: 575 UNION HILL RD; Grades: KG – 05)
  • AMHERST ELEM. (Students: 344; Location: 156 DAVIS ST; Grades: KG – 05)
  • TEMPERANCE ELEM. (Students: 115; Location: 1981 LOWESVILLE RD; Grades: KG – 05)

Libraries

Library in Amherst:

  • AMHERST COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $698,825; Location: 382 SOUTH MAIN STREET; 43,233 books; 60 audio materials; 710 video materials; 240 serial subscriptions)

 

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