The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 22530 sells for about $399,000, or $215 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 62 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,450 a month.
ZIP 22530 — Ophelia
The housing market in 22530 is characterized by low inventory and slow turnover, typical of a rural coastal community. Prices have seen modest appreciation, driven by demand for waterfront properties and second homes, though high interest rates have tempered overall sales volume.
This ZIP is best suited for retirees, second-home buyers, and those seeking a quiet, rural waterfront lifestyle who are comfortable with long commutes to major urban centers.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 62 days on market with 5.8 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 9.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 22530, Northumberland County VA
Crime rates in the Heathsville area are generally low compared to state and national averages, with property crime being the primary concern in this rural setting.
Schools serving the area are part of the Northumberland County Public Schools system, which generally maintains modest performance ratings in state assessments.
The area faces moderate risk from coastal flooding and storm surge due to its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, impacting insurance premiums.
Economic growth is slow and steady, primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and local government services with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed by Northumberland County based on fair market value; the area does not utilize MUDs or PIDs, and there are no local income taxes.
Commuting is primarily by private vehicle, with long drive times to major employment hubs like Richmond or the Northern Virginia/DC metro area.
The area offers extensive access to water-based recreation including boating, fishing, and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, alongside local parks and nature preserves.
The rental market is limited with low inventory, consisting mostly of single-family homes; short-term rentals are common due to the area's appeal as a vacation destination.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, commercial fishing, and tourism, with significant employment provided by the county government and local school district.
Public transit is non-existent; the area relies entirely on state highways for connectivity to regional hubs.
Development is strictly regulated to preserve rural character, with limited new residential subdivisions approved.
The Northumberland County Commissioner of the Revenue manages assessments, typically conducting general reassessments every few years.
Parcels are subject to county-level taxation and school district levies; no special utility or hospital districts are present.
Property insurance costs are rising due to increased flood risk and the high cost of wind-damage coverage in coastal Virginia.
Virginia is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for relatively fast trustee sales following default.
Virginia is a 'caveat emptor' state, though sellers must provide a residential property disclosure statement regarding known material defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 22530 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Protected coastal habitat with hiking trails and beach access.
Primary regional attraction for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.