Tidewater RC&D Demographics

Tidewater Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) area consists of the ten counties in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck which includes 1,313,516 million acres of land falling between the boundaries of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River and the York River. The Rappahannock River is a major river reaching 2 miles wide that flows through the center of the area. Historically the economy was natural resource based with forestry and agriculture and fishing being the major drivers. There is a transition towards a retirement community with greater income derived from tourism and the service industry.

Brief facts:

  • Land use is 80% forested and supports a billion dollar forestry industry
  • Agriculture is the next largest percentage of land use with 1212 farms being shown in the 2002 Census of Agriculture that include 390,440 acres of land.
    • Corn, soybeans and small grains are the dominant crop.
    • Nurseries are increasing in both number and in acreage.
    • Vineyards are increasing with 4 wineries developing within this area in the last 10 years.
  • As the seafood industry has declined a sport fishing industry is developing. There are 135 marinas within the area. Oyster aquaculture is a growing industry.
  • Population in the 2000 Census was 133,037 with a 13.3 percent increase over the 1990 Census. The population over age 65 is 19% of the population. The median income is $33,925. The population has 13.7% living in poverty which includes 22 % of the children.
  • The Mattaponi, the Pamunkey, the Rappahannocks and the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribes all have their home lands within the RC&D. The Mattaponi and the Pamunkey both have state recognized reservation lands.
  • The only federal lands within the RC&D belong to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and are a part of the Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge.

Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County and Westmoreland State Park in Westmoreland County both offer public access and overnight facilities. A third state park has been purchased in Gloucester County.