The Plains, VA
Is The Plains a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in The Plains, VA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe10
Medium8
Low21
Other41
7 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape1
Child involved1
Assault3
Other2
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for a 56-year-old male patient reported dizzy, vomiting, and dehydrated near Donna Marie Court and Waterfall Road. | Donna Marie Ct, Haymarket, VA 20169 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies responded to a reported traffic hazard near the 4900 block of Old Tavern Road, where multiple cows were possibly in the roadway but had been moved out by a caller. | Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Traffic |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for a respiratory illness involving a 47-year-old female was reported near East Main Street and Ambrose Lane. Emergency units Box 320, Company 3, and Mike 3 responded to the scene at (number withheld). | E Main St, Marshall, VA 20115 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a caller near West Main Street reported an elderly female driving a maroon Honda in circles and appearing lost. Rescue was requested, and dispatch is coordinating a welfare check. The caller is staying with the female near a gas station. | Whiting Rd a, Marshall, VA 20115 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical personnel respond to a medical call near Old Tavern Road for an adult man with right-side numbness, slurred speech, and tingling, located in a green barn off a nearby house. | Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire and rescue units were dispatched to a possible residential gas leak near Milestone Road and Texas Farm Road after a gas alarm reportedly activated in a bedroom. | Milestone Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units responded to a reported residential gas leak near Milestone Road after an alarm company reported a gas detector activation in a bedroom. Crews attempted to contact the keyholder for access. | Milestone Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Fire |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a fall involving an elderly male who hit his head and is bleeding near Old Carters Mill Road and Backer Drive. | Old Carters Mill Rd, Marshall, VA 20115 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a female fell three steps off a ladder and landed on the back of her head near Old Winchester Road and Old Tavern Road. Medical units were dispatched. | Old Winchester Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an officer reported a deceased animal off the side of Winchester Road near a specific address and requested that transportation authorities be notified. | Winchester Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 | Road Hazard |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
College Educated Adults
52.08%
Detached Single-Family Homes
97.5%
Work From Home
15.07%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview of The Plains
The Plains is a small, historic town in Virginia with a population of 255 people, known for its pre-World War II architecture.
It ranks among the most expensive real estate markets in Virginia and the United States.
The community is ethnically diverse with a majority identifying as White, followed by Asian, and includes ancestries such as German, Irish, English, Italian, and Scottish.
English is the predominant language, with Spanish and Italian also spoken.
Historic TownAffluentEthnically DiversePredominantly English Speaking
Quick Facts
| Median Home Price | Among most expensive in Virginia and US |
|---|---|
| Population | 255 |
| Per Capita Income | $54,637 |
Housing market and real estate character
The Plains offers a unique housing market characterized by a very high share of detached single-family homes and low neighborhood density.
| Neighborhood Density | Less dense than 92.1% of US neighborhoods |
|---|
What buyers will notice right away
The high proportion of detached single-family homes and low density provide ample space and privacy.
Many homes date back to pre-World War II, offering historic charm.
Families and Lifestyle
The Plains is a peaceful, retiree-friendly community with a strong professional presence and a notable artist population.
The neighborhood combines a vibrant mix of educated seniors and other age groups.
A significant share of residents telecommute, reflecting a knowledge-based workforce.
The presence of artists, designers, and media professionals shapes the local culture.
Professional and Artistic Community — 85.33% of the workforce is in white-collar jobs, with strong representation in sales, healthcare, management, and creative fields.
Rural and Open Space — Low population density offers a quiet, spacious environment ideal for those valuing privacy and open land.
| Retiree-Friendly Rank | More retiree-friendly than 100% of Virginia neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Work From Home Rate | 15.07% |
Demographics and Culture
| College Educated Adults | 52.08% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | $54,637 |
| Executive, Management, and Professional Occupations | 52.8% |
| White-Collar Workforce | 85.33% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 11.0% |
| Top Languages Spoken | English (85.0%), Spanish (13.0%), Italian |
| Top Ancestries | English (17.4%), German (16.0%), Irish (10.1%), Scottish (7.7%), South American (4.0%), Belgian (1.5%) |
| Child Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have relatively short commutes and primarily drive alone to work.
The Plains offers a balance of short commute times and a high rate of telecommuting, supporting a flexible and efficient lifestyle.
Short Commutes — One-third of residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, less than the national average.
High Telecommuting — Over 15% of the workforce works from home, ranking among the highest in the country.
Car-Dependent but Manageable — Most residents drive alone, reflecting typical suburban and rural transportation patterns.
| Main Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 64.3% |
| Work From Home Rate | 15.07% |
Homes for sale near 20198
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical housing type in The Plains?
Detached single-family homes make up 97.5% of the housing stock, one of the highest rates nationally.
How educated is the population in The Plains?
Over half of adults (52.08%) have a four-year college degree or higher, more than double the national average.
Is The Plains a good place for retirees?
Yes, it is more retiree-friendly than 100% of Virginia neighborhoods, offering peace, quiet, and diverse housing.
What are the main commute methods in The Plains?
Most residents drive alone (64.3%), with a significant portion (15.07%) working from home.