History:  Founded over 300 years ago in 1664, (Stafford County Tricentennial was celebrated in 1964) Stafford county is rich in history. It was here that George Washington spent much of childhood, at the 600 acre Ferry Farm Estate, in the lower part of the county. It was during these years that George supposedly cut down the legendary cherry tree and skipped stones across the Rappahannock River. Today Stafford (named for Staffordshire, England) is still primarily rural, although there has been much growth recently in population and in industry. The majority of wage earners commute to work in the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia area and in this respect Stafford can be considered a bedroom community. The current population in Stafford is around 114,000 people and growing daily with a median income of around $66,000. For more about the history check here for links and historical places to visit. An extensive look at Historic Falmouth is located here

Tax Situation: Current tax rates are $.97/$100 assessed at 100% for real estate (due June 5 and Dec. 5), $5.49/$100 assessed at 40% for personal property. Tax relief for elderly and disabled is available. Sales tax: 5% (5% state + 1% local). Meals are taxed at 4%. 

Auto decals are no longer required in Stafford County as of Jan 1, 2007. Dog tags cost $10.00 for dogs that have not been spayed or neutered and $5.00 for dogs that have, new tags deadline is January. 
 

Form of Government: The Stafford County government is located at the Stafford County Administration Center 1300 Courthouse Road. The government is run by an elected Board of Supervisors consisting of 7 regular members. Four year terms are staggered every 2 years. Supervisors make final decisions in governmental matters ranging from land use and zoning to setting tax rates.

Public Transportation: There is a wide array of transportation available.  Pick your choice and go to work or explore!

Public Facilities and Services:  Electricity is supplied by Dominion Virginia Power and several Electric Cooperative. Natural gas is available through Commonwealth Gas Services. Water rates vary depending on usage. Contact the utilities office at (540)658-8616.  There is one landfill in the county (shared with Fredericksburg), which residents can use free of charge. Stafford is policed by the Stafford County Sheriffs Dept.  The fire department for the county is mostly made up of volunteers, but a small staff of paid firefighters are maintained. 911 emergency service is operational in the county. Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website will provide newcomers to the area with all the details pertaining to vehicle operation and when to obtain a drivers license. A branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library system 480,000+ volumes circulate among 7 libraries in system (and one bookmobile). Library information: (540) 372-1144. The library system was rated one of America's best public libraries in a nation-wide study. 

TV/Radio and entertainment: There is one local cable TV station but numerous radio stations  to choose from. 

Lodging: There are a variety of hotels/motels available to stay at.  It is up to you to decide which will be the best for your needs. 

Public Schools: There are many schools in the County so the best thing to do outside of speaking with your neighbors is to call the school board to find out what school your child will attend.

Colleges: Closest colleges include University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Germanna Community College with a campus in Fredericksburg and Rappahannock Community College with campuses nearby. Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College is approximately 25 miles away.  There is a listing of other Virginia colleges here. 

Recreational Facilities:There is a number of activities  that are available to do whether with friends of family.

Sports: The professional teams are listed with phone numbers to call for information.  Local college and high school sports will available soon.

Shopping: Brafferton Shopping Center in North Stafford has 30 stores. Chatham Square Shopping Center on Butler Road has approximately 15 stores. A Wal-Mart is located on Garrisonville Road. Doc Stone Commons and Stafford Market Place are located right off the Interstate off of Route 610. Potomac Mills Mall is located just North of Stafford. Historic Fredericksburg has a large variety of stores from antique stores to speciality shops. Central Park shopping area is located just inside Fredericksburg and is growing every day. Central Park includes Kohl's, Lowes, Target, PetsMart, Shoppers Club, Office Depot, Best Buy, Sports Authority, Men's Warehouse, and Borders Books. Spotsylvania Mall, off of I-95 exit 130, contains over 120 stores, including major department stores (Sears, Montgomery Wards, JCPenney, Belk and Hecht's), boutiques and specialty shops.Massaponax Factory Outlet Stores, off I-95 exit 126, has approximately 20 outlet stores, including Bugle Boy, Corning Reeve and Rackroom Shoes. There are mall "general" stores located throughout the area. Complete listing of shopping centers is located here.

Statistics & Facts
 
 

Zip Codes:     22406,22463,22463,22471,22554,22556

Area Code:    540

Phone Prefix: 282, 286, 737, 752, 242, 288, 604, 647, 657, 658, 659, 720, 752

Stafford Frequently Used Numbers   http://www.co.stafford.va.us/About_Stafford/Frequently_Used_Numbers/Index.shtml
Sister City    Stafford Borough, England