About Prince William
The new Prince William is a place where business is thriving and contributing to a vibrant community; a dynamic place where people want to live, work and play. Its high quality of life and prosperity combine to make this one of the top economic growth areas in the nation.
From the shores of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers to the peaks of the Bull Run Mountains, this is a region with much to see and do—its cultural attractions, recreational opportunities and shopping spots interest both residents and visitors, and its world-class golf courses have repeatedly attracted the President’s Cup to Prince William.
Additionally, the economic environment is supportive of business. A diverse range of industries, from IT firms to art galleries, flourish in the area. For residents, this means they will find quality goods and services right here in Prince William, and that visitors will be impressed with all there is to see and do!
Learn more:
- Geography
- Transportation
- Statistics/Demographics
- Business Community
- World-Class Education
- Recreation & The Arts
- Dining & Shopping
Geography
Only 20 miles south of the Nation’s Capitol, Prince William County encompasses 348 square miles and includes within its boundaries the independent cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Total population for Prince William County has grown to more than 300,000. Prince William County is bordered on the north by Fairfax and Loudoun counties, on the east by the Potomac River, on the south by Stafford County, and on the west by Fauquier County.
Prince William enjoys an excellent transportation network, and is the only area jurisdiction to fund some of its own road projects. The area is served by two major interstates, I-95 and I-66, and the Prince William County Parkway is an efficient cross-county connector. The VRE train and OmniRide bus systems provide mass transit for commuters, and OmniLink provides local bus service Monday-Friday. Additionally, Prince William is home to the third largest local airport in Virginia, the Manassas Regional Airport, and Dulles International and Reagan National airports are within 30 minutes of its borders.
Prince William County 2006 Statistics
Population: 367,456
Median Household Income: $ 77,678
Average Sold Price: $ 428,300
Average Monthly Rent: $ 1,608
Virginia Sales Tax: 4%
Local Sales Tax: 1%
Personal Property (per $100 assessed value): $3.70
An Active Business Community
Prince William's businesses are active in the regional community. Through the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, they work with the region's policymakers to examine current and future challenges and develop positive strategies to ensure continued economic growth.
Regional Chamber members are also active in the schools, forming partnerships to offer valuable business experiences to students and ensure a high quality workforce for the future. Other ways that members of the Region’s Chamber support the community include our Scholarship Program, “Tools for School,” Supply Drive, "Presents for Prince William" Toy Drive and Valor Awards.
The Region's Chamber counts many charitable community groups among our members. Through their involvement with the Chamber, these groups build profitable relationships with businesses that positively affect their ability to provide services in the community. Additionally, the Region's Chamber works to promote and strengthen the efforts of our nonprofit members as they improve the quality of life for all in the region.
Prince William is home to a well-educated work force and a world-class public school system. More than 87 percent of Prince William residents have attained education beyond the high school level, and more than 40 percent have a college or graduate degree.
Prince William County Public Schools are continually recognized for outstanding educational initiatives and the ability to prepare students to successfully contribute to the workforce of tomorrow.
Prince William is repeatedly asked by the Virginia Department of Education to share its innovative programs with other school divisions. In 2005, Newsweek ranked eight Prince William County high schools among the top 1,100 schools in the United States.
Many excellent higher learning institutions are located in Prince William as well, including George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and Strayer University.
Recreation and the Arts
When it comes to recreation, Prince William really does have it all. Everybody from history buffs to nature lovers to shop-a-holics can find something to enjoy in Prince William.
The area was one of the first "New World" sites explored by Captain John Smith in 1608. By mid-eighteenth century, the region was an area of thriving plantations and mercantile shipping ; this history is chronicled in the Weems-Botts Museum in historic Dumfries. Two significant Civil War battles were fought here and today Manassas National Battlefield Park attracts a million visitors a year. The Manassas Museum System provides a comprehensive look at the region's history and the National Museum of the Marine Corps brings the nation’s wartime history to life with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
Cultural patrons will find as much to love as history buffs. Regional performances include orchestra productions, dance companies, musicals and dramatic theater. Check the calendar section of our Member News page to see performances listings and other community activities.
Outdoor recreational opportunities abound as well, with public and private golf courses; 
boating, fishing, hunting and birding along the Potomac and Occoquan rivers; and a variety of recreational facilities.
Local sports fans attest that watching the Potomac Nationals play at Pfitzner Stadium is a favorite way to spend summer evenings in Prince William. Also, conveniently located only 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., venues for national teams such as the Washington Wizards, Capitols and Nationals are only a short ride away.
It is easy to enjoy both fine dining experiences and informal family fare in Prince William, with offerings ranging from the exotic to hamburgers grilled "just right." Visit our online directory to locate one of the many excellent area restaurants.
Shoppers also find a diversity of opportunities. Small retail shops offer unique merchandise, while the nationally known outlet shopping center, Potomac Mills Mall and Manassas Mall provide a full range of stores.
More information on visiting Prince William County and Manassas can be found at the Prince William County/Manassas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For information on opening a business in Prince William, contact the Region's Chamber or the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.
