Amherst, VA
Population 2,124 · Virginia
About Amherst, VA
Amherst is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,313 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Amherst features a median home value of $213,300, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Amherst in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $686, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 986 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (637 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (274 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Amherst shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Amherst have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Amherst residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Amherst Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Amherst, VA
Compared to national averages, Amherst has a median household income of $71,313 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,300, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $686 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Amherst's income is 19% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 35% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Amherst, VA?
Amherst offers affordable housing with a median home value of $213,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $686/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,313) that falls below the national average. However, Amherst’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Amherst has a population of 2,124 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Amherst with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Amherst
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Springs | 2,094 | $41,532 | $104,700 | Compare |
| New Market | 2,159 | $47,967 | $247,400 | Compare |
| Appomattox | 2,085 | $47,795 | $124,700 | Compare |
| Prince George | 2,066 | $71,831 | $254,300 | Compare |
| Narrows | 2,064 | $61,894 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Lake Holiday | 2,059 | $100,341 | $277,700 | Compare |
| Mason Neck | 2,059 | $189,688 | $798,000 | Compare |
| Saltville | 2,056 | $46,098 | $92,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Amherst With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst
What is the population of Amherst, VA?
The population of Amherst, VA is 2,124 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Amherst?
The median household income in Amherst, VA is $71,313 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst, VA is $213,300, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Amherst?
The median monthly rent in Amherst, VA is $686, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Amherst?
The unemployment rate in Amherst, VA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Amherst, VA a good place to live?
Amherst offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,124 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Amherst, VA?
23.9% of residents in Amherst aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Amherst?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Amherst, VA: median home value is $213,300 (13% below national), median rent is $686/month, and median household income is $71,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Amherst?
The poverty rate in Amherst, VA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Amherst, VA?
Amherst's population is 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 14.4% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.