Amherst, VA
Population 2,124 · Virginia
About Amherst, VA
Amherst is a small community in Virginia with a population of 2,124 residents. The median household income is $71,313 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Amherst is 44.6 years.
Housing in Amherst has a median home value of $213,300 and median monthly rent of $686. Of the 986 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 637 owner-occupied and 274 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Amherst is 1.4% and the poverty rate is 6.5%. 23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.5 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst
What is the population of Amherst, VA?
The population of Amherst, VA is 2,124 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Amherst?
The median household income in Amherst, VA is $71,313 per year.
What is the median home value in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst, VA is $213,300.
What is the average rent in Amherst?
The median monthly rent in Amherst, VA is $686.
What is the unemployment rate in Amherst?
The unemployment rate in Amherst, VA is 1.4%.