Appalachia, VA
Population 1,612 · Virginia
About Appalachia, VA
Appalachia is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,942 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Appalachia features a median home value of $65,500, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Appalachia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $665, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 857 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (403 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (265 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Appalachia shows an unemployment rate of 14.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Appalachia have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Appalachia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Appalachia Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Appalachia, VA
Compared to national averages, Appalachia has a median household income of $38,942 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,500, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $665 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Appalachia's income is 56% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 80% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Appalachia, VA?
Appalachia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $665/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,942) that falls below the national average. However, Appalachia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Appalachia has a population of 1,612 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Appalachia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Appalachia
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Retreat | 1,614 | $60,114 | $167,900 | Compare |
| Coeburn | 1,606 | $53,750 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Ferrum | 1,622 | $31,750 | $202,500 | Compare |
| Nellysford | 1,623 | $133,036 | $520,000 | Compare |
| Haymarket | 1,591 | $174,306 | $563,600 | Compare |
| Middletown | 1,634 | $57,175 | $288,200 | Compare |
| Bull Run Mountain Estates | 1,582 | $195,781 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Camp Barrett | 1,569 | $0 | $0 | 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 Appalachia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Appalachia
What is the population of Appalachia, VA?
The population of Appalachia, VA is 1,612 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 Appalachia?
The median household income in Appalachia, VA is $38,942 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Appalachia?
The median home value in Appalachia, VA is $65,500, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Appalachia?
The median monthly rent in Appalachia, VA is $665, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Appalachia?
The unemployment rate in Appalachia, VA is 14.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Appalachia, VA a good place to live?
Appalachia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,612 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Appalachia, VA?
15.6% of residents in Appalachia 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 Appalachia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Appalachia, VA: median home value is $65,500 (73% below national), median rent is $665/month, and median household income is $38,942. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Appalachia?
The poverty rate in Appalachia, VA is 32.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Appalachia, VA?
Appalachia's population is 2.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.9% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.