Big Stone Gap, VA
Population 5,193 · Virginia
About Big Stone Gap, VA
Big Stone Gap is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 5,193 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,059 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Big Stone Gap features a median home value of $169,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Big Stone Gap in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $823, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,963 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,059 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (649 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Stone Gap shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Big Stone Gap have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Big Stone Gap 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 0.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Big Stone Gap, VA
Compared to national averages, Big Stone Gap has a median household income of $51,059 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,900, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $823 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Big Stone Gap's income is 42% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 48% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Big Stone Gap, VA?
Big Stone Gap offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $823/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,059) that falls below the national average. However, Big Stone Gap’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Stone Gap has a population of 5,193 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Big Stone Gap with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Big Stone Gap
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bealeton | 5,193 | $103,365 | $361,600 | Compare |
| Richlands | 5,188 | $37,382 | $107,300 | Compare |
| Falmouth | 5,036 | $125,305 | $422,500 | Compare |
| Bluefield | 5,016 | $53,500 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Chamberlayne | 5,000 | $102,656 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Orange | 5,000 | $68,833 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 4,926 | $61,580 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Quantico Base | 5,491 | $69,419 | $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 Big Stone Gap With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Stone Gap
What is the population of Big Stone Gap, VA?
The population of Big Stone Gap, VA is 5,193 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 Big Stone Gap?
The median household income in Big Stone Gap, VA is $51,059 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Stone Gap?
The median home value in Big Stone Gap, VA is $169,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Big Stone Gap?
The median monthly rent in Big Stone Gap, VA is $823, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Stone Gap?
The unemployment rate in Big Stone Gap, VA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Big Stone Gap, VA a good place to live?
Big Stone Gap offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,193 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Big Stone Gap, VA?
18.8% of residents in Big Stone Gap 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 Big Stone Gap?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Stone Gap, VA: median home value is $169,900 (31% below national), median rent is $823/month, and median household income is $51,059. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Big Stone Gap?
The poverty rate in Big Stone Gap, VA is 23.3%, 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 Big Stone Gap, VA?
Big Stone Gap's population is 0.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 19.4% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.