Blacksburg, VA
Population 45,288 · Virginia
About Blacksburg, VA
Blacksburg is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 45,288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,070 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Blacksburg features a median home value of $417,200, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. This places Blacksburg in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,290, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,893 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (4,735 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (9,092 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blacksburg shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 42.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Blacksburg have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
69.7% of Blacksburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 13.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Blacksburg Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Blacksburg, VA
Compared to national averages, Blacksburg has a median household income of $48,070 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $417,200, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,290 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Blacksburg's income is 45% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 27% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Blacksburg, VA?
Blacksburg offers a well-educated community where 69.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,070) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $417,200. However, Blacksburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blacksburg has a population of 45,288 with a median age of 21.9 years. Compare Blacksburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Blacksburg
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashburn | 45,551 | $152,094 | $659,000 | Compare |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | $120,844 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Charlottesville | 45,863 | $69,829 | $448,400 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | $100,370 | $395,400 | Compare |
| Burke | 43,336 | $179,063 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Manassas | 42,674 | $117,919 | $434,700 | Compare |
| Danville | 42,239 | $42,778 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Linton Hall | 42,077 | $170,989 | $594,200 | 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 Blacksburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blacksburg
What is the population of Blacksburg, VA?
The population of Blacksburg, VA is 45,288 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Blacksburg?
The median household income in Blacksburg, VA is $48,070 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blacksburg?
The median home value in Blacksburg, VA is $417,200, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Blacksburg?
The median monthly rent in Blacksburg, VA is $1,290, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blacksburg?
The unemployment rate in Blacksburg, VA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Blacksburg, VA a good place to live?
Blacksburg offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 45,288 and a median age of 21.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Blacksburg, VA?
69.7% of residents in Blacksburg aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Blacksburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blacksburg, VA: median home value is $417,200 (70% above national), median rent is $1,290/month, and median household income is $48,070. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Blacksburg?
The poverty rate in Blacksburg, VA is 42.8%, 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 Blacksburg, VA?
Blacksburg's population is 0.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 13.7% of residents are foreign-born.