Bluefield, VA
Population 5,016 · Virginia
About Bluefield, VA
Bluefield is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 5,016 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,500 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bluefield features a median home value of $161,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bluefield in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,224 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,372 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (706 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bluefield shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bluefield have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.7% of Bluefield 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 1.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bluefield, VA
Compared to national averages, Bluefield has a median household income of $53,500 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,100, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Bluefield's income is 39% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 51% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Bluefield, VA?
Bluefield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,500) that falls below the national average. However, Bluefield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bluefield has a population of 5,016 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Bluefield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Bluefield
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlayne | 5,000 | $102,656 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Orange | 5,000 | $68,833 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Falmouth | 5,036 | $125,305 | $422,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 4,926 | $61,580 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Richlands | 5,188 | $37,382 | $107,300 | Compare |
| Bealeton | 5,193 | $103,365 | $361,600 | Compare |
| Big Stone Gap | 5,193 | $51,059 | $169,900 | Compare |
| Luray | 4,836 | $55,802 | $243,500 | 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 Bluefield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bluefield
What is the population of Bluefield, VA?
The population of Bluefield, VA is 5,016 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 Bluefield?
The median household income in Bluefield, VA is $53,500 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bluefield?
The median home value in Bluefield, VA is $161,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bluefield?
The median monthly rent in Bluefield, VA is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bluefield?
The unemployment rate in Bluefield, VA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bluefield, VA a good place to live?
Bluefield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,016 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bluefield, VA?
31.7% of residents in Bluefield 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 Bluefield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bluefield, VA: median home value is $161,100 (34% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $53,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bluefield?
The poverty rate in Bluefield, VA is 14.9%, 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 Bluefield, VA?
Bluefield's population is 1.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.