Brookneal, VA
Population 1,275 · Virginia
About Brookneal, VA
Brookneal is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,275 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,909 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brookneal features a median home value of $115,000, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brookneal one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 658 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (333 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (167 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brookneal shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brookneal have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of Brookneal 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 0.3% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brookneal, VA
Compared to national averages, Brookneal has a median household income of $45,909 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,000, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Brookneal's income is 48% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 65% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Brookneal, VA?
Brookneal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,909) that falls below the national average. However, Brookneal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brookneal has a population of 1,275 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Brookneal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Brookneal
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretna | 1,275 | $36,023 | $140,900 | Compare |
| Rustburg | 1,276 | $70,771 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Cape Charles | 1,278 | $51,250 | $589,000 | Compare |
| Buchanan | 1,271 | $52,474 | $201,900 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 1,290 | $17,716 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 1,253 | $50,625 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Penhook | 1,253 | $99,176 | $476,500 | Compare |
| Harriston | 1,252 | $91,625 | $149,100 | 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 Brookneal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookneal
What is the population of Brookneal, VA?
The population of Brookneal, VA is 1,275 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 Brookneal?
The median household income in Brookneal, VA is $45,909 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookneal?
The median home value in Brookneal, VA is $115,000, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brookneal?
The median monthly rent in Brookneal, VA is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookneal?
The unemployment rate in Brookneal, VA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brookneal, VA a good place to live?
Brookneal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,275 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brookneal, VA?
9.9% of residents in Brookneal 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 Brookneal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookneal, VA: median home value is $115,000 (53% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $45,909. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brookneal?
The poverty rate in Brookneal, VA is 22.7%, 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 Brookneal, VA?
Brookneal's population is 0.3% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 24.9% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.