Charlottesville, VA
Population 45,863 · Virginia
About Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 45,863 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,829 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 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 Charlottesville features a median home value of $448,400, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. This places Charlottesville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,453, 25% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,559 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (8,614 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (11,085 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 Charlottesville shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Charlottesville have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.6% of Charlottesville 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 2.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charlottesville Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Charlottesville, VA
Compared to national averages, Charlottesville has a median household income of $69,829 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $448,400, which is 83% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,453 is 25% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Charlottesville's income is 21% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 37% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville offers a well-educated community where 60.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,829) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $448,400. However, Charlottesville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charlottesville has a population of 45,863 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Charlottesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Charlottesville
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashburn | 45,551 | $152,094 | $659,000 | Compare |
| Blacksburg | 45,288 | $48,070 | $417,200 | Compare |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | $120,844 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | $100,370 | $395,400 | Compare |
| Burke | 43,336 | $179,063 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Tuckahoe | 48,610 | $96,188 | $442,200 | Compare |
| Leesburg | 48,788 | $140,668 | $617,700 | Compare |
| Manassas | 42,674 | $117,919 | $434,700 | 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 Charlottesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlottesville
What is the population of Charlottesville, VA?
The population of Charlottesville, VA is 45,863 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 Charlottesville?
The median household income in Charlottesville, VA is $69,829 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charlottesville?
The median home value in Charlottesville, VA is $448,400, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Charlottesville?
The median monthly rent in Charlottesville, VA is $1,453, which is 25% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charlottesville?
The unemployment rate in Charlottesville, VA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live?
Charlottesville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 45,863 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Charlottesville, VA?
60.6% of residents in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charlottesville, VA: median home value is $448,400 (83% above national), median rent is $1,453/month, and median household income is $69,829. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Charlottesville?
The poverty rate in Charlottesville, VA is 22.6%, 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 Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville's population is 2.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 16.8% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.