Chilhowie, VA
Population 2,462 · Virginia
About Chilhowie, VA
Chilhowie is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,250 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.4 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 Chilhowie features a median home value of $158,600, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chilhowie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $799, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 951 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (542 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (349 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chilhowie 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 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chilhowie have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.4% of Chilhowie 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 3.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chilhowie, VA
Compared to national averages, Chilhowie has a median household income of $53,250 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,600, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $799 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Chilhowie's income is 39% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 52% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Chilhowie, VA?
Chilhowie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $799/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,250) that falls below the national average. However, Chilhowie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chilhowie has a population of 2,462 with a median age of 47.4 years. Compare Chilhowie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Chilhowie
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlawn CDP (Carroll County), Virginia | 2,461 | $89,375 | $144,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 2,452 | $193,526 | $598,800 | Compare |
| Matoaca | 2,448 | $57,445 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Piney Mountain | 2,478 | $129,120 | $284,000 | Compare |
| Goose Creek Village | 2,519 | $209,042 | $588,100 | Compare |
| Chase City | 2,530 | $51,840 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Fairlawn | 2,555 | $67,549 | $257,000 | Compare |
| Ravensworth | 2,566 | $163,281 | $668,600 | 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 Chilhowie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chilhowie
What is the population of Chilhowie, VA?
The population of Chilhowie, VA is 2,462 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 Chilhowie?
The median household income in Chilhowie, VA is $53,250 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chilhowie?
The median home value in Chilhowie, VA is $158,600, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chilhowie?
The median monthly rent in Chilhowie, VA is $799, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chilhowie?
The unemployment rate in Chilhowie, 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 Chilhowie, VA a good place to live?
Chilhowie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,462 and a median age of 47.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chilhowie, VA?
26.4% of residents in Chilhowie 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 Chilhowie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chilhowie, VA: median home value is $158,600 (35% below national), median rent is $799/month, and median household income is $53,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chilhowie?
The poverty rate in Chilhowie, VA is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chilhowie, VA?
Chilhowie's population is 3.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.