Damascus, VA
Population 766 · Virginia
About Damascus, VA
Damascus is a small community located in Virginia with a population of 766 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,173 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Damascus features a median home value of $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Damascus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 453 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (175 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (178 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 Damascus shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Damascus have an average one-way commute time of 16.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.2% of Damascus 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 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Damascus Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Damascus, VA
Compared to national averages, Damascus has a median household income of $33,173 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Damascus's income is 62% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 43% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Damascus, VA?
Damascus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,173) that falls below the national average. However, Damascus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Damascus has a population of 766 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Damascus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Damascus
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Chiswell | 770 | $85,147 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Camptown | 758 | $100,750 | $0 | Compare |
| Boissevain | 757 | $25,951 | $28,300 | Compare |
| Rich Creek | 781 | $49,688 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Grundy | 782 | $42,417 | $187,000 | Compare |
| Parksley | 782 | $81,250 | $160,400 | Compare |
| Shenandoah Shores | 783 | $92,813 | $282,000 | Compare |
| Opal | 784 | $207,708 | $582,000 | 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 Damascus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Damascus
What is the population of Damascus, VA?
The population of Damascus, VA is 766 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Damascus?
The median household income in Damascus, VA is $33,173 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Damascus?
The median home value in Damascus, VA is $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Damascus?
The median monthly rent in Damascus, VA is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Damascus?
The unemployment rate in Damascus, VA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Damascus, VA a good place to live?
Damascus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 766 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Damascus, VA?
19.2% of residents in Damascus 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 Damascus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Damascus, VA: median home value is $186,300 (24% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $33,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Damascus?
The poverty rate in Damascus, VA is 18.3%, 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 Damascus, VA?
Damascus's population is 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.