Dayton, VA
Population 2,023 · Virginia
About Dayton, VA
Dayton is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,023 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,763 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Dayton features a median home value of $338,000, which is 38% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Dayton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $958, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 811 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (541 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (241 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dayton shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dayton have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.4% of Dayton 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 8.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 12.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dayton, VA
Compared to national averages, Dayton has a median household income of $87,763 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $338,000, which is 38% above the national median. Monthly rent at $958 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Dayton's income is 0% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 3% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Dayton, VA?
Dayton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,763, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $958/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 43.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Dayton has a population of 2,023 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Dayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Dayton
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lexington | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | Compare |
| Pennington Gap | 2,020 | $22,857 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Mount Jackson | 2,048 | $55,521 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Saltville | 2,056 | $46,098 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Lake Holiday | 2,059 | $100,341 | $277,700 | Compare |
| Mason Neck | 2,059 | $189,688 | $798,000 | Compare |
| Narrows | 2,064 | $61,894 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Prince George | 2,066 | $71,831 | $254,300 | 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 Dayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton
What is the population of Dayton, VA?
The population of Dayton, VA is 2,023 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 Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton, VA is $87,763 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton, VA is $338,000, which is 38% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dayton?
The median monthly rent in Dayton, VA is $958, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dayton?
The unemployment rate in Dayton, VA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dayton, VA a good place to live?
Dayton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,023 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Dayton, VA?
43.4% of residents in Dayton 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 Dayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dayton, VA: median home value is $338,000 (38% above national), median rent is $958/month, and median household income is $87,763. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dayton?
The poverty rate in Dayton, VA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dayton, VA?
Dayton's population is 8.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 12.5% of residents are foreign-born.