Drakes Branch, VA
Population 475 · Virginia
About Drakes Branch, VA
Drakes Branch is a small community located in Virginia with a population of 475 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $19,620 per year, which is 74% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 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 Drakes Branch features a median home value of $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Drakes Branch one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $498, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 318 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (138 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (97 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Drakes Branch shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 28.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Drakes Branch have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Drakes Branch 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 0.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Drakes Branch Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Drakes Branch, VA
Compared to national averages, Drakes Branch has a median household income of $19,620 (74% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $498 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Drakes Branch's income is 78% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 64% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Drakes Branch, VA?
Drakes Branch offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $498/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($19,620) that falls below the national average. However, Drakes Branch’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Drakes Branch has a population of 475 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare Drakes Branch with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Drakes Branch
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 477 | $91,354 | $210,600 | Compare |
| Stanardsville | 473 | $63,594 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Horntown | 479 | $0 | $138,000 | Compare |
| Boykins | 484 | $57,917 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Sandy Level | 466 | $41,349 | $0 | Compare |
| Wintergreen | 464 | $115,795 | $597,500 | Compare |
| Scottsville | 488 | $46,563 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Burkeville | 489 | $53,542 | $90,700 | 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 Drakes Branch With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Drakes Branch
What is the population of Drakes Branch, VA?
The population of Drakes Branch, VA is 475 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 Drakes Branch?
The median household income in Drakes Branch, VA is $19,620 per year, which is 74% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Drakes Branch?
The median home value in Drakes Branch, VA is $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Drakes Branch?
The median monthly rent in Drakes Branch, VA is $498, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Drakes Branch?
The unemployment rate in Drakes Branch, VA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Drakes Branch, VA a good place to live?
Drakes Branch offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 475 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Drakes Branch, VA?
14.6% of residents in Drakes Branch 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 Drakes Branch?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Drakes Branch, VA: median home value is $119,100 (51% below national), median rent is $498/month, and median household income is $19,620. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Drakes Branch?
The poverty rate in Drakes Branch, VA is 28.8%, 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 Drakes Branch, VA?
Drakes Branch's population is 0.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 44.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.