Emporia, VA
Population 5,633 · Virginia
About Emporia, VA
Emporia is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 5,633 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,375 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Emporia features a median home value of $131,100, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emporia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,060, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,824 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (852 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (1,367 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 Emporia shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Emporia have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Emporia 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 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.2% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Emporia, VA
Compared to national averages, Emporia has a median household income of $49,375 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $131,100, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,060 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Emporia's income is 44% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 60% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Emporia, VA?
Emporia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $131,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,060/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,375) that falls below the national average. However, Emporia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emporia has a population of 5,633 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Emporia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Emporia
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosspointe | 5,632 | $247,708 | $921,400 | Compare |
| Moorefield | 5,598 | $200,754 | $802,700 | Compare |
| Covington | 5,671 | $42,724 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Marion | 5,694 | $37,357 | $160,600 | Compare |
| Dulles Town Center | 5,541 | $114,503 | $561,400 | Compare |
| Dumfries | 5,749 | $78,373 | $303,700 | Compare |
| Ettrick | 5,760 | $54,857 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Quantico Base | 5,491 | $69,419 | $0 | 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 Emporia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emporia
What is the population of Emporia, VA?
The population of Emporia, VA is 5,633 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 Emporia?
The median household income in Emporia, VA is $49,375 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emporia?
The median home value in Emporia, VA is $131,100, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Emporia?
The median monthly rent in Emporia, VA is $1,060, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emporia?
The unemployment rate in Emporia, VA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emporia, VA a good place to live?
Emporia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,633 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Emporia, VA?
15.2% of residents in Emporia 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 Emporia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emporia, VA: median home value is $131,100 (46% below national), median rent is $1,060/month, and median household income is $49,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emporia?
The poverty rate in Emporia, VA is 13.5%, 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 Emporia, VA?
Emporia's population is 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.2% Asian, and 63.6% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.