Gainesville, VA
Population 18,036 · Virginia
About Gainesville, VA
Gainesville is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 18,036 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $168,978 per year, which is 125% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gainesville features a median home value of $660,800, which is 170% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gainesville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,444, 110% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,989 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (4,910 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (959 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gainesville shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gainesville have an average one-way commute time of 35.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
56.7% of Gainesville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 17.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gainesville, VA
Compared to national averages, Gainesville has a median household income of $168,978 (125% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $660,800, which is 170% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,444 is 110% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Gainesville's income is 92% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 102% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Gainesville, VA?
Gainesville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $168,978, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $660,800. However, Gainesville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gainesville has a population of 18,036 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Gainesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Gainesville
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franconia | 18,141 | $152,007 | $557,800 | Compare |
| Laurel | 18,180 | $69,932 | $272,300 | Compare |
| Hybla Valley | 17,877 | $72,068 | $523,000 | Compare |
| Colonial Heights | 18,210 | $76,250 | $231,700 | Compare |
| Sudley | 18,420 | $92,101 | $417,100 | Compare |
| Franklin Farm | 18,509 | $210,169 | $810,600 | Compare |
| Idylwood | 17,469 | $118,443 | $708,400 | Compare |
| Burke Centre | 17,447 | $159,932 | $615,400 | 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 Gainesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainesville
What is the population of Gainesville, VA?
The population of Gainesville, VA is 18,036 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville, VA is $168,978 per year, which is 125% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville, VA is $660,800, which is 170% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gainesville?
The median monthly rent in Gainesville, VA is $2,444, which is 110% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gainesville?
The unemployment rate in Gainesville, VA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gainesville, VA a good place to live?
Gainesville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,036 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gainesville, VA?
56.7% of residents in Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gainesville, VA: median home value is $660,800 (170% above national), median rent is $2,444/month, and median household income is $168,978. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gainesville?
The poverty rate in Gainesville, VA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gainesville, VA?
Gainesville's population is 3.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 16.5% two or more races. 17.7% of residents are foreign-born.