Gate City, VA
Population 1,939 · Virginia
About Gate City, VA
Gate City is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,939 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,188 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 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 Gate City features a median home value of $158,400, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gate City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $600, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,127 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (639 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (239 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gate City 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 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gate City have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.0% of Gate City 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 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gate City Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Gate City, VA
Compared to national averages, Gate City has a median household income of $37,188 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,400, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $600 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Gate City's income is 58% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 52% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Gate City, VA?
Gate City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $600/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,188) that falls below the national average. However, Gate City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gate City has a population of 1,939 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Gate City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Gate City
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampden-Sydney | 1,942 | $148,846 | $0 | Compare |
| Stanley | 1,976 | $59,583 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Tappahannock | 1,865 | $44,896 | $204,200 | Compare |
| East Lexington | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | Compare |
| Pennington Gap | 2,020 | $22,857 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,023 | $87,763 | $338,000 | Compare |
| Victoria | 1,844 | $38,021 | $123,100 | Compare |
| Laymantown | 1,843 | $86,282 | $276,900 | 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 Gate City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gate City
What is the population of Gate City, VA?
The population of Gate City, VA is 1,939 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 Gate City?
The median household income in Gate City, VA is $37,188 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gate City?
The median home value in Gate City, VA is $158,400, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gate City?
The median monthly rent in Gate City, VA is $600, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gate City?
The unemployment rate in Gate City, 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 Gate City, VA a good place to live?
Gate City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,939 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gate City, VA?
32.0% of residents in Gate City 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 Gate City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gate City, VA: median home value is $158,400 (35% below national), median rent is $600/month, and median household income is $37,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gate City?
The poverty rate in Gate City, VA is 15.5%, 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 Gate City, VA?
Gate City's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.