Gretna, VA
Population 1,275 · Virginia
About Gretna, VA
Gretna is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,275 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,023 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.6 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 Gretna features a median home value of $140,900, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gretna one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 707 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (295 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (314 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 Gretna shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gretna have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Gretna 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 7.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gretna, VA
Compared to national averages, Gretna has a median household income of $36,023 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,900, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Gretna's income is 59% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 57% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Gretna, VA?
Gretna offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,023) that falls below the national average. However, Gretna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gretna has a population of 1,275 with a median age of 53.6 years. Compare Gretna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Gretna
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookneal | 1,275 | $45,909 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Rustburg | 1,276 | $70,771 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Cape Charles | 1,278 | $51,250 | $589,000 | Compare |
| Buchanan | 1,271 | $52,474 | $201,900 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 1,290 | $17,716 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 1,253 | $50,625 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Penhook | 1,253 | $99,176 | $476,500 | Compare |
| Harriston | 1,252 | $91,625 | $149,100 | 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 Gretna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gretna
What is the population of Gretna, VA?
The population of Gretna, VA is 1,275 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 Gretna?
The median household income in Gretna, VA is $36,023 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gretna?
The median home value in Gretna, VA is $140,900, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gretna?
The median monthly rent in Gretna, VA is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gretna?
The unemployment rate in Gretna, VA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gretna, VA a good place to live?
Gretna offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,275 and a median age of 53.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gretna, VA?
12.9% of residents in Gretna 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 Gretna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gretna, VA: median home value is $140,900 (42% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $36,023. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gretna?
The poverty rate in Gretna, VA is 35.9%, 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 Gretna, VA?
Gretna's population is 7.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 30.7% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.