Harrisonburg, VA
Population 51,492 · Virginia
About Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 51,492 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,752 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harrisonburg features a median home value of $278,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Harrisonburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,120, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,654 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (6,922 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (10,409 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 Harrisonburg shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harrisonburg have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.7% of Harrisonburg 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 5.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Black or African American, and 12.8% Asian residents, with 17.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Harrisonburg Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Harrisonburg, VA
Compared to national averages, Harrisonburg has a median household income of $59,752 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $278,200, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,120 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Harrisonburg's income is 32% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 15% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Harrisonburg, VA?
Harrisonburg offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,120/month, and a well-educated community where 36.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,752) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Harrisonburg provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Harrisonburg has a population of 51,492 with a median age of 25.4 years. Compare Harrisonburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Harrisonburg
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLean | 50,232 | $250,001 | $1,304,900 | Compare |
| Leesburg | 48,788 | $140,668 | $617,700 | Compare |
| Tuckahoe | 48,610 | $96,188 | $442,200 | Compare |
| Charlottesville | 45,863 | $69,829 | $448,400 | Compare |
| Ashburn | 45,551 | $152,094 | $659,000 | Compare |
| Blacksburg | 45,288 | $48,070 | $417,200 | Compare |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | $120,844 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | $100,370 | $395,400 | 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 Harrisonburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisonburg
What is the population of Harrisonburg, VA?
The population of Harrisonburg, VA is 51,492 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 Harrisonburg?
The median household income in Harrisonburg, VA is $59,752 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harrisonburg?
The median home value in Harrisonburg, VA is $278,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Harrisonburg?
The median monthly rent in Harrisonburg, VA is $1,120, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisonburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisonburg, VA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live?
Harrisonburg offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,492 and a median age of 25.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Harrisonburg, VA?
36.7% of residents in Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harrisonburg, VA: median home value is $278,200 (14% above national), median rent is $1,120/month, and median household income is $59,752. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Harrisonburg?
The poverty rate in Harrisonburg, VA is 25.6%, 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 Harrisonburg, VA?
Harrisonburg's population is 5.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Black or African American, 12.8% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 17.3% of residents are foreign-born.