Lynchburg, VA
Population 79,255 · Virginia
About Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 79,255 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,808 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.4 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 Lynchburg features a median home value of $211,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lynchburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,043, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,009 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (14,076 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (14,611 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 Lynchburg shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lynchburg have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.5% of Lynchburg 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 1.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lynchburg Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Lynchburg, VA
Compared to national averages, Lynchburg has a median household income of $59,808 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,800, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,043 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Lynchburg's income is 32% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 35% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Lynchburg, VA?
Lynchburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,043/month, and a well-educated community where 38.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,808) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lynchburg provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lynchburg has a population of 79,255 with a median age of 28.4 years. Compare Lynchburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Lynchburg
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dale City | 72,793 | $113,245 | $400,100 | Compare |
| Centreville | 71,885 | $143,704 | $565,900 | Compare |
| Reston | 63,542 | $139,515 | $616,000 | Compare |
| Suffolk | 96,638 | $90,089 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | $59,752 | $278,200 | Compare |
| McLean | 50,232 | $250,001 | $1,304,900 | 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 Lynchburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lynchburg
What is the population of Lynchburg, VA?
The population of Lynchburg, VA is 79,255 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 Lynchburg?
The median household income in Lynchburg, VA is $59,808 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lynchburg?
The median home value in Lynchburg, VA is $211,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lynchburg?
The median monthly rent in Lynchburg, VA is $1,043, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lynchburg?
The unemployment rate in Lynchburg, VA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lynchburg, VA a good place to live?
Lynchburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 79,255 and a median age of 28.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lynchburg, VA?
38.5% of residents in Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lynchburg, VA: median home value is $211,800 (14% below national), median rent is $1,043/month, and median household income is $59,808. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lynchburg?
The poverty rate in Lynchburg, VA is 17.4%, 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 Lynchburg, VA?
Lynchburg's population is 1.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 27.4% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.