Manchester, VA
Population 12,347 · Virginia
About Manchester, VA
Manchester is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 12,347 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,465 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 Manchester features a median home value of $286,900, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Manchester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,444, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,662 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,020 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,150 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manchester shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Manchester have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.1% of Manchester 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 4.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, and 6.6% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Manchester, VA
Compared to national averages, Manchester has a median household income of $72,465 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,900, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,444 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Manchester's income is 18% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 12% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Manchester, VA?
Manchester offers a well-educated community where 39.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,465) that falls below the national average. However, Manchester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manchester has a population of 12,347 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Manchester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Manchester
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax Station | 12,298 | $212,128 | $863,400 | Compare |
| Newington Forest | 12,434 | $147,650 | $586,400 | Compare |
| Forest | 12,476 | $78,825 | $319,100 | Compare |
| Cascades | 12,489 | $166,023 | $617,100 | Compare |
| Poquoson | 12,556 | $120,919 | $403,000 | Compare |
| Lansdowne | 12,603 | $180,379 | $753,600 | Compare |
| Wyndham | 12,084 | $235,886 | $673,200 | Compare |
| Stuarts Draft | 11,920 | $77,585 | $260,700 | 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 Manchester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manchester
What is the population of Manchester, VA?
The population of Manchester, VA is 12,347 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 Manchester?
The median household income in Manchester, VA is $72,465 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manchester?
The median home value in Manchester, VA is $286,900, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manchester?
The median monthly rent in Manchester, VA is $1,444, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manchester?
The unemployment rate in Manchester, VA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manchester, VA a good place to live?
Manchester offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,347 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Manchester, VA?
39.1% of residents in Manchester 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 Manchester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manchester, VA: median home value is $286,900 (17% above national), median rent is $1,444/month, and median household income is $72,465. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Manchester?
The poverty rate in Manchester, VA is 13.6%, 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 Manchester, VA?
Manchester's population is 4.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 6.6% Asian, and 36.2% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.