Mathews, VA
Population 1,145 · Virginia
About Mathews, VA
Mathews is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,145 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,108 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.8 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 Mathews features a median home value of $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mathews in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 516 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (305 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (145 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mathews shows an unemployment rate of 15.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mathews have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Mathews 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 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mathews, VA
Compared to national averages, Mathews has a median household income of $53,108 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Mathews's income is 40% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 45% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Mathews, VA?
Mathews offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,108) that falls below the national average. However, Mathews’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mathews has a population of 1,145 with a median age of 33.8 years. Compare Mathews with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Mathews
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 1,144 | $36,250 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Lawrenceville | 1,149 | $39,833 | $110,700 | Compare |
| Innovation | 1,139 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Maurertown | 1,138 | $89,375 | $263,400 | Compare |
| Emory | 1,135 | $62,500 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Jolivue | 1,135 | $38,738 | $243,900 | Compare |
| McGaheysville | 1,155 | $67,125 | $302,300 | Compare |
| Cedar Bluff | 1,156 | $40,179 | $123,300 | 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 Mathews With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mathews
What is the population of Mathews, VA?
The population of Mathews, VA is 1,145 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 Mathews?
The median household income in Mathews, VA is $53,108 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mathews?
The median home value in Mathews, VA is $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mathews?
The median monthly rent in Mathews, VA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mathews?
The unemployment rate in Mathews, VA is 15.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mathews, VA a good place to live?
Mathews offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,145 and a median age of 33.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mathews, VA?
14.9% of residents in Mathews 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 Mathews?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mathews, VA: median home value is $178,600 (27% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $53,108. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mathews?
The poverty rate in Mathews, VA is 19.1%, 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 Mathews, VA?
Mathews's population is 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.