Norton, VA
Population 3,620 · Virginia
About Norton, VA
Norton is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 3,620 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,497 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norton features a median home value of $100,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Norton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $670, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,748 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (812 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (741 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norton shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 25.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norton have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of Norton 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 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norton Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Norton, VA
Compared to national averages, Norton has a median household income of $38,497 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,700, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $670 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Norton's income is 56% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 69% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Norton, VA?
Norton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $670/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,497) that falls below the national average. However, Norton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norton has a population of 3,620 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Norton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Norton
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Land'Or | 3,581 | $105,900 | $278,400 | Compare |
| North Shore | 3,708 | $107,235 | $480,700 | Compare |
| Gloucester Courthouse | 3,509 | $88,493 | $342,000 | Compare |
| Clifton Forge | 3,483 | $33,107 | $106,900 | Compare |
| Navy | 3,787 | $228,906 | $920,900 | Compare |
| West Point | 3,439 | $83,475 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Dahlgren | 3,417 | $106,071 | $383,400 | Compare |
| Altavista | 3,356 | $45,962 | $135,000 | 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 Norton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norton
What is the population of Norton, VA?
The population of Norton, VA is 3,620 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 Norton?
The median household income in Norton, VA is $38,497 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norton?
The median home value in Norton, VA is $100,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norton?
The median monthly rent in Norton, VA is $670, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norton?
The unemployment rate in Norton, VA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Norton, VA a good place to live?
Norton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,620 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norton, VA?
16.6% of residents in Norton 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 Norton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norton, VA: median home value is $100,700 (59% below national), median rent is $670/month, and median household income is $38,497. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norton?
The poverty rate in Norton, VA is 25.7%, 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 Norton, VA?
Norton's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.