Pennington Gap, VA
Population 2,020 · Virginia
About Pennington Gap, VA
Pennington Gap is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,020 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $22,857 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 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 Pennington Gap features a median home value of $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pennington Gap one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 909 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (285 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (423 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 Pennington Gap shows an unemployment rate of 21.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 59.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pennington Gap have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.0% of Pennington Gap 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pennington Gap Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Pennington Gap, VA
Compared to national averages, Pennington Gap has a median household income of $22,857 (70% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Pennington Gap's income is 74% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 73% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Pennington Gap, VA?
Pennington Gap offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($22,857) that falls below the national average. However, Pennington Gap’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pennington Gap has a population of 2,020 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare Pennington Gap with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Pennington Gap
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lexington | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,023 | $87,763 | $338,000 | Compare |
| Mount Jackson | 2,048 | $55,521 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Saltville | 2,056 | $46,098 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Lake Holiday | 2,059 | $100,341 | $277,700 | Compare |
| Mason Neck | 2,059 | $189,688 | $798,000 | Compare |
| Narrows | 2,064 | $61,894 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Stanley | 1,976 | $59,583 | $197,100 | 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 Pennington Gap With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennington Gap
What is the population of Pennington Gap, VA?
The population of Pennington Gap, VA is 2,020 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 Pennington Gap?
The median household income in Pennington Gap, VA is $22,857 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pennington Gap?
The median home value in Pennington Gap, VA is $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pennington Gap?
The median monthly rent in Pennington Gap, VA is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pennington Gap?
The unemployment rate in Pennington Gap, VA is 21.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pennington Gap, VA a good place to live?
Pennington Gap offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,020 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pennington Gap, VA?
10.0% of residents in Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pennington Gap, VA: median home value is $86,900 (65% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $22,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pennington Gap?
The poverty rate in Pennington Gap, VA is 59.5%, 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 Pennington Gap, VA?
Pennington Gap's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.