Richlands, VA
Population 5,188 · Virginia
About Richlands, VA
Richlands is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 5,188 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,382 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Richlands features a median home value of $107,300, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Richlands one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $824, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,711 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,451 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (762 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Richlands shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Richlands have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Richlands 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, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Richlands, VA
Compared to national averages, Richlands has a median household income of $37,382 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,300, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $824 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Richlands's income is 57% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 67% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Richlands, VA?
Richlands offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $824/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,382) that falls below the national average. However, Richlands’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Richlands has a population of 5,188 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Richlands with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Richlands
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bealeton | 5,193 | $103,365 | $361,600 | Compare |
| Big Stone Gap | 5,193 | $51,059 | $169,900 | Compare |
| Falmouth | 5,036 | $125,305 | $422,500 | Compare |
| Bluefield | 5,016 | $53,500 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Chamberlayne | 5,000 | $102,656 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Orange | 5,000 | $68,833 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 4,926 | $61,580 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Quantico Base | 5,491 | $69,419 | $0 | 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 Richlands With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Richlands
What is the population of Richlands, VA?
The population of Richlands, VA is 5,188 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 Richlands?
The median household income in Richlands, VA is $37,382 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Richlands?
The median home value in Richlands, VA is $107,300, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Richlands?
The median monthly rent in Richlands, VA is $824, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Richlands?
The unemployment rate in Richlands, VA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Richlands, VA a good place to live?
Richlands offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,188 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Richlands, VA?
14.8% of residents in Richlands 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 Richlands?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Richlands, VA: median home value is $107,300 (56% below national), median rent is $824/month, and median household income is $37,382. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Richlands?
The poverty rate in Richlands, VA is 28.0%, 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 Richlands, VA?
Richlands's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.