Rio, VA
Population 1,213 · Virginia
About Rio, VA
Rio is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,213 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,703 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.7 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 Rio features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rio one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,755, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 733 total housing units, 1% are owner-occupied (7 units) and 99% are renter-occupied (726 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 Rio shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rio have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.6% of Rio 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 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio, VA
Compared to national averages, Rio has a median household income of $65,703 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,755 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Rio's income is 25% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 100% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Rio, VA?
Rio offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,703) that falls below the national average. However, Rio’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio has a population of 1,213 with a median age of 28.7 years. Compare Rio with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Rio
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earlysville | 1,217 | $143,500 | $414,600 | Compare |
| Honaker | 1,218 | $44,107 | $91,700 | Compare |
| Amelia Court House | 1,192 | $40,366 | $161,900 | Compare |
| Greenville | 1,187 | $41,724 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Bracey | 1,243 | $68,333 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Nokesville | 1,179 | $0 | $607,700 | Compare |
| Harriston | 1,252 | $91,625 | $149,100 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 1,253 | $50,625 | $117,100 | 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 Rio With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio
What is the population of Rio, VA?
The population of Rio, VA is 1,213 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 Rio?
The median household income in Rio, VA is $65,703 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio?
The median home value in Rio, VA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rio?
The median monthly rent in Rio, VA is $1,755, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio?
The unemployment rate in Rio, VA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio, VA a good place to live?
Rio offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,213 and a median age of 28.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rio, VA?
41.6% of residents in Rio 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 Rio?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio, VA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,755/month, and median household income is $65,703. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio?
The poverty rate in Rio, VA is 23.9%, 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 Rio, VA?
Rio's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 23.6% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.