Rural Retreat, VA
Population 1,614 · Virginia
About Rural Retreat, VA
Rural Retreat is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,614 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rural Retreat features a median home value of $167,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rural Retreat in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $778, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 768 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (550 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (101 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rural Retreat shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rural Retreat have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Rural Retreat 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 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rural Retreat, VA
Compared to national averages, Rural Retreat has a median household income of $60,114 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $167,900, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $778 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Rural Retreat's income is 32% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 49% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Rural Retreat, VA?
Rural Retreat offers affordable housing with a median home value of $167,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $778/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,114) that falls below the national average. However, Rural Retreat’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rural Retreat has a population of 1,614 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Rural Retreat with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Rural Retreat
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachia | 1,612 | $38,942 | $65,500 | Compare |
| Coeburn | 1,606 | $53,750 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Ferrum | 1,622 | $31,750 | $202,500 | Compare |
| Nellysford | 1,623 | $133,036 | $520,000 | Compare |
| Middletown | 1,634 | $57,175 | $288,200 | Compare |
| Haymarket | 1,591 | $174,306 | $563,600 | Compare |
| Bull Run Mountain Estates | 1,582 | $195,781 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Camp Barrett | 1,569 | $0 | $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 Rural Retreat With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rural Retreat
What is the population of Rural Retreat, VA?
The population of Rural Retreat, VA is 1,614 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 Rural Retreat?
The median household income in Rural Retreat, VA is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rural Retreat?
The median home value in Rural Retreat, VA is $167,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rural Retreat?
The median monthly rent in Rural Retreat, VA is $778, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rural Retreat?
The unemployment rate in Rural Retreat, VA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rural Retreat, VA a good place to live?
Rural Retreat offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,614 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rural Retreat, VA?
24.4% of residents in Rural Retreat 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 Rural Retreat?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rural Retreat, VA: median home value is $167,900 (31% below national), median rent is $778/month, and median household income is $60,114. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rural Retreat?
The poverty rate in Rural Retreat, VA is 20.4%, 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 Rural Retreat, VA?
Rural Retreat's population is 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.