Saltville, VA
Population 2,056 · Virginia
About Saltville, VA
Saltville is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,056 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,098 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Saltville features a median home value of $92,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Saltville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $579, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,041 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (518 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (341 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Saltville shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Saltville have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Saltville 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 0.1% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Saltville Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Saltville, VA
Compared to national averages, Saltville has a median household income of $46,098 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,000, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $579 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Saltville's income is 48% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 72% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Saltville, VA?
Saltville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $579/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,098) that falls below the national average. However, Saltville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saltville has a population of 2,056 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Saltville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Saltville
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Holiday | 2,059 | $100,341 | $277,700 | Compare |
| Mason Neck | 2,059 | $189,688 | $798,000 | Compare |
| Mount Jackson | 2,048 | $55,521 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Narrows | 2,064 | $61,894 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Prince George | 2,066 | $71,831 | $254,300 | Compare |
| Appomattox | 2,085 | $47,795 | $124,700 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,023 | $87,763 | $338,000 | Compare |
| East Lexington | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | 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 Saltville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Saltville
What is the population of Saltville, VA?
The population of Saltville, VA is 2,056 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 Saltville?
The median household income in Saltville, VA is $46,098 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saltville?
The median home value in Saltville, VA is $92,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Saltville?
The median monthly rent in Saltville, VA is $579, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saltville?
The unemployment rate in Saltville, VA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Saltville, VA a good place to live?
Saltville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,056 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Saltville, VA?
11.2% of residents in Saltville 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 Saltville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saltville, VA: median home value is $92,000 (62% below national), median rent is $579/month, and median household income is $46,098. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Saltville?
The poverty rate in Saltville, VA is 23.6%, 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 Saltville, VA?
Saltville's population is 0.1% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.