Short Pump, VA
Population 28,177 · Virginia
About Short Pump, VA
Short Pump is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 28,177 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $132,194 per year, which is 76% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Short Pump features a median home value of $543,000, which is 122% above the national median of $244,900. This places Short Pump in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,804, 55% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,681 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (6,336 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (4,890 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Short Pump shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Short Pump have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
73.9% of Short Pump residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 25.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Short Pump Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Short Pump, VA
Compared to national averages, Short Pump has a median household income of $132,194 (76% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $543,000, which is 122% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,804 is 55% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Short Pump's income is 50% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 66% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Short Pump, VA?
Short Pump offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $132,194, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 73.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $543,000. However, Short Pump’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Short Pump has a population of 28,177 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Short Pump with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Short Pump
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tysons | 28,022 | $129,189 | $640,500 | Compare |
| Winchester | 27,981 | $64,648 | $325,900 | Compare |
| Fredericksburg | 28,383 | $85,368 | $461,500 | Compare |
| Cave Spring | 26,014 | $85,314 | $296,700 | Compare |
| Staunton | 25,765 | $62,586 | $239,300 | Compare |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | $131,236 | $658,700 | Compare |
| Salem | 25,477 | $66,716 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Springfield | 30,894 | $123,691 | $622,200 | 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 Short Pump With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Short Pump
What is the population of Short Pump, VA?
The population of Short Pump, VA is 28,177 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Short Pump?
The median household income in Short Pump, VA is $132,194 per year, which is 76% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Short Pump?
The median home value in Short Pump, VA is $543,000, which is 122% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Short Pump?
The median monthly rent in Short Pump, VA is $1,804, which is 55% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Short Pump?
The unemployment rate in Short Pump, VA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Short Pump, VA a good place to live?
Short Pump offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 28,177 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Short Pump, VA?
73.9% of residents in Short Pump 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 Short Pump?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Short Pump, VA: median home value is $543,000 (122% above national), median rent is $1,804/month, and median household income is $132,194. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Short Pump?
The poverty rate in Short Pump, VA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Short Pump, VA?
Short Pump's population is 1.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 7.5% two or more races. 25.3% of residents are foreign-born.