South Boston, VA
Population 7,896 · Virginia
About South Boston, VA
South Boston is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 7,896 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,102 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 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 South Boston features a median home value of $157,300, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Boston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,903 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,584 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,613 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 South Boston shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 26.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Boston have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of South Boston 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, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Boston, VA
Compared to national averages, South Boston has a median household income of $41,102 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,300, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, South Boston's income is 53% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 52% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in South Boston, VA?
South Boston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,102) that falls below the national average. However, South Boston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Boston has a population of 7,896 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare South Boston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near South Boston
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton | 7,903 | $113,813 | $381,900 | Compare |
| Greenbriar | 7,989 | $134,284 | $627,600 | Compare |
| Vinton | 8,038 | $64,643 | $179,400 | Compare |
| Fort Belvoir | 8,107 | $101,237 | $244,400 | Compare |
| Ashland | 7,667 | $65,000 | $272,600 | Compare |
| Collinsville | 7,645 | $50,465 | $123,500 | Compare |
| Lake of the Woods | 8,165 | $112,917 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Farmville | 7,613 | $40,282 | $223,700 | 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 South Boston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Boston
What is the population of South Boston, VA?
The population of South Boston, VA is 7,896 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 South Boston?
The median household income in South Boston, VA is $41,102 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Boston?
The median home value in South Boston, VA is $157,300, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Boston?
The median monthly rent in South Boston, VA is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Boston?
The unemployment rate in South Boston, VA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Boston, VA a good place to live?
South Boston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,896 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is South Boston, VA?
19.5% of residents in South Boston 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 South Boston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Boston, VA: median home value is $157,300 (36% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $41,102. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Boston?
The poverty rate in South Boston, VA is 26.3%, 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 South Boston, VA?
South Boston's population is 0.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 55.6% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.