Stanley, VA
Population 1,976 · Virginia
About Stanley, VA
Stanley is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,976 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,583 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.2 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 Stanley features a median home value of $197,100, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Stanley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $800, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 716 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (429 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (248 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Stanley shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Stanley have an average one-way commute time of 37.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Stanley 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 0.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Stanley, VA
Compared to national averages, Stanley has a median household income of $59,583 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,100, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $800 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Stanley's income is 32% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 40% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Stanley, VA?
Stanley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $800/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,583) that falls below the national average. However, Stanley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Stanley has a population of 1,976 with a median age of 42.2 years. Compare Stanley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Stanley
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampden-Sydney | 1,942 | $148,846 | $0 | Compare |
| Gate City | 1,939 | $37,188 | $158,400 | Compare |
| East Lexington | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | Compare |
| Pennington Gap | 2,020 | $22,857 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,023 | $87,763 | $338,000 | Compare |
| Mount Jackson | 2,048 | $55,521 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Saltville | 2,056 | $46,098 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Lake Holiday | 2,059 | $100,341 | $277,700 | 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 Stanley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Stanley
What is the population of Stanley, VA?
The population of Stanley, VA is 1,976 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 Stanley?
The median household income in Stanley, VA is $59,583 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Stanley?
The median home value in Stanley, VA is $197,100, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Stanley?
The median monthly rent in Stanley, VA is $800, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Stanley?
The unemployment rate in Stanley, VA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Stanley, VA a good place to live?
Stanley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,976 and a median age of 42.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Stanley, VA?
11.2% of residents in Stanley 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 Stanley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Stanley, VA: median home value is $197,100 (20% below national), median rent is $800/month, and median household income is $59,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Stanley?
The poverty rate in Stanley, VA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Stanley, VA?
Stanley's population is 0.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.