Staunton, VA
Population 25,765 · Virginia
About Staunton, VA
Staunton is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 25,765 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,586 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Staunton features a median home value of $239,300, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Staunton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $993, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,352 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (6,756 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (4,600 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Staunton shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Staunton have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Staunton 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 1.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Staunton Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Staunton, VA
Compared to national averages, Staunton has a median household income of $62,586 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $239,300, which is 2% below the national median. Monthly rent at $993 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Staunton's income is 29% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 27% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Staunton, VA?
Staunton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $239,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $993/month, and a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,586) that falls below the national average. However, Staunton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Staunton has a population of 25,765 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Staunton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Staunton
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cave Spring | 26,014 | $85,314 | $296,700 | Compare |
| Salem | 25,477 | $66,716 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Bailey's Crossroads | 25,458 | $84,241 | $398,200 | Compare |
| Herndon | 24,529 | $141,418 | $568,700 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 24,478 | $132,774 | $677,400 | Compare |
| Brambleton | 23,999 | $250,001 | $833,000 | Compare |
| Chantilly | 23,744 | $143,786 | $633,900 | Compare |
| Winchester | 27,981 | $64,648 | $325,900 | 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 Staunton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Staunton
What is the population of Staunton, VA?
The population of Staunton, VA is 25,765 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 Staunton?
The median household income in Staunton, VA is $62,586 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Staunton?
The median home value in Staunton, VA is $239,300, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Staunton?
The median monthly rent in Staunton, VA is $993, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Staunton?
The unemployment rate in Staunton, 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 Staunton, VA a good place to live?
Staunton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,765 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Staunton, VA?
35.1% of residents in Staunton 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 Staunton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Staunton, VA: median home value is $239,300 (2% below national), median rent is $993/month, and median household income is $62,586. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Staunton?
The poverty rate in Staunton, VA is 12.6%, 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 Staunton, VA?
Staunton's population is 1.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 10.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.