Wachapreague, VA
Population 290 · Virginia
About Wachapreague, VA
Wachapreague is a small community located in Virginia with a population of 290 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,917 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.1 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 Wachapreague features a median home value of $206,300, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wachapreague in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $2,045, 76% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 251 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (116 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (23 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wachapreague shows an unemployment rate of 12.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wachapreague have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Wachapreague 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wachapreague, VA
Compared to national averages, Wachapreague has a median household income of $56,917 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $206,300, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,045 is 76% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Wachapreague's income is 35% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 37% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Wachapreague, VA?
Wachapreague offers affordable housing with a median home value of $206,300, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,917) that falls below the national average. However, Wachapreague’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wachapreague has a population of 290 with a median age of 58.1 years. Compare Wachapreague with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wachapreague
What is the population of Wachapreague, VA?
The population of Wachapreague, VA is 290 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Wachapreague?
The median household income in Wachapreague, VA is $56,917 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wachapreague?
The median home value in Wachapreague, VA is $206,300, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wachapreague?
The median monthly rent in Wachapreague, VA is $2,045, which is 76% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wachapreague?
The unemployment rate in Wachapreague, VA is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wachapreague, VA a good place to live?
Wachapreague offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 290 and a median age of 58.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wachapreague, VA?
28.6% of residents in Wachapreague 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 Wachapreague?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wachapreague, VA: median home value is $206,300 (16% below national), median rent is $2,045/month, and median household income is $56,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wachapreague?
The poverty rate in Wachapreague, VA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wachapreague, VA?
Wachapreague's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.