Winchester, VA
Population 27,981 · Virginia
About Winchester, VA
Winchester is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 27,981 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,648 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Winchester features a median home value of $325,900, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Winchester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,298, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,468 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (4,711 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (6,544 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 Winchester shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Winchester have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.6% of Winchester 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 7.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 10.8% Asian residents, with 12.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Winchester Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Winchester, VA
Compared to national averages, Winchester has a median household income of $64,648 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $325,900, which is 33% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,298 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Winchester's income is 27% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 0% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Winchester, VA?
Winchester offers short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,648) that falls below the national average. However, Winchester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Winchester has a population of 27,981 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Winchester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Winchester
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tysons | 28,022 | $129,189 | $640,500 | Compare |
| Short Pump | 28,177 | $132,194 | $543,000 | 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 |
| Salem | 25,477 | $66,716 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Bailey's Crossroads | 25,458 | $84,241 | $398,200 | Compare |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | $131,236 | $658,700 | 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 Winchester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winchester
What is the population of Winchester, VA?
The population of Winchester, VA is 27,981 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 Winchester?
The median household income in Winchester, VA is $64,648 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winchester?
The median home value in Winchester, VA is $325,900, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Winchester?
The median monthly rent in Winchester, VA is $1,298, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winchester?
The unemployment rate in Winchester, VA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Winchester, VA a good place to live?
Winchester offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,981 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Winchester, VA?
31.6% of residents in Winchester 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 Winchester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winchester, VA: median home value is $325,900 (33% above national), median rent is $1,298/month, and median household income is $64,648. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Winchester?
The poverty rate in Winchester, VA is 19.3%, 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 Winchester, VA?
Winchester's population is 7.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 10.8% Asian, and 8.8% two or more races. 12.6% of residents are foreign-born.