Cost of Living in Bellwood, VA

Population 8,489 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

72
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bellwood sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Bellwood sits roughly 9 miles south of Richmond — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Richmond's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 86

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bellwood

The median home value in Bellwood is $192,600 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,132/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,172/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 69.5°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 8.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bellwood has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$192,600
37% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$667,650
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,132/mo
14% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,677/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 44.7%
Renter-occupied 55.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,132
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,746/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.6 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.8%
Carpooled
16.0%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
3.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$50,172
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,735
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
53% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Labor Force Participation
64.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.8%
Graduate degree 5.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 36.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.5°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485260707886908881716052
Low °F 293037465665696861493932
Precip" 3.232.614.003.184.004.644.374.904.613.393.063.51
Snow" 3.72.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
87.1%
Good air days/yr
139
Max AQI recorded
71
PM2.5 days
207
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bellwood, VA?

Bellwood has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.

What is average rent in Bellwood, VA?

The median gross rent in Bellwood is $1,132 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bellwood?

The median home value in Bellwood is $192,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bellwood?

The median household income in Bellwood is $50,172 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bellwood, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bellwood is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Bellwood, VA affordable?

Yes, Bellwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Bellwood?

Bellwood has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Average annual snowfall is 8.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bellwood at a Glance

Population
8,489
Median Income
$50,172
Home Value
$192,600
Median Rent
$1,132/mo
Unemployment
7.3%
Avg High Temp
69.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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