Cost of Living in Big Stone Gap, VA
Population 5,193 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Big Stone Gap 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. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Big Stone Gap lies roughly 90 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Knoxville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Big Stone Gap
The median home value in Big Stone Gap is $169,900 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $823/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,059/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, 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 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Big Stone Gap has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Big Stone Gap has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 51 | 59 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 86 | 86 | 81 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 35 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.65 | 3.81 | 3.96 | 3.79 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 5.00 | 3.76 | 2.84 | 2.52 | 3.14 | 3.76 |
| Snow" | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Big Stone Gap, VA?
Big Stone Gap has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Big Stone Gap, VA?
The median gross rent in Big Stone Gap is $823 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Big Stone Gap?
The median home value in Big Stone Gap is $169,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Big Stone Gap?
The median household income in Big Stone Gap is $51,059 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Big Stone Gap, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Big Stone Gap is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Big Stone Gap, VA affordable?
Yes, Big Stone Gap is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Big Stone Gap?
Big Stone Gap has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Average annual snowfall is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Big Stone Gap at a Glance
- Population
- 5,193
- Median Income
- $51,059
- Home Value
- $169,900
- Median Rent
- $823/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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