Cost of Living in Blackstone, VA

Population 3,341 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Blackstone 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 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Blackstone is about 40 miles southwest of Richmond, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Richmond's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 61
Rent 83

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

About the Cost of Living in Blackstone

The median home value in Blackstone is $185,600 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,092/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,479/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below 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 70.8°F and lows of 50.4°F. Overall, Blackstone has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$185,600
39% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$232,719
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,092/mo
17% below avg
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 55.0%
Renter-occupied 45.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,092
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,706/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
32.1 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
0.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.1%
Carpooled
11.7%
Public transit
3.8%
Walked
1.5%
Work from home
0.8%

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
$58,479
22% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,758
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
17% below avg
Poverty Rate
27.7%
Labor Force Participation
58.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.0%
Graduate degree 5.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 32.6
Female median age 37

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.8°F
Avg Low
50.4°F
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515462717886908782726254
Low °F 323440485866706862514135

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blackstone, VA?

Blackstone has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Blackstone, VA?

The median gross rent in Blackstone is $1,092 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Blackstone?

The median home value in Blackstone is $185,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Blackstone?

The median household income in Blackstone is $58,479 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Blackstone, VA?

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

Is Blackstone, VA affordable?

Yes, Blackstone is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Blackstone?

Blackstone has average high temperatures of 70.8°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Blackstone at a Glance

Population
3,341
Median Income
$58,479
Home Value
$185,600
Median Rent
$1,092/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
70.8°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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🗺️ County data for Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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