Cost of Living in Blue Ridge, VA

Population 3,112 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

81
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Blue Ridge is a smaller Virginia community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $83,113 and housing costs ($248,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Blue Ridge lies roughly 90 miles north of the nearest major metro, Greensboro. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Greensboro's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 81

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

About the Cost of Living in Blue Ridge

The median home value in Blue Ridge is $247,900 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $83,113/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 68.5°F and lows of 47.6°F, with about 14.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Blue Ridge has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$247,900
19% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$79,545
Zillow ZHVI
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 95.7%
Renter-occupied 4.3%

🛒 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
24.9 min
8% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.1%
Carpooled
6.6%
Work from home
16.7%

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
$83,113
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,323
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
34% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Labor Force Participation
61.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.6%
Graduate degree 1.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.9
Male median age 45.7
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.5°F
Avg Low
47.6°F
Annual Precip
42.8"
Annual Snowfall
14.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475159707784888780705950
Low °F 293138465563676659483832
Precip" 3.172.893.513.494.314.664.283.374.062.963.043.08
Snow" 4.34.82.30.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.13.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blue Ridge, VA?

Blue Ridge has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.

What is the average home price in Blue Ridge?

The median home value in Blue Ridge is $247,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Blue Ridge?

The median household income in Blue Ridge is $83,113 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Blue Ridge, VA?

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

Is Blue Ridge, VA affordable?

Yes, Blue Ridge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge has average high temperatures of 68.5°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Average annual snowfall is 14.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Blue Ridge at a Glance

Population
3,112
Median Income
$83,113
Home Value
$247,900
Unemployment
3.2%
Avg High Temp
68.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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