Cost of Living in Bluefield, VA
Population 5,016 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Bluefield a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $161,000. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Bluefield lies roughly 95 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bluefield
The median home value in Bluefield is $161,100 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $818/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,500/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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 60.9°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 34.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bluefield has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Bluefield 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 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 70 | 76 | 79 | 78 | 73 | 63 | 52 | 43 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 33 | 43 | 51 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 55 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.03 | 2.90 | 3.84 | 3.64 | 4.61 | 4.14 | 4.36 | 3.14 | 3.24 | 2.78 | 2.55 | 3.01 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 8.8 | 6.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bluefield, VA?
Bluefield has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bluefield, VA?
The median gross rent in Bluefield is $818 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bluefield?
The median home value in Bluefield is $161,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bluefield?
The median household income in Bluefield is $53,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bluefield, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bluefield is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Bluefield, VA affordable?
Yes, Bluefield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bluefield?
Bluefield has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Average annual snowfall is 34.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bluefield at a Glance
- Population
- 5,016
- Median Income
- $53,500
- Home Value
- $161,100
- Median Rent
- $818/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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