Cost of Living in Clifton Forge, VA

Population 3,483 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

40
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Clifton Forge's median household income of $33,107 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (19% here).

Geographically, Clifton Forge lies roughly 120 miles north of the nearest major metro, Greensboro. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Greensboro's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 35
Rent 48

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

About the Cost of Living in Clifton Forge

The median home value in Clifton Forge is $106,900 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $636/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,107/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Clifton Forge has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$106,900
65% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$262,408
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$636/mo
52% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.0x
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 61.1%
Renter-occupied 38.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$636
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,250/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
28.9 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
95.2%
Carpooled
2.6%
Work from home
2.2%

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
$33,107
56% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,530
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
19.3%
Labor Force Participation
38.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.5%
Graduate degree 10.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.1
Male median age 33.3
Female median age 57.2

🌤 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 Clifton Forge, VA?

Clifton Forge has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.

What is average rent in Clifton Forge, VA?

The median gross rent in Clifton Forge is $636 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Clifton Forge?

The median home value in Clifton Forge is $106,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Clifton Forge?

The median household income in Clifton Forge is $33,107 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Clifton Forge, VA?

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

Is Clifton Forge, VA affordable?

Yes, Clifton Forge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Clifton Forge?

Clifton Forge 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.

Clifton Forge at a Glance

Population
3,483
Median Income
$33,107
Home Value
$106,900
Median Rent
$636/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
68.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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