Cost of Living in Emporia, VA
Population 5,633 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Emporia is a smaller Virginia community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $49,375 and housing costs ($131,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 60 miles south of Richmond, Emporia is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Emporia
The median home value in Emporia is $131,100 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,060/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,375/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Emporia has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Emporia 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 | 51 | 54 | 62 | 71 | 78 | 86 | 90 | 87 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 62 | 51 | 41 | 35 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Emporia, VA?
Emporia has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Emporia, VA?
The median gross rent in Emporia is $1,060 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Emporia?
The median home value in Emporia is $131,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Emporia?
The median household income in Emporia is $49,375 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Emporia, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Emporia is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Emporia, VA affordable?
Yes, Emporia 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 Emporia?
Emporia has average high temperatures of 70.8°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Emporia at a Glance
- Population
- 5,633
- Median Income
- $49,375
- Home Value
- $131,100
- Median Rent
- $1,060/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
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