Cost of Living in Highland Springs, VA

Population 15,091 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

78
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Highland Springs 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.

Located 8 miles east of Richmond, Highland Springs falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Richmond's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 94

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

About the Cost of Living in Highland Springs

The median home value in Highland Springs is $206,300 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,234/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,931/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above 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 69.5°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 8.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Highland Springs has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$206,300
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$254,059
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,234/mo
6% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
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 61.8%
Renter-occupied 38.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,234
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,848/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
24.8 min
8% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.7%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
3.2%
Work from home
11.9%

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
$56,931
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,108
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
22% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
Labor Force Participation
66.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.7%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.5
Male median age 35.6
Female median age 38.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.5°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485260707886908881716052
Low °F 293037465665696861493932
Precip" 3.232.614.003.184.004.644.374.904.613.393.063.51
Snow" 3.72.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
60.5%
Good air days/yr
159
Max AQI recorded
220
PM2.5 days
141
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Highland Springs, VA?

Highland Springs has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.

What is average rent in Highland Springs, VA?

The median gross rent in Highland Springs is $1,234 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Highland Springs?

The median home value in Highland Springs is $206,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Highland Springs?

The median household income in Highland Springs is $56,931 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Highland Springs, VA?

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

Is Highland Springs, VA affordable?

Yes, Highland Springs is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Highland Springs?

Highland Springs has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Average annual snowfall is 8.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Highland Springs at a Glance

Population
15,091
Median Income
$56,931
Home Value
$206,300
Median Rent
$1,234/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Avg High Temp
69.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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