Cost of Living in Norton, VA

Population 3,620 · 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

At $38,497, median household incomes in Norton land roughly 48% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Norton lies roughly 100 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Knoxville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 33
Rent 51

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

About the Cost of Living in Norton

The median home value in Norton is $100,700 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $670/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,497/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Norton has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$100,700
67% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$474,953
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$670/mo
49% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.5x
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 52.3%
Renter-occupied 47.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$670
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,284/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
17.5 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.0%
Carpooled
15.7%
Public transit
5.1%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
15.6%

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
$38,497
48% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,033
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
Labor Force Participation
51.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.1
Male median age 40.3
Female median age 44.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.2°F
Avg Low
44.9°F
Annual Precip
44"
Annual Snowfall
9.2"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475159697784868681705950
Low °F 262935435261656356443429
Precip" 3.653.813.963.793.823.925.003.762.842.523.143.76
Snow" 3.03.01.10.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.31.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
818
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Norton, VA?

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

What is average rent in Norton, VA?

The median gross rent in Norton is $670 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Norton?

The median home value in Norton is $100,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Norton?

The median household income in Norton is $38,497 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Norton, VA?

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

Is Norton, VA affordable?

Yes, Norton 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 Norton?

Norton has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Average annual snowfall is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Norton at a Glance

Population
3,620
Median Income
$38,497
Home Value
$100,700
Median Rent
$670/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Avg High Temp
68.2°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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