Cost of Living in Richlands, VA

Population 5,188 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Richlands run well below national norms — a median of $37,382 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $107,000). Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Richlands lies roughly 110 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 48% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 35
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Richlands

The median home value in Richlands is $107,300 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $824/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,382/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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 60.9°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 34.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Richlands has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$107,300
65% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$128,626
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$824/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.9x
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 65.6%
Renter-occupied 34.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$824
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,438/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
26.4 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.0%
Carpooled
9.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
4.2%

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
$37,382
50% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,872
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
60% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.0%
Labor Force Participation
40.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.5%
Graduate degree 6.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.6
Male median age 36.6
Female median age 47.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.9°F
Avg Low
43.3°F
Annual Precip
41.2"
Annual Snowfall
34.6"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637076797873635243
Low °F 242733435158626155453528
Precip" 3.032.903.843.644.614.144.363.143.242.782.553.01
Snow" 9.98.86.50.90.00.00.00.00.00.51.46.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Richlands, VA?

Richlands has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.

What is average rent in Richlands, VA?

The median gross rent in Richlands is $824 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Richlands?

The median home value in Richlands is $107,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Richlands?

The median household income in Richlands is $37,382 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Richlands, VA?

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

Is Richlands, VA affordable?

Yes, Richlands is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Richlands?

Richlands 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.

Richlands at a Glance

Population
5,188
Median Income
$37,382
Home Value
$107,300
Median Rent
$824/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Avg High Temp
60.9°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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