Cost of Living in Smithfield, VA

Population 8,729 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

106
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Smithfield a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $358,000.

Geographically, Smithfield sits roughly 9 miles southwest of Newport News. Median home values run roughly 47% higher than Newport News' $243,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 117
Rent 90

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

About the Cost of Living in Smithfield

The median home value in Smithfield is $358,100 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,182/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,182/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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 69.5°F and lows of 49.5°F. Overall, Smithfield has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$358,100
17% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$387,539
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,182/mo
10% below avg
Zillow Rent
$2,450/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.2x
Favors renting
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 82.4%
Renter-occupied 17.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,182
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,796/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
31.7 min
17% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.1%
Carpooled
6.9%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
12.4%

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
$110,182
48% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,446
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
31% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
63.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.0%
Graduate degree 13.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.9
Male median age 47.7
Female median age 46.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.5°F
Avg Low
49.5°F
Annual Precip
45.1"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495359707785888781716153
Low °F 313238475665706863514034
Precip" 3.052.583.353.083.664.074.695.364.954.163.003.19

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
9
Public schools
5,630
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Smithfield, VA?

Smithfield has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.

What is average rent in Smithfield, VA?

The median gross rent in Smithfield is $1,182 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Smithfield?

The median home value in Smithfield is $358,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Smithfield?

The median household income in Smithfield is $110,182 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Smithfield, VA?

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

Is Smithfield, VA affordable?

Smithfield is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Smithfield?

Smithfield has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 49.5°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Smithfield at a Glance

Population
8,729
Median Income
$110,182
Home Value
$358,100
Median Rent
$1,182/mo
Unemployment
3.3%
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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