Living in Emporia, Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Emporia · Census data 2020–2024
Emporia has 5,547 residents with a median age of 36.6. The median household income is $51,899 (44% lower than the Virginia median), the median home value is $148,500, the median rent is $1,037/month.
Emporia at a glance
- Population
- 5,547
- Median age
- 36.6State: 39
- Median household income
- $51,899State: $93,170
- Median home value
- $148,500State: $383,700
- Median rent
- $1,037/moState: $1,579
- Homeowners
- 38.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 16%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Emporia a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 2.9%.
Cons: Median household income 44% lower than the Virginia median; a poverty rate of 15.8%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Emporia
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Emporia the median home value is $148,500, 55% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,037 per month, which is 28.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,699 a month in housing costs.
Emporia median household income
The median household income in Emporia is $51,899 and the income per person is $28,969. 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Virginia: 9.9%).
Housing in Emporia: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,726
- Owner-occupied
- 38.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 61.9%
- Vacant
- 20.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1959
- Average household size
- 2.48
Emporia demographics
- Population
- 5,547
- Median age
- 36.6
- Under 18
- 27.6%
- 65 and older
- 18.2%
- Households
- 2,157
- Foreign-born
- 2.5%
- Veterans
- 8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Emporia ›
Education in Emporia
16% of adults 25 and older in Emporia have a bachelor's degree or higher (Virginia: 42.2%), and 6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Emporia
- Unemployment rate
- 2.9%State: 4.3%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 9.9%
- Drive alone
- 71%
- Public transit
- 0.2%
- Walk to work
- 4.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.4%
Emporia vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia | 5,547 | $51,899 | $148,500 | $1,037 |
| Jarratt | 989 | $61,671 | $216,700 | $933 |
| Seaboard | 585 | $25,776 | $91,500 | $508 |
| Gaston | 912 | $42,105 | $77,200 | $818 |
| Garysburg | 572 | $41,333 | $107,600 | $850 |
| Lawrenceville | 1,272 | $33,611 | $126,700 | $837 |
| Roanoke Rapids | 14,856 | $53,690 | $142,700 | $858 |
| Capron | 148 | $73,333 | $187,500 | $1,929 |
| Stony Creek | 341 | $64,811 | $154,800 | $785 |
More for people moving to Emporia
Emporia ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Emporia: FAQ
What is the median household income in Emporia, VA?
The median household income in Emporia is $51,899, 44% lower than the Virginia median of $93,170 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Emporia?
The median home value in Emporia is $148,500, compared with $383,700 in Virginia.
How much is rent in Emporia?
The median gross rent in Emporia is $1,037 per month, about 28.8% of household income.
Is Emporia, VA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 2.9%. Minuses: median household income 44% lower than the Virginia median; a poverty rate of 15.8%.
What is the median age in Emporia?
The median age in Emporia is 36.6 years (Virginia: 39).
How long is the commute in Emporia?
The average commute to work in Emporia is 23 minutes; 9.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Emporia?
The unemployment rate in Emporia is 2.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Emporia?
16% of adults in Emporia have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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