Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Appalachia, VA
Considering a move to Appalachia, VA? This small town of 1,350 offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $78,000 and average rents at just $650. Violent crime rates are low at 180 per 100K, and residents enjoy mild summers and over 60% sunny days annually. Commute times are short at 20 minutes, and while educational attainment is modest, the area features close-knit neighborhoods and easy access to local healthcare. Explore affordable Appalachian living with friendly community vibes.
Demographics - Appalachia, VA
Demographics - Appalachia, VA
Appalachia, VA is a close-knit community of about 1,350 residents with a median age of 41. The population is predominantly White, and the town's density and small size foster a neighborly atmosphere. With a nearly even gender balance and a very small percentage of non-English speakers, new residents can expect a friendly, familiar environment.
Population:
1,350
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
4.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Appalachia, VA?
The cost of living in Appalachia is notably affordable, with a median home value of $78,000 and average rents around $650. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, making the town attractive for those seeking value in housing and everyday expenses. State taxes are moderate, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$840
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$315
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
80.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Appalachia, VA a safe place to live?
Appalachia experiences low violent crime rates, with just 180 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a sense of security for residents. Property crime occurs more frequently but remains manageable for a small town. Overall, the crime index suggests a relatively safe community, especially for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Appalachia, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 85°F and winters with lows around 27°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts over 60% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring colorful autumns and comfortable springs.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Appalachia’s households have a median income of $31,100, with a notable poverty rate of 28.2%. Most residents have completed high school, and a small percentage hold bachelor’s degrees. Unemployment is slightly above the national average, but the town’s short average commute of 20 minutes adds daily convenience.
Median Income:
$23,800
Household Income:
$31,100
Family Income:
$38,600
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$20,400
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Appalachia, VA?
Local education options include Appalachia Elementary School, featuring small class sizes for personalized instruction. For higher education, Mountain Empire Community College is just seven miles away, providing accessible college-level courses. While private schools are not present, public education resources are available for families in town.

Public Schools
Name:
Appalachia Elementary School
Street:
3965 Kent Junction Rd
Phone:
276-565-0560
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Mountain Empire Community College
City:
Big Stone Gap
State:
VA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Healthcare access is supported by facilities like Norton Community Hospital nearby, and about 88% of residents have health insurance. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical needs are met locally. The community benefits from general and emergency medical services close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton Community Hospital
Address:
100 15th St NW, Norton, VA 24273
Phone:
(276) 679-9600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
64.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Appalachia, VA?
The housing market in Appalachia is highly affordable, with a median home price of $78,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate near 65%. Rental options are available, and vacancy rates indicate a healthy mix for buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making the market stable for new homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Appalachia residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, which offers a full range of services including licensing and registration. The main DMV office is located in Richmond, but services are accessible online and by phone. Residents can easily manage vehicle and driver needs through convenient state resources.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
102 DMV Drive, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone:
804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.