Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charlottesville, VA
Thinking of moving to Charlottesville, VA? With a population of 46,553, this vibrant college town offers a blend of historic charm and modern living. The median home price is around $416,000 and average rents are about $1,480, with a cost of living just above the national average. Charlottesville boasts a highly educated population, a short average commute of 19.6 minutes, and standout institutions like the University of Virginia. Residents enjoy mild weather, abundant sunny days, and access to excellent healthcare and cultural amenities.
Demographics - Charlottesville, VA
Demographics - Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville is home to about 46,500 residents, offering a youthful vibe with a median age of 30.9 and a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds. The city features a moderate population density and welcomes a notable percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting its inclusive community atmosphere.
Population:
46,553
Density:
4,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.8%
Black:
18.1%
Asian:
7.6%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Charlottesville, VA?
Living in Charlottesville comes with a cost of living index just above the national average, largely driven by housing prices, with the median home value at $416,000 and average rent around $1,480. Utilities and everyday expenses are relatively moderate, while Virginia's state taxes remain competitive for most households.
Median House Value:
$416,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.0
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
114.0
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
103.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Charlottesville, VA a safe place to live?
Charlottesville experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,385 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 347 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and choosing neighborhoods wisely.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
288
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,385
Crime Index:
2,673
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 347
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Charlottesville, VA year-round?
Charlottesville enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 27°F and warm summers peaking at 87°F. The city receives approximately 43.5 inches of annual rainfall and has 59% sunny days, making it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households in Charlottesville earn a median income of $66,800, but the city also faces a higher-than-average poverty rate at 23.2%. Most residents are well-educated, and the average commute is a convenient 19.6 minutes, supporting a balanced work-life lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,800
Household Income:
$66,800
Family Income:
$91,500
Per Capita Income:
$38,900
Income Male:
$46,200
Income Female:
$37,900
Poverty Rate:
23.2%
Non English Speakers:
12.3%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
6.3%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
58.1%
Education
How are the schools in Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville is known for its strong educational environment, offering quality public and private schools along with higher education options such as the University of Virginia. High graduation rates and a significant student presence contribute to the city’s vibrant academic culture.

Public Schools
Name:
Charlottesville High School
Street:
1400 Melbourne Rd
Phone:
434-245-2410
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Name:
Walker Upper Elementary School
Street:
1564 Dairy Rd
Phone:
434-245-2412
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Anne's-Belfield School
Street:
2132 Ivy Rd
Phone:
434-296-5106
Students:
900

Colleges
Name:
University of Virginia
City:
Charlottesville
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
26,000
Name:
Piedmont Virginia Community College
City:
Charlottesville
State:
VA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Charlottesville offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals like UVA Health University Hospital and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. With 3.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, the city provides strong medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UVA Health University Hospital
Address:
1215 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone:
(434) 924-0211
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Address:
500 Martha Jefferson Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Phone:
(434) 654-7000
Type:
General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville’s housing market features a median home price of $416,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,530, with a home appreciation rate of 5.2% over the past year. The city has a mix of renters and homeowners, and a relatively low foreclosure rate makes it a stable place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$416,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,530
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located within city limits. The local DMV provides comprehensive resources for registrations, licenses, and other driving-related needs.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2055 Abbey Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
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.