Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Colonial Beach, VA
Considering a move to Colonial Beach, VA? This charming waterfront town of 3,728 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $272,500 and average rents of $1,150. Enjoy a relaxed pace, sunny days 62% of the year, and a commute averaging 39 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and local schools provide small class sizes. Colonial Beach's coastal vibe, walkable community, and access to the Potomac River promise a welcoming lifestyle for new residents.
Demographics - Colonial Beach, VA
Demographics - Colonial Beach, VA
Colonial Beach is a small waterfront town with a population of 3,728 and a median age of nearly 50, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The area is predominantly White (76%), with a notable Black population (17.5%) and a balanced gender ratio. Its moderate population density and small percentage of non-English speakers contribute to a relaxed, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
3,728
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.6
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
17.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Colonial Beach, VA?
Life in Colonial Beach is affordable, with a median home value of $272,500 and average rents around $1,150, both below many national averages. The cost of living index is 93.2, indicating overall expenses are lower than the U.S. average, and utilities, groceries, and healthcare remain budget-friendly. State income taxes are moderate, ranging from 2.0% to 5.75%.
Median House Value:
$272,500
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.2
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
88.0
Utilities:
99.5
Transportation:
96.1
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
92.8
Crime
Is Colonial Beach, VA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Colonial Beach are moderate for the region, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 417 residents. While these figures suggest residents should take standard precautions, the community remains relatively safe compared to larger urban areas. The overall crime index is 2,220, supporting a generally secure small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,980
Crime Index:
2,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Colonial Beach, VA year-round?
Colonial Beach enjoys mild seasonal changes, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and winters that rarely drop below 28°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it attractive for those who appreciate outdoor living. Spring and fall offer comfortable, temperate weather ideal for waterfront activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Colonial Beach experience a median household income of $58,100 and a poverty rate of 15.8%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute is about 39 minutes, and only a small fraction use public transportation. Community ties are strong due to the town's modest size and income diversity.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$58,100
Family Income:
$63,900
Per Capita Income:
$29,000
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
38.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Colonial Beach, VA?
Education in Colonial Beach features small public schools with student-teacher ratios around 13:1, providing personalized attention for students. The town also offers access to private schooling and is located near Rappahannock Community College, just 25 miles away. Local schools contribute to a supportive learning environment for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Colonial Beach Elementary School
Street:
400 Lincoln Ave
Phone:
804-224-9897
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Colonial Beach High School
Street:
100 First St
Phone:
804-224-7166
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Montessori School of Northern Neck
Street:
97 Main St, Warsaw, VA
Phone:
804-333-3411
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Rappahannock Community College
City:
Warsaw
State:
VA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Colonial Beach is supported by nearby major hospitals like Mary Washington Hospital and Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, medical care is accessible for most. The area's healthcare index of 68.4 reflects solid, reliable service options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Washington Hospital
Address:
1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone:
(540) 741-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Riverside Tappahannock Hospital
Address:
618 Hospital Rd, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone:
(804) 443-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Colonial Beach, VA?
The housing market in Colonial Beach is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $272,500 and a homeownership rate of 56.4%. Average two-bedroom rents are $1,150, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%. Homes are appreciating steadily, making it an appealing spot for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$272,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Colonial Beach residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Richmond, offering comprehensive licensing and registration services. The DMV provides support via its website and customer service line for new and current residents relocating to the area. Access to state motor vehicle services is efficient and straightforward.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
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.