Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dayton, VA
Considering a move to Dayton, VA? This friendly town of 1,651 residents offers a small-town atmosphere, affordable living, and easy commutes with an average of just 18 minutes. Median home prices are around $312,000 and rents average $1,120, making housing accessible. Dayton boasts a low crime rate, good local schools, and a pleasant climate with 60% sunny days. With convenient access to healthcare, nearby colleges, and the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Dayton is ideal for those seeking a safe, community-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - Dayton, VA
Demographics - Dayton, VA
Dayton, VA is home to approximately 1,651 residents, with a median age of 33.7 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, while about 9.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, bringing a touch of cultural diversity to this small town.
Population:
1,651
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.7%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
4.6%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dayton, VA?
Dayton offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $312,000 and average rents of $1,120. Utility and transportation costs are reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$312,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
79.8
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
97.4
Crime
Is Dayton, VA a safe place to live?
Dayton maintains a notably low crime rate, with only 74 violent crimes and 595 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, as the chance of encountering violent crime is just 1 in 1,350.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
595
Crime Index:
669
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 168
Weather
What is the weather like in Dayton, VA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 25–42°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. Dayton enjoys 60% sunny days and about 36 inches of annual rainfall, perfect for those who appreciate a pleasant, varied climate.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Dayton’s community enjoys a median household income of $66,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 18 minutes, contributing to a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$66,800
Family Income:
$78,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.2%
Bachelors or More:
29.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dayton, VA?
Dayton offers quality education options, with local public schools like John C. Myers Elementary and Wilbur S. Pence Middle School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Families also benefit from proximity to major colleges such as James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, just a short drive away.

Public Schools
Name:
John C. Myers Elementary School
Street:
290 Raider Rd
Phone:
540-879-2535
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Name:
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
Street:
375 Bowman Rd
Phone:
540-879-2535
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Private Schools
Name:
Mountain View Mennonite School
Street:
1803 Mountain View Dr
Phone:
540-879-2511
Students:
140

Colleges
Name:
James Madison University
City:
Harrisonburg
State:
VA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Eastern Mennonite University
City:
Harrisonburg
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Dayton, with 90.6% of residents insured and the nearby Sentara RMH Medical Center providing comprehensive services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, medical care is accessible for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sentara RMH Medical Center
Address:
2010 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone:
(540) 689-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dayton, VA?
The housing market in Dayton is stable, with a median home price of $312,000 and a healthy owner-occupied rate of 71.6%. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% in the past year, making this a solid location for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$312,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Dayton residents are conveniently managed by the Virginia DMV office in nearby Harrisonburg, offering a full range of licensing and registration services both in person and online.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3281 Peoples Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
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.