Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Drakes Branch, VA
Considering a move to Drakes Branch, VA? This small town of 481 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $107,000 and rents around $690. Enjoy a quiet lifestyle, low crime rates, and a pleasant climate with 62% sunny days each year. Commute times average 26 minutes, and nearby schools and healthcare facilities provide essential services. Drakes Branch is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly community in rural Virginia.
Demographics - Drakes Branch, VA
Demographics - Drakes Branch, VA
Drakes Branch is a small, close-knit community with a population of 481, featuring a median age of 44.5 years and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White and Black, with a modest percentage of non-English speakers, which contributes to its welcoming, traditional rural atmosphere.
Population:
481
Density:
415 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.5
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
59.9%
Black:
37.8%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Drakes Branch, VA?
Living in Drakes Branch is highly affordable, with a median home value of $107,000 and average rent at $690. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking value without sacrificing essential amenities.
Median House Value:
$107,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
62.7
Utilities:
98.9
Transportation:
81.7
Health Care:
95.5
Miscellaneous:
88.4
Crime
Is Drakes Branch, VA a safe place to live?
Drakes Branch experiences relatively low crime, with violent crime rates well below the national average and property crime risks also modest. Most residents enjoy a sense of safety and security, making it a comfortable place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,168
Crime Index:
1,341
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 578
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in Drakes Branch, VA year-round?
The town enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers ranging from 26°F to 89°F throughout the year. With 62% of days being sunny and over 44 inches of annual rainfall, residents benefit from a pleasant mix of sun and seasonal weather.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Drakes Branch typically enjoy a quiet pace of life, with a median household income of $38,100 and a poverty rate of 24.5%. The community values education and features an average commute time of just under 26 minutes, fostering a laid-back, neighborly environment.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$38,100
Family Income:
$45,300
Per Capita Income:
$21,300
Income Male:
$28,700
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
25.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.4%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Drakes Branch, VA?
Families in Drakes Branch benefit from access to local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a nearby community college just 7 miles away. Educational opportunities support both young students and adults seeking further learning in a supportive, small-town setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Central Middle School
Street:
250 Statesmen Dr
Phone:
434-542-4536
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Randolph-Henry High School
Street:
755 David Bruce Ave
Phone:
434-542-4111
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Colleges
Name:
Southside Virginia Community College
City:
Keysville
State:
VA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby hospitals offering emergency services, and most residents (nearly 88%) have health insurance coverage. The presence of local physicians and reasonable healthcare costs ensure residents' essential medical needs are met.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Centra Southside Community Hospital
Address:
800 Oak St, Farmville, VA 23901
Phone:
(434) 392-8811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital
Address:
1755 N Mecklenburg Ave, South Hill, VA 23970
Phone:
(434) 447-3151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Drakes Branch, VA?
Drakes Branch offers affordable housing options, with a median home price of $107,000 and owner-occupancy rates over 67%. Housing remains accessible, and recent appreciation suggests a stable, budget-friendly market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$107,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Drakes Branch residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service location in Richmond. Essential vehicle services and information are easily accessed online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward for locals.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, 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.