Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gate City, VA
Thinking of moving to Gate City, VA? With a small-town population of 1,889 and a very affordable median home price of $117,500, Gate City offers a quiet lifestyle, low violent crime rates, and short average commutes of 22 minutes. Residents enjoy a moderate climate with 60% sunny days and access to quality local schools. The cost of living is well below the national average, making Gate City a welcoming and budget-friendly option for new movers.
Demographics - Gate City, VA
Demographics - Gate City, VA
Gate City is a close-knit community of about 1,889 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of nearly 45, reflecting a mature and settled atmosphere. The population density is moderate, and non-English speakers make up a small portion of the community, adding subtle diversity.
Population:
1,889
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.4%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gate City, VA?
Gate City offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value around $117,500 and typical rents near $650. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making the city an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$117,500
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.2
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
64.3
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Gate City, VA a safe place to live?
Gate City maintains a low violent crime rate, with only 110 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate that remains manageable for a small town. Residents enjoy a sense of safety, with a 1 in 910 chance of experiencing violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,300
Crime Index:
1,410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Gate City, VA year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, including mild winters averaging highs in the mid-40s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. With 60% sunny days and about 44 inches of annual rainfall, the climate is generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of about $37,400, with 24.2% of residents living below the poverty line. Most people commute about 22 minutes for work, and educational attainment is solid, as over 84% have at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$24,600
Household Income:
$37,400
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$21,200
Income Male:
$34,300
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
24.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in Gate City, VA?
Gate City provides quality public education with favorable student-teacher ratios and schools serving the local community. Higher education options are accessible nearby, including Mountain Empire Community College and East Tennessee State University, both within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Gate City High School
Street:
178 Harry Fry Dr
Phone:
276-386-7522
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Shoemaker Elementary School
Street:
406 Park St
Phone:
276-386-6975
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Colleges
Name:
Mountain Empire Community College
City:
Big Stone Gap
State:
VA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
East Tennessee State University
City:
Johnson City
State:
TN
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
13,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Kingsport, TN, and a physician density of 2 per 1,000 people provides reasonable healthcare access. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, supporting solid healthcare coverage in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Holston Valley Medical Center
Address:
130 W Ravine Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone:
(423) 224-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Indian Path Community Hospital
Address:
2000 Brookside Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone:
(423) 857-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
73.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gate City, VA?
Gate City's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $117,500 and typical two-bedroom rents at $650. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated modestly in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$117,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Gate City are managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Bristol, VA. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other state services both in person and online.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2551 Euclid Ave, Bristol, VA 24201
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.