Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gretna, VA
Considering a move to Gretna, VA? With a small-town charm and a population of around 1,170, Gretna offers affordable living—median home prices are just $136,000 and average rents are $725. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 61% sunny days and short average commutes of 26 minutes. The town features low crime rates, a strong sense of community, and access to local healthcare and schools, making it a welcoming spot for those seeking a quieter lifestyle in southern Virginia.
Demographics - Gretna, VA
Demographics - Gretna, VA
Gretna is a close-knit town of about 1,170 residents, characterized by a predominantly White (65%) and Black (32%) community with a median age of 45.2 years. The population density is moderate, and a small percentage of residents speak languages other than English at home, reflecting a primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
1,170
Density:
670 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
31.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gretna, VA?
Living in Gretna is notably affordable, with median home values at $136,000 and average rents around $725 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$136,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.9
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Gretna, VA a safe place to live?
Gretna boasts relatively low crime rates, with a 1 in 525 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a property crime rate of 1 in 95. This low crime index contributes to a safe and comfortable atmosphere for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,240
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 525
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Gretna, VA year-round?
Gretna experiences a mild climate, with summer highs in the upper 80s and winter lows around 29°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days, offering pleasant weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The median household income in Gretna is $41,500, with a poverty rate of 19.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and the community values education, with nearly 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$51,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Gretna, VA?
Gretna’s public schools offer a supportive learning environment with manageable student-to-teacher ratios, and families have access to nearby higher education institutions like Danville Community College and Averett University within 30 miles. Educational attainment is solid, with the vast majority of adults completing high school.
Public Schools
Name:
Gretna Elementary School
Street:
205 Bedford Ave
Phone:
434-656-2246
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Gretna Middle School
Street:
12215 W Gretna Rd
Phone:
434-656-2243
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Gretna High School
Street:
100 Gretna Hawk Cir
Phone:
434-656-2244
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Danville Community College
City:
Danville
State:
VA
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
Averett University
City:
Danville
State:
VA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Residents have access to local healthcare facilities such as Centra Gretna Medical Center, with emergency services and a physician-to-population ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 91%, supporting the well-being of the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Centra Gretna Medical Center
Address:
291 McBride Ln, Gretna, VA 24557
Phone:
(434) 656-4607
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital
Address:
1613 Oakwood St, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone:
(540) 586-2441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gretna, VA?
Gretna’s housing market is approachable, with a median home price of $136,000 and a 61.5% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, and the rental market remains accessible, with average rates at $725 for a two-bedroom.
Median Home Price:
$136,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Gretna are managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Richmond. Residents can access a range of DMV services both in person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
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.