Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Piney River, VA
Considering a move to Piney River, VA? This tranquil rural community of about 950 residents features affordable housing with a median home price around $192,000, low rent, and a cost of living well below the national average. Commute times average 29 minutes, crime rates are low, and you’ll enjoy 62% sunny days annually. While education attainment rates are more modest, local schools offer small class sizes, and you’ll find beautiful mountain scenery and a peaceful pace of life. Explore more about Piney River’s cost of living, housing, and amenities below to see if it’s right for you!
Demographics - Piney River, VA
Demographics - Piney River, VA
Piney River is a small rural community with around 950 residents, featuring a median age of 48 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with a modest representation of Black and other minorities. This area offers a quiet, close-knit environment, ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
950
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
11.8%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Piney River, VA?
Living in Piney River is notably affordable, with a median home value of $192,000 and average rent at $815 per month. The cost of living index is 86.5, well below the U.S. average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, and state taxes range from 2% to 5.75%.
Median House Value:
$192,000
Gross Rent:
$815
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
72.8
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Piney River, VA a safe place to live?
Piney River enjoys low crime rates, with violent crime at just 134 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime risk of 1 in 95. Residents benefit from a generally safe environment, contributing to the area's appeal for families and retirees. Peace of mind comes standard in this tranquil community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
134
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,184
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 746
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Piney River, VA year-round?
The climate in Piney River offers four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers reaching highs of 87°F. Residents experience 62% sunny days annually and about 43 inches of rainfall per year. This weather supports outdoor activities and highlights the area's scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Piney River’s households have a median income of $48,200, with a poverty rate of 13.6% and unemployment at 4.2%. Most residents commute around 29 minutes to work, while public transportation usage is minimal. The community is friendly and tight-knit, reflecting typical rural Virginia values.
Median Income:
$32,900
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$57,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
13.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$815
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
29.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.6%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Piney River, VA?
Piney River offers local public schools with small class sizes, such as Tye River Elementary, and access to higher education at nearby colleges like Sweet Briar College and the University of Lynchburg. While a smaller percentage of residents hold bachelor's degrees, educational opportunities are available within a reasonable drive. Families can expect a supportive learning environment and community involvement.
Public Schools
Name:
Tye River Elementary School
Street:
250 Tye River Rd
Phone:
434-263-8317
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Sweet Briar College
City:
Sweet Briar
State:
VA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
350
Name:
University of Lynchburg
City:
Lynchburg
State:
VA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is reliable, with major hospitals such as Centra Amherst Medical Center and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital nearby. About 91% of residents have health insurance, and there are 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Essential medical services, including emergency care, are within easy reach.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Centra Amherst Medical Center
Address:
210 Ambriar Plaza, Amherst, VA 24521
Phone:
(434) 946-9565
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Address:
500 Martha Jefferson Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Phone:
(434) 654-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Piney River, VA?
The housing market in Piney River is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $192,000 and nearly 80% owner-occupied homes. Rental options are available, with average rent for a two-bedroom at $815 per month. The area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation, making it an appealing choice for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$192,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$815
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Piney River are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Richmond. The DMV offers a comprehensive range of vehicle and licensing services both online and in person. For more information, visit the official Virginia DMV 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.