Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Richlands, VA
Considering a move to Richlands, VA? This small town of 5,266 residents offers a low cost of living with median home prices around $99,200 and rents averaging just $670. Crime rates are lower than national averages, and commutes are short, at about 21 minutes. While the community is close-knit and schools are highly rated for the region, educational attainment is below the national average. Enjoy mild mountain weather with 54% sunny days each year and the charm of southwest Virginia living.
Demographics - Richlands, VA
Demographics - Richlands, VA
Richlands, VA is a close-knit town of about 5,266 people, where the median age is 43.8, reflecting a mature community. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a slightly higher number of females than males. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of residents, contributing to the town’s traditional small-town character.
Population:
5,266
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Richlands, VA?
Richlands offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $99,200 and average rents at $670. Utility and transportation costs are below national averages, and local state taxes remain moderate. This makes the town appealing for those seeking budget-friendly living in Virginia.
Median House Value:
$99,200
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.5
Grocery:
91.8
Housing:
41.2
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
82.6
Health Care:
86.7
Miscellaneous:
77.1
Crime
Is Richlands, VA a safe place to live?
Safety is a strong point in Richlands, where violent crime rates are notably lower than the national average, with a 1 in 658 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crimes are also moderate, giving residents peace of mind. The overall crime index suggests a generally safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
152
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,262
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 658
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Richlands, VA year-round?
Residents of Richlands enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs in the low 80s and winters rarely dipping below 25°F. The area receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 54% of the year, making for pleasant outdoor living in the Appalachian foothills.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical household in Richlands has an income of about $38,900, and the area faces a higher-than-average poverty rate at 21.7%. Most residents have completed high school, but fewer hold college degrees. Commutes are short—averaging just 21 minutes—and public transit usage is minimal, reflecting the town’s small-town setting.
Median Income:
$24,800
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$51,400
Per Capita Income:
$21,300
Income Male:
$34,600
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.4%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Richlands, VA?
Richlands features public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Richlands High School and Richlands Elementary, helping to foster a supportive learning environment. While higher education attainment is below the national average, local options include Southwest Virginia Community College just a few miles away, expanding educational opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Richlands High School
Street:
138 Tornado Alley
Phone:
276-964-4602
Students:
710
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Richlands Elementary School
Street:
309 Lee St
Phone:
276-964-4561
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Colleges
Name:
Southwest Virginia Community College
City:
Cedar Bluff
State:
VA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Richlands is served by Clincho Valley Medical Center, offering general and emergency care to residents. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well supported locally. The town's healthcare index indicates average access and affordability for the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Clincho Valley Medical Center
Address:
2949 W Front St, Richlands, VA 24641
Phone:
(276) 596-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Richlands, VA?
The housing market in Richlands is highly accessible, with median home prices at $99,200 and about two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, and vacancy rates remain manageable, making it relatively easy to find housing. Home values have shown modest appreciation, supporting stable investment.
Median Home Price:
$99,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Richlands residents are managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with primary offices and resources available through their Richmond headquarters and online. The DMV provides comprehensive support for licensing, registration, and other transportation needs in Virginia.
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.