Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rural Retreat, VA
Thinking of moving to Rural Retreat, VA? This small town of 1,460 residents offers affordable living with median home values around $157,000 and average rents at $710. The area boasts a low violent crime rate (83 per 100k), short commutes averaging 22 minutes, and highly rated local schools. With 59% sunny days and a friendly hometown vibe, Rural Retreat is ideal for those seeking peace, safety, and a close-knit community in scenic southwest Virginia.
Demographics - Rural Retreat, VA
Demographics - Rural Retreat, VA
Rural Retreat is a close-knit community with a population of 1,460, predominantly White (96.5%) and a median age of 45.2 years, reflecting a mature, settled population. The town offers a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its small-town, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,460
Density:
750 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rural Retreat, VA?
Living in Rural Retreat is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $157,000. Residents benefit from lower-than-average housing and rental costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking value and a lower cost lifestyle in Virginia.
Median House Value:
$157,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
68.4
Utilities:
101.5
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
94.1
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Rural Retreat, VA a safe place to live?
Rural Retreat maintains a low violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents and a modest property crime rate, providing a sense of safety for families and individuals. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are very low, making this town a secure place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
83
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,103
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Rural Retreat, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 83°F and cool winters dipping to 22°F. The area averages over 41 inches of rainfall annually and receives sunshine 59% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate a balanced climate.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Rural Retreat typically have a median income of $49,600, with a poverty rate of 11.7% and unemployment under 5%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is a manageable 22 minutes, contributing to the town’s relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$37,400
Household Income:
$49,600
Family Income:
$63,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$33,200
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
11.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Rural Retreat, VA?
Rural Retreat offers quality education through its local elementary and high schools, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Wytheville Community College is located just 13 miles away, providing accessible college opportunities for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Rural Retreat Elementary School
Street:
100 Harris St
Phone:
276-686-4141
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Rural Retreat High School
Street:
321 E Buck Ave
Phone:
276-686-4121
Students:
425
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Wytheville Community College
City:
Wytheville
State:
VA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
The area is served by Wythe County Community Hospital, located nearby in Wytheville and offering comprehensive emergency services. With 91.4% health insurance coverage and 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic healthcare needs are well-supported in this rural setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wythe County Community Hospital
Address:
600 W Ridge Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Phone:
(276) 228-0200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rural Retreat, VA?
The housing market in Rural Retreat is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $157,000 and an owner-occupied rate of over 70%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $710, and the market sees steady appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$157,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle registrations and licensing through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, which offers a user-friendly website and support from its Richmond headquarters. The DMV provides all standard services for Rural Retreat and the surrounding region.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
610 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
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.