Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winchester, VA
Considering a move to Winchester, VA? This welcoming city of 28,120 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $318,000 and average rent at $1,370. Residents enjoy a relaxed 22-minute average commute, 60% sunny days, and a charming historic downtown. Winchester boasts access to quality healthcare, a strong public school system, and a vibrant community, though property crime is slightly above the national average. Explore the city’s friendly neighborhoods, mild climate, and easy access to the Shenandoah Valley below to see if Winchester could be your next home.
Demographics - Winchester, VA
Demographics - Winchester, VA
Winchester, VA is a diverse city of 28,120 residents, with a median age of 37.2 and a population density of about 3,100 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (73.2%), but also includes significant Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and nearly one in five residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
28,120
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
73.2%
Black:
11.8%
Asian:
2.8%
Others:
12.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Winchester, VA?
Winchester offers a slightly below-average cost of living, with a median home value of $318,000 and typical rents around $1,370 per month. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, making the city an affordable choice for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$318,000
Gross Rent:
$1,370
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.6
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
89.4
Utilities:
101.3
Transportation:
95.7
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
98.2
Crime
Is Winchester, VA a safe place to live?
Winchester experiences a moderate crime rate, with a resident's chance of encountering property crime at about 1 in 47 and violent crime at 1 in 301. While property crime rates are somewhat above the national average, the city remains generally safe for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
332
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,147
Crime Index:
2,479
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Winchester, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate, including warm summers peaking near 87°F and winters with lows around 24°F. Winchester receives about 38.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather roughly 60% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is $62,200, and about 12% of residents live below the poverty line. With an average commute of 22 minutes and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Winchester offers a stable, community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$62,200
Family Income:
$73,400
Per Capita Income:
$31,600
Income Male:
$43,900
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
17.3%
Rent:
$1,370
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
27.6%
Education
How are the schools in Winchester, VA?
Winchester features strong educational options, including well-rated public schools such as John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School, as well as private and higher education institutions like Shenandoah University. The community values education, with nearly 88% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
John Handley High School
Street:
425 Handley Blvd
Phone:
540-662-3471
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Daniel Morgan Middle School
Street:
48 S. Purcell Ave
Phone:
540-667-7500
Students:
930
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Academy
Street:
110 Keating Dr
Phone:
540-662-7177
Students:
340

Colleges
Name:
Shenandoah University
City:
Winchester
State:
VA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
4,100
Name:
Lord Fairfax Community College
City:
Middletown
State:
VA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Winchester is served by reputable medical facilities like Winchester Medical Center and Valley Health Urgent Care, with 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of the population has health insurance, supporting broad access to healthcare services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Winchester Medical Center
Address:
1840 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
Phone:
(540) 536-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Valley Health Urgent Care
Address:
607 E Jubal Early Dr, Winchester, VA 22601
Phone:
(540) 536-2232
Type:
Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Winchester, VA?
The housing market in Winchester is accessible, with a median home price of $318,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,370. Homeownership rates are modest at 41.5%, and the area sees steady appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$318,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,370
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
For vehicle registration and licensing, residents use the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles located on Baker Street in Winchester, supported by statewide online and phone services for added convenience.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
24 Baker St, Winchester, VA 22601
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.