IncomeBy County

Buchanan County, Virginia

Income Data

-44% vs. Virginia average
$42,216
Median Household Income
$26,203
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,216
-44% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,203
-34% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
46.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#131 / 133
by median household income

How Buchanan County Compares

Buchanan County$42,216
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,216
Median Household Income
$26,203
Per Capita Income
$91,400
Median Home Value
46.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Buchanan County, Virginia

Buchanan faces the steepest income shortfall

Buchanan County's median household income of $42,216 falls roughly $32,500 below the national median of $74,755, representing the most severe income gap among all eight counties. This reflects deep structural economic challenges in this Southwest Virginia coal-region community.

Virginia's lowest-income county studied

At $42,216, Buchanan's median household income runs about $32,700 short of Virginia's state average of $74,957. Buchanan represents the economic extremity of the state's rural Appalachian crisis.

Poorest performer in the region

Buchanan ($42,216) earns significantly less than Bristol city ($44,706), Brunswick ($52,978), and all other studied Virginia communities. The county's isolation and dependence on declining coal industry set it apart economically from surrounding areas.

Housing remains the only affordable anchor

Buchanan's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% is high but manageable, and a median home value of just $91,400 is the lowest in the group. Housing affordability is not the primary issue; rather, the shortage of jobs paying livable wages is the core challenge.

Focus on stability and community support

Buchanan residents face extraordinary economic headwinds that require leveraging every available resource. Prioritize free financial counseling, workforce development programs, and community action agencies; even modest savings goals contribute to family resilience in economically uncertain times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Buchanan County, Virginia?
The median household income in Buchanan County, Virginia is $42,216, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Buchanan County?
The per capita income in Buchanan County is $26,203, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $42,216.
How does Buchanan County compare to the Virginia average?
Buchanan County's median household income of $42,216 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $26,203, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Buchanan County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Buchanan County, Virginia is $26,203, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Buchanan County a low-income area in Virginia?
Buchanan County's median household income of $42,216 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $26,203 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Buchanan County rank for income in Virginia?
Buchanan County ranks #131 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,216 and per capita income of $26,203, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $42,216 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. National Median▼ 44% below

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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