Russell County, Virginia

Income Data

-35% vs. Virginia average
$49,020
Median Household Income
$28,484
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,020
-35% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,484
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#117 / 133
by median household income

How Russell County Compares

Russell County$49,020
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,020
Median Household Income
$28,484
Per Capita Income
$119,600
Median Home Value
41.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Russell County, Virginia

Russell County faces significant income gap

Russell County's median household income of $49,020 ranks 34% below the national median of $74,755—a gap of $25,735. This substantial shortfall reflects the county's post-coal economy and the challenges facing Appalachian communities in transition.

Second-lowest income in Virginia

Russell County's median household income of $49,020 ranks among the lowest in Virginia, trailing the state average of $74,957 by $25,937. The per capita income of $28,484 significantly lags the state's $39,155 average, indicating systemic economic strain.

Struggling in regional comparison

Russell County's $49,020 median income stands well below all peer counties, ranking lowest in the region and trailing Roanoke city ($52,671) by $3,651. The county faces the steepest economic challenges among all areas studied.

Housing is the bright spot

Russell County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is exceptionally favorable, among the best in the region, because median home values of just $119,600 are well-matched to local incomes. However, this reflects depressed property values tied to economic conditions rather than strong affordability fundamentals.

Focus on economic stability first

Russell County households earning $49,020 annually should prioritize basic financial stability—building emergency savings and managing debt—before pursuing long-term investments. Local workforce development programs and community banking services can help residents access financial planning tools suited to their circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Russell County, Virginia?
The median household income in Russell County, Virginia is $49,020, 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 Russell County?
The per capita income in Russell County is $28,484, 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 $49,020.
How does Russell County compare to the Virginia average?
Russell County's median household income of $49,020 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $28,484, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Russell County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Russell County, Virginia is $28,484, 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 Russell County a low-income area in Virginia?
Russell County's median household income of $49,020 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $28,484 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 Russell County rank for income in Virginia?
Russell County ranks #117 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,020 and per capita income of $28,484, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Russell County

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County median: $49,020 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-35%

vs. National Median

-34%

vs. Russell County MedianAbout equal
vs. Virginia Average35% below
vs. National Median34% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,085) vs. median rent ($682/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.