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Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area

Harrisonburg, VA · Metro Area

136,992Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 2 counties, part of the Harrisonburg-Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$75,065
Median home value
$309,300
Land area
867 sq mi
158 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Rockingham County, VACentral85,600$80,693$313,000
Harrisonburg city, VACentral51,392$62,254$299,100

Largest cities and towns

10 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Harrisonburg, VACity51,392$62,254
Bridgewater, VATown6,708$75,280
Massanetta Springs, VACDP6,358$114,737
Broadway, VATown4,273$64,669
Timberville, VATown3,036$59,909
Elkton, VATown3,006$62,031
Massanutten, VACDP2,261$108,207
Dayton, VATown1,920$75,769
Belmont Estates, VACDP1,162$86,835
Mount Crawford, VATown532$100,526

Also in the Harrisonburg-Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA combined area

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
15.3%
Unemployment
4.3%
College Educated
31.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$75,065
Mean Household Income
$97,373

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.2%
Female
50.8%

Population Split

Male49.2%
Female50.8%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

German18.7%
English11.2%
Irish8.2%
Mexican4.1%
Italian3.5%
Scottish1.9%
Polish1.4%
French1.3%
African0.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

10.6%Foreign Born
89.4%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized40.8%
Non-Citizen59.2%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later42.8%
Before 201057.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
55,217
Median Rent
$1,173/mo
Median Home Value
$309,300
Median Year Built
1987

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
42,077
College Enrollment
44.0%
High School
13.8%
College Educated
31.6%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
20.4 min
Drive Alone Rate
74.1%
Public Transit
0.7%
Work From Home
9.2%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
20.3%
18-34 Years
29.7%
35-64 Years
33.5%
65+ Years
16.5%

Population Composition

Under 1820.3%
18-3429.7%
35-6433.5%
65+16.5%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
47.3%
Single Parent
5.2%
Living Alone
26.5%
Avg Size
2.55

Household Types

Married Couples47.3%
Single Parent5.2%
Living Alone26.5%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$36,670
SNAP Usage
7.7%
Health Insurance
89.4%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k15.2%
$25k - $50k18.5%
$50k - $100k30.8%
$100k+35.4%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
13.5%
Retail Trade
11.5%
Education & Health Care
24.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

12.2%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

89.4%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
86.5%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
93.4%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
94.9
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
122.2
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)