Amherst town, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Amherst town, Virginia has a total population of 2,124, the 277th largest city in Virginia, with a median household income of $71,313, which is 22% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.
Amherst town Quick Facts
How Amherst town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 60 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Amherst town Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Amherst town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George CDP | 2,066 | $71,831 | $254,300 | 20.4% | 15.3% |
| East Lexington CDP | 2,020 | $70,500 | $275,800 | 22.8% | 10.4% |
| Glade Spring town | 2,224 | $76,736 | $170,700 | 24.8% | 10.1% |
| Weyers Cave CDP | 2,243 | $66,882 | $280,900 | 36.3% | 1.3% |
| Narrows town | 2,064 | $61,894 | $110,000 | 18.7% | 5.9% |
Population Overview
Amherst town is a small community located in Virginia. The total population is 2,124. It ranks as the 277th most populous out of 681 cities and towns in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Amherst town is 44.6 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 14.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Amherst town is $71,313. This is 22% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 1.4%. This is 68% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $213,300. Housing costs are 41% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 67.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Amherst town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 14.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 10.7%.
Education
23.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 41.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Amherst town, Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 681 Census-designated places in Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Amherst town, Virginia?
Amherst town, Virginia has a population of 2,124 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Amherst town, VA?
The median household income in Amherst town is $71,313, which is 9% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Amherst town, VA?
The poverty rate in Amherst town is 6.5%. This means approximately 125 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Amherst town, Virginia?
Amherst town's population is 83.2% White, 14.4% Black, 0.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Amherst town, VA?
The median home value in Amherst town is $213,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Amherst town, Virginia?
23.9% of adults (25+) in Amherst town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.