Bath County, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bath County is located in Virginia with a total population of 4,123. It is the 131st most populous county out of 133 in Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bath County is 52.3 years. This is 35% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 12.7% 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 Bath County is $61,709. This is 32% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%. This is 113% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $206,000. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bath County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.5% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (90.5% vs 59.0%). The Black or African American population (3.8%) is well below the state average of 18.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.7%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.

Education

15.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 63% 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 84.3%.