Chilhowie, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Chilhowie, Virginia had a total population of 2,428, the 264th largest town in Virginia, with a median household income of $51,429, which is 45% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 45% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%.
Chilhowie Quick Facts
How Chilhowie Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,462 | 2,428 | -1.4% |
| Median household income | $53,250 | $51,429 | -3.4% |
| Median home value | $158,600 | $153,600 | -3.2% |
How Chilhowie Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chilhowie Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Other Cities in Smyth County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 5,670 | $40,896 | 20.7% | $172,500 |
| Adwolf | 1,046 | $44,464 | 15.0% | $143,500 |
| Atkins | 985 | $48,500 | 8.2% | $86,200 |
| Seven Mile Ford | 644 | $38,003 | 21.4% | $173,300 |
| Sugar Grove | 563 | $45,676 | 17.8% | $56,400 |
| Allison Gap | 526 | $36,635 | 25.5% | $69,900 |
| McMullin | 324 | $68,750 | 10.5% | $144,400 |
Cities Similar to Chilhowie
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Market | 2,342 | $51,410 | $272,900 | 19.7% | 11.1% |
| Waverly | 2,324 | $50,156 | $145,700 | 17.2% | 7.8% |
| Chase City | 2,470 | $45,843 | $112,900 | 14.4% | 17.1% |
| Horse Pasture | 2,236 | $54,216 | $123,600 | 10.8% | 22.7% |
| Louisa | 2,435 | $65,132 | $344,100 | 33.5% | 9.9% |
Population Overview
Chilhowie is a small community located in Virginia, within Smyth County. The total population is 2,428. It ranks as the 264th most populous out of 681 Census-designated places in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chilhowie is 42.5 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 39.0 years. 10.0% 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 Chilhowie is $51,429. This is 45% lower than the state median of $93,170. It is also 36% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%. This is 32% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 1.7%. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $153,600. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $383,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 66.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chilhowie is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.3%. The Black or African American population (4.5%) is well below the state average of 18.3%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 6.9%.
Education
24.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 42.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chilhowie, Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chilhowie, Virginia?
Chilhowie, Virginia has a population of 2,428 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chilhowie, VA?
The median household income in Chilhowie is $51,429, which is 36% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Chilhowie, VA?
The poverty rate in Chilhowie is 13.1%. This means approximately 293 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chilhowie, Virginia?
Chilhowie's population is 83.9% White, 4.5% Black, 6.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chilhowie, VA?
The median home value in Chilhowie is $153,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Chilhowie, Virginia?
24.3% of adults (25+) in Chilhowie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.