Rockbridge County, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Rockbridge County is located in Virginia with a total population of 22,578. It is the 75th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Rockbridge County is 49.7 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 11.5% 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 Rockbridge County is $63,975. This is 30% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%. This is 19% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $238,700. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Rockbridge County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.2% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (89.2% vs 59.0%). The Black or African American population (3.0%) is well below the state average of 18.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.

Education

31.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 24% 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 91.0%. Notably, 15.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.