City profile · Virginia · Census ACS 2023

Christiansburg, VA

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Christiansburg - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

22,820
Residents
$75,451
Median income
$242,900
Median home
$1,271
Median rent (state)

Christiansburg - the verdict

Christiansburg ranks in the 57th percentile for household income and the 18th percentile for safety nationally, out of every US city with at least 1,000 residents. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

57th
percentile, household income
54th
percentile, home value
43rd
percentile, median rent
18th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Christiansburg, VA

Virginia's Christiansburg is a small city, with 22,820 residents per the latest Census Bureau ACS figures. The typical household in Christiansburg brings in $75,451 a year, above the median for U.S. cities on this measure, with a poverty rate of 7.8%. Typical homes in Christiansburg are valued around $242,900, and the median resident age is 37.6 years. About 45.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 63.1% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

The Census Building Permit Survey recorded 59 residential units authorized here in 2024 (Construction Slowdown), down 50% from five years earlier. Christiansburg's reported crime rate runs above the national norm: FBI UCR figures show 2821.0 crimes per 100,000 residents, above the national average (reporting is voluntary across agencies, so treat this as reporting activity rather than a definitive danger score). NOAA climate normals record an annual average temperature of 52.6°F with 42.1 inches of precipitation per year and 21.7 inches of snowfall.

Virginia tracks close to the national cost-of-living baseline: on BEA's 100-equals-national-average cost index, Virginia scores 101.1 (Near Average), per the 2024 Regional Price Parities release. A typical two-bedroom carries a HUD Fair Market Rent of $1,271 per month statewide. EIA 2023 residential energy data puts Virginia's average monthly utility costs around $235 (state average). Natural-hazard exposure scores 47.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (Low).

Population

22,820 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Virginia

Median Household Income

$75,451 /yr

Poverty 7.8%

Cost of Living Index (state)

101.1 (US=100)

Near Average - BEA RPP 2024, Virginia average

How does Christiansburg compare to other US cities?

Here's how Christiansburg stacks up against the full field of US cities (population 1,000+), computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 57% higher than other cities
Home value 54% pricier than other cities
Median rent 43% pricier than other cities
Safety 18% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

Zoom in to just Virginia and the picture shifts: Christiansburg ranks #89 of 117 Virginia cities by lowest crime rate, a different read than the national percentile above.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

Each percentile compares Christiansburg against every qualifying US city; each in-state rank narrows that to Virginia only. Full formula and direction notes: methodology.

Virginia-relative analysis

Bachelor's Degree or Higher sits close to the middle of Virginia's city distribution

Among the 618 Virginia cities PlainCities tracks with reported bachelor's degree or higher data, Christiansburg ranks #159 - the 74th percentile within the state. This is a different, narrower cut than the nationwide percentiles above: it compares Christiansburg only against its own state's cities, not the full US field.

Median Household Income
#266 of 558
52nd percentile in Virginia
Median Gross Rent
#290 of 619
51st percentile in Virginia
Median Home Value
#300 of 567
47th percentile in Virginia
Poverty Rate
#242 of 616
61st percentile in Virginia
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
#159 of 618
74th percentile in Virginia

Ranked by raw value (highest first); a higher rank is not automatically "better" for every measure, see each metric's own context above. This is a comparison within Virginia only, not a livability score. See the methodology for the source and calculation.

57thIncome percentile
18thSafety percentile

57th percentile nationally for median household income · 18th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

Christiansburg's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

Christiansburg's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 42 Avg. percentile National median
Christiansburg's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How Christiansburg's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$242,900 46th percentile more affordable than 46% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). Below this entry. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). This entry sits in this band. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Christiansburg $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Christiansburg, VA Christiansburg, VA's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Christiansburg, VA-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Christiansburg, VA median $75,451/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Christiansburg, VA's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Christiansburg, VA. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 45.5%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 7.8%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 63.1%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
22,820
Median Income
$75,451
Median Home Value
$242,900
Median Age
37.6
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Labor force participation
63.1%
Bachelor's Degree+
45.5%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
2821.0
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
224.2
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
2596.8
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Climate

Avg Temperature
52.6°F
Annual Precipitation
42.1"
Annual Snowfall
21.7"

Schools

Total Schools
5
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
22,000 residents22,500 residents23,000 residents23,500 residents 202020212022202320242025 23,315 residents 22,442 residents ▼ -3.7%
Christiansburg's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Housing Supply

Census Bureau Building Permits Survey (BPS) - annual residential permits authorized

📉 Construction Slowdown
Total Permits (2024)
59
housing units authorized
Single-Family
59
detached homes
Multifamily
0
apartments & condos
Supply Intensity
2.6
permits per 1,000 residents

5-Year Permit Trend (2019–2024)

Year Total
2019 119
2020 109
2021 106
2022 115
2023 97
2024 59

Permit volume decreased 50% from 2019 to 2024.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
79.9%
Carpool
7.8%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
0.6%
Work from Home
11.3%

Based on 11,704 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Virginia - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$115
avg/month
Natural Gas
$70
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$50
avg/month
Total Utilities
$235
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Virginia state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Virginia state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Christiansburg sits in

Cost of Living Index
101.1
Near Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$1,271/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
47.5 / 100
Low
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Virginia

Leesylvania
22,848 people
West Springfield
22,905 people
Hopewell
22,944 people
Waynesboro
22,574 people
McNair
22,451 people
Montclair
22,295 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Christiansburg's 22,820 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Ramona, CA
22,829 people
Rotterdam, NY
22,798 people
Coralville, IA
22,846 people
Ashland, CA
22,784 people
Watertown, SD
22,859 people
Winchester, MA
22,862 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Christiansburg's $75,451 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Bloomington, IL
$75,449 median income
Eton, GA
$75,441 median income
Universal City, TX
$75,439 median income
Murrells Inlet, SC
$75,438 median income
Tenino, WA
$75,438 median income
West Seneca, NY
$75,465 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Christiansburg, VA Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Christiansburg, VA - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 84.1% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 4.2% White 84.1% Black or African American 5.2% Asian 4.0% American Indian 0.2% Native Hawaiian 0.3% Some other race 0.8% Two or more races 5.3% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Christiansburg compares to nearby Virginia cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Christiansburg (this city) 22,820 $75,451
Leesylvania 22,848 $137,460
West Springfield 22,905 $157,800
Hopewell 22,944 $48,681
Census ACS 5-year FIPS VA FBI UCR NOAA Normals NCES CCD Census BPS 2024 OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Christiansburg, VA?

What is the population of Christiansburg, VA? +

The population of Christiansburg, VA stands at 22,820 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Christiansburg, VA? +

In Christiansburg, the typical household earns $75,451 per year, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Christiansburg? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Christiansburg; the closest available measure is the Virginia state average, a cost of living index of 101.1 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Near Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Virginia vary by metro area.

Is Christiansburg, VA safe? +

Christiansburg has a total crime rate of 2821.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in Christiansburg, VA? +

A typical home in Christiansburg is worth $242,900, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the climate like in Christiansburg? +

Christiansburg has an average annual temperature of 52.6°F, 42.1 inches of precipitation, and 21.7 inches of snowfall per year. Source: NOAA Climate Normals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES CCD, Census BPS 2024, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.