Richmond, VA, US
Capital of the Confederacy reborn with craft beer, murals, and historic charm.
Overview
Richmond is a city in VA with a population of 226,604. Capital of the Confederacy reborn with craft beer, murals, and historic charm. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.5.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Richmond vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 226,604
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 28°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $285,000
- 1BR Rent: $1300/mo
Cost of Living
Richmond's cost of living index is 98.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Richmond | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5% |
| Housing | 92.4 | 100 | -7.6% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $285,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $190 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Richmond:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $105 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $74 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $6 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $320 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Richmond scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Richmond has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 28°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 43°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 46°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Richmond faces the following natural hazards:
River and flash flooding.
Extreme summer heat.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Winter storms.
Tornado risk.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.75%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~1.04% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Richmond per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Richmond is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA, US?
The cost of living index in Richmond is 98.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Richmond?
The median home price in Richmond is $285,000. The housing index is 92.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Richmond is approximately $1300/mo.
Does Richmond, VA have income tax?
Richmond is in VA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.
What is the climate like in Richmond?
Richmond enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.