Median Income
$76,296
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$206,100
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,399
20% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Blue Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,135
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density901/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Economy
B+
Median Income$76,296
Per Capita$31,756
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$115,358M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$206,100
Rent$1,399
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$430,386
Health
Obesity37.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Elevation588 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+88.4%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 43%
Commute35 min
Libraries16
Is Blue Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Ridge receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Blue Ridge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue Ridge is $76,296, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Ridge is $206,100, 27% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,399 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Blue Ridge enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Blue Ridge has a population of 1,135 with a density of 901 people per square mile. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (70.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 80.1% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Spanish | 19.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue Ridge is $76,296, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Income: Blue Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,296 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,756 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,694 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $129,628 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 34,830 |
| County GDP | $115,358M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 2,668 |
| Healthcare | 4,398 |
| Retail | 2,985 |
| Manufacturing | 491 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,750 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Blue Ridge is $206,100, 27% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,399 (20% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $430,386.
Home Values
| Census Median | $206,100 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $430,386 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,399 |
| 20% above US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,750 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.22% |
In Blue Ridge, 37.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.4% report depression. 25.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,398 |
Crime Rates: Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 72 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Blue Ridge has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.8 inches |
| 5% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 588 ft (179 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 901/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.2980°N, 96.3981°W |
| County FIPS | 48085 |