Median Income
$19,620
74% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,100
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$498
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
43.1%
248% higher than US avg
How Drakes Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population475
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density115/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$19,620
Per Capita$21,644
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty43.1%
County GDP$341M
Commute30 min
Housing
B
Home Value$119,100
Rent$498
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$185,982
Housing Units332
Rent Burden32.9%
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured1.1%
Smoking20.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Elevation377 ft (115 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+76.7%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute30 min
Broadband47.7%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Drakes Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Drakes Branch receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Drakes Branch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Drakes Branch is $19,620, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 43.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Drakes Branch is $119,100, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Drakes Branch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches, including 7.7 inches of snow.
Drakes Branch has a population of 475 with a density of 115 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.2% female and 39.8% male. The city is predominantly White (52%), with 44.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 39.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
475
Total Population
2023 Census
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Drakes Branch vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Drakes Branch vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Drakes Branch is $19,620, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,644 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 43.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 356 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Drakes Branch vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $19,620 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,644 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,936 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 43.1% |
| 248% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 356 |
| County GDP | $341M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,762 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Drakes Branch is $119,100, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,982, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $498 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 332 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $1,762 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,100 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,982 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $498 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 332 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,762 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.48% |
In Drakes Branch, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.3% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 1.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,963. The dentist ratio is 1:3,008. 22.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Drakes Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.4% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 1.1% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,963 |
| Dentists | 1:3,008 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,204 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,616/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Drakes Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 377 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.3°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 377 ft (115 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 115/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9933°N, 78.6009°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lunenburg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lynchburg Regional/Preston Glenn Field (LYH)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.6"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.82"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
118 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
120 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
117 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
104 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Arthur (2014, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
300 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
200 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
256 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
203 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 81 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2018 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2018 |
EF2 |
99 km |
1 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MATTS CREEK (11,028 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
PEAVINE COMPLEX |
2,950 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
EADES HOLLOW |
1,564 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
PINEY MOUNTAIN |
1,464 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
TOTIERS FERRY |
1,075 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
NORWOOD |
999 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
GOLD HILL |
807 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
FRIAR |
722 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
DAVIS CREE |
579 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
GLENWOOD COMPLEX (FALLING ROCK) |
533 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Drakes Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 37°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Drakes Branch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152-$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202-$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101-$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809-$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152-$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404-$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101-$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61-$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51-$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152-$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044-$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404-$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561-$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506-$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055-$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022-$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809-$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202-$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011-$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76-$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03-$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53-$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53-$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03-$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04-$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61-$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81-$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51-$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76-$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213-$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607-$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506-$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202-$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404-$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055-$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51-$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101-$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $504 |
| Toddler | $368 |
| Preschool | $368 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drakes Branch
What is the population of Drakes Branch?
Drakes Branch has a population of 475 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 115 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.2% female and 39.8% male.
Is Drakes Branch expensive to live in?
Drakes Branch has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $19,620, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,100 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Drakes Branch?
Drakes Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.6 inches, with 7.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Drakes Branch?
The job market in Drakes Branch is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 356 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Drakes Branch?
The median home value in Drakes Branch is $119,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,982. For renters, the median monthly rent is $498. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,762.
How are the schools in Drakes Branch?
Schools in Drakes Branch score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Drakes Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Drakes Branch?
The obesity rate in Drakes Branch is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 1.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 22.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,963.
What is transportation like in Drakes Branch?
The average commute in Drakes Branch is 30 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Drakes Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Drakes Branch is 52% White, 44.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 39.4% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.