Median Income
$56,111
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$210,900
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
164/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.5%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$692
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.3%
7% higher than US avg
How Halifax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,348
Median Age56.1 yrs
Density357/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,111
Per Capita$34,345
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty13.3%
County GDP$1,638M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$210,900
Rent$692
Ownership72.5%
Zillow$167,837
Housing Units659
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent164/100K
Property1,808/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault164/100K
Burglary740/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking20.1%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation410 ft (125 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.5%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband77.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Halifax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Halifax receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Halifax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Halifax is $56,111, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 13.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Halifax is $210,900, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Halifax is below the national average at 164 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,808 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Halifax enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Halifax has a population of 1,348 with a density of 357 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 56.1 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (67.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 28.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 32.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.1yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Halifax is $56,111, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,345 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,022 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 23.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,111 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,345 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,096 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,022 |
| County GDP | $1,638M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.8% |
The median home value in Halifax is $210,900, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,837, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $692 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $827 for a one-bedroom to $914 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 659 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,029 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $210,900 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,837 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $692 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $792 |
| 1 Bedroom | $827 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $914 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,167 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.5% |
| Housing Units | 659 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.96% |
In Halifax, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.4% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595. The dentist ratio is 1:2,103. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Halifax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,595 |
| Dentists | 1:2,103 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,971/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Halifax has a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 164.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,808 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 904, burglary at 740, vehicle theft at 164 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Halifax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Halifax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.3/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 164.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,807.7/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 739.5/100K |
| Theft | 903.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 164.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 93 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Halifax enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 410 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 410 ft (125 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 357/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7612°N, 78.9276°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Halifax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Danville Regional (DAN) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
85 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
88 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
126 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
110 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
230 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
175 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
275 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
204 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 103 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOTIERS FERRY (1,075 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
TOTIERS FERRY |
1,075 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
GLENWOOD COMPLEX (FALLING ROCK) |
533 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Halifax has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Halifax. 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 Halifax
What is the population of Halifax?
Halifax has a population of 1,348 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 357 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Halifax expensive to live in?
Halifax 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 $56,111, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $210,900 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Halifax safe?
Halifax is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,808 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Halifax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Halifax?
Halifax enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches, with 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Halifax?
The job market in Halifax is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,022 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 23.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Halifax?
The median home value in Halifax is $210,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,837. For renters, the median monthly rent is $692. Fair market rent is $827 for a 1-bedroom and $914 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,029.
How are the schools in Halifax?
Schools in Halifax score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.5% of adults in Halifax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Halifax?
The obesity rate in Halifax is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595.
What is transportation like in Halifax?
The average commute in Halifax is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Halifax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Halifax is 67.1% White, 28.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 32.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.