Median Income
$148,846
98% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.8%
30% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hampden-Sydney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,942
Median Age20.5 yrs
Density501/mi²
Male / Female82% / 18%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$148,846
Per Capita$17,975
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$995M
Commute15 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$255,171
Housing Units288
Rent Burden31.0%
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking16.1%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain44.5 in/yr
Elevation481 ft (147 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.8%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+23.7%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute15 min
Broadband97.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Hampden-Sydney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hampden-Sydney receives an overall livability score of 4.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Hampden-Sydney stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hampden-Sydney is $148,846, which is significantly higher than the national average / 98% above $75,149. This places Hampden-Sydney among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hampden-Sydney enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches, including 6.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Hampden-Sydney has a population of 1,942 with a density of 501 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 20.5 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 18.1% female and 81.9% male. The city is predominantly White (74.6%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 13.4% Black, 4.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,942
Total Population
2023 Census
20.5yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hampden-Sydney vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hampden-Sydney vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hampden-Sydney is $148,846, which is 98% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,975 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 721 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hampden-Sydney vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $148,846 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,975 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 721 |
| County GDP | $995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 90 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,279 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,171. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,279 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,279 |
| 35% below US avg |
In Hampden-Sydney, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 15.6% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,567. The dentist ratio is 1:2,436. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hampden-Sydney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,567 |
| Dentists | 1:2,436 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,738/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Hampden-Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. The area receives 6.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. 98% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 481 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 481 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 501/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2440°N, 78.4757°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Prince Edward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lynchburg Regional/Preston Glenn Field (LYH)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.5"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 98.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 33.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 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 |
88 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
90 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
88 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
20 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
63 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
87 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
89 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
24 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
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 |
254 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
217 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
252 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
224 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 388 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
91 km |
11 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2018 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2018 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MATTS CREEK (11,028 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
ST MARYS |
4,373 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
MARBLEYARD |
3,123 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
PEAVINE COMPLEX |
2,950 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
TYE RIVER |
1,762 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
EADES HOLLOW |
1,564 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
PINEY MOUNTAIN |
1,464 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
TOTIERS FERRY |
1,075 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
HICKORY RU |
1,055 |
79 km |
| 1995 |
NORWOOD |
999 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
CHICKEN |
947 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
GOLD HILL |
807 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
CELLAR MOUNTAIN |
737 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
FRIAR |
722 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
717 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
HOWARDSVILLE |
687 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
ROSEMONT |
629 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Hampden-Sydney has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 37°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Hampden-Sydney. 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 | $644 |
| Toddler | $472 |
| Preschool | $472 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $385 |
| Preschool | $385 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampden-Sydney
What is the population of Hampden-Sydney?
Hampden-Sydney has a population of 1,942 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 501 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 18.1% female and 81.9% male.
Is Hampden-Sydney expensive to live in?
Hampden-Sydney 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 $148,846, 98% above the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Hampden-Sydney?
Hampden-Sydney 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 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.5 inches, with 6.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Hampden-Sydney?
The job market in Hampden-Sydney is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 721 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 18.4% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Hampden-Sydney?
Schools in Hampden-Sydney have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 43.8% of adults in Hampden-Sydney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 23.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hampden-Sydney?
The obesity rate in Hampden-Sydney is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,567.
What is transportation like in Hampden-Sydney?
The average commute in Hampden-Sydney is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hampden-Sydney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hampden-Sydney is 74.6% White, 13.4% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Asian. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.