Median Income
$61,779
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,000
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
427/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Riverdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,129
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density139/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,779
Per Capita$27,117
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$1,638M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,000
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$147,036
Housing Units471
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent427/100K
Property4,979/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking17.0%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation426 ft (130 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute17 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Riverdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riverdale receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Riverdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riverdale is $61,779, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riverdale is $177,000, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 427 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Riverdale 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.
Riverdale has a population of 1,129 with a density of 139 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65% female and 35% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 12.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 42.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Riverdale is $61,779, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,117 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Riverdale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,779 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,117 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,096 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below 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 | 1.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.2% |
The median home value in Riverdale is $177,000, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,036, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 471 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,029 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,000 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,036 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 471 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.15% |
In Riverdale, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% 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: Riverdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,595 |
| Dentists | 1:2,103 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,971/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Riverdale has a violent crime rate of 427 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riverdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 427.5/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,978.6/100K |
| 154% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riverdale 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 426 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 | 426 ft (130 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 139/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6748°N, 78.8940°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
13 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 |
92 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Florence (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
293 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
217 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
251 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
220 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
270 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
216 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 260 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOTIERS FERRY (1,075 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
TOTIERS FERRY |
1,075 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
72 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 |
|
Riverdale 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 Riverdale. 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 Riverdale
What is the population of Riverdale?
Riverdale has a population of 1,129 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 139 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65% female and 35% male.
Is Riverdale expensive to live in?
Riverdale 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 $61,779, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,000 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Riverdale safe?
The violent crime rate in Riverdale is 427 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riverdale?
Riverdale 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 Riverdale?
The job market in Riverdale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 17 minutes, and 14.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riverdale?
The median home value in Riverdale is $177,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,036. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,029.
How are the schools in Riverdale?
Schools in Riverdale score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Riverdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riverdale?
The obesity rate in Riverdale is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 10.8% 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 Riverdale?
The average commute in Riverdale is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riverdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverdale is 81.6% White, 12.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 42.8% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
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