Virginia
South Boston is a small city in Virginia with a population of 7,896. Residents earn $41,102 per year, which is 45% below the national average.
Based on current data, South Boston receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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. South Boston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in South Boston is $41,102, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300, 44% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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.
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
South Boston 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. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 96.6% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.4% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $41,102 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $24,427 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,096 |
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,022 |
| County GDP | $1,638M |
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.29% |
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
| Census Median | $157,300 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,036 |
| Census Median Rent | $756 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,380 |
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.29% |
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.1% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,971/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
| Total Violent | 427.5/100K |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 25.1/100K |
| Robbery | 100.6/100K |
| Assault | 301.7/100K |
| Total Property | 4,978.6/100K |
| 154% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 829.8/100K |
| Theft | 4,111.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 37.7/100K |
| Arson | 25.1/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 46.4 inches |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 5.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 390 ft (119 m) |
| Area | 13.1 sq mi (33.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 605/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7118°N, 78.9134°W |
| County FIPS | 51083 |
Winner: Republican by 21.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.5% |
| 42% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 85.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.58 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 605/sq mi |
| Total Area | 13.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Retail Stores | 118 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Commute | 17.0 min |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |