Buchanan County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in Virginia
The population of Buchanan County, Virginia is 19,857 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $42,216, the median home value is $91,400, and the median age is 47.3.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 22.7% since 2010 (24,091 → 18,632), a -1.82% annualized rate.
19,857
Population
-1.82%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$42,216
Median Income
$91,400
Median Home Value
Buchanan County covers 503 sq mi of land at 39.5 people per square mile.
About Buchanan County, VA
Buchanan County is defined demographically by education — 10.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Buchanan County is a county in Virginia with a population of 19,857.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $42,216, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 17.9%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $91,400, with typical rent around $712.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 10.8%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Buchanan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buchanan County had a population of 24,091 in 2010 and 18,632 in 2024, a -22.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,091 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.81%.
18,632
Population (2024)
24,091
Population (2010)
24,091
Peak (2010)
-1.81%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,091 |
| 2011 | 23,835 |
| 2012 | 23,835 |
| 2013 | 23,638 |
| 2014 | 23,167 |
| 2015 | 22,767 |
| 2016 | 22,229 |
| 2017 | 21,622 |
| 2018 | 21,373 |
| 2019 | 21,031 |
| 2020 | 20,250 |
| 2021 | 19,886 |
| 2022 | 19,329 |
| 2023 | 18,978 |
| 2024 | 18,632 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.2% |
| Black or African American | 2.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.3
Median Age
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Male
23.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.8% · Seniors (65+): 23.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $42,216$-48,758 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,584 |
| Per-capita income | $26,203 |
| Poverty rate | 17.9%+11.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 34.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
29.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$91,400$-269,300 vs state
Median home value
$712
Median rent
82.1%
Homeownership rate
10,340
Total housing units
71.1%
Occupied
28.9%
Vacant
17.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
84.1%
With broadband internet
23.5%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
35.2%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.5%
High School+
10.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buchanan County, Virginia has a population of 19,857 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Buchanan County has declined 22.7% since 2010 (24,091 → 18,632), a -1.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buchanan County, Virginia is $42,216, with mean (average) household income of $59,584 and per-capita income of $26,203. 17.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buchanan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.2%), Black or African American (2.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buchanan County, Virginia is 47.3 years. Residents are 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
The median home value in Buchanan County is $91,400 and median monthly rent is $712. 82.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,340 total housing units, 28.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buchanan County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Buchanan County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Buchanan County, VA Climate
Buchanan County, VA has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1150 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1150
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 85 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 84 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 98 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 100 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 103 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 120 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 92 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 82 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 87 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Buchanan County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Buchanan County, VA are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Buchanan County
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.