VirginiaPop. 229,359Mid-size cities
Is Richmond a Good Place to Live? Richmond, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Richmond ranks #609 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #44 of 241) and low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high poverty (18.2%, #198 of 256) and low household income ($64,587, #194 of 256).
Richmond by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Richmond's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Richmond?
Richmond's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,726, 12% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Richmond | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $364,726#551 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,648/mo#457 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $353,000#662 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,372/mo#605 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.5%#1051 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Richmond housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Richmond is in the Richmond, VA metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Richmond safe?
Richmond recorded 441 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Virginia's 206. That ranks #771 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richmond Police Department. Property crime runs 3,348 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Richmond | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 441#771 of 1,085 | 206 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,348#993 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Richmond?
The median household in Richmond earns $64,587, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Richmond | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $64,587#936 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 18.2%#1041 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Richmond?
The median resident of Richmond is 34.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #339 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.6%#339 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Richmond's schools and health?
Richmond's 46 public schools graduate 83.9% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $21,168 spent per pupil. 36.7% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Richmond | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 83.9%#767 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,168#157 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.7%#923 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.7%#741 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 21,075 students are enrolled in Richmond's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Richmond?
The average commute in Richmond is 21.7 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 2.9% of workers take transit and 19.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Richmond scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 40.4°F, with 45.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Richmond | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 63% | 68.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.9% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.5% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.5% | 15.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.8 | 28.8 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 51.6 | 30.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 59.6 | 37.2 | 4 |
| Apr | 70.4 | 46.4 | 3.2 |
| May | 77.8 | 55.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 85.6 | 64.5 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 89.5 | 69.2 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 87.5 | 67.6 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 81.2 | 61.1 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 70.9 | 49 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 60.4 | 38.8 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 51.5 | 32.1 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Richmond International Airport.
| Measure | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 45.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Richmond International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Richmond?
Richmond city's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richmond city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Richmond | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.07%#36 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Richmond city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Richmond city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.011% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0035% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0029% | 27% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.045% | 7% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Richmond compare with similar-size cities?
Richmond is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #96 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 229,359.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Richmond compare with the rest of Virginia?
Richmond ranks #14 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 30% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Richmond's score calculated?
Richmond scores 56.5 out of 100, #609 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Richmond. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Richmond's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
54.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Richmond. Similar-size median 53.8.
45.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Richmond's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Richmond's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
67.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Richmond. Similar-size median 51.2.
34.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Richmond. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Richmond. Similar-size median 50.1.
64.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Richmond's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
83.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Richmond's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Richmond has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Richmond
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live?
Richmond ranks #609 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #44 of 241) and low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high poverty (18.2%, #198 of 256) and low household income ($64,587, #194 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Richmond?
Richmond's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,726, 12% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Richmond?
Richmond recorded 441 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Virginia's 206. That ranks #771 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richmond Police Department. Property crime runs 3,348 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Richmond?
The median household in Richmond earns $64,587, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Richmond?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,372/mo (Census), #605 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,648/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Richmond?
The typical home value in Richmond is $364,726, up 2.6% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $353,000.
How are the public schools in Richmond?
Richmond's 46 public schools graduate 83.9% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $21,168 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Richmond?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Richmond?
Richmond averages 58.9°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 40.4°F in winter, with 45.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Richmond walkable?
Richmond scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Richmond at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richmond city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Richmond?
Richmond city's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Richmond?
Richmond has 229,359 residents. The median resident of Richmond is 34.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #339 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Richmond compare with the rest of Virginia?
Richmond ranks #14 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 30% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Richmond?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Richmond's population of 229,359 are Boise, ID (#200 overall), Port St. Lucie, FL (#488 overall), Spokane, WA (#767 overall), Santa Clarita, CA (#651 overall), and Huntsville, AL (#589 overall). Richmond is #609.