Amherst, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,865
-12.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,841/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
948
-3.9% year-over-year change

Amherst population

How many people live in Amherst

Amherst is home to 1,865 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Amherst locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
1,865
-12.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
871
Female
53.3%
994
Value Percent YoY change
Male 871 46.7% -18.3%
Female 994 53.3% -6.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Amherst is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 7.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
30.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 249 13.4% -12.6%
15 to 24 136 7.3% -38.2%
25 to 44 480 25.7% -16.8%
45 to 64 426 22.8% -9.2%
Over 65 574 30.8% 0.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Amherst, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,819 97.5% -13.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 1.9% 52.2%
Non-citizens 11 0.6% 83.3%
Racial breakdown
White
82.1%
Black or African American
13.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 1,532 82.1%
Black or African American 258 13.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.2%
Two or more races 56 3%
Other 5 0.3%

Households in Amherst

A peek inside Amherst households

Amherst has 865 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.1% are families, while the remaining 45.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
865
-5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
397
Family households
468
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 397 45.9% 4.8%
Family households 468 54.1% -12.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Amherst

The housing landscape of Amherst

Amherst's housing consists of 948 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
948
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 672 70.9%
1 unit, attached 48 5.1%
2 units 37 3.9%
3 or 4 units 138 14.6%
10 to 19 units 17 1.8%
Mobile home 36 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Amherst

In Amherst, the median construction year is 1974. About 10.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 97 10.2% -36.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 81 8.5% 1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 145 15.3% 10.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 100 10.6% -19.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 115 12.1% -20.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 206 21.7% 6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 146 15.4% 33.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 5.5% 10.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6 0.6% 50.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Amherst occupancy rates

Out of the 865 occupied housing units in Amherst, 70.4% are owner-occupied, while 29.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
865
-5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
256
Owner occupied
609
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 256 29.6% -6.6%
Owner occupied 609 70.4% -4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Amherst housing costs

Housing costs in Amherst come to a median of $722 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $718.

Median housing costs per month
$722/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Amherst
$718/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Amherst

Amherst education at a glance

About 46.5% of the population in Amherst went to high school, while 17.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 4.5% -7.9%
High school diploma 731 46.5% -16.4%
College diploma 271 17.2% -3.6%
Associate degree 105 6.7% -14.6%
Bachelor's degree 248 15.8% 4.6%
Graduate degree 146 9.3% -18.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Amherst

How much people earn in Amherst

The average annual household income in Amherst was $79,771 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,841, reflecting a -0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Amherst
$79,771/year
-2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Amherst
$70,841/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

Amherst income by age

In Amherst, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,909. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,170 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $25,323 in earnings. Overall, 90.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,000 -28.2%
25 - 44 $90,909 -9.2%
45 - 64 $115,170 2.9%
Over 65 $25,323 -3.3%
Above poverty level
1,516
Below poverty level
155
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,516 90.7% -14.6%
Below poverty level 155 9.3% 24.0%

Average renter income in Amherst

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Amherst, their median household income was $38,241 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,241
Rent-to-income ratio
22.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Amherst

Workforce and job types in Amherst

The job market in Amherst is powered by 826 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
826
-17.1% year-over-year change
White collar
655
Blue collar
171
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 655 79.3% -8.8%
Blue collar 171 20.7% -38.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 73 8.8% 7.3%
Private companies 603 73% -22.2%
Governmental workers 114 13.8% 6.5%
Not for profit companies 36 4.4% -23.4%

Transportation in Amherst

How people get around in Amherst

Commuting methods vary: 81.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 669 81.8% -20.6%
Walk 18 2.2% -14.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Amherst by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24521 10,599 4,136 $73,571 $101,283

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FAQs about Amherst demographics 

What is the total population of Amherst?

Amherst has a total population of 1,865 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -12.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Amherst?

The gender ratio in Amherst is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (871 residents)
  • 53.3% females (994 residents)

What is the median age in Amherst?

The median age in Amherst is 50.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Amherst?

The age distribution in Amherst is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (249 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.3% (136 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (480 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (426 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.8% (574 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is as follows:
  • White: 82.1% (1,532 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.8% (258 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (56 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (5 residents)

What percentage of the population in Amherst are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Amherst.

How many housing units are there in Amherst?

There are 948 housing units in Amherst, reflecting a -3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Amherst and what is the average household size?

Amherst has a total of 865 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Amherst?

Amherst has a median household income of $70,841, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Amherst?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.3% (655 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.7% (171 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (73 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (603 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (114 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (36 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025