Brightwood, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,325
-7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,625/yr
-21.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
522
9.9% year-over-year change

Brightwood population

How many people live in Brightwood

Brightwood is home to 1,325 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.9% of Brightwood locals are male, and 60.1% are female.

Total population
1,325
-7.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.9%
529
Female
60.1%
796
Value Percent YoY change
Male 529 39.9% -15.9%
Female 796 60.1% -1.4%
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 Brightwood is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 13% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 172 13% -33.3%
15 to 24 163 12.3% 18.1%
25 to 44 334 25.2% -10.2%
45 to 64 375 28.3% 2.7%
Over 65 281 21.2% -7.3%
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 Brightwood, 98.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 95.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,310 98.9% -8.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 1.1% 275.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.6%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,266 95.6%
Black or African American 3 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.1%
Asian 3 0.2%
Two or more races 52 3.9%

Households in Brightwood

A peek inside Brightwood households

Brightwood has 488 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.2% are families, while the remaining 23.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
488
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
116
Family households
372
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 116 23.8% -7.9%
Family households 372 76.2% 6.6%
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 Brightwood

The housing landscape of Brightwood

Brightwood's housing consists of 522 units, with 97.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
522
9.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 507 97.1%
2 units 5 1%
Mobile home 10 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
14
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brightwood

In Brightwood, the median construction year is 1975. About 16.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 87 16.7% 163.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 28 5.4% -36.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 68 13% -30.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 29 5.6% 20.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 98 18.8% 100.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 27 5.2% -51.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 52 10% 6.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 96 18.4% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 4.4% 21.1%
Built in 2020 or later 14 2.7% 100.0%
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.

Brightwood occupancy rates

Out of the 488 occupied housing units in Brightwood, 94.5% are owner-occupied, while 5.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
488
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
27
Owner occupied
461
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 27 5.5% 440.0%
Owner occupied 461 94.5% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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.

Brightwood housing costs

Housing costs in Brightwood come to a median of $957 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $958.

Median housing costs per month
$957/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 Brightwood
$958/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 Brightwood

Brightwood education at a glance

About 55.1% of the population in Brightwood went to high school, while 15.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 12.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 4% 30.3%
High school diploma 595 55.1% -3.6%
College diploma 172 15.9% -10.4%
Associate degree 46 4.3% -37.8%
Bachelor's degree 138 12.8% 7.0%
Graduate degree 86 8% -6.5%
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 Brightwood

How much people earn in Brightwood

The average annual household income in Brightwood was $87,117 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -12.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,625, reflecting a -21.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brightwood
$87,117/year
-12.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brightwood
$70,625/year
-21.7% year-over-year change

Brightwood income by age

In Brightwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,042. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,042 49.3%
Over 65 $61,250 -23.7%
Above poverty level
1,173
Below poverty level
132
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,173 89.9% -12.4%
Below poverty level 132 10.1% 180.8%

Average renter income in Brightwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brightwood, their median household income was $48,818 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,818
Rent-to-income ratio
23.5%
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 Brightwood

Workforce and job types in Brightwood

The job market in Brightwood is powered by 661 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.9% run their own businesses, 57% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
661
-6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
588
Blue collar
73
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 588 89% -5.5%
Blue collar 73 11% -13.1%
Employer type
Self employees
18.9%
Private companies
57%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 125 18.9% 56.2%
Private companies 377 57% -15.3%
Governmental workers 122 18.5% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 37 5.6% -37.3%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
44.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brightwood stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brightwood

How people get around in Brightwood

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 521 84.2% -2.4%
Subway or elevated 17 2.8% N/A
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 Brightwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
22715 1,552 556 $87,353 $106,437

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FAQs about Brightwood demographics 

What is the total population of Brightwood?

Brightwood has a total population of 1,325 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 -7.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brightwood?

The gender ratio in Brightwood is as follows:
  • 39.9% males (529 residents)
  • 60.1% females (796 residents)

What is the median age in Brightwood?

The median age in Brightwood is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brightwood?

The age distribution in Brightwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13% (172 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (163 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (334 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (375 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (281 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brightwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brightwood is as follows:
  • White: 95.6% (1,266 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (52 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.9% of the population in Brightwood.

How many housing units are there in Brightwood?

There are 522 housing units in Brightwood, reflecting a +9.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brightwood has a total of 488 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brightwood?

Brightwood has a median household income of $70,625, representing a -21.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brightwood?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Brightwood, with a workforce of 661 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (588 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (73 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.9% (125 residents)
  • Private companies: 57% (377 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (122 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (37 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