Brookneal, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,300
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,850/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
657
-0.1% year-over-year change

Brookneal population

How many people live in Brookneal

Brookneal is home to 1,300 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.9% of Brookneal locals are male, and 46.1% are female.

Total population
1,300
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.9%
701
Female
46.1%
599
Value Percent YoY change
Male 701 53.9% 3.5%
Female 599 46.1% 0.2%
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 Brookneal is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 178 13.7% -11.0%
15 to 24 154 11.8% -6.1%
25 to 44 316 24.3% 42.3%
45 to 64 329 25.3% -21.7%
Over 65 323 24.8% 20.1%
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 Brookneal, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,296 99.7% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
66.5%
Black or African American
24.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 865 66.5%
Black or African American 315 24.2%
Two or more races 120 9.2%

Households in Brookneal

A peek inside Brookneal households

Brookneal has 555 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.6% are families, while the remaining 51.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
555
11.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
285
Family households
270
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 285 51.4% 32.6%
Family households 270 48.6% -5.3%
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 Brookneal

The housing landscape of Brookneal

Brookneal's housing consists of 657 units, with 83.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
657
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 548 83.4%
1 unit, attached 12 1.8%
2 units 7 1.1%
3 or 4 units 15 2.3%
5 to 9 units 52 7.9%
Mobile home 23 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brookneal

In Brookneal, the median construction year is 1961. About 20.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.3% 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 137 20.8% -14.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 61 9.3% 8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 114 17.4% 22.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 146 22.2% 15.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 107 16.3% -23.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 46 7% 31.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19 2.9% -34.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11 1.7% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 2.4% 128.6%
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.

Brookneal occupancy rates

Out of the 555 occupied housing units in Brookneal, 67.6% are owner-occupied, while 32.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
555
11.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
180
Owner occupied
375
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 180 32.4% 7.8%
Owner occupied 375 67.6% 12.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.5%
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.

Brookneal housing costs

Housing costs in Brookneal come to a median of $659 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $843.

Median housing costs per month
$659/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 Brookneal
$843/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 Brookneal

Brookneal education at a glance

About 60.4% of the population in Brookneal went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 6.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 76 7.1% 8.6%
High school diploma 644 60.4% 4.0%
College diploma 200 18.8% 4.7%
Associate degree 57 5.4% 16.3%
Bachelor's degree 73 6.8% 12.3%
Graduate degree 16 1.5% -36.0%
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 Brookneal

How much people earn in Brookneal

The average annual household income in Brookneal was $52,538 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,850, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brookneal
$52,538/year
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brookneal
$44,850/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Brookneal income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,750 overall. Overall, 75% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $43,750 7.7%
Over 65 $46,063 -20.2%
Above poverty level
928
Below poverty level
309
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 928 75% -0.2%
Below poverty level 309 25% 11.6%

Average renter income in Brookneal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brookneal, their median household income was $32,045 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,045
Rent-to-income ratio
31.6%
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 Brookneal

Workforce and job types in Brookneal

The job market in Brookneal is powered by 483 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 77.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
483
11.0% year-over-year change
White collar
304
Blue collar
179
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 304 62.9% 23.1%
Blue collar 179 37.1% -4.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
77.8%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 38 7.9% 15.2%
Private companies 376 77.8% 8.1%
Governmental workers 60 12.4% 93.5%
Not for profit companies 9 1.9% -60.9%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
-40.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brookneal stands at 4.2%, 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 Brookneal

How people get around in Brookneal

Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% 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 440 92.2% 13.4%
Walk 16 3.4% -5.9%
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 Brookneal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24528 3,775 1,570 $58,343 $71,527

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FAQs about Brookneal demographics 

What is the total population of Brookneal?

Brookneal has a total population of 1,300 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brookneal?

The gender ratio in Brookneal is as follows:
  • 53.9% males (701 residents)
  • 46.1% females (599 residents)

What is the median age in Brookneal?

The median age in Brookneal is 47.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brookneal?

The age distribution in Brookneal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (178 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (154 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (316 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (329 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (323 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brookneal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brookneal is as follows:
  • White: 66.5% (865 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.2% (315 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (120 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in Brookneal.

How many housing units are there in Brookneal?

There are 657 housing units in Brookneal, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brookneal has a total of 555 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brookneal?

Brookneal has a median household income of $44,850, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.8% in Brookneal, with a workforce of 483 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.9% (304 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.1% (179 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (38 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.8% (376 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (60 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.9% (9 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