Gretna, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,452
13.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,698/yr
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
715
1.1% year-over-year change

Gretna population

How many people live in Gretna

Gretna is home to 1,452 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.6% of Gretna locals are male, and 60.4% are female.

Total population
1,452
13.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.6%
575
Female
60.4%
877
Value Percent YoY change
Male 575 39.6% 11.4%
Female 877 60.4% 15.6%
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 Gretna is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 8.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.9% of the population, while another 17.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 44
20.9%
45 to 64
17.4%
Over 65
33.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 279 19.2% 87.2%
15 to 24 124 8.5% -6.1%
25 to 44 304 20.9% 10.1%
45 to 64 253 17.4% -8.3%
Over 65 492 33.9% 11.3%
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 Gretna, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,405 96.8% 14.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 0.6% 0.0%
Non-citizens 39 2.7% 11.4%
Racial breakdown
White
61.3%
Black or African American
26.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 890 61.3%
Black or African American 380 26.2%
Two or more races 76 5.2%
Other 106 7.3%

Households in Gretna

A peek inside Gretna households

Gretna has 638 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.8% are families, while the remaining 52.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
638
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
333
Family households
305
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 333 52.2% 10.3%
Family households 305 47.8% -0.7%
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 Gretna

The housing landscape of Gretna

Gretna's housing consists of 715 units, with 77.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
715
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 556 77.8%
1 unit, attached 4 0.6%
2 units 36 5%
3 or 4 units 17 2.4%
5 to 9 units 35 4.9%
10 to 19 units 20 2.8%
20 to 49 units 29 4.1%
50 or more units 4 0.6%
Mobile home 14 2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gretna

In Gretna, the median construction year is 1965. About 13.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% 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 96 13.4% -4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 6.8% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 152 21.3% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 123 17.2% 3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 113 15.8% 43.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 38 5.3% -39.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 100 14% 7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 44 6.2% 7.3%
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.

Gretna occupancy rates

Out of the 638 occupied housing units in Gretna, 53.6% are owner-occupied, while 46.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
638
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
296
Owner occupied
342
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 296 46.4% -5.7%
Owner occupied 342 53.6% 15.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
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.

Gretna housing costs

Housing costs in Gretna come to a median of $580 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $683.

Median housing costs per month
$580/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 Gretna
$683/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 Gretna

Gretna education at a glance

About 61.1% of the population in Gretna went to high school, while 13.2% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 8.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 94 8.3% -21.7%
High school diploma 691 61.1% 7.6%
College diploma 149 13.2% -8.0%
Associate degree 54 4.8% 92.9%
Bachelor's degree 101 8.9% 24.7%
Graduate degree 42 3.7% -10.6%
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 Gretna

How much people earn in Gretna

The average annual household income in Gretna was $49,578 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,698, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gretna
$49,578/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gretna
$33,698/year
-6.5% year-over-year change

Gretna income by age

In Gretna, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $36,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,804 overall. Overall, 57.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $36,250 -7.8%
45 - 64 $43,804 -1.8%
Over 65 $28,409 -0.4%
Above poverty level
789
Below poverty level
576
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 789 57.8% 4.2%
Below poverty level 576 42.2% 34.9%

Average renter income in Gretna

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gretna, their median household income was $25,880 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,880
Rent-to-income ratio
31.7%
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 Gretna

Workforce and job types in Gretna

The job market in Gretna is powered by 451 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 59.4% are employed by private companies, and 30.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
451
6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
368
Blue collar
83
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 368 81.6% 7.3%
Blue collar 83 18.4% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
59.4%
Governmental workers
30.8%
Not for profit companies
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 8.2% 12.1%
Private companies 268 59.4% 11.2%
Governmental workers 139 30.8% -2.8%
Not for profit companies 7 1.6% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gretna stands at 3.8%, 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 Gretna

How people get around in Gretna

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 363 81% 3.7%
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 Gretna by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24557 7,678 3,467 $44,755 $60,310

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gretna demographics 

What is the total population of Gretna?

Gretna has a total population of 1,452 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 +13.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gretna?

The gender ratio in Gretna is as follows:
  • 39.6% males (575 residents)
  • 60.4% females (877 residents)

What is the median age in Gretna?

The median age in Gretna is 47.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gretna?

The age distribution in Gretna is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (279 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.5% (124 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.9% (304 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.4% (253 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.9% (492 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gretna?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gretna is as follows:
  • White: 61.3% (890 residents)
  • Black or African American: 26.2% (380 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: 5.2% (76 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (106 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Gretna.

How many housing units are there in Gretna?

There are 715 housing units in Gretna, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gretna has a total of 638 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gretna?

Gretna has a median household income of $33,698, representing a -6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Gretna, with a workforce of 451 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (368 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (83 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.4% (268 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.8% (139 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.6% (7 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