Pennington Gap, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,798
-11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$21,633/yr
-5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
868
-4.5% year-over-year change

Pennington Gap population

How many people live in Pennington Gap

Pennington Gap is home to 1,798 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.7% of Pennington Gap locals are male, and 58.3% are female.

Total population
1,798
-11.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.7%
749
Female
58.3%
1,049
Value Percent YoY change
Male 749 41.7% -10.9%
Female 1,049 58.3% -11.0%
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 Pennington Gap is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.5% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.2% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.5%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
17.2%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 458 25.5% -20.4%
15 to 24 269 15% -9.4%
25 to 44 310 17.2% -23.8%
45 to 64 418 23.2% 9.1%
Over 65 343 19.1% -4.2%
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 Pennington Gap, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,772 98.6% -11.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22 1.2% 15.8%
Non-citizens 4 0.2% 33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
95.2%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 1,711 95.2%
Black or African American 28 1.6%
Two or more races 35 2%
Other 24 1.3%

Households in Pennington Gap

A peek inside Pennington Gap households

Pennington Gap has 682 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.2% are families, while the remaining 43.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
682
-3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
299
Family households
383
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 299 43.8% 6.8%
Family households 383 56.2% -10.5%
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 Pennington Gap

The housing landscape of Pennington Gap

Pennington Gap's housing consists of 868 units, with 75.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 10.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
868
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 655 75.5%
1 unit, attached 6 0.7%
2 units 11 1.3%
3 or 4 units 13 1.5%
5 to 9 units 3 0.4%
10 to 19 units 50 5.8%
20 to 49 units 36 4.2%
50 or more units 4 0.5%
Mobile home 90 10.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pennington Gap

In Pennington Gap, the median construction year is 1965. About 16% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.9% 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 139 16% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 112 12.9% -23.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 133 15.3% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 92 10.6% -6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 120 13.8% -17.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 77 8.9% -20.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 111 12.8% 177.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 48 5.5% -2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 4.2% -41.9%
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.

Pennington Gap occupancy rates

Out of the 682 occupied housing units in Pennington Gap, 43.4% are owner-occupied, while 56.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
682
-3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
386
Owner occupied
296
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 386 56.6% -8.8%
Owner occupied 296 43.4% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
21.4%
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.

Pennington Gap housing costs

Housing costs in Pennington Gap come to a median of $703 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $766.

Median housing costs per month
$703/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 Pennington Gap
$766/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 Pennington Gap

Pennington Gap education at a glance

About 51.4% of the population in Pennington Gap went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 10.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 101 8.3% -4.7%
High school diploma 623 51.4% -19.5%
College diploma 236 19.5% -19.2%
Associate degree 95 7.8% 33.8%
Bachelor's degree 127 10.5% 53.0%
Graduate degree 31 2.6% -11.4%
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 Pennington Gap

How much people earn in Pennington Gap

The average annual household income in Pennington Gap was $35,487 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -33.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $21,633, reflecting a -5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pennington Gap
$35,487/year
-33.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pennington Gap
$21,633/year
-5.4% year-over-year change

Pennington Gap income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $21,917 overall. Overall, 43.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $21,917 -7.7%
Over 65 $29,000 -14.1%
Above poverty level
724
Below poverty level
951
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 724 43.2% -5.7%
Below poverty level 951 56.8% -15.0%

Average renter income in Pennington Gap

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pennington Gap, their median household income was $20,427 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$20,427
Rent-to-income ratio
45%
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 Pennington Gap

Workforce and job types in Pennington Gap

The job market in Pennington Gap is powered by 337 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
337
-20.5% year-over-year change
White collar
261
Blue collar
76
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 261 77.4% -14.4%
Blue collar 76 22.6% -36.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 38 11.3% -20.8%
Private companies 252 74.8% -23.4%
Governmental workers 30 8.9% -9.1%
Not for profit companies 17 5% 21.4%
Unemployment rate
22.4%
-14.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pennington Gap stands at 22.4%, 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 Pennington Gap

How people get around in Pennington Gap

Commuting methods vary: 84.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5% 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 255 84.2% -28.4%
Walk 15 5% 87.5%
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 Pennington Gap by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24277 5,839 1,946 $31,737 $44,413

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FAQs about Pennington Gap demographics 

What is the total population of Pennington Gap?

Pennington Gap has a total population of 1,798 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 -11.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pennington Gap?

The gender ratio in Pennington Gap is as follows:
  • 41.7% males (749 residents)
  • 58.3% females (1,049 residents)

What is the median age in Pennington Gap?

The median age in Pennington Gap is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pennington Gap?

The age distribution in Pennington Gap is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.5% (458 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (269 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.2% (310 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (418 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (343 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pennington Gap?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pennington Gap is as follows:
  • White: 95.2% (1,711 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (28 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: 2% (35 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Pennington Gap.

How many housing units are there in Pennington Gap?

There are 868 housing units in Pennington Gap, reflecting a -4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pennington Gap has a total of 682 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pennington Gap?

Pennington Gap has a median household income of $21,633, representing a -5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Pennington Gap?

The employment rate is 77.6% in Pennington Gap, with a workforce of 337 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (261 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (76 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (38 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (252 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (30 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (17 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