Rural Retreat, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,644
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,979/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
743
-3.3% year-over-year change

Rural Retreat population

How many people live in Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat is home to 1,644 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Rural Retreat locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
1,644
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
791
Female
51.9%
853
Value Percent YoY change
Male 791 48.1% 7.8%
Female 853 51.9% -3.1%
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 Rural Retreat is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 16.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
16.7%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 288 17.5% -5.9%
15 to 24 275 16.7% 30.3%
25 to 44 381 23.2% -4.3%
45 to 64 390 23.7% 4.0%
Over 65 310 18.9% -4.3%
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 Rural Retreat, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,630 99.2% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14 0.8% -17.6%
Racial breakdown
White
94.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 1,555 94.6%
Two or more races 85 5.2%
Other 4 0.2%

Households in Rural Retreat

A peek inside Rural Retreat households

Rural Retreat has 665 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.4% are families, while the remaining 29.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
665
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
197
Family households
468
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 197 29.6% 1.6%
Family households 468 70.4% 2.4%
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 Rural Retreat

The housing landscape of Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat's housing consists of 743 units, with 80.8% 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 8.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
743
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 600 80.8%
2 units 30 4%
3 or 4 units 35 4.7%
10 to 19 units 15 2%
Mobile home 63 8.5%
Homes built since 2020
6
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rural Retreat

In Rural Retreat, the median construction year is 1976. About 14.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 14.7% -11.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 4.2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 64 8.6% 48.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 94 12.6% -12.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 124 16.7% 7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 126 17% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 66 8.9% -15.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 84 11.3% -23.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 39 5.2% 8.3%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.8% N/A
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.

Rural Retreat occupancy rates

Out of the 665 occupied housing units in Rural Retreat, 82.3% are owner-occupied, while 17.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
665
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
118
Owner occupied
547
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 118 17.7% 16.8%
Owner occupied 547 82.3% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Rural Retreat housing costs

Housing costs in Rural Retreat come to a median of $785 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $800.

Median housing costs per month
$785/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 Rural Retreat
$800/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 Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat education at a glance

About 43.2% of the population in Rural Retreat went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 13.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25 2.1% -3.9%
High school diploma 522 43.2% -0.6%
College diploma 287 23.8% 6.3%
Associate degree 122 10.1% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 166 13.7% -11.7%
Graduate degree 86 7.1% -7.5%
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 Rural Retreat

How much people earn in Rural Retreat

The average annual household income in Rural Retreat was $74,044 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,979, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rural Retreat
$74,044/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rural Retreat
$61,979/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Rural Retreat income by age

In Rural Retreat, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,938. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,018 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,156, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,786 in earnings. Overall, 78.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,156 9.0%
25 - 44 $72,938 N/A
45 - 64 $69,018 4.8%
Over 65 $46,786 17.6%
Above poverty level
1,252
Below poverty level
348
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,252 78.2% -0.6%
Below poverty level 348 21.8% 11.2%

Average renter income in Rural Retreat

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rural Retreat, their median household income was $24,087 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,087
Rent-to-income ratio
39.9%
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 Rural Retreat

Workforce and job types in Rural Retreat

The job market in Rural Retreat is powered by 801 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.1% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 22.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
801
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
580
Blue collar
221
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 580 72.4% -0.5%
Blue collar 221 27.6% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
2.1%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
22.7%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 17 2.1% -34.6%
Private companies 569 71% 4.8%
Governmental workers 182 22.7% 4.6%
Not for profit companies 33 4.1% -26.7%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rural Retreat stands at 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 Rural Retreat

How people get around in Rural Retreat

Commuting methods vary: 89.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% 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 700 89.3% 0.1%
Walk 25 3.2% 13.6%
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 Rural Retreat by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24368 5,574 2,116 $73,614 $91,881

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rural Retreat demographics 

What is the total population of Rural Retreat?

Rural Retreat has a total population of 1,644 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rural Retreat?

The gender ratio in Rural Retreat is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (791 residents)
  • 51.9% females (853 residents)

What is the median age in Rural Retreat?

The median age in Rural Retreat is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rural Retreat?

The age distribution in Rural Retreat is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (288 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.7% (275 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (381 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (390 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (310 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rural Retreat?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rural Retreat is as follows:
  • White: 94.6% (1,555 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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% (85 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Rural Retreat.

How many housing units are there in Rural Retreat?

There are 743 housing units in Rural Retreat, reflecting a -3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rural Retreat has a total of 665 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rural Retreat?

Rural Retreat has a median household income of $61,979, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rural Retreat?

The employment rate is 98% in Rural Retreat, with a workforce of 801 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.4% (580 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.6% (221 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.1% (17 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (569 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.7% (182 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (33 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