Wachapreague, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
306
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,179/yr
14.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
240
-4.4% year-over-year change

Wachapreague population

How many people live in Wachapreague

Wachapreague is home to 306 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.2% of Wachapreague locals are male, and 58.8% are female.

Total population
306
5.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.2%
126
Female
58.8%
180
Value Percent YoY change
Male 126 41.2% 0.8%
Female 180 58.8% 9.1%
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 Wachapreague is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 2% are children under 15, then 26.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.2% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 41.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
58
Age breakdown
Under 15
2%
15 to 24
26.8%
25 to 44
9.2%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
41.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6 2% 200.0%
15 to 24 82 26.8% 0.0%
25 to 44 28 9.2% 27.3%
45 to 64 64 20.9% 6.7%
Over 65 126 41.2% 1.6%
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

At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 299 97.7% 5.3%
Non-citizens 7 2.3% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
91.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 280 91.5%
Asian 7 2.3%
Two or more races 12 3.9%
Other 7 2.3%

Households in Wachapreague

A peek inside Wachapreague households

Wachapreague has 159 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44% are families, while the remaining 56% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
159
14.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
89
Family households
70
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 89 56% 39.1%
Family households 70 44% -6.7%
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 Wachapreague

The housing landscape of Wachapreague

Wachapreague's housing consists of 240 units, with 97.5% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
240
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 234 97.5%
Mobile home 6 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wachapreague

In Wachapreague, the median construction year is 1944. About 42.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 19.6% 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 103 42.9% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 47 19.6% 9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 29 12.1% 16.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 21 8.8% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4 1.7% -66.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14 5.8% 55.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15 6.2% -40.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 2.5% -50.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 0.4% 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.

Wachapreague occupancy rates

Out of the 159 occupied housing units in Wachapreague, 78.6% are owner-occupied, while 21.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
159
14.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
34
Owner occupied
125
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 34 21.4% 47.8%
Owner occupied 125 78.6% 7.8%
Unoccupied housing units
33.8%
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.

Wachapreague housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$575/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.

Education in Wachapreague

Wachapreague education at a glance

About 46.9% of the population in Wachapreague went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 130 46.9% 4.8%
College diploma 53 19.1% -18.5%
Associate degree 26 9.4% 44.4%
Bachelor's degree 33 11.9% 10.0%
Graduate degree 35 12.6% 20.7%
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 Wachapreague

How much people earn in Wachapreague

The average annual household income in Wachapreague was $69,769 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 $65,179, reflecting a +14.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wachapreague
$69,769/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wachapreague
$65,179/year
14.5% year-over-year change

Wachapreague income by age

In Wachapreague, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,969 overall. Overall, 93.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,750 N/A
45 - 64 $72,969 31.7%
Over 65 $53,125 -13.3%
Above poverty level
244
Below poverty level
17
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 244 93.5% -1.2%
Below poverty level 17 6.5% 142.9%

Employment in Wachapreague

Workforce and job types in Wachapreague

The job market in Wachapreague is powered by 124 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 44.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
124
6.0% year-over-year change
White collar
105
Blue collar
19
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 105 84.7% 9.4%
Blue collar 19 15.3% -9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
44.4%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
31.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9 7.3% -18.2%
Private companies 55 44.4% -5.2%
Governmental workers 21 16.9% -12.5%
Not for profit companies 39 31.4% 62.5%
Unemployment rate
13.9%
25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wachapreague stands at 13.9%, 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 Wachapreague

How people get around in Wachapreague

Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.2% 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 98 82.4% 10.1%
Walk 11 9.2% 0.0%
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 Wachapreague by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23480 338 191 $57,868 $59,571

Explore more communities

FAQs about Wachapreague demographics 

What is the total population of Wachapreague?

Wachapreague has a total population of 306 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 +5.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wachapreague?

The gender ratio in Wachapreague is as follows:
  • 41.2% males (126 residents)
  • 58.8% females (180 residents)

What is the median age in Wachapreague?

The median age in Wachapreague is 58.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wachapreague?

The age distribution in Wachapreague is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2% (6 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.8% (82 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.2% (28 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (64 residents)
  • Over 65: 41.2% (126 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wachapreague?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wachapreague is as follows:
  • White: 91.5% (280 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (12 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (7 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Wachapreague.

How many housing units are there in Wachapreague?

There are 240 housing units in Wachapreague, reflecting a -4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wachapreague has a total of 159 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wachapreague?

Wachapreague has a median household income of $65,179, representing a +14.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.1% in Wachapreague, with a workforce of 124 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (105 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (19 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (9 residents)
  • Private companies: 44.4% (55 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (21 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 31.4% (39 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