Harrisonburg, VA Census Data
The 16th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Harrisonburg is the 16th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 15th of 17 for median household income. With 51,492 residents, its poverty rate of 25.6% ranks among the higher rates in Virginia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
51,492
48.4% male · 51.6% female
Median Age
25.4
13.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$59,752
$18,786 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
36.7%
1.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 83.3%
Poverty Rate
25.6%
13.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.2%
Broadband Access
94.8%
5.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$278,200
Median rent: $1,120 · 40% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Labor force participation: 56.9%
Per Capita Income
$22,856
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.7%
Disability rate: 10.3%
How Harrisonburg Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 16th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 17th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 17 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Harrisonburg, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Harrisonburg, VA?
The population of Harrisonburg, VA is 51,492 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 25.4 years.
What is the median household income in Harrisonburg?
The median household income in Harrisonburg, VA is $59,752, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $22,856.
What is the poverty rate in Harrisonburg?
The poverty rate in Harrisonburg, VA is 25.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Harrisonburg residents have a college degree?
36.7% of adults (25+) in Harrisonburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 83.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Harrisonburg?
The median home value in Harrisonburg, VA is $278,200. Median rent is $1,120 per month, with 40% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg's population is 66.5% White, 7.6% Black, 23.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Harrisonburg rank among Virginia cities?
Harrisonburg is the 16th largest city in Virginia by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 17th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisonburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisonburg, VA is 7.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.9%. Per capita income is $22,856.
Cities Similar to Harrisonburg
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.