2023 Buchanan County, Virginia Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Buchanan County, Virginia, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Buchanan County, Virginia Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Buchanan County, Virginia Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following statistics highlight Buchanan County, Virginia population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 19,857
- Median Age (Total)
- 47.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 45.0 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 50.0 years
Buchanan County, Virginia Age Distribution Comparison with Virginia 2023
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia age demographics with Virginia to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 47.3 yrs | 39.4 yrs | +7.9 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.33% | 5.35% | -1.0pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 12.76% | 15.92% | -3.2pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 6.54% | 9.36% | -2.8pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 25.89% | 26.20% | -0.3pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 23.47% | 17.60% | +5.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 68.22 | 63.57 | +4.6 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 68.22
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 28.74 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 39.49 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Buchanan County, Virginia Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Buchanan County, Virginia
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Buchanan County, Virginia are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 8.37
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia racial and ethnic demographics with Virginia to understand regional diversity patterns.
Buchanan County, Virginia Diversity
8.37
very lowVirginia Diversity
61.69
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 95.68% | 57.44% | +38.2pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 2.36% | 17.91% | -15.6pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 1.02% | 11.55% | -10.5pp |
| Two or More Races | 0.69% | 5.19% | -4.5pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.25% | 7.11% | -6.9pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.00% | 0.15% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.07% | -0.1pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.00% | 0.58% | -0.6pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 8.37 | 61.69 | -53.32 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Buchanan County, Virginia Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Buchanan County, Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $42,216 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,351
Income Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia household income with Virginia to understand regional economic patterns.
Buchanan County, Virginia
$42,216
Virginia
$92,090
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 22.66% | 9.38% | +13.3pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 17.36% | 8.09% | +9.3pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 20.84% | 8.93% | +11.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 14.16% | 14.72% | -0.6pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 20.65% | 30.22% | -9.6pp |
| $150,000 or more | 4.33% | 28.66% | -24.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Virginia.
Buchanan County, Virginia Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $91,400
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 6,038 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia property values with Virginia to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Buchanan County, Virginia
$91,400
Virginia
$403,500
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 11.25% | 2.66% | +8.6pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 11.79% | 1.54% | +10.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 30.47% | 3.13% | +27.3pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 28.78% | 9.46% | +19.3pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 14.64% | 45.81% | -31.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 2.07% | 34.68% | -32.6pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.99% | 2.73% | -1.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Virginia.
Buchanan County, Virginia Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 77.52%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 10.85%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 15,167
Education Level Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia educational attainment with Virginia to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Buchanan County, Virginia
10.85%
Bachelor's+ in Virginia
43.34%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 22.48% | 8.29% | +14.2pp |
| HS Graduate | 42.60% | 23.61% | +19.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 24.07% | 24.76% | -0.7pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 5.49% | 24.14% | -18.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 5.35% | 19.20% | -13.8pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 77.52% | 91.71% | -14.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Virginia.
Buchanan County, Virginia Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.7%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,079
- Total Civilian Population
- 18,783
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia health insurance coverage with Virginia to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Buchanan County, Virginia
5.7%
Uninsured in Virginia
6.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.6% | 4.5% | 5.3% | 5.1% |
| 18-34 years | 13.7% | 8.9% | 13.7% | 9.6% |
| 35-64 years | 9.6% | 5.6% | 9.4% | 7.3% |
| 65+ years | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Buchanan County, Virginia Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.5% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 32 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 99
Citizenship Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia citizenship and nativity with Virginia to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Buchanan County, Virginia
99.5%
Citizenship in Virginia
94.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 98.7% | 84.4% | +14.3pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.5% | -0.4pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.6% | 1.6% | -1.0pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.2% | 7.5% | -7.3pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 0.5% | 6.0% | -5.5pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.5% | 94.0% | +5.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Virginia.
Buchanan County, Virginia Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 91.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.7%
- Work From Home Rate
- 4.5%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 5,625
Transportation Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia commuting patterns with Virginia to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Buchanan County, Virginia
91.4%
Drove in Virginia
77.3%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 91.4% | 77.3% | +14.1pp |
| Public transportation | 0.7% | 3.0% | -2.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | -0.3pp |
| Walked | 1.5% | 2.1% | -0.6pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.9% | 1.5% | +0.4pp |
| Worked from home | 4.5% | 15.8% | -11.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Virginia.
Buchanan County, Virginia Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Buchanan County, Virginia by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 5,796
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia employment patterns with Virginia to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Buchanan County, Virginia
11.8% (M) / 13.9% (F)
Government Employment in Virginia
9.5% (M) / 11.1% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 41.4% F: 26.2% | M: 36.0% F: 29.3% | M: +5.4pp F: -3.1pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 1.4% F: 2.6% | M: 3.2% F: 5.9% | M: -1.8pp F: -3.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 11.8% F: 13.9% | M: 9.5% F: 11.1% | M: +2.3pp F: +2.8pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 1.1% F: 1.5% | M: 2.6% F: 2.2% | M: -1.5pp F: -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Virginia.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Buchanan County, Virginia Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 941
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
297 veterans (31.6%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia veteran demographics with Virginia to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Buchanan County, Virginia
941
Total Veterans in Virginia
637,971
- Buchanan County, Virginia: Vietnam Era Only (31.6%)
- Virginia: Vietnam Era Only (23.2%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 31.6% (297) | 23.2% (147,792) | +8.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 16.4% (154) | 19.5% (124,172) | -3.1pp |
| Gulf War Only | 15.8% (149) | 15.9% (101,576) | -0.1pp |
| Korean War Only | 12.0% (113) | 2.6% (16,793) | +9.4pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 10.4% (98) | 13.1% (83,448) | -2.7pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 8.1% (76) | 16.7% (106,793) | -8.6pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 4.4% (41) | 3.9% (24,755) | +0.5pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 1.1% (10) | 0.1% (773) | +1.0pp |
| WWII Only | 0.3% (3) | 0.7% (4,420) | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Buchanan County, Virginia Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data categorizes families in Buchanan County, Virginia by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 17.9% (885 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 49.5% (2,451 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 32.7% (1,620 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia poverty levels with Virginia to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Buchanan County, Virginia
17.9%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Virginia
6.7%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 17.9% (885) | 6.7% (149,250) | +11.2pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 49.5% (2,451) | 24.2% (539,265) | +25.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 32.7% (1,620) | 69.1% (1,543,033) | -36.4pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 7.6% | 3.2% | +4.4pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 4.7% | 1.5% | +3.2pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 5.5% | 1.9% | +3.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.9% | 2.5% | +1.4pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 5.7% | 2.6% | +3.1pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.8% | 3.0% | +1.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Virginia.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Buchanan County, Virginia SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Buchanan County, Virginia
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Buchanan County, Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,868 (25.41% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 1,029 (55.09% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,351
SNAP Participation Comparison with Virginia
Compare Buchanan County, Virginia SNAP participation with Virginia to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Buchanan County, Virginia
25.41%
1,868 householdsSNAP Participation in Virginia
9.19%
316,827 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Buchanan County, Virginia | Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 27.14% (507) | 7.92% (148) | 15.18% (48,104) | 7.84% (24,835) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 6.80% (127) | 2.73% (51) | 4.38% (13,885) | 2.47% (7,834) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 20.29% (379) | 8.14% (152) | 25.36% (80,354) | 10.37% (32,855) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.86% (16) | 26.12% (488) | 0.86% (2,719) | 33.53% (106,241) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 1,868 (25.41% of households) | 316,827 (9.19% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.