Harrisonburg City County

Harrisonburg, located in Rockingham County, VA, has an estimated population of 53,016 as of 2020. The racial composition includes 68.4% White, 19.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 1.0% from other races. The median age is 24.3 years. The area has a median household income of $45,905, with 28.1% of the population below the poverty line. Approximately 60.6% of the residents have a high school diploma or higher, and 29.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Harrisonburg, VA, exhibits a median home value of approximately $231,000 as of 2023. The median rent price is around $1,250 per month. Home ownership rate stands at 38%, with the majority being renters. The vacancy rate is approximately 6.1%. Housing costs consume 30-35% of a typical household’s income. The city has experienced modest annual appreciation rates of about 3-4%. The construction pace reflects a blend of single-family homes and multi-unit complexes, catering to a diverse demographic, including university students.

Note: Figures are approximations and subject to change.

Harrisonburg City, located in Rockingham County, VA, holds local elections for City Council members, School Board members, and other municipal positions. The elections occur every two years in November, coinciding with either gubernatorial or presidential election years.

For the 2022 midterm elections:

• City Council: Two seats were open.
• Candidates included incumbents Sal Romero Jr. and Chris Jones, along with challengers Dany Fleming and Monica Robinson.
• Voter turnout data indicated approximately 40% of registered voters participated.

For updated and specific numerical values and candidates for upcoming elections, consult the Harrisonburg City Electoral Board's official website or local government resources.

Harrisonburg City, VA, has notable education statistics but falls slightly below state and national averages in some areas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 78.1% of residents aged 25 and older are high school graduates. This is lower than the national average of around 88% and the Virginia state average of about 90%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 28.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is slightly below the national average of 33.1% and the Virginia state average of approximately 38%.

While Harrisonburg City demonstrates a solid educational framework, there is room for improvement when compared to broader metrics. The city's educational initiatives are essential in aiming to close this gap.

Harrisonburg City County, VA, has a diverse employment landscape. As of recent data, the unemployment rate is around 3.1%, which is slightly lower than the national average of about 3.7% and aligns closely with the Virginia state average of 2.9%. The top industries in Harrisonburg include Education and Health Services, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. For instance, James Madison University is a major employer in the education sector. Employment in Educational Services and Health Care in Harrisonburg outpaces the national average, reflecting a strong local emphasis on these sectors. Retail Trade employs a significant portion of the workforce, similar to national trends. Manufacturing also has a notable presence, with food production companies contributing to jobs in this sector, which is higher than state and national averages. The local economy benefits from these thriving industries, promoting stable employment opportunities for residents.

As of the latest available data, Harrisonburg City County, VA, has an average household income of approximately $50,000. This figure is notably lower than both the national average household income, which stands around $68,700, and the Virginia state average of about $74,000. The income disparity highlights economic challenges and cost-of-living variations between Harrisonburg and broader regions.

These figures illustrate a marked difference in earning power, with Harrisonburg's average household income trailing behind both state and national levels.

Harrisonburg City County, VA, has experienced fluctuations in crime rates. According to the most recent data, the annual crime rate is approximately 2,229 incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crimes, including homicide and assault, are lower compared to property crimes such as burglary and theft.

Crime Statistics Table (per 100,000 people)

Overall, Harrisonburg City's crime rate is below the national average, making it relatively safer than many urban areas. Community policing and local initiatives contribute to maintaining low crime levels.