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Danville, Virginia

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

59
Overall Score

Danville, Virginia, often referred to as the "River City," is an independent city located in the Southside Virginia region, historically shaped by its strategic position on the Dan River and its role in tobacco production and the Civil War. It briefly served as the final capital of the Confederacy in April 1865. In recent years, Danville has undergone significant revitalization efforts, particularly in its River District, aiming to transform historic buildings into vibrant community spaces and foster local businesses. The city is experiencing a period of economic momentum, attracting new residents and substantial investments, such as the Caesars Virginia casino which opened in December 2024, and a major Microporous manufacturing facility. This renewed focus on economic development and placemaking is drawing attention to Danville as an affordable and evolving community in Virginia.

About Virginia

Virginia, a Mid-Atlantic state, offers a diverse character ranging from its historic eastern regions to the Appalachian Mountains in the west. Its economy is well-balanced and diverse, with major industries including professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, retail trade, and a significant defense and government contracting sector, particularly in Northern Virginia. While the cost of living can be high in areas like Northern Virginia, it is generally considered moderate statewide, with more affordable options in other regions. The state experiences all four distinct seasons, with warm summers and generally mild winters, and offers a lifestyle that blends urban amenities with abundant outdoor activities and rich historical sites.

41,493
Population
$64K
Avg Salary
87
Cost Index
58.9
Quality Score
How this 59/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 87.0 60.0 25% 15.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $44,423 Income needed to live here: $64,000 Unemployment rate: 5.6% 27.5 20% 5.5
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 2.1% 62.0 15% 9.3
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 58.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=84), last refreshed 14 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Danville

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
70
Affordability
85
Growth
78

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Danville, VA, is notably more affordable than both the national and state averages. In 2025, Danville's cost of living was estimated to be 87.4% of the U.S. average, making it one of the least expensive cities in Virginia. This affordability extends across various categories, with housing being approximately 23.1% lower than the national average, and groceries, utilities, and transportation also being less expensive. For a single adult, comfortable living in Danville would require an estimated annual salary of around $64,000 before taxes. While housing costs are a significant factor in overall expenses, Danville's lower prices for everyday necessities contribute to its budget-friendly appeal.

Average Rent
$1,000/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$229/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Danville's economy is driven by key sectors, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade identified as the largest industries by employment in 2024. The city has seen positive job growth, with employment increasing by 2.45% from 2023 to 2024, and a 1.9% increase over the year ending Q4 2024. Major economic development projects are contributing to this growth, including a $1.6 billion investment by Microporous for a new lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility, projected to create over 1,800 new jobs with average annual wages of $61,000. The opening of Caesars Virginia in late 2024 is also expected to generate significant revenue and employment opportunities. While specific data on the remote work scene is not readily available, the overall economic expansion indicates a dynamic job market.

The average salary in Danville is $63,871 per year. You would need approximately $64,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.80% Manufacturing +2.00% Health Care & Social Assistance +2.50% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +3.00% Other Services +1.50%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
69.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Danville primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by its Walk Score of 26, classifying it as a car-dependent neighborhood where most errands require a car. The average commute time for residents is approximately 20 minutes. While car ownership is common, Danville does operate a public transit system, Danville Transit, which is actively exploring options for regional expansion to better serve workforce access and other travel needs. This suggests a developing public transportation infrastructure, though currently, driving remains the predominant mode of transport.

20 min
Avg Commute
30.00/10
Transit Score
26.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Danville boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The city is experiencing substantial economic development, including a $1.6 billion investment in a new manufacturing facility creating over 1,800 jobs.
Danville's housing market is highly affordable, with a housing affordability index of 138 in 2024, well above the state average.
The tourism sector in Danville is Virginia's fastest-growing, with visitor spending increasing by 23.5% in 2024.
Sovah Health Danville received an 'A' safety grade in Spring 2024, indicating high-quality care in specific medical procedures and conditions.
Drawbacks
Danville's overall population is projected to decline annually, primarily due to deaths outnumbering births, despite positive in-migration.
The city has a higher total crime index (145 in 2024) compared to the national average (100), indicating a greater prevalence of crime.
Danville is a car-dependent city, with a low Walk Score of 26, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The median household income in Danville ($44,423 in 2024) is significantly lower than the statewide median income.
Sovah Health Danville has an overall CMS hospital rating of 2 out of 5 stars as of April 2026, suggesting areas for improvement in overall quality despite good safety.

Questions about Danville

What people ask about living in and moving to Danville, Virginia.

What are the major employment sectors in Danville? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Danville’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Manufacturing plants and related supply‑chain firms still provide many skilled‑labor jobs, while the healthcare sector includes hospitals, clinics, and support services that hire a range of professionals. Education institutions and government offices also contribute significant employment. For specific openings, browse the city’s work...

What public transportation options are available in Danville? Getting Around 1 answer

Danville is served by a city‑run transit authority that operates fixed‑route bus services covering most of the urban area, including routes to downtown, shopping districts, and major employment centers. Schedules and route maps are posted on the transit authority’s website, and fares are modest compared with larger metros. For areas not directly served, the city offers paratransit and demand‑response services for sen...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Danville? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Danville is about $1,000 per month, and a one‑bedroom unit in a central area usually falls near that figure, though exact prices depend on the building’s age, amenities, and exact location. Newer complexes may charge a bit more, while older apartments or those a short drive from downtown can be less expensive. To get current listings, check online rental platforms, local classifieds, or the ci...

What recreational activities are popular in Danville? Things to Do 1 answer

Danville offers a range of family‑friendly recreation, including parks with walking trails, riverfront walking paths, and playgrounds. The city maintains several community centers that host sports leagues, arts‑and‑craft workshops, and seasonal events. Nearby natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, while cultural venues host concerts, theater productions, and museum exhibits. For a ca...

What utilities should I set up before moving to Danville? Moving Here 1 answer

Before you move, arrange for electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water, and trash collection through the city’s utility providers; contact them a few weeks in advance to schedule service start dates. Internet and cable services are offered by regional providers, and you can compare plans on their websites. If you’re renting, your lease may specify which utilities are included, so confirm that with the landlord....

How does the cost of living in Danville compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Danville’s cost‑of‑living index is 87, meaning expenses are about 13 % lower than the national average of 100. Everyday items such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be cheaper, while housing is particularly affordable. The average rent is around $1,000 per month, which is well below many larger metros. When budgeting, you’ll likely find that your paycheck stretches further here, especially if your s...

How are the public schools rated in Danville? Schools & Education 1 answer

Danville’s public schools are administered by the county school district, which provides performance reports and graduation rates on its website. While the district’s overall rating is around the state average, individual schools vary, with some elementary sites showing higher test scores and extracurricular offerings. You can review school report cards, visit campuses during open houses, and talk to other parents th...

Where can I find hospitals or urgent care in Danville? Healthcare 1 answer

Danville has a primary medical center that provides emergency, inpatient, and specialty services, along with several urgent‑care clinics located throughout the city for walk‑in appointments. The health‑care system also includes family practice offices, dental clinics, and mental‑health providers. To locate the nearest facility, use the city’s health department website, which lists hospitals, urgent‑care locations, an...

What’s the overall quality of life like in Danville? General 1 answer

Danville combines a lower cost of living with a moderate safety rating and a range of amenities that appeal to families, retirees, and young professionals. Housing is affordable, with average rents near $1,000, and the median salary of $63,871 allows many residents to comfortably meet expenses. The city offers public schools, healthcare facilities, and a modest public‑transit system, while recreational options includ...

Is Danville considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Danville has a safety score of 72 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety compared with other U.S. cities. Crime tends to be concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many residential areas experience low rates of violent and property crime. The city’s police department publishes annual crime statistics on its website, and neighborhood watch groups are active in many communities. When choosing a home, y...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Danville? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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