Staunton, a picturesque town rich in history and vitality, houses a diverse and engaged population. As home to Mary Baldwin University, this town offers a unique blend of academic influence within its social fabric. We use a 3-mile radius to capture the population that lives within a short distance of the town so that we can compare one small town to another more comparably. It is not a perfect solution but city limits seem to mean more to your water and tax bills than who your neighbors are. So, lets take a peek at who lives nearby.

Demographics and Growth

Staunton has a total population of 28,598 as of 2023 within a 3-mile radius, with a household count of 27,178. The town is growing steadily, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.42%, indicating a healthy, expanding community. The population density is over 1,000 residents per square mile, reflecting a relatively concentrated area that encourages a sense of community and closeness among its residents.

Economic Indicators

The median household income in Staunton is $53,938, with an average income that’s notably higher at $77,629, hinting at a prosperous subset of the population. Homeownership is attainable and common, as reflected by the median home value of $260,732 and a strong housing affordability index of 85. The town’s aggregate disposable income stands at an impressive $763,782,122, and its retail goods market is robust, with spending at $275,450,714.

Education and Lifestyle

The presence of Mary Baldwin University contributes to the town’s educated demographic: 37.99% of the population age 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The educational influence is further evident with the prevalence of the "GenXurban" LifeMode group, representing educated, established professionals.

Age and Family Structure

Staunton’s median age of 44.5 years indicates a mature population with substantial life experience and contributions to the workforce and community life. Family dynamics show a blend of married (45.31%), never-married (31.63%), divorced (13.50%), and widowed (9.56%) individuals, with owner-occupied housing units prevalent at over 61%.

Social and Political Outlook

The community shows a balanced political outlook, with a slight leaning towards conservatism (35.39%). The middle-of-the-road outlook stands at 39.60%, indicating a community that values varied perspectives and may prioritize pragmatic solutions over ideological extremes.

Community and Religion

With 21.08% of residents attending religious services regularly and agreeing completely, faith appears to play a significant role for a significant minority, and in contrast to 44.68% that do not. This brings a rich cultural diversity to the community.

Gender Distribution

The population is slightly more female (52.81%) than male (47.19%), with median ages in the early to mid-forties for both, highlighting the town’s appeal to a generation that is likely in the midst of their professional and familial lives.

The Future of Staunton

As Staunton looks to the future, its population is well-poised for continued growth and prosperity. The town’s strong education levels, healthy economy, and engaged populace suggest a community that is both vibrant and stable.

Staunton, with its combination of educational influence, economic stability, and a mature, diverse population, represents a multifaceted community. It is a town where academia and history meet the future, where the presence of Mary Baldwin University adds depth to an already rich civic tapestry.

This snapshot of Staunton reveals a town that not only values its historic roots and educational prowess but also embraces a future with open arms, ready to continue its story with each passing year. Whether as a resident, student, or visitor, Staunton offers a slice of life that is as enriching as it is welcoming.

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