RANK #224 / 996 · POP 51,784 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Harrisonburg, Virginia, often called "The Friendly City," is distinguished by its designation as the first culinary district in Virginia. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, it sits between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, offering access to outdoor recreation. The city is a short drive from Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and golf. Commutes within Harrisonburg are shorter than the national average, at around 15.7 minutes. Public transportation includes local bus routes and a shuttle service for James Madison University.
Life in Harrisonburg offers a balance of affordability and amenities, attracting families and individuals seeking a high quality of life. The city's economy is supported by its diverse manufacturing base, with a notable food processing sector, and the presence of James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing and expansions in food processing. The Harrisonburg City Public Schools system includes two high schools, two middle schools, and six elementary schools.
Overvalued relative to economy
No data
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.7x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) Long Range Transportation Plan Projects
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO)
|
$315M | Planned |
|
The Link Mixed-Use Development
Timberwolf Capital Partners
|
$100M | Approved |
|
Bluestone Town Center Development
Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority & EquityPlus
|
$90M | Planned |
|
City of Harrisonburg Capital Investments (FY2025-2026)
City of Harrisonburg
|
$39M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Harrisonburg city has a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, ranking #224 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $56,050, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Harrisonburg city is $263,700 with median rent at $1,060/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2126, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +4.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 13.19% of Harrisonburg city's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.