Thinking of relocating to a peaceful suburb of Richmond? Then you should consider moving to Midlothian, Virginia. Midlothian is a census-designated place in Chesterfield County that offers affordable living and Southern hospitality. Midlothian is known for its rich history and unique attractions.
Originally a coal mining town, the village of Midlothian takes its name from the Mid-Lothian Mining and Manufacturing Company, which operated several mines in the area in the early 19th century. The current CDP includes the original Midlothian village, as well as a larger portion of Chesterfield County, although it is not officially incorporated and has no formal government.
Today, Midlothian, VA, is a good place to live for families and anyone looking for good schools, low crime, and a welcoming environment. Here’s what you should know about living in Midlothian.
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Where Is Midlothian?
Midlothian, Virginia, is in Chesterfield County, in the Piedmont geologic region of the state. It’s within the Richmond metro area and is often considered a suburb. The Midlothian Turnpike also offers an easy community from the CDP into downtown. It’s also within the Richmond Basin and serves as the headwaters for several creeks that flow into the James River. Nearby communities include Bon Air, Manchester, Rockwood, and Hallsboro.
It is 17.5 miles or about a 27-minute drive from Midlothian VA to Richmond VA.
Midlothian VA Demographics and Population
The population of Midlothian is 18,320, according to the 2020 census. Although it was initially a rural coal mining town, in the 20th century, the area experienced suburbanization with the expansion of Richmond, and the population density is 2,138.2 residents per square mile.
Midlothian is a very wealthy community with a median household income of $96,981, which is 20% higher than the rest of the state. It even landed on CNN Money’s Best Places to Live List in 2005 at number 37. So, Midlothian tends to attract more families and retirees, and only 8% of residents are in their 20s. Many famous residents have lived in Midlothian, including U.S. General Leslie D. Carter and filmmaker Richard Kelly.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of Midlothian is 75.1% white (73.2% non-Hispanic), 13.2% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, 4% Hispanic or Latino and 4.6% two or more races.
Other Midlothian Demographics
- The foreign-born population is 6.5%
- 95.6% of residents have a high school diploma, while 53.5% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The median age is 40.8 years old
- The Midlothian VA population is 53% female and 47% male
- Married couples make up 71% of households
Midlothian is very safe. The overall crime rate is 1212 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it safer than 41% of US cities. The violent crime rate is only 93 crimes per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 1119 incidents per 100,000 people. Midlothian is patrolled by the Chesterfield County Police, who employ over 500 sworn officers and 100 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Midlothian
Living in Midlothian is also very affordable. A good way to understand an area’s affordability is to check the cost of living index, which compares average consumer prices to the rest of the U.S.
The COLI for the Richmond metro area is 96.1, meaning it’s about 3.9% less expensive than the rest of the United States. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute also states that the average family with two adults and two children would need to earn around $93,857 to comfortably afford the cost of living in Midlothian.
Typical Midlothian Living Expenses
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $125
- Domestic beer: $7
- Regular cappuccino: $6.10
- 12 oz bottle of water: $5.00
- 1 pound of bananas: $0.45
- Average Midlothian monthly utility bill: $250
Source: Numbeo
Midlothian VA real estate is also very affordable. Redfin indicates that the median listing price of homes for sale in Midlothian, VA is $305,000, while the median price per square foot of Midlothian real estate is $238.
Most residents own a home, and about 78% of homes are owner-occupied, while 22% are rented out. However, the community still has plenty to offer renters. Rentcafe states that the average rent is $1753 per month. Apartments in Midlothian, VA, start at around $1,200 for a one-bedroom and go up to $2155 for a three-bedroom.
Midlothian Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Midlothian
Midlothian features dozens of amazing neighborhoods offering quiet, tree-lined blocks and amenities nearby. Here are a few of the best places to live in Midlothian.
Hallsley | A Luxury Neighborhood with a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Hallsley is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Chesterfield County and offers luxury living in a convenient location with classic American architecture, upscale amenities like a swimming pool, and an inviting-family friendly environment.
Tarrington | An Upper Class Neighborhood on the James River
Located on the James River, Tarrington is a popular neighborhood in North Midlothian with easy access to Richmond and the nearby Robious Landing Park.
Charter Colony | A Master Planned Community in the Heart of Midlothian
Charter Colony is a master-planned community in Midlothian that features 19 unique villages, each offering small-town living, a range of different architectural styles, and easy access to amenities.
Midlothian VA Weather
Midlothian has a humid subtropical climate, according to the Koppen classification system, which indicates humid summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from the low 40s in the winter up to the mid-80s in the summer.
The best time to visit Midlothian for warm-weather activities is May through June or August through October. Midlothian does get a fair amount of precipitation and averages 45 inches of rain and 9 inches of snow per year. So pack an umbrella and snow boots if you plan on moving to Midlothian, Virginia.
Things to Do in Midlothian
Residents will find many fun things to do in Midlothian, VA, from sprawling parks to award-winning golf courses. There is plenty of shopping at the Westchester Commons, Midlothian Stations, and Sycamore Square Shopping Centers. Here are a few additional Midlothian VA attractions.
Windy Hill Golf Course and Sports Complex
The Windy Hill Golf Course and Sports Complex is one of the best things to do in Midlothian, VA for families with 30 acres of land featuring a regular 18-hole golf course, mini golf, a quarter miles go-kart track, batting cages, and more.
16500 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 794-0010
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Midlothian Mines Park
Midlothian Mines Park is a 44-acre preserve on one of the first industrial sites in the United States that features walking trails and exhibits on Virginia’s coal mining history.
13301 N Woolridge Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114 (804) 796-7075
Peak Experiences Midlothian
Peak Experiences is a rock climbing gym with a location in Midlothian that offers day passes, party packages, classes, school programs, and more.
11421 Polo Cir, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 897-6800
Additional Midlothian Attractions
The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department manages the public greenspaces in the community. If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Midlothian, VA, they frequently host events that are open to the public.
Midlothian Restaurants
You’ll also find plenty of delicious restaurants in Midlothian, VA, offering everything from classic American food to Mexican and Asian cuisine. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Midlothian, VA.
Brick House Diner
Brick House Diner is a family-owned business offering a wide selection of classic breakfast food and diner dishes with a Southern and Greek twist.
13520 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 794-8798
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El Cero Azul
El Cero Azul is a traditional Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes like fajita burritos and ranchera quesadillas with delicious margaritas and other drinks.
13561 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 858-5000
Katana Sushi
Katana Sushi is a top-rated local Japanese restaurant with a wide selection of rolls, sashimi, and combo platters.
13825 Village Place Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114 (804) 893-4787
Jobs in Midlothian
Midlothian is considered a wealthy suburb with a robust economy supported by industries like healthcare, retail, education, mining, quarrying, and natural gas extraction. In the early 2000s, a group of local business leaders came together to form the Western Chesterfield Business Alliance, which rebranded as the Midlothian Business Alliance in 2013. They provide support and resources to local businesses in the community and host events. Many residents living in Midlothian also commute to Richmond for more opportunities.
The largest employers in Chesterfield County are:
- HCA Virginia Health Systems: 11,000 employees
- Amazon: 4,100 employees
- UPS: 2,490 employees
- E.I. DuPont De Nemours Company: 2,436 employees
- General Dynamics: 1,450 employees
- G.E. Power: 928 employees
According to Payscale, the average salary of jobs in Midlothian, VA is $75,000 per year. Standard salaries of common Midlothian VA jobs include:
- Operations manager: $85,177
- Financial controller: $91,364
- Project manager: $73,698
- Family nurse practitioner: $96,348
- General manager: $68,405
Moving to Midlothian, Virginia offers a wide variety of economic opportunities, and you’ll find many high-paying Midlothian jobs ranging from medical receptionist to personal training consultant.
Midlothian Schools
Living in Midlothian also offers excellent schools. It’s part of the Chesterfield County Public School System, a highly respected district. They maintain a 92% graduation rate and award millions in scholarships each year. The Midlothian school district also has an operating budget of $965.2 billion, and 100% of teachers are accredited.
The district has seven Blue Ribbon accredited schools, including the two Midlothian high schools. The two major high schools in Midlothian, VA are James River High School and Cosby High School, which received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the President in 2000 and 2015, respectively. However, Midlothian High School is generally considered the top high school in Chesterfield County and ranks #34 in the state and #1443 in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.
There are also several private schools in Midlothian VA, including North Star Academy, Chesterfield Christian Academy, and the Goddard School of Midlothian. Kids can also visit the Midlothian branch of the Chesterfield County Library System, which will reopen in winter 2023/2024, following new construction.
Midlothian Statistics and Information
- Midlothian County: Chesterfield County, Virginia
- Midlothian area: 8.64 square miles
- Midlothian zip codes: 23112, 23113 and 23114
- Midlothian area codes: 804
- Midlothian elevation: 367 feet
- Midlothian time zone: Eastern Standard Time
- Closest airport to Midlothian: The Richmond International Airport (RIC) is 23 miles away
Midlothian, VA Map
Explore more attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do in Midlothian with this map.
Thinking of moving to Midlothian, Virginia? When you need the best movers in Midlothian, trust On the Fly Moving Guys. Call 804-836-4954 today for a free moving quote.
