Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 16.0% ▲ 60% above avg |
| College Grads | 31.6% ▼ 19% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.3% ▲ 70% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 339 (1.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 7,346 (33.6%) |
| Some College | 3,605 (16.5%) |
| Associates | 3,655 (16.7%) |
| Bachelors | 2,767 (12.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,152 (19%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $49,967 ▼ 35% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $121,381 ▼ 56% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $749/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 17,238 |
| Vacant Units | 2,862 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Wise County is located in Virginia and encompasses 8 ZIP codes spanning 8 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 36,190 residents. With a median age of 41.9, it is a middle-aged county.
Wise County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $49,967 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 8.3%, significantly above the national average. The poverty rate of 16.0% is above the national average.
Housing in Wise County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $121,381 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $749. Homeownership rates are high at 74.8%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Wise County are primarily White (90.82%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 31.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.
Wise County, VA is a working-class area in Virginia. The 8 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24216 | Appalachia | 2,356 | $32,400 | $54,300 | $674 | 12.4% | 24.9% |
| 24219 | Big Stone Gap | 10,416 | $52,303 | $161,300 | $808 | 4.6% | 35.0% |
| 24230 | Coeburn | 7,057 | $56,040 | $104,900 | $725 | 9.9% | 27.7% |
| 24279 | Pound | 4,679 | $42,344 | $98,900 | $666 | 12.4% | 22.1% |
| 24283 | Saint Paul | 1,873 | $34,674 | $111,700 | $548 | 13.4% | 37.4% |
| 24293 | Wise | 9,622 | $53,970 | $119,500 | $801 | 6.2% | 36.5% |