Education, Employment and Housing
Alleghany County, VA, has 7 public schools, including Alleghany High School, serving around 2,000 students. Approximately 86% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 6/10, reflecting moderate academic performance. The district provides vocational and dual-enrollment programs and emphasizes school safety through resource officers and prevention programs. Adult education opportunities are available through the Jackson River Technical Center, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development in the community.
As of 2022, Alleghany County, VA, has an employment rate of 53.2%. The leading industries are manufacturing (21.7%), health care and social assistance (13.7%), and retail trade (10.8%). Major occupation types include production (15.1%), office and administrative support (13.5%), and sales occupations (11.1%). About 76% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. While most residents work within the county, over 30% commute to neighboring areas such as Covington and Roanoke for employment.
Alleghany County, VA has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $140,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is approximately $750. The housing market remains affordable, though property values have increased by about 5% over the past year. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, predominately in neighborhoods like Clifton Forge and Covington. Real estate taxes are relatively low, with a property tax rate of $0.73 per $100 of assessed value, making it an attractive option for homebuyers seeking affordability and small-town charm.
County Crime & Safety
Alleghany County, VA, reports a moderate crime rate, with the most recent statistics indicating a violent crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.4 per 1,000 residents, both below national averages. The sheriff’s office actively publishes annual crime reports, showing a steady or slight decrease in incidents over recent years. Community policing initiatives and neighborhood watch programs contribute to the county's overall sense of safety. The crime clearance rate remains high, at approximately 70%, reflecting effective law enforcement and community collaboration in crime prevention and reporting.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Alleghany County, VA, had a population of approximately 15,223. The median age is 47.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 49% are male and 51% female. The county is predominantly White (91.8%), with Black or African American residents making up 4%, and Hispanic or Latino at 1.8%. Other races, including Asian and those identifying as two or more races, comprise the remainder.
Elections
Alleghany County, VA, had approximately 10,000 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with major parties being Republican and Democratic; in the 2020 presidential election, about 68% voted Republican. The County Electoral Board administers elections, with polling locations in Clifton Forge, Covington, and rural precincts. Recent issues include school funding and economic development. Voter turnout ranges from 45% in local to 70% in presidential years. The Registrar oversees voter registration, and all polling sites are ADA accessible, ensuring compliance with Virginia’s election laws.
Popular names
- James Nicely
- David Campbell
- John Williams
- Rebecca Smith
- Amanda Nicely
- Barbara Clark
- Benjamin Nicely
- Courtney Butler
- Donita Franklin
- James Jackson
- Jeffrey Persinger
- Kristin Unroe
- Leonard Redman
- Linda Campbell
- Matthew Wilson
- Timothy Marshall
- Timothy Presley
- Ailsa Hyler
- Albert Chapman
- Alice Walton
- Allena Persinger
- Amanda Elmore
- Amber Bunch
- Amber Nicely
- Amber Smith
- Anthony West
- Ashley Tucker
- Austin Smith
- Barbara Smith
- Bernard Jeffries
- Bethany Chesnut
- Betty Johnson
- Betty Morris
- Brandi Windle
- Brenda Campbell
- Brittany Jackson
- Bryan Clark
- Burton Nicely
- Cameron Tucker
- Charles Smith
- Christopher Simmons
- Christopher Tinsley
- Cierra Anderson
- Dale Burdette
- Daniel Persinger
- Danny Nicely
- David Clark
- David Terry
- David Thompson
- David Williams
- Dawn Kimberlin
- Dayton Taylor
- Dean Bowman
- Deborah Nicely
- Dennis Vess
- Dorothy Nicely
- Emmett Smith
- Heather Forbes
- James Broughman
- James Livesay
Other Counties in Virginia
- Accomack
- Albemarle
- Alexandria City
- Amelia
- Amherst
- Appomattox
- Arlington
- Augusta
- Bath
- Bedford
- Bland
- Botetourt
- Bristol City
- Brunswick
- Buchanan
- Buckingham
- Buena Vista City
- Campbell
- Caroline
- Carroll
- Charles City
- Charlotte
- Charlottesville City
- Chesapeake City
- Chesterfield
- Clarke
- Colonial Heights Cit
- Covington City
- Craig
- Culpeper
- Cumberland
- Danville City
- Dickenson
- Dinwiddie
- Essex
- Fairfax
- Fairfax City
- Falls Church City
- Fauquier
- Floyd
- Fluvanna
- Franklin
- Franklin City
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- Galax City
- Giles
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- Grayson