County Crime & Safety
Grayson County, VA maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported around 120 total crimes, including 10 violent crimes and 110 property crimes, per Virginia State Police data. The violent crime rate was approximately 1.3 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 14 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively promotes community safety, and crime reporting remains transparent through annual statistics. Overall, Grayson County is considered a safe community with crime rates notably below the Virginia average.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Grayson County, VA had a population of approximately 15,333. The median age was about 49 years, reflecting an older population. Around 49% were male and 51% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (94%), with Black or African American residents at 2%, and other races, including Hispanic/Latino, making up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race comprised around 2% of the population.
Elections
Grayson County, VA, had 11,516 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in general, primary, and special elections, primarily at its 13 precinct polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, results were 77% Republican, 22% Democrat. The Grayson County Electoral Board oversees administration, ensuring fair practices. Key local issues include rural education funding and broadband access. The county leans strongly Republican; in the 2023 state elections, GOP candidates received over 70% of votes. Voter turnout averages 56% in major elections, with party affiliations split predominantly between Republican and Democratic, though independents are present.
Education, Employment and Housing
Grayson County, VA has 7 public schools, including Grayson County High School. Approximately 81% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 16.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is 12:1. Schools score around 6/10 on GreatSchools ratings, reflecting average performance. Grayson offers career and technical education programs, dual enrollment, and adult education resources. School safety measures include surveillance systems and emergency drills, contributing to a secure learning environment.
As of 2022, Grayson County, VA, had an employment rate of approximately 51.3%. The leading industries are health care & social assistance (24.1%), manufacturing (13.7%), and retail trade (11.5%). The most common occupation types are office & administrative support (13.8%), production (11.6%), and management (9.2%). About 20.5% of residents work outside the county, with many commuting to neighboring Wythe and Carroll counties. The average commute time is 27.6 minutes, and 82.4% of employees drive alone to work.
Grayson County, VA, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values near $145,000 and median monthly rents about $650. The housing market remains stable, showing slight value increases year-over-year. Most homes are single-family, with some manufactured and older farmhouse properties, especially in neighborhoods like Independence and Fries. Property tax rates are modest, averaging 0.52% of assessed value. Renters represent about 22% of households. The area features rural and small-town neighborhoods, making it appealing for those seeking affordable living with scenic mountain settings.
Popular names
- James Kilby
- Allison Smith
- Amber Blevins
- Charles Smith
- James Anderson
- Samantha Jones
- Thomas Smith
- William Osborne
- April Choate
- Benjamin Roten
- Brian Jones
- Cecil Greer
- Crystal Smith
- James Rutherford
- Michael Farmer
- Nancy Compton
- Patricia Johnson
- Richard Spencer
- William Johnson
- Anna Blackburn
- Anna Hall
- Audrey Johnson
- Barbara Blevins
- Bobby Bobbitt
- Brenda Jones
- Caleb Richardson
- Christopher May
- Darlene Greer
- David Anders
- David Blevins
- David Garrison
- David Johnson
- David Osborne
- Debra Phipps
- Dylan Isom
- Gary Howell
- Jacob Ham
- James Phipps
- James Scott
- Jeannie Sharpe
- Jeffrey Miller
- Jerry Hart
- Jerry Morris
- Jesse Smith
- John Williams
- Joyce Spencer
- Kimberly Moxley
- Kimberly Phipps
- Lee Miller
- Linda Richardson
- Loetta Williams
- Marcia Warren
- Mary Miller
- Michael Delp
- Michael Perry
- Nell Farmer
- Patricia Blevins
- Rex Hall
- Robert Hall
- Robert Osborne
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