Education, Employment and Housing
Mathews County, VA has three public schools: Mathews High, Thomas Hunter Middle, and Lee-Jackson Elementary. Approximately 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 19% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Mathews High School’s graduation rate is around 96%, with average SAT scores near 1040. School safety ratings are above state average, and the county offers programs like dual enrollment and career/technical education. Adult education and GED programs are accessible through regional partnerships. Overall, Mathews County provides a safe and supportive educational environment with focused academic and vocational opportunities.
As of 2023, Mathews County, VA, has an employment rate of approximately 46.5%. The predominant industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (18%), Retail Trade (14%), and Construction (12%). Top occupations include Management (10%), Sales (10%), and Office Support (9%). About 87% of workers commute out of the county for employment, with an average commute time of 34.7 minutes. Key employment destinations include neighboring Gloucester and York counties, with less than 10% of residents working within Mathews itself.
Mathews County, VA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with median home values around $275,000 in 2023, reflecting modest annual growth. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $1,100. The county’s housing stock mainly comprises single-family homes, cottages, and waterfront properties. Popular neighborhoods include Mathews Court House and Moon. Property tax rates are low at about $0.65 per $100 assessed value, contributing to affordability. The market is stable, with slow appreciation and a strong preference for owner-occupied homes.
Elections
Mathews County, VA, had around 7,200 registered voters in 2023. Elections held include local (Board of Supervisors), state, and federal contests. In the 2020 Presidential election, 66% of Mathews voters chose the Republican candidate, while 32% backed the Democrat. Polling locations include Mathews High School and Piankatank Ruritan Club. Key issues are school funding and coastal resilience. Elections are administered by the Mathews County Registrar and Electoral Board. The county leans Republican, with the GOP holding most local offices; Democratic representation is minimal. Voter turnout in major elections averages 70%.
County Crime & Safety
Mathews County, VA, consistently reports low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county recorded a total of 55 reported crimes—mostly property-related—with a violent crime rate of just 0.6 per 1,000 residents, significantly below Virginia’s average of 2.1. The property crime rate was 3.2 per 1,000 residents. The Sheriff’s Office regularly addresses public safety concerns, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, contributing to a strong sense of community security.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Mathews County, VA had a population of 8,533. The median age is 54.2 years, reflecting an older demographic. Females comprise 51.2% and males 48.8% of the population. Racially, the county is predominantly White (85.7%), followed by Black or African American (9.8%), with small percentages of Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents (each less than 2%). The population has remained relatively stable, with slow growth and an aging trend.
Popular names
- Robert Hudgins
- Howard Hudgins
- James Callis
- James Hudgins
- John Hudgins
- Joseph Rowe
- Richard Callis
- Robert Morgan
- Stanley Dixon
- Albert Clark
- Amanda Luckett
- Anna Hudgins
- Carl Roane
- Curtis Hughes
- James Belvin
- James Diggs
- James Smith
- John West
- Joseph Bridgforth
- Joseph Carson
- Kenneth Marshall
- Lauren Jenkins
- Mary Hudgins
- Melvin Callis
- Nancy Hudgins
- Robert Hurst
- Robert Thompson
- Robyn Sweet
- Thomas Davis
- Amber Mountford
- Amy Smith
- Angela White
- Arnold Davis
- Ashley Goin
- Betty West
- Brandon Haywood
- Brian Dehnert
- Brian Rowe
- Brian Smoot
- Brian White
- Brinda Leckey
- Bryan Hostetter
- Carrie Blake
- Charles Brown
- Charles Forrest
- Charles Hudgins
- Christopher Hill
- Christopher Hudgins
- Clyde Walker
- Clyde Wallace
- Cynthia Hall
- David Hudgins
- David Ramsey
- David Smith
- Deborah Smith
- Derek Smoot
- Donald White
- Douglas Leckey
- Ebony Marshall
- Edward Dutton
Other Counties in Virginia
- Accomack
- Albemarle
- Alexandria City
- Alleghany
- 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
- Frederick
- Fredericksburg City
- Galax City
- Giles
- Gloucester
- Goochland
- Grayson