Education, Employment and Housing

Pulaski County, VA, features 8 public schools, including Pulaski County High School, serving around 4,000 students. Graduation rates are about 89%, with 18% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in the county are slightly below the Virginia state average. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Adult education is available through New River Community College, offering GED and workforce training. Educational programs emphasize STEM and vocational tracks, preparing students for college and careers.

As of 2023, Pulaski County, VA, had an employment rate of approximately 58%, with key industries including manufacturing (28%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (11%). Major occupation types are production (21%), office/administrative support (13%), and transportation/material moving (10%). About 74% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Roughly 80% of residents work within Pulaski County or neighboring Montgomery and Radford City, reflecting a localized employment pattern.

Pulaski County, VA, boasts a 2022 homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $161,000 and median gross rents at $766 per month. Housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, concentrated in communities like Pulaski, Dublin, and Fairlawn. The county’s property market has seen steady appreciation, with values rising roughly 10% since 2020. Property tax rates average $0.54 per $100 of assessed value, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages. Popular neighborhoods blend historic homes with modern developments, attracting both families and retirees.

Demographics

As of 2022, Pulaski County, VA, had a population of approximately 33,800. About 50.4% are female and 49.6% male, with a median age of around 45 years. The racial composition is 91.1% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). About 20% of residents are under 18, while 22% are 65 or older, reflecting an aging population.

County Crime & Safety

Pulaski County, VA, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported approximately 330 total crimes in 2022, with a crime rate of about 2,200 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively low, averaging around 50 cases annually, while property crimes like burglary and theft make up the majority. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office encourages community involvement and transparent reporting, with crime trends shared publicly. Overall, Pulaski County is considered safer than 45% of U.S. counties.

Elections

Pulaski County, VA, has approximately 24,000 residents and nearly 15,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in general, primary, and special elections, with recent turnout rates around 55%. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans usually winning local races by margins exceeding 60%. The Pulaski County Registrar’s Office oversees elections at nine polling locations, including Dublin Lions Club and Draper Fire Department. Issues include economic development and education funding. Elections are administered by a bipartisan electoral board, and early in-person and mail-in voting options are available to registered voters.