Elections

Surry County, VA, has approximately 5,800 registered voters as of 2024. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, including those for the U.S. President and Virginia General Assembly. In the 2020 Presidential Election, about 60% of votes went to the Democratic candidate. There are four main polling locations, such as the Surry Recreation Center. Key local issues include economic development and land use. Elections are administered by the Surry County Electoral Board. Political activity is led mainly by the Democratic and Republican parties, with independents sometimes fielding candidates.

Demographics

As of 2023, Surry County, VA, has an estimated population of approximately 6,400. The median age is about 50 years, with 22% under 18 and 26% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.6% female and 49.4% male residents. The racial and ethnic composition is roughly 54% White, 41% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Asian, and 2.6% identifying as two or more races.

County Crime & Safety

Surry County, VA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 90 total crimes, with 12 being violent crimes and 78 property crimes, equating to a crime rate of about 15.7 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies regularly publish crime statistics, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities. The county’s safety initiatives and strong community involvement contribute to maintaining a safe environment for its population of around 5,600.

Education, Employment and Housing

Surry County, VA operates three public schools: Surry Elementary, Luther Porter Jackson Middle, and Surry County High School, with a total enrollment of about 700 students. The high school graduation rate is roughly 91%, while only around 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives and preventative programs are in place, and Surry County High scored 4/10 on GreatSchools ratings. The district offers dual-enrollment and career/technical education, and adult education opportunities are provided through local partnerships.

As of 2022, Surry County, VA reported an employment rate of approximately 53.2%. The largest industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (18.5%), Manufacturing (14.3%), and Educational Services (12.2%). Common occupations are Management (12.1%), Office & Administrative Support (11.8%), and Production (10.7%). About 76% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 34.9 minutes. The most common employment destinations are neighboring counties such as Prince George and the City of Hopewell.

Surry County, VA has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $220,000 as of 2023, up 6% year-over-year. Median monthly rent is roughly $950. Housing stock includes primarily single-family homes and some manufactured housing, in rural neighborhoods like Spring Grove and Claremont. Property tax rates are approximately $0.77 per $100 assessed value, significantly lower than state averages. The area features spacious lots and a quiet, small-town atmosphere, appealing to families and retirees.