Wise County Public RecordsVirginia

Wise County, VA, has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, with a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents in 2023, according to FBI data. Law enforcement agencies in Wise County actively report crimes through both local and federal databases, promoting transparency and community awareness. Public safety initiatives and community policing are credited with maintaining safer neighborhoods, and the county’s overall crime rate remains below state and national levels.

Wise County, VA is served by Wise County Public Schools with 13 public schools, including 3 high schools. The county’s high school graduation rate is about 90%, but only 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools maintain a student-teacher ratio of approximately 13:1, and the average school safety score is 8/10. The area offers career and technical education, dual-enrollment programs, and adult education classes. Academic performance is around the state average, with a district rating of B-.

As of 2023, Wise County, VA has an employment rate of approximately 46%, with about 13,000 employed residents. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (22%), retail trade (14%), education services (13%), and manufacturing (11%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (16%), sales (11%), and healthcare practitioners (10%). Around 72% of workers commute by car, and the average travel time is 23 minutes. Many residents work locally, while a significant portion commute to nearby counties such as Norton and Scott County for employment.

Wise County, VA, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values near $110,000 and median gross rents around $590. The housing market is stable but has seen modest growth in recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, with some apartments in town centers like Wise and Norton. Neighborhoods vary from rural communities to small-town settings. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging $500–$700 annually on a typical home. The county’s affordable prices and mix of housing types attract both first-time buyers and renters seeking cost-effective living.

As of the 2020 Census, Wise County, VA had a population of approximately 36,130. The median age was 43.1 years, with about 20% under 18 and 20% over 65. Females comprised 50.6% and males 49.4%. The racial makeup was 93.6% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 1.7% from two or more races; 1.0% identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Wise County, VA, has approximately 27,000 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with turnout varying; for example, 2020 presidential turnout was around 63%. Major polling locations include Wise County Community Center and L.F. Addington Middle School. The county is administered by an elected electoral board and registrar. In recent elections, Republicans have held a strong majority—Donald Trump won 82% of the vote in 2020. Key local issues include economic development and coal industry impacts. Active parties include Republican and Democratic, though third parties have little presence.