Virginia
Big Stone Gap is a small city in Virginia with a population of 5,193. Residents earn $51,059 per year, which is 32% below the national average.
Based on current data, Big Stone Gap receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Big Stone Gap has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Big Stone Gap is $51,059, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Big Stone Gap is $169,900, 40% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $823 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Big Stone Gap is below the national average at 199 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,506 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Big Stone Gap experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches, including 9.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 94.7% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 5.3% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $51,059 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $21,768 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,964 |
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.9% |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
| Census Median | $169,900 |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,554 |
| Median List Price | $254,500 |
| Median List Price | $254,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $93 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.7% |
| Price Drops | 17.7% |
| Inventory | 17 |
| Census Median Rent | $823 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.0% |
| Obesity | 44.4% |
| 38% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 21,701/100K |
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
| Total Violent | 198.8/100K |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 54.2/100K |
| Robbery | 18.1/100K |
| Assault | 126.5/100K |
| Total Property | 3,506.2/100K |
| 79% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 451.8/100K |
| Theft | 2,982.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 72.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 56.0 inches |
| 47% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 9.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,498 ft (457 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,082/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8627°N, 82.7761°W |
| County FIPS | 51720 |
Winner: Republican by 43.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.8% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.58 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 1,082/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Retail Stores | 37 |
| Avg Commute | 19.5 min |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |