Big Stone Gap, VA
Full City Profile · Virginia · Norton city County
2.8
/5.0
C+
Fair
5,193
Population
1,082/sq mi density
$51,059
Median Income
$21,768 per capita
$169,900
Home Value
$145,846 Zillow
$823
Median Rent
19.6% income on rent
55°F
Avg Temperature
118
Violent Crime/100K
1,578 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$51,059 median income, 7.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$169,900 home value, $823/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
118 violent crimes/100K
C+
Education
2.5 / 5.0
18.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Big Stone Gap experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches. The area receives 9.2 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Norton city County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 97 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | No Rating |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F (1°C) | 4.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 5.0 in | |
| March | 45°F (7°C) | 5.4 in | |
| April | 54°F (12°C) | 5.0 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 5.1 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 5.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 67°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 56°F (13°C) | 3.1 in | Driest |
| November | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
Big Stone Gap has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 34°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.5") and October the driest (3.1").