Violent Crime
186/100K
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.3%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
How The University of Virginia's College at Wise Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population538
Median Age20.2 yrs
Density1,251/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$5,383
Unemployment0.6%
Commute23 min
Housing
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$178,311
Housing Units75
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
F
Violent186/100K
Property2,300/100K
Health
Obesity30.3%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking11.9%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain51.6 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation2,547 ft (776 m)
Education
Bachelor's+
High School+
Graduate+21.8%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute23 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is The University of Virginia's College at Wise a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, The University of Virginia's College at Wise receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. The University of Virginia's College at Wise faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in The University of Virginia's College at Wise is below the national average at 186 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,300 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
The University of Virginia's College at Wise experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.6 inches, including 47.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a population of 538 with a density of 1,251 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 20.2 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly White (78.4%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 13.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.2yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
The University of Virginia's College at Wise vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
The University of Virginia's College at Wise vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $5,383 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 794 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: The University of Virginia's College at Wise vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $5,383 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,796 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,311. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 75 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2014. The average annual property tax is $2,309 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 75 |
| Median Year Built | 2014 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg |
In The University of Virginia's College at Wise, 30.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 11.3% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.7% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,456. The dentist ratio is 1:3,542. 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: The University of Virginia's College at Wise vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.3% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 26.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,456 |
| Dentists | 1:3,542 |
| Mental Health | 1:664 |
| Checkup Rate | 57.5% |
| Dental Visits | 45.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,685/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,300 per 100,000, 17% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, The University of Virginia's College at Wise receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: The University of Virginia's College at Wise vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.5/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,299.6/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,547 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,547 ft (776 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,251/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9724°N, 82.5574°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wise County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 95 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.6"
36% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
75 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
48 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
74 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
45 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
84 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
29 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
285 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
92 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 171 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
3 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF2 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2023 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
43 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 34°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in The University of Virginia's College at Wise. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Virginia's College at Wise
What is the population of The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a population of 538 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 1,251 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.
Is The University of Virginia's College at Wise expensive to live in?
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100).
Is The University of Virginia's College at Wise safe?
The University of Virginia's College at Wise is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,300 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, The University of Virginia's College at Wise receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The University of Virginia's College at Wise has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.6 inches, with 47.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The job market in The University of Virginia's College at Wise is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
Schools in The University of Virginia's College at Wise score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The obesity rate in The University of Virginia's College at Wise is 30.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,456.
What is transportation like in The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The average commute in The University of Virginia's College at Wise is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of The University of Virginia's College at Wise?
The racial and ethnic makeup of The University of Virginia's College at Wise is 78.4% White, 13.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.