Virginia
Wise is a small town in Virginia with a population of 2,940. Residents earn $44,234 per year, which is 41% below the national average.
Based on current data, Wise receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wise offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Wise is $44,234, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Wise is $118,100, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $782 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Violent crime in 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.
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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. Annual precipitation totals 51.6 inches, including 47.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 94.3% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 5.7% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $44,234 |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,207 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,796 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
| Census Median | $118,100 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,311 |
| Census Median Rent | $782 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Studio | $692 |
| 1 Bedroom | $697 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $914 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,205 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,685/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
| Total Violent | 186.5/100K |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Murder | 31.1/100K |
| 393% above US avg | |
| Rape | 31.1/100K |
| Robbery | 31.1/100K |
| Assault | 93.2/100K |
| Total Property | 2,299.6/100K |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 124.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,144.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 31.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 51.6 inches |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 47.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,444 ft (745 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 967/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9769°N, 82.5811°W |
| County FIPS | 51195 |
Winner: Republican by 63.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 29.0% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.8% |
| School Test Score | 6.22 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 967/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.0 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Retail Stores | 131 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |