CountyScore

Wise County

Virginia · VA

#64 in Virginia
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Wise County, Virginia

Wise County ranks in national top third

Wise County's composite score of 77.1 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 77th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates strong overall livability across multiple measured dimensions compared to typical U.S. counties.

Top performer among Virginia localities

With a score of 77.1, Wise County outperforms Virginia's state average of 70.3 and ranks among the commonwealth's strongest-scoring localities. This position reflects the county's standout performance on affordability and tax metrics.

Affordability and tax advantages lead

Wise County excels with an exceptional cost score of 85.3—the highest among measured dimensions—reflecting remarkably affordable housing at just $770/month rent and $116,500 median home values. The tax score of 86.4 with a 0.565% effective rate reinforces the county's exceptional affordability profile.

Income levels present main constraint

An income score of 16.5 signals the county's key limitation, with median household income at $50,740—significantly below state and national norms. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means other livability dimensions remain unmeasured.

Ideal for affordability seekers

Wise County suits retirees, remote workers, and families with flexible income needs who prioritize keeping costs low and taxes minimal. Those relocating for local job opportunities or seeking high incomes should consider alternatives in more economically developed Virginia regions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.4Cost85.3SafetyComing SoonHealth63SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.5Risk49.6WaterComing Soon
🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡49.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wise County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Wise County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wise County

via TaxByCounty

Wise County's taxes are exceptionally low

Wise County's effective tax rate of 0.565% ranks among America's lowest-tax counties, sitting well below the national median of 0.84%. At just $658 median annual property tax, Wise County residents pay less than 25% of the national median of $2,690, making it a significantly tax-light jurisdiction.

Lowest rate in Virginia by far

Wise County's 0.565% effective rate is 15.8% lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, and its median tax of $658 represents just one-third of the state median of $1,960. This combination makes Wise County one of the most tax-friendly places in Virginia, appealing to budget-conscious homeowners.

Southwest Virginia's tax advantage

Wise County's 0.565% rate is competitive with nearby Wythe County's 0.494% but substantially lower than Williamsburg's 0.576%, offering real savings in the southwest region. The county's low tax burden is sustained despite serving a rural, dispersed population with essential county services.

Minimal annual property taxes in Wise

On Wise County's median home value of $116,500, homeowners pay just $658 annually in property taxes—roughly $55 per month. This modest tax burden reflects both the county's low rate and lower property values typical of rural southwestern Virginia.

Even in low-tax counties, appeals matter

Overassessments happen in every jurisdiction, and even modest appeals in Wise County can yield meaningful percentage savings on small tax bills. Reach out to Wise County's assessor to review your assessment and explore potential reduction opportunities at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wise County

via CostByCounty

Wise County delivers rare national affordability

Wise County punches above its weight in affordability, with renters paying just 18.2% of the $50,740 median household income toward rent—actually favoring renters compared to national norms. At $770 monthly, median rent here is less than a third of what Williamsburg renters pay, making this southwestern corner one of Virginia's genuine housing bargains.

Wise County: Virginia's most affordable housing market

Wise County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the Virginia state average of 18.6%, but achieves this through dramatically lower rent rather than higher wages—median rent of just $770 versus the state average of $1,140. This affordability translates to homeowners too, who pay $615 monthly on median home values of $116,500.

Wise and Wythe offer genuine affordability refuge

Wise County renters pay $770 monthly compared to Williamsburg's $1,361, while Wythe County renters pay even less at $718—both southwestern Virginia counties delivering housing costs that don't consume household budgets. Wise County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% mirrors Wythe's formula: lower wages, but dramatically lower housing costs that make both markets genuinely affordable.

Wise County: modest income, modest costs

At $50,740 median household income, Wise County residents earn significantly less than state and national averages, yet their $770 median rent consumes just 18.2% of income—a sustainable burden. Homeowners pay $615 monthly (14.5% of income) on properties valued at $116,500, allowing genuine financial breathing room for this coal-country community.

Wise County welcomes budget-conscious relocators

If housing affordability is your priority, Wise County offers the lowest costs in this analysis—median rent under $800 and homeownership within reach for moderate incomes. Remote workers and retirees relocating here enjoy genuine cost savings, though consider whether the region's economic transition from coal mining aligns with your career or lifestyle goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wise County

via IncomeByCounty

Wise County earns significantly below national average

At $50,740, Wise County's median household income is $24,015 below the national median of $74,755—a 32% shortfall. This rural southwestern Virginia county ranks among the lower-income regions nationwide, reflecting limited economic diversification beyond coal mining heritage.

Well below Virginia's state median

Wise County's median household income trails Virginia's $74,957 state average by $24,217, placing it among the lowest in the commonwealth. The per capita income of $24,622 is just 63% of Virginia's $39,155 state average, highlighting significant economic distress in this region.

Lowest earner in Southwest Virginia cluster

At $50,740, Wise County earns less than neighboring Wythe County ($55,359), and trails all other profiled counties. The gap widens dramatically compared to York County ($108,326), underscoring Wise's isolation from Virginia's prosperous regions.

Housing remains accessible, but poverty persists

With a 18.2% rent-to-income ratio, housing costs are proportionally manageable here; median home values of $116,500 reflect affordable housing stock. However, low absolute income levels create challenges in meeting healthcare, education, and emergency expenses despite reasonable housing burdens.

Build community wealth through skill development

Wise County residents can strengthen finances through workforce training, credential programs, and exploring remote work opportunities. Even modest increases in household income—through skill development or side income—compound significantly at lower income levels; organizations like community colleges offer affordable pathways forward.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wise County

via HealthByCounty

Wise County faces severe health challenges

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy ranks among the nation's lowest, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 5.6 years. More than 22% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these five Virginia communities—reflecting widespread chronic disease.

Virginia's worst health outcomes in Wise

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 4.3 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, making it one of the state's most challenged communities. The 22.2% poor/fair health rate is dramatically higher than the state norm, indicating acute population health disparities.

Wise County significantly trails regional peers

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy lags every neighboring county: Williamsburg (78.7), York (80.9), and Wythe (72.6), revealing the depth of local health challenges. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds all regional comparisons, suggesting concentrated disease burden.

Limited providers compound access barriers

Wise County's 8.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Virginia's average, but the deeper challenge is provider scarcity: just 22 primary care providers per 100K residents, half the state-level adequacy. Mental health support is also limited at 151 providers per 100K, constraining behavioral health access.

Wise County residents deserve coverage support

Eight percent of Wise County residents lack health insurance, and providers are limited—making coverage essential. Check healthcare.gov for subsidized plans or contact the Virginia Department of Social Services for Medicaid eligibility in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wise County

via RiskByCounty

Wise County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 50.41, Wise County ranks in the relatively low category but substantially exceeds the national average. This Appalachian mountain county's exposure is driven primarily by extreme wildfire risk (84.26) and significant flood danger (66.25).

Among Virginia's highest-risk counties

Wise County's score of 50.41 far exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the commonwealth's most hazard-prone areas. Its wildfire risk of 84.26 ranks among the highest in Virginia, reflecting dense forest cover and seasonal drought vulnerability.

Riskiest in its region

Wise County's 50.41 composite score is higher than neighboring Wythe County (48.73) and far exceeds Winchester city (16.86) to the north. This elevated risk reflects Wise's mountainous terrain, dense vegetation, and position in Virginia's most fire-prone zone.

Wildfire and flooding dominate here

Wildfire risk at 84.26 is Wise County's defining hazard—among the highest in Virginia—driven by extensive forests and seasonal fire conditions. Flood risk (66.25) compounds the danger, as mountain storms and snowmelt create rapid runoff on steep terrain.

Defensible space and evacuation plans save lives

Clear trees and brush 30+ feet from your home, maintain a non-flammable roof, and keep gutters leaf-free—these steps dramatically reduce wildfire risk in your immediate area. Create a detailed evacuation plan with alternate routes, secure flood insurance for any property in or near floodplains, and stay informed through local emergency alerts.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.