Wise County, Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-32% vs. Virginia average

$50,740

Median Household Income

$24,622

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$50,740

-32% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$24,622

-38% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

43.6%

income as % of home value

Rank in Virginia

#114 / 133

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Wise County Compares

Wise County$50,740

Virginia Average$74,957

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,740

Median Household Income

$24,622

Per Capita Income

$116,500

Median Home Value

43.6%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Wise County

Income Verdict

Wise County has a median household income of $50,740 and per capita income of $24,622 — a gap of $26,118, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $770/month and a median household income of $50,740, rent consumes approximately 18.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $50,740, residents of Wise County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $24,622 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Wise County earns approximately 32.3% below the Virginia state median household income of $74,957.

Data Story

About Household Income in Wise County, Virginia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wise County, Virginia?

The median household income in Wise County, Virginia is $50,740, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Wise County?

The per capita income in Wise County is $24,622, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $50,740.

How does Wise County compare to the Virginia average?

Wise County's median household income of $50,740 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $24,622, compared to the state average of $39,155.

What is the per capita income in Wise County, Virginia?

The per capita income in Wise County, Virginia is $24,622, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Wise County a low-income area in Virginia?

Wise County's median household income of $50,740 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $24,622 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Wise County rank for income in Virginia?

Wise County ranks #114 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,740 and per capita income of $24,622, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.