Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Chiswell, VA
Considering a move to Fort Chiswell, VA? This friendly rural community of around 1,040 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $170,000 and average rents near $850. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (90 per 100K), short 22.5-minute commutes, and a quiet, close-knit atmosphere. With highly rated local schools, scenic Blue Ridge views, and 60% sunny days, Fort Chiswell is a great choice for those seeking a safe, relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Fort Chiswell, VA
Demographics - Fort Chiswell, VA
Fort Chiswell is a small rural community with a population of about 1,040 people, mostly White (96%), and a median age of 44.7 years. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and homogeneous place to live.
Population:
1,040
Density:
190 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
1.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Chiswell, VA?
Living in Fort Chiswell is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.5, substantially below the national average. Median home values are $170,000, while average rent hovers around $850, making housing accessible for most residents.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$395
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
67.2
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
85.3
Health Care:
93.7
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Fort Chiswell, VA a safe place to live?
Fort Chiswell boasts a very low violent crime rate of just 90 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a sense of security for families and retirees. Property crime is also relatively low, with residents experiencing a 1 in 102 chance annually.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
980
Crime Index:
1,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,111
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Chiswell, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate, with summer highs averaging 84°F and winters rarely dipping below 24°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rain each year and enjoys sunshine 60% of the time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $54,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, reflecting steady local employment. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times average a convenient 22.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$42,500
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Chiswell, VA?
Fort Chiswell is served by well-rated public schools, including a high school and middle school with small class sizes. For higher education, Wytheville Community College is just 11 miles away, supporting ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Chiswell High School
Street:
1 Pioneer Trail
Phone:
276-637-3437
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Fort Chiswell Middle School
Street:
101 Pioneer Trail
Phone:
276-637-3216
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3

Colleges
Name:
Wytheville Community College
City:
Wytheville
State:
VA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by Wythe County Community Hospital nearby, and 89% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, residents have reasonable access to medical services for a town of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wythe County Community Hospital
Address:
600 W Ridge Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Phone:
(276) 228-0200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Chiswell, VA?
Fort Chiswell's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $170,000 and a homeownership rate of over 80%. Rental options are available with moderate vacancy, and home values have appreciated by about 4% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Wytheville, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs. Residents can utilize both in-person services and an easy-to-navigate state website.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
195 E. Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.