Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wise, VA
Thinking of moving to Wise, VA? With a friendly population of just under 3,000, Wise offers affordable living—median homes are around $142,000 and average rents are about $710. The town enjoys low crime rates (violent crimes at 145 per 100K), easy commutes averaging 19.5 minutes, and access to solid education, including the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Enjoy a mild mountain climate with 60% sunny days and a welcoming, close-knit community—perfect for those seeking a slower pace and great value.
Demographics - Wise, VA
Wise, VA is home to approximately 2,970 residents, with a median age of 38.9 and a population density of 1,180 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (92.5%), and about 3.2% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a largely homogenous but welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
2,970
Density:
1,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wise, VA?
Living in Wise is highly affordable, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rent at $710 per month. The overall cost of living index is notably low at 78.6, meaning residents enjoy below-average prices for housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation compared to national norms.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
58.7
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
84.2
Health Care:
89.6
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Wise, VA a safe place to live?
Wise experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of just 145 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime (1 in 690), making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,265
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Wise, VA year-round?
The town enjoys a mild mountain climate, with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows around 23°F. Wise receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, providing residents with a pleasant mix of all four seasons.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Median household income in Wise is about $43,500, with a family income of $56,800 and a poverty rate of 21.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education (82.5%), and the average commute time is a convenient 19.5 minutes, reflecting the town’s easygoing lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,200
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$56,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$39,100
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Wise, VA?
Wise offers quality public education with favorable student-teacher ratios in its schools and is home to the University of Virginia's College at Wise, serving around 2,000 students. The presence of nearby colleges and solid K-12 options make it a good fit for families and those pursuing higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Wise Primary School
Street:
7650 Coeburn Mountain Rd
Phone:
276-328-8017
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
L. F. Addington Middle School
Street:
221 Lake St NE
Phone:
276-328-8016
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Central High School
Street:
5000 Warrior Dr
Phone:
276-328-3280
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Colleges
Name:
University of Virginia's College at Wise
City:
Wise
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Mountain Empire Community College
City:
Big Stone Gap
State:
VA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Wise residents have solid healthcare access, including proximity to Norton Community Hospital and an average of 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 90.3%, supporting a strong overall sense of well-being in the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton Community Hospital
Address:
100 15th St NW, Norton, VA 24273
Phone:
(276) 679-9600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wise, VA?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $142,000 and 62.4% owner-occupied residences. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.6%, and home values have appreciated by 3.2% in the past year, making Wise an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Wise are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Martinsville and comprehensive services available through the state DMV website. The DMV provides convenient access to vehicle registration, licensing, and related services for the community.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
255 Commonwealth Blvd E, Martinsville, VA 24112
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.