Virginia / Wise County

Moving to Wise, VA

Thinking of making a move to Wise, VA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Wise and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Wise before you move.

Moving Help for Your Wise, VA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Wise move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Wise, VA Piano Movers Wise, VA Cheap Movers Wise, VA Small Movers Wise, VA Apartment Movers Wise, VA Long Distance Movers Wise, VA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wise, VA

Considering a move to Wise, VA? This welcoming community of 2,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $820. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wise's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wise, VA

Wise has a population of 2,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 6% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,900
Density
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age
33.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.0%
Black
5.8%
Asian
2.0%
Others
6.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wise, VA?

The cost of living in Wise is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$410
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
94.1
Housing
64.8
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
89.7
Health Care
96.3
Miscellaneous
87.9

Crime

Is Wise, VA a safe place to live?

Wise is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 240 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
240
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,650
Crime Index
1,890
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 61

Weather

What is the weather like in Wise, VA year-round?

Wise experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,800 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$51,800
Family Income
$67,200
Per Capita Income
$22,600
Income Male
$40,500
Income Female
$31,900
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
4.8%
Rent
$820
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
21.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
24.6%

Education

How are the schools in Wise, VA?

Wise offers quality education options, with public schools like Wise Primary School and Wise County Central Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and Mountain Empire Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Wise Primary School
Street
628 W Main St
Phone
276-328-8033
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Wise County Central Elementary School
Street
1106 E Main St
Phone
276-328-8017
Students
510
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Paul’s Catholic School
Street
302 3rd Ave
Phone
276-623-2980
Students
160

Colleges

Name
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
City
Wise
State
VA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,900
Name
Mountain Empire Community College
City
Big Stone Gap
State
VA
Distance
13 miles
Students
2,800

Healthcare

Wise residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lonesome Pine Hospital and The Wellmont Lonesome Pine Rural Health Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Lonesome Pine Hospital
Address
336 Deerfield Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Phone
(276) 523-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
The Wellmont Lonesome Pine Rural Health Clinic
Address
129 Mountain View Rd SW, Wise, VA 24293
Phone
(276) 328-3333
Type
Primary Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wise, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Wise offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$820
Owner Occupied Rate
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Wise handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2300 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23269
Phone
1-804-497-7100

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.

FAQs About Moving to Wise, VA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Wise, review the core fields on this page: population 2,900, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $820, commute time 21.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

Ready to Move to Wise, VA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes