Wise County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Virginia
The population of Wise County, Virginia is 35,727 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $50,740, the median home value is $116,500, and the median age is 42.1.
The population of Wise County has declined 15.9% since 2010 (41,574 → 34,973), a -1.23% annualized rate.
35,727
Population
-1.23%
Annual growth
89
People / sq mi
$50,740
Median Income
$116,500
Median Home Value
Wise County covers 403 sq mi of land at 88.6 people per square mile.
About Wise County, VA
Wise County is a county in Virginia with a population of 35,727. It ranks #49 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 42.1, older than the national median. The population is 52.3% male and 47.7% female.
The median household income in Wise County is $50,740, below the US median of $74,580. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $116,500, with monthly rent averaging $770. The homeownership rate of 74.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wise County reflects 15.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.8 minutes each way.
Wise County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wise County had a population of 41,574 in 2010 and 34,973 in 2024, a -15.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,574 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.22%.
34,973
Population (2024)
41,574
Population (2010)
41,574
Peak (2010)
-1.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,574 |
| 2011 | 41,461 |
| 2012 | 40,928 |
| 2013 | 40,685 |
| 2014 | 39,916 |
| 2015 | 39,596 |
| 2016 | 39,059 |
| 2017 | 38,593 |
| 2018 | 37,877 |
| 2019 | 37,427 |
| 2020 | 36,066 |
| 2021 | 35,688 |
| 2022 | 35,324 |
| 2023 | 35,191 |
| 2024 | 34,973 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.7% |
| Black or African American | 5.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.1
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,740$-40,234 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,657 |
| Per-capita income | $24,622 |
| Poverty rate | 12.8%+6.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wise County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$116,500$-244,200 vs state
Median home value
$770
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
16,659
Total housing units
84.4%
Occupied
15.6%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
28.6%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
27.0%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.3%
High School+
15.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wise County, Virginia has a population of 35,727 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 89 people per square mile.
The population of Wise County has declined 15.9% since 2010 (41,574 → 34,973), a -1.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wise County, Virginia is $50,740, with mean (average) household income of $61,657 and per-capita income of $24,622. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wise County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Black or African American (5.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wise County, Virginia is 42.1 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Wise County is $116,500 and median monthly rent is $770. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,659 total housing units, 15.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wise County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Wise County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.