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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Wise County: 15.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 35,727 residents, Wise County is a county in Virginia. It ranks #49 among counties in Virginia by population.
The typical household earns $50,740, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $116,500, with typical rent around $770.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.6%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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.
Wise County, VA Climate
Wise County, VA has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C (52°F) and receives about 1175 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.3°C
Avg Temp
1175
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 89 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 92 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 106 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 99 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 116 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 101 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 121 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 101 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 90 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 79 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 91 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 90 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wise County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Wise County, VA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wise County
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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.