Living in Wise, Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Wise · Census data 2020–2024
Wise has 2,916 residents with a median age of 36.5. The median household income is $53,596 (42% lower than the Virginia median), the median home value is $144,700, the median rent is $825/month.
Wise at a glance
- Population
- 2,916
- Median age
- 36.5State: 39
- Median household income
- $53,596State: $93,170
- Median home value
- $144,700State: $383,700
- Median rent
- $825/moState: $1,579
- Homeowners
- 71.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 25.2%
- Average commute
- 20 min
Is Wise a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 62% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 3.1%.
Cons: Median household income 42% lower than the Virginia median; a poverty rate of 12.5%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Wise
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Wise the median home value is $144,700, 57% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, which is 25% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,176 a month in housing costs.
Wise median household income
The median household income in Wise is $53,596 and the income per person is $34,200. 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line (Virginia: 9.9%).
Housing in Wise: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,484
- Owner-occupied
- 71.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 28.7%
- Vacant
- 12.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1982
- Average household size
- 2.22
Wise demographics
- Population
- 2,916
- Median age
- 36.5
- Under 18
- 21.3%
- 65 and older
- 17.6%
- Households
- 1,298
- Foreign-born
- 4.6%
- Veterans
- 7.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Wise ›
Education in Wise
25.2% of adults 25 and older in Wise have a bachelor's degree or higher (Virginia: 42.2%), and 12% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Wise
- Unemployment rate
- 3.1%State: 4.3%
- Average commute
- 20 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 18.5%
- Drive alone
- 69.6%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 3%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.1%
Wise vs nearby towns
More for people moving to Wise
Wise ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Wise: FAQ
What is the median household income in Wise, VA?
The median household income in Wise is $53,596, 42% lower than the Virginia median of $93,170 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Wise?
The median home value in Wise is $144,700, compared with $383,700 in Virginia.
How much is rent in Wise?
The median gross rent in Wise is $825 per month, about 25% of household income.
Is Wise, VA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 62% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 3.1%. Minuses: median household income 42% lower than the Virginia median; a poverty rate of 12.5%.
What is the median age in Wise?
The median age in Wise is 36.5 years (Virginia: 39).
How long is the commute in Wise?
The average commute to work in Wise is 20 minutes; 18.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Wise?
The unemployment rate in Wise is 3.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Wise?
25.2% of adults in Wise have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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