City profile · Virginia · Census ACS 2023

Wise, VA

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Wise - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

2,940
Residents
$44,234
Median income
$118,100
Median home
$914
Median rent (state)

Wise - the verdict

Measured against every US city with at least 1,000 residents, Wise lands in the 12th percentile for household income and the 25th percentile for safety. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

12th
percentile, household income
17th
percentile, home value
5th
percentile, median rent
25th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Wise, VA

Virginia's Wise is a small town, with 2,940 residents per the latest Census Bureau ACS figures. Wise households earn a median of $44,234 annually, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 14.4%. Typical homes in Wise are valued around $118,100, and the median resident age is 33.1 years. About 29.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 50.5% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

Crime here tracks close to the national norm: per-100,000 total crime stands at 2376.8 in FBI UCR data, near the national average (a voluntary reporting program, read this as reporting activity, not a definitive danger score). The annual average temperature per NOAA climate normals runs 53.4°F with 51.6 inches of precipitation per year and 47.1 inches of snowfall.

Virginia tracks close to the national cost-of-living baseline: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 puts Virginia at 101.1 on a 100-equals-national-average scale (Near Average). A typical two-bedroom carries a HUD Fair Market Rent of $914 per month statewide. EIA 2023 residential energy data puts Virginia's average monthly utility costs around $235 (state average). Natural-hazard exposure scores 50.4 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (Low).

Population

2,940 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Virginia

Median Household Income

$44,234 /yr

Poverty 14.4%

Cost of Living Index (state)

101.1 (US=100)

Near Average - BEA RPP 2024, Virginia average

How does Wise compare to other US cities?

Here's how Wise stacks up against the full field of US cities (population 1,000+), computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 12% higher than other cities
Home value 17% pricier than other cities
Median rent 5% pricier than other cities
Safety 25% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

Zoom in to just Virginia and the picture shifts: Wise ranks #80 of 117 Virginia cities by lowest crime rate, a different read than the national percentile above.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

For each metric we count every US city with population 1,000+ and a non-null value, then compute what share of them fall below Wise's value: round(cities-below ÷ total × 100). Safety is inverted (percentile = share of cities with a higher crime rate) so a higher number always means safer. The in-state rank narrows that same crime-rate comparison to only the cities PlainCities tracks in Virginia, breaking ties alphabetically. See the methodology page for the full source-to-figure lineage.

12thIncome percentile
25thSafety percentile

12th percentile nationally for median household income · 25th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

Wise's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

Wise's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 42 Avg. percentile National median
Wise's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How Wise's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$118,100 Among the most affordable more affordable than 83% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). This entry sits in this band. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Wise $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Wise, VA Wise, VA's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Wise, VA-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Wise, VA median $44,234/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Wise, VA's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Wise, VA. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 29.0%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 14.4%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 50.5%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
2,940
Median Income
$44,234
Median Home Value
$118,100
Median Age
33.1
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Labor force participation
50.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
29.0%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
2376.8
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
69.9
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
2306.9
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Climate

Avg Temperature
53.4°F
Annual Precipitation
51.6"
Annual Snowfall
47.1"

Schools

Total Schools
2
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
2,800 residents2,850 residents2,900 residents2,950 residents3,000 residents 202020212022202320242025 2,969 residents 2,853 residents ▼ -3.9%
Wise's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
63.7%
Carpool
10.9%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
7.5%
Work from Home
17.9%

Based on 1,137 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Virginia - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$115
avg/month
Natural Gas
$70
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$50
avg/month
Total Utilities
$235
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Virginia state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Virginia state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Wise sits in

Cost of Living Index
101.1
Near Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$914/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
50.4 / 100
Low
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Virginia

Grottoes
2,926 people
Merrimac
2,955 people
Elkton
2,973 people
Timberville
2,998 people
Hillsville
2,869 people
Pearisburg
2,864 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Wise's 2,940 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Farm Loop, AK
2,940 people
Wendell, ID
2,940 people
Buzzards Bay, MA
2,941 people
Bath, MI
2,938 people
Barrett, TX
2,938 people
Lake Point, UT
2,938 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Wise's $44,234 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Ames, TX
$44,236 median income
Bayview CDP (Humboldt County), CA
$44,239 median income
Danville, IL
$44,239 median income
Sterling, CO
$44,242 median income
Walkerville, MT
$44,226 median income
East Griffin, GA
$44,219 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Wise, VA Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Wise, VA - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 94.7% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 0.9% White 94.7% Black or African American 0.0% Asian 0.4% American Indian 0.0% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 0.0% Two or more races 4.9% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Wise compares to nearby Virginia cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Wise (this city) 2,940 $44,234
Grottoes 2,926 $84,508
Merrimac 2,955 $55,202
Elkton 2,973 $61,385
Census ACS 5-year FIPS VA FBI UCR NOAA Normals NCES CCD OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Wise, VA?

What is the population of Wise, VA? +

Wise, VA has a population of 2,940 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Wise, VA? +

Median annual household income in Wise runs $44,234, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Wise? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Wise; the closest available measure is the Virginia state average, a cost of living index of 101.1 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Near Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Virginia vary by metro area.

Is Wise, VA safe? +

Wise has a total crime rate of 2376.8 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in Wise, VA? +

Homes in Wise carry a median value of $118,100, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the climate like in Wise? +

Wise has an average annual temperature of 53.4°F, 51.6 inches of precipitation, and 47.1 inches of snowfall per year. Source: NOAA Climate Normals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES CCD, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities Editorial

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.