Galax city
Virginia

What stands out

What stands out about Galax city: life expectancy is among the shortest in America (66.2 years), the restaurant count per person is in the top 2% of American counties (2.5 per 1,000), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Virginia it ranks 2nd of 133 counties for life expectancy, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Galax city, Virginia. 6,687 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +68).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $44,612 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,651. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 61% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Virginia takes 5.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,308 a year.

Home

The median home costs $177K, cheaper than 73% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $597 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $839 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 84% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 66.2 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.01 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 53% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 64 and lows near 43, colder than 59% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 253 Mbps down, faster than 75% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 2.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.