Highland
Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Highland County is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), homeownership is in the top 2% of American counties (86%), and home internet speed is in the bottom 3% of American counties (59 Mbps). Within Virginia it ranks 1st of 133 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Highland County, Virginia. 2,247 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +61).

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 $57,070 a year, lower than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,493. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 90% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home.

Virginia takes 5.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,024 a year.

Home

The median home costs $282K, pricier than 65% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $690 a month. Property tax is 0.62% of home value, roughly $1,130 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 86% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 56% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 13.4 per 10,000 people. 9.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 points. 81% 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 50°F, highs near 61 and lows near 38, colder than 76% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 59 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.