Russell
Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Russell County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 7% of American counties (7 of 100), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 9% of American counties ($601 a month), and the overdose death rate is in the top 9% of American counties (35 per 100,000). Within Virginia it ranks 17th of 133 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Russell County, Virginia. 25,763 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +209).

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 $44,088 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,286. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 56% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

Virginia takes 5.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,278 a year.

Home

The median home costs $139K, cheaper than 88% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $601 a month. Property tax is 0.57% of home value, roughly $638 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.8 years, shorter than 72% of American counties. There are 18 active physicians in the county, about 7.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.28 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 83% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 50 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% 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 65 and lows near 43, colder than 56% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 7 out of 100, safer than 93% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 259 Mbps down, faster than 78% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.