Smyth
Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Smyth County in numbers, start here: home internet speed is in the top 2% of American counties (320 Mbps), the median household income is in the bottom 12% of American counties ($45,061), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 12% of American counties (-1.1 on the USDA scale). Within Virginia it ranks 4th of 133 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Smyth County, Virginia. 29,799 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +74).

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 $45,061 a year, lower than 88% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,271. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 59% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,334 a year.

Home

The median home costs $160K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $649 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $754 a year on that median home, lower than 74% of American counties. 68% 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 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.2 years, shorter than 86% of American counties. There are 37 active physicians in the county, about 12.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.09 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 63% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 58% 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 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 41, colder than 64% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 15 out of 100, safer than 85% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 320 Mbps down, faster than 98% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.