Special Interest
Housing in Wise County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Wise County averages $790/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Virginia median of $1,579 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 22% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Wise County FMR Area are $692 for a studio, $697 for 1‑bedroom, $914 for 2‑bedroom, $1,205 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,429 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $124 increase for a 2-bedroom in Wise County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Wise County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to Virginia at 2.9% and the national rate of 4.0%.
