Wise, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,916
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,596/yr
21.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,484
0.4% year-over-year change

Wise population

How many people live in Wise

Wise is home to 2,916 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Wise locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
2,916
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
1,519
Female
47.9%
1,397
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,519 52.1% 1.3%
Female 1,397 47.9% -3.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Wise is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.7% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
29.7%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 571 19.6% -6.2%
15 to 24 317 10.9% -22.1%
25 to 44 866 29.7% 15.5%
45 to 64 648 22.2% -11.2%
Over 65 514 17.6% 15.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Wise, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,704 92.7% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 112 3.8% 80.7%
Non-citizens 100 3.4% 81.8%
Racial breakdown
White
95.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,782 95.4%
Asian 10 0.3%
Two or more races 124 4.2%

Households in Wise

A peek inside Wise households

Wise has 1,298 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,298
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
535
Family households
763
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 535 41.2% -0.6%
Family households 763 58.8% 3.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Wise

The housing landscape of Wise

Wise's housing consists of 1,484 units, with 58% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 22.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,484
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 860 58%
2 units 64 4.3%
3 or 4 units 11 0.7%
5 to 9 units 94 6.3%
10 to 19 units 72 4.8%
50 or more units 49 3.3%
Mobile home 334 22.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wise

In Wise, the median construction year is 1982. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 121 8.2% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 23 1.6% -72.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 211 14.2% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 116 7.8% 14.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 209 14.1% -19.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 413 27.8% 23.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 238 16% 9.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 74 5% -18.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 5.3% 21.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Wise occupancy rates

Out of the 1,298 occupied housing units in Wise, 71.3% are owner-occupied, while 28.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,298
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
372
Owner occupied
926
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 372 28.7% -8.8%
Owner occupied 926 71.3% 6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Wise housing costs

Housing costs in Wise come to a median of $758 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $825.

Median housing costs per month
$758/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Wise
$825/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Wise

Wise education at a glance

About 43.6% of the population in Wise went to high school, while 25.4% pursued college studies. Another 3.7% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 79 3.4% -36.3%
High school diploma 1,000 43.6% 12.6%
College diploma 583 25.4% 15.0%
Associate degree 85 3.7% -40.1%
Bachelor's degree 304 13.2% -2.2%
Graduate degree 244 10.6% -8.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Wise

How much people earn in Wise

The average annual household income in Wise was $76,409 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +20% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,596, reflecting a +21.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wise
$76,409/year
20.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wise
$53,596/year
21.2% year-over-year change

Wise income by age

In Wise, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,214. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,069 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,888, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,306 in earnings. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,888 -32.6%
25 - 44 $52,214 8.4%
45 - 64 $54,069 33.5%
Over 65 $44,306 9.3%
Above poverty level
2,450
Below poverty level
350
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,450 87.5% 10.1%
Below poverty level 350 12.5% -42.0%

Average renter income in Wise

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wise, their median household income was $33,798 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,798
Rent-to-income ratio
29.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wise

Workforce and job types in Wise

The job market in Wise is powered by 1,293 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 55% are employed by private companies, and 35% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,293
11.1% year-over-year change
White collar
993
Blue collar
300
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 993 76.8% 7.8%
Blue collar 300 23.2% 23.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
55%
Governmental workers
35%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 81 6.3% 80.0%
Private companies 711 55% -0.7%
Governmental workers 452 35% 32.2%
Not for profit companies 49 3.8% -19.7%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-48.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wise stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Wise

How people get around in Wise

Commuting methods vary: 75.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 940 75.9% 10.8%
Walk 37 3% -56.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Wise by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24293 9,786 4,123 $63,413 $74,300

Explore more communities

FAQs about Wise demographics 

What is the total population of Wise?

Wise has a total population of 2,916 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wise?

The gender ratio in Wise is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (1,519 residents)
  • 47.9% females (1,397 residents)

What is the median age in Wise?

The median age in Wise is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wise?

The age distribution in Wise is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (571 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (317 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.7% (866 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (648 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (514 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wise?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wise is as follows:
  • White: 95.4% (2,782 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (124 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Wise are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Wise.

How many housing units are there in Wise?

There are 1,484 housing units in Wise, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Wise and what is the average household size?

Wise has a total of 1,298 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wise?

Wise has a median household income of $53,596, representing a +21.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wise?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Wise, with a workforce of 1,293 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.8% (993 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.2% (300 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (81 residents)
  • Private companies: 55% (711 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 35% (452 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (49 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025