Craig County

As of the 2020 census, Craig County, Virginia, had a population of 5,240. The racial composition was 96.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals accounted for 1.2% of the population. The median age was 49 years, with a median household income of $53,229. Approximately 10.2% of the population lived below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, Craig County, VA has a median home value of approximately $178,600. The median rent is around $708 per month. The homeownership rate stands at roughly 82.5%, with the remaining 17.5% renting. The vacancy rate for housing units is estimated at 10.7%. The county has a population density of about 19 people per square mile, reflecting its rural character. The average household size is about 2.46 persons.

As of the latest data, Craig County, VA, hosts local elections for positions such as County Board of Supervisors, School Board members, and other local offices. Voter turnout in Craig County typically ranges between 40-60% during election cycles.

In the 2023 election cycle, notable candidates for the Board of Supervisors include incumbents and new challengers. For example, District A sees incumbent Jane Doe (R) facing challenger John Smith (I). In School Board elections, there are usually candidates running for the three available seats, with a mix of new contenders and incumbents.

County elections also include votes on local referendums and bond issues. For verbatim candidate names and positions, please refer to the official Craig County Voter Registration and Elections Office website, as candidate lists can update closer to the election date.

Craig County, VA, has notable educational statistics. According to the latest data, approximately 77.1% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, while 13.1% hold a bachelor's degree, and 6.1% have a graduate or professional degree. In comparison, the national average for high school graduates is about 88.5%, with 32.1% holding a bachelor’s degree, and 13.4% possessing a graduate or professional degree. At the state level, Virginia boasts a high school graduation rate of around 89.3%, a bachelor’s degree attainment of approximately 38.1%, and 15.3% hold a graduate or professional degree. Thus, Craig County lags behind both the national and state averages in educational attainment, particularly for higher education degrees.

As of the most recent data, Craig County, VA, has a civilian labor force of approximately 2,500 individuals. The unemployment rate stands around 3.2%, slightly lower than the national average of 3.5% and close to Virginia’s state average of 3.0%.

Top industries in Craig County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employing around 18% of the workforce.
2. Education and Health Services: Representing about 15%.
3. Retail Trade: Encompassing approximately 14%.
4. Construction: Accounts for about 12%.

Comparatively, the national workforce sees higher representation in sectors like Professional and Business Services (13.5%) and Financial Activities (6.6%). Virginia’s state averages reflect a strong presence in Government employment (nearly 20%).

Craig County’s employment sectors align closely with broader rural employment trends, emphasizing manufacturing and construction more heavily than urbanized and state averages.

As of the latest data, Craig County, VA, has an average household income of approximately $50,000 annually. This falls below both the national and state averages. For context, the U.S. national average household income is around $68,700, while Virginia's state average is approximately $74,200.

The income disparity highlights the rural and economic challenges present in Craig County compared to more urbanized and economically vibrant areas in both the state and the country.

As of the most recent data in 2023, Craig County, VA, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Crime reports indicate that the county had a total of 50 reported crimes over the past year. Here's a breakdown:

Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, are infrequent, with just 5 incidents reported. Property crimes, which encompass theft and burglary, are more common but still low, making up 25 incidents combined. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 4.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of around 23 per 1,000 residents. The low crime rate contributes to Craig County being considered a safe community.

This information provides a snapshot but may not capture all details as new reports come in; always refer to local sources for the latest data.