Giles County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Giles County, VA has a population of approximately 16,787. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.3%), followed by African American (2.0%), Asian (0.7%), and other races or multiple races (3.0%). The Hispanic or Latino population is about 1.3%. The median age is 46.3 years, with 18.0% under 18, and 19.8% 65 or older. The county's median household income is around $51,033, and about 14.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of 2023, Giles County, VA, has a median home value of approximately $165,000, with home appreciation over the past decade averaging around 4% annually. The median rent is about $750 per month. Housing units total roughly 7,000, with a homeowner rate of 75%. The county has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes, catering to diverse housing needs. The property tax rate is relatively low, enhancing affordability. Housing demand is stable, supported by the county's scenic beauty and proximity to tech hubs like Blacksburg.

Giles County, Virginia, conducts elections for local offices such as Board of Supervisors, School Board, and various constitutional offices. In recent elections, voter turnout has varied, often reflecting state and national election cycles. For the 2023 elections, key offices up for election include:

• Board of Supervisors: Candidates typically represent districts like Eastern, Western, Central, and At-Large.
• Constitutional Offices: These often include positions like Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, and Treasurer.

For example, as of the last reported elections:

• Board of Supervisors: Bob Giles ran in the Central District and secured 65% of the vote.
• Sheriff: Candidate Morgan Millirons received 70% support.

Specific candidates and numerical outcomes can change with each election cycle. For the latest information, checking Giles County's official website or local news sources is recommended.

Giles County, VA has a relatively lower education attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 80.5% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of around 88%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher stands at roughly 16%, compared to the U.S. average of about 33% and Virginia's average of approximately 38%. These values indicate that while a significant portion of the population has completed high school, higher education attainment lags behind both national and state levels.

As of recent data, Giles County, VA has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.3%, marginally higher than the national average of around 3.5% and the Virginia state average of 3.1%. The county’s workforce numbers around 7,000 individuals.

Top industries in Giles County include Manufacturing, Education and Health Services, and Retail Trade. Manufacturing is particularly significant, providing over 25% of employment, compared to the national average of around 8.5% and Virginia's 10.1%. Education and Health Services account for about 20% of jobs, aligning closely with national and state levels (approximately 23% and 22%, respectively). Retail Trade also plays a vital role, employing around 12% of the workforce, somewhat below the national average of 14%.

The strong emphasis on manufacturing distinguishes Giles County’s economic landscape from broader trends, indicating a localized specialization.

As of the most recent data, Giles County, Virginia has a median household income of approximately $51,997. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Virginia is around $74,222, and the national median household income is about $68,703.

Here's a breakdown:

Giles County's median household income lags behind both the state and national averages, reflecting a common trend for rural counties in Virginia. Economic factors, including industry distribution and employment opportunities, contribute to these differences.

As of the most recent data, Giles County, VA generally exhibits a lower crime rate compared to both state and national averages. The county experiences relatively low instances of violent crimes but has a moderate rate of property crimes. Below is a summary table of crime statistics:

These figures highlight that property-related incidents, especially larceny/theft, account for the majority of reported crimes in Giles County. Violent crime remains relatively rare. Note that these figures may vary slightly year to year.