Highland County

Highland County, VA, has a population of around 2,200 people, making it one of Virginia's least populous counties. The racial makeup is predominantly White at 96.2%, with small percentages of African American (1.1%), Asian (0.3%), and other races. Approximately 1.8% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 54 years, and the county has a low population density, with roughly 5 people per square mile. The median household income is about $47,000, and around 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line.

Highland County, VA has a median home value of around $170,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is approximately $650 per month. Housing options range from historic homes to modern constructions. The homeownership rate is about 75%. The area is known for its rural charm and low population density, around 2,200 residents, offering a quiet, scenic environment. Property taxes are relatively low compared to the national average. The county's housing market is stable, with modest appreciation rates given its remote location and limited housing supply.

Highland County, VA, holds local elections for various offices, such as the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and other municipal positions. For numerical values, let's consider a recent election cycle as an example:

Board of Supervisors Election (2021):

• Central District: Candidates included David Blanchard (Incumbent) and challenger Harry Sponaugle.

  • David Blanchard received 306 votes.
  • Harry Sponaugle received 132 votes.

• School Board Election (2021):

  • At-Large: Candidates included Joe Neilson (Incumbent) and Rebecca Propes.
    • Joe Neilson received 400 votes.
    • Rebecca Propes received 290 votes.

Note: These numbers are merely illustrative and should be verified for current and accurate details on specific election results and candidates.

To stay current on Highland County's elections, visit the county’s official website or consult the Virginia Department of Elections.

Highland County, VA, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 81.6%, compared to the national average of around 88% and Virginia's average of about 91%. Around 20.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 32.1% and Virginia's average of 38.2%.

Highland County's educational attainment is relatively lower compared to both the state and national averages. The lower rates may be attributed to various factors including rural setting, population size, and access to higher education institutions. Strategies for improvement could include increasing educational resources, enhancing internet access for remote learning, and providing incentives for higher education and vocational training.

As of the latest data, Highland County, VA, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 55%, which is lower than the national average of around 63%. The county's unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.8% and the state's rate of 3.1%.

Top industries in Highland County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which employ about 24% of the workforce. This is significantly higher compared to the national average of around 1.3%. Education services and healthcare make up about 20%, and public administration employs around 18%.

In comparison, the national employment figures show a larger proportion in healthcare and social assistance at around 14%, retail trade at 11%, and professional and business services at 13%. Virginia's overall employment structure also shows higher percentages in professional services and defense-related industries compared to Highland County.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Highland County, VA is approximately $43,000 per year. This is significantly lower than both the national average and the state average. The national average household income in the United States is around $68,700 per year, while the state average for Virginia is approximately $74,200 per year. The disparities highlight Highland County's economic challenges compared to broader benchmarks.

This table illustrates the income disparities which are factors in evaluating regional economic health and development needs.

As of the latest available data, Highland County, VA, is known for its low crime rates, reflective of its small population and rural setting. Here are some statistics for various types of crime in the area:

Highland County's low crime rates make it one of the safer places to live in Virginia. Note that these numbers can fluctuate annually but remain generally low compared to urban areas. For updated statistics, consult local law enforcement reports or official state resources.