Moving to Abingdon, Virginia
The current estimated population of Abingdon is 8,375, including 48% male and 52% female. The population has grown moderately, driven by its cultural heritage and location as a tourist destination along the Appalachian Trail.
City Facts
- Founded: 1778
- County: Washington County
- Land Area: 8.3 square miles
- Population Density: 1,009 people per square mile
- Area Code: 276
- Zip Code: 24210, 24211
Geography and Location
Abingdon is located in southwestern Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Virginia Creeper Trail. It serves as the county seat of Washington County and is a key cultural hub for the region, known for its historic downtown and attractions such as the Barter Theatre. The town is located near the border of Tennessee, with the city of Bristol about 15 miles away, providing access to additional urban amenities. Abingdon is famous for its rich Appalachian culture, scenic views, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The local economy thrives on tourism, arts, and healthcare, and the town’s proximity to Interstate 81 makes it an accessible and popular destination. Abingdon’s small-town charm and vibrant cultural scene have contributed to its growth and appeal to new residents and visitors.
Demographics
Median resident age: 42.4 years
Median household income: $30,976
Median house value: $100,100
Population by Race
Races in Abingdon:
- White Non-Hispanic (94.4%)
- Black (3.4%)
- Hispanic (0.8%)
- Two or more races (0.6%)
Ancestries: United States (17.3%), German (11.4%), English (10.7%), Irish (9.4%), Scotch-Irish (5.2%), Scottish (2.5%).
Elevation: 2069 feet
Land area: 8.3 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Abingdon
- High school or higher: 78.4%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 14.2%
- Unemployed: 4.9%
- Mean travel time to work: 19.6 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Abingdon town
- Never married: 19.0%
- Now married: 55.3%
- Separated: 3.5%
- Widowed: 11.3%
- Divorced: 10.9%
0.9% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: +589 (+8.2%).
Hospitals
Hospital/medical center in Abingdon:
- JOHNSTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (351 N COURT ST)
Other hospitals/medical centers near Abingdon:
- RUSSELL CNTY MED CNTR (about 15 miles; LEBANON, VA)
- SELECT SPECIALTY HOSPITAL-TRICITIES (about 17 miles; BRISTOL, TN)
- JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH CENTER (about 21 miles; MOUNTAIN CITY, TN)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Abingdon:
- TRI-CITIES RGNL TN/VA (about 34 miles; BRISTOL/JOHNSON/KINGSPORT, TN; Abbreviation: TRI)
- HICKORY REGIONAL (about 79 miles; HICKORY, NC; Abbreviation: HKY)
- RALEIGH COUNTY MEMORIAL (about 95 miles; BECKLEY, WV; Abbreviation: BKW)
Other public-use airports nearest to Abingdon:
- VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS (about 5 miles; ABINGDON, VA; Abbreviation: VJI)
- JOHNSON COUNTY (about 23 miles; MOUNTAIN CITY, TN; Abbreviation: 6A4)
- TAZEWELL COUNTY (about 27 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Abbreviation: 6V3)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/Universities in Abingdon:
- VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 1,367; Location: PO BOX 828; Public; Website: www.vh.cc.va.us)
- WASHINGTON COUNTY ADULT SKILL CENTER (Full-time enrollment: 231; Location: 848 THOMPSON DR; Public)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Abingdon:
- SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 30 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,412)
- NORTHEAST STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 30 miles; BLOUNTVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,729)
- APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 39 miles; BOONE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 12,245)
- EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 40 miles; JOHNSON CITY, TN; Full-time enrollment: 9,498)
- BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE (about 66 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,096)
- CATAWBA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 82 miles; HICKORY, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,052)
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE (about 85 miles; ASHEVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,759)
Schools
Public high schools in Abingdon:
- ABINGDON HIGH (Students: 984; Location: 705 THOMPSON DR; Grades: 09 – 12)
- A. LINWOOD HOLTON GOV SCH (Location: SOUTHWEST VA HIGHER ED CENTER; Grades: 09 – 12)
Private high school in Abingdon:
- TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 46; Location: PO BOX 1182 WALDEN RD; Grades: 1 – 12)
Public primary/middle schools in Abingdon:
- E. B. STANLEY MIDDLE (Students: 699; Location: 297 STANLEY ST; Grades: 06 – 08)
- WATAUGA ELEM. (Students: 506; Location: 23181 WATAUGA RD; Grades: PK – 05)
- ABINGDON ELEM. (Students: 446; Location: 19431 WOODLAND HILLS RD; Grades: PK – 05)
- GREENDALE ELEM. (Students: 358; Location: 13092 MCGUFFIE RD; Grades: PK – 05)
- W.N.NEFF CTR FOR SCI & TECH (Location: 255 STANLEY ST; Grades: 00 – 00)
- WASHINGTON CO. TECHNICAL (Location: 850 THOMPSON DR; Grades: 00 – 00)
Libraries
Library in Abingdon:
- WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $1,312,008; Location: 205 OAK HILL STREET; 102,983 books; 8,393 audio materials; 2,816 video materials; 240 serial subscriptions)