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Moving to Appalachia, Virginia

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The current estimated population of Appalachia is 1,500, with a gender distribution of 48% male and 52% female. The population has declined in recent years, reflecting economic challenges faced by many small towns in the Appalachian region, particularly those affected by the decline in coal mining.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1898
  • County: Wise County
  • Land area: 2.2 square miles
  • Population density: 682 people per square mile
  • Area code: 276
  • Zip code: 24216

Geography and Location

Appalachia is a small town located in southwestern Virginia, in Wise County. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the town is part of the coal-mining region that has historically been an economic driver for the area. Appalachia is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and scenic natural beauty. The town’s geography is characterized by its mountainous landscape, with steep hillsides and valleys, typical of the Appalachian region. Appalachia experiences a humid subtropical climate, with cool winters and warm summers, though the higher elevations can lead to more significant snowfall and cooler temperatures. The town is accessible via U.S. Route 23, which connects it to nearby cities such as Norton and Big Stone Gap. The local economy has traditionally been tied to coal mining, though the industry has been in decline for decades, leading to economic hardships. Despite these challenges, Appalachia remains a tight-knit community with a strong sense of local identity, supported by its natural beauty and access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Jefferson National Forest and other mountainous areas.

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.0 years
Median household income: $20,405
Median house value: $40,800

Population by Race

Races in Appalachia:

  • White Non-Hispanic (93.3%)
  • Black (4.6%)
  • Hispanic (1.2%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (18.5%), Irish (12.8%), English (11.6%), German (7.4%), Scotch-Irish (3.8%), Dutch (2.6%).

Elevation: 1651 feet

Land area: 2.3 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Appalachia

  • High school or higher: 63.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.2%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.4%
  • Unemployed: 10.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 23.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Appalachia town

  • Never married: 23.3%
  • Now married: 50.9%
  • Separated: 3.7%
  • Widowed: 11.9%
  • Divorced: 10.2%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -220 (-10.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Appalachia:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Appalachia:

  • TRI-CITIES RGNL TN/VA (about 41 miles; BRISTOL/JOHNSON/KINGSPORT, TN; Abbreviation: TRI)
  • TRI-STATE/MILTON J. FERGUSON FIELD (about 102 miles; HUNTINGTON, WV; Abbreviation: HTS)
  • ASHEVILLE REGIONAL (about 103 miles; ASHEVILLE, NC; Abbreviation: AVL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Appalachia:

  • LONESOME PINE (about 20 miles; WISE, VA; Abbreviation: LNP)
  • HAWKINS COUNTY (about 33 miles; ROGERSVILLE, TN; Abbreviation: RVN)
  • LEE COUNTY (about 35 miles; JONESVILLE, VA; Abbreviation: 0VG)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Appalachia:

  • NORTHEAST STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 39 miles; BLOUNTVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,729)
  • EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 51 miles; JOHNSON CITY, TN; Full-time enrollment: 9,498)
  • WALTERS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 60 miles; MORRISTOWN, TN; Full-time enrollment: 3,893)
  • SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 70 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,412)
  • CARSON-NEWMAN COLLEGE (about 73 miles; JEFFERSON CITY, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,073)
  • APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 88 miles; BOONE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 12,245)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE (about 89 miles; ASHEVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,759)

Schools

Public high school in Appalachia:

  • APPALACHIA HIGH (Students: 244; Location: 205 LEE ST; Grades: 08 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Appalachia:

  • APPALACHIA ELEM. (Students: 407; Location: 3965 KENT JUNCTION ROAD; Grades: PK – 07)

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