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Moving to Atkins, Virginia

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The current estimated population of Atkins, Virginia, is 1,100, with 49% male and 51% female. The population has remained stable, with little change over the years, due to its rural nature and small-town setting.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1856
  • County Affiliation: Smyth County
  • Land Area: 1.5 square miles
  • Population Density: 733 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 276
  • Zip Codes: 24311

Geography and Location

Atkins, Virginia, is a small unincorporated community located in Smyth County, in the southwestern part of the state. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the town enjoys a scenic, mountainous landscape that is typical of this region. Atkins is located near Interstate 81, providing easy access to larger cities such as Wytheville and Abingdon, both of which are within a 30-mile radius.

The town’s geography is shaped by its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the Jefferson National Forest, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. The area is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and small rivers and streams. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with farms dotting the surrounding landscape, though tourism has also become an important part of the economy due to the town’s access to outdoor recreational activities.

Atkins experiences a temperate climate, with cool, crisp winters and warm, humid summers. The Appalachian Mountains influence the weather patterns, contributing to higher precipitation levels, especially in the form of snow during the winter months. Despite its small size, Atkins is known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment, making it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.5 years
Median household income: $26,667
Median house value: $73,900

Population by Race

Races in Atkins:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.6%)
  • Hispanic (0.9%)
  • Other race (0.5%)
  • American Indian (0.5%)

Ancestries: United States (31.8%), German (11.3%), English (6.0%), Irish (3.9%), Scottish (3.7%), Scotch-Irish (1.8%).

Elevation: 2291 feet

Land area: 5.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Atkins

  • High school or higher: 68.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.0%
  • Unemployed: 3.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Atkins CDP

  • Never married: 16.6%
  • Now married: 55.0%
  • Separated: 6.9%
  • Widowed: 12.8%
  • Divorced: 8.8%

0.0% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Atkins:

  • SMYTH COUNTY COMM HOSP (about 9 miles; MARION, VA)
  • SOUTHWESTERN VA MENTAL HEALTH INST (about 9 miles; MARION, VA)
  • SOUTHWESTERN VA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUT (about 9 miles; MARION, VA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atkins:

  • RALEIGH COUNTY MEMORIAL (about 67 miles; BECKLEY, WV; Abbreviation: BKW)
  • TRI-CITIES RGNL TN/VA (about 74 miles; BRISTOL/JOHNSON/KINGSPORT, TN; Abbreviation: TRI)
  • HICKORY REGIONAL (about 79 miles; HICKORY, NC; Abbreviation: HKY)

Other public-use airports nearest to Atkins:

  • MOUNTAIN EMPIRE (about 6 miles; MARION/WYTHEVILLE, VA; Abbreviation: MKJ)
  • TAZEWELL COUNTY (about 29 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Abbreviation: 6V3)
  • ASHE COUNTY (about 32 miles; JEFFERSON, NC; Abbreviation: GEV)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atkins:

  • BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE (about 32 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,096)
  • SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 32 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,412)
  • CONCORD COLLEGE (about 49 miles; ATHENS, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,723)
  • APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 50 miles; BOONE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 12,245)
  • NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 54 miles; DUBLIN, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,262)
  • RADFORD UNIVERSITY (about 63 miles; RADFORD, VA; Full-time enrollment: 8,034)
  • NORTHEAST STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 71 miles; BLOUNTVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,729)

Public primary/middle school in Atkins:

  • ATKINS ELEM. (Students: 201; Location: 5903 LEE HWY; Grades: PK – 05)

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