Wise County, Virginia

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Wise County
U.S. county
County of Wise
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Wise
Area
• Total	405 sq mi (1,050 km2)
• Land	403 sq mi (1,040 km2)
• Water	2 sq mi (5 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	35,803
• Density	88/sq mi (34/km2)

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Wise County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,803. Its county seat is Wise, and the largest town is Big Stone Gap. The county was formed in 1856 from parts of Lee, Scott, and Russell counties and was named after Henry A. Wise, who was then the Governor of Virginia.

History

Wise County was established in 1856 and named after Henry A. Wise, the Governor of Virginia at the time. The county has a rich history tied to the coal mining industry, which has been a significant part of its economy and culture.

Geography

Wise County is located in the southwestern part of Virginia. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 405 square miles, of which 403 square miles is land and 2 square miles is water.

Adjacent counties

• Dickenson County (northeast)
• Russell County (east)
• Scott County (southeast)
• Lee County (southwest)
• Harlan County, Kentucky (northwest)
• Letcher County, Kentucky (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 35,803 people residing in the county. The population density was 89 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

Economy

The economy of Wise County has historically been dominated by the coal mining industry. In recent years, there has been a shift towards diversification, with efforts to promote tourism and other industries.

Education

Wise County is served by the Wise County Public Schools system. Higher education institutions in the county include University of Virginia's College at Wise.

Communities

Towns

• Appalachia
• Big Stone Gap
• Coeburn
• Norton (independent city)
• Pound
• St. Paul (partly in Russell County)
• Wise

Unincorporated communities

• Esserville
• Tacoma

Notable people

• George C. Scott, Academy Award-winning actor, was born in Wise.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Wise County, Virginia
• List of counties in Virginia