RANK #443 / 996 · POP 53,985 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Washington County, Virginia, is often recognized for Damascus, known as "Trail Town USA," where seven national trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, converge. Located in Southwest Virginia, the county is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a rural setting with access to outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, fishing, and river activities. Abingdon, the county seat, is a cultural hub with a historic district, the Barter Theatre, and Emory & Henry College. Commuting within the county and to nearby Bristol is generally manageable, with Interstate 81 running through its central valley.
Life in Washington County offers a blend of rural charm and community focus, attracting families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a slower pace. The public school system is above average, with four high schools and several elementary and middle schools. The economy is supported by agriculture, with over 1,600 farms, and a growing tourism sector driven by its outdoor attractions and historic sites. Recent economic developments include plans for new industrial parks and a proposed inland port at Oak Park Center for Business and Industry, which could bring new jobs and connect the region to the Port of Virginia.
Overvalued relative to economy
No data
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County has a Boom Town Index score of 56/100, ranking #443 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.2% and a median household income of $59,116, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Washington County is $181,000 with median rent at $796/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3266, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.2%. Home values changed +0.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.17% of Washington County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.