Is Big Stone Gap Safe, Pros and cons of living in Big Stone Gap

Big Stone Gap, Virginia, offers a unique blend of Appalachian charm and a slower pace of life, making it an attractive option for those seeking a change from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, this town provides a picturesque setting with a strong sense of community. Its affordability and natural beauty are significant draws for potential residents.

The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the coal industry, which shaped its development and continues to influence its identity. This heritage, combined with its scenic surroundings, creates a distinctive atmosphere for Big Stone Gap. Understanding the various facets of life in Big Stone Gap, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and education, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Virginia town.

Is it Safe to Live in Big Stone Gap?

Crime Rates

Big Stone Gap presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying reports on its crime rates. Some sources indicate that the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, with violent crimes being particularly low. For instance, violent crimes are reported to be 67% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Big Stone Gap boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, with 118 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it as a safe city in this regard (according to AreaVibes).

However, other analyses suggest a different perspective. One report states that Big Stone Gap’s crime rate is higher than the national average across all communities, and relative to Virginia, its crime rate is higher than 82% of the state’s cities and towns (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also noted as being above the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 64 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The zip code 24219, which includes Big Stone Gap, has an overall crime index that is 6% above the national average, though it is considered a safe neighborhood with a grade of A (according to DoorProfit).

Safety Considerations

When considering safety, it’s important to look at specific crime types. Vehicle theft is identified as a concern within the 24219 zip code, with a crime index 33% above the national average (according to DoorProfit). Robbery, however, is noted as the lowest risk (according to DoorProfit). The cost of crime per resident in Big Stone Gap is higher than the national and state averages, amounting to approximately $536 per resident annually (according to Crime Grade).

Despite some concerning statistics, residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (according to Crime Grade). It is important to note that crime statistics can vary depending on the source and the methodology used for calculation, making it beneficial to consult multiple reports for a comprehensive understanding.

Cost of Living and Housing

Cost of Living Index

Big Stone Gap offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to both the national and state averages. The cost of living in Big Stone Gap is approximately 19% less than the national average and 20% less than the average city in Virginia (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability is a major draw for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets further. The overall cost of living index is calculated based on weighted estimates across major expense categories, including housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and more (according to AreaVibes).

The town is ranked among the places with the lowest cost of living in Virginia, sitting at #29 out of 532 (according to Niche). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making Big Stone Gap an attractive option for those prioritizing financial ease. Living costs are estimated to be around $2187 per month for singles and $4816 per month for families of four, reflecting a 12% decrease from the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com).

Housing Market

The housing market in Big Stone Gap is notably more affordable than the national average. The median home value in Big Stone Gap is around $163,000, which is substantially lower than the national median (according to Niche). Other reports place the median home value at approximately $140,137 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow), and another indicates a median listing price of $239K (according to realtor.com®). This makes homeownership a more attainable dream for many prospective residents.

Rental prices are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Big Stone Gap is approximately $575, while houses rent for an average of $1,156 (according to Zumper). Other sources indicate a median rent of $797 (according to Niche), and an average rent of $1,013 per month as of May 2026, which is 48% below the national average (according to Zumper). This affordability in both homeownership and renting contributes significantly to the town’s overall low cost of living.

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The job market in Big Stone Gap is characterized by a moderate unemployment rate and a growing, albeit modest, job market. The unemployment rate in Big Stone Gap is 5.3%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 3.7% (according to Economy in Big Stone Gap). However, employment in Big Stone Gap grew at a rate of 0.352% between 2023 and 2024, with the number of employees increasing from 1.42k to 1.43k (according to Data USA).

Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 9.9%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 33.5% (according to Economy in Big Stone Gap). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (according to Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Big Stone Gap is $59,253 per year or $28 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert).

Major Employers and Income

While specific major employers are not detailed, the town’s economy has historically been centered around the coal industry. Currently, employment sectors such as Health Care & Social Assistance play a significant role in the local job market (according to Data USA). The median household income in Big Stone Gap was reported as $54,581 in 2024 (according to World Population Review), with another source listing it at $56,173 (according to Livability.com). This income level is below the national average, but the lower cost of living helps to offset this difference.

The average per capita income in Big Stone Gap is $33,425 (according to World Population Review). The town’s economy also includes the presence of Wallens Ridge State Prison, which has contributed to the local economy (according to Wikipedia). The job market is powered by a number of working residents spread across various industries and roles.

Climate and Weather

Seasonal Temperatures

Big Stone Gap experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and short, cold, and wet winters (according to Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows around 65°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 27°F and highs around 44°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

The temperature typically varies between 27°F and 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 90°F (according to myPerfectWeather). This temperature range provides distinct seasonal experiences for residents.

Precipitation and Snowfall

Rainfall is present throughout the year in Big Stone Gap, with the wet season occurring from late March to late August. July sees the most precipitation, averaging around 3.5 inches (according to myPerfectWeather), and also has the highest chance of a wet day, at 45% on July 14 (according to myPerfectWeather). October is the driest month, with an average of 2.3 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is a winter occurrence, with the snowy period lasting from early December to mid-March. February typically receives the most snow, with an average of 2.6 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Annually, Big Stone Gap receives about 14 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The town receives an average annual precipitation of 55 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

School System

Big Stone Gap is served by the Wise County Public Schools district, which includes Union Primary, Union Middle, and Union High School. These schools have received high ratings, with Union Primary being ranked in the top 100 elementary schools in Virginia and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Big Stone Gap show strong performance, with average math proficiency scores of 85% and reading proficiency scores of 73% (according to Niche).

Overall, the public schools in Big Stone Gap have an average ranking of 9 out of 10, placing them in the top 20% of Virginia public schools (according to Niche). Minority enrollment is around 9% of the student body, which is less than the Virginia public school average (according to Niche). The district’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its performance metrics.

Population and Diversity

Big Stone Gap is home to a population of approximately 5,162 residents as of recent data (according to Data USA). The town’s population has been declining slightly, with a projected population of 5,125 for 2026 (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The racial makeup of Big Stone Gap is predominantly White, accounting for about 76.7% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 16.7% (according to Point2Homes).

The majority of residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage born outside the country (according to Data USA). The median age in Big Stone Gap is 41 years (according to World Population Review). The town’s demographic profile suggests a stable, long-term resident base with a strong sense of community.