Is Tazewell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tazewell

Tazewell, Virginia, offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Nestled in the Appalachian region, this town provides a close-knit community feel where residents often form strong connections with their neighbors. The surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and appreciation of natural scenery.

The town’s affordability is a significant draw, with housing costs notably lower than both state and national averages. This economic advantage allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial pressures often associated with more urban areas. Tazewell’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a peaceful environment, a strong sense of community, and a cost-effective living situation.

Is it Safe to Live in Tazewell?

Tazewell presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 50% lower than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic is bolstered by a notable reduction in violent crimes, which are 54.5% lower than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While property crimes are also lower than the national average, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood within the town. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Tazewell is approximately 1 in 96 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Safety is a priority, and the town has seen a decrease in crime rates over recent years, with year-over-year crime decreasing by 74.6% (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

Housing Costs

The housing market in Tazewell is characterized by its remarkable affordability. The median home value is around $113,700, which is substantially lower than the national median of $350,000 (as reported by Kurby AI). This makes homeownership a more attainable goal for many individuals and families.

Tazewell’s overall cost of living is also lower than both the Virginia average and the national average. Specifically, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average and 18% lower than the Virginia average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Tazewell are approximately 35% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, the median rent price in Tazewell County is approximately $795 per month (as reported by Niche). This figure suggests a competitive rental market with potentially limited availability, as indicated by only 11 rental listings in Tazewell County (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). Renters with a median income of $45,671 should aim to keep their monthly rent-related costs below $1,066 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

Tazewell County has a labor force of 13,173 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% (as reported by Tazewell County Business Development). The primary employment sectors in Tazewell County include Health Care and Social Services, Retail, and Banking, Finance, and Insurance (as reported by Tazewell County Business Development). Major employers in the county include Tazewell County Public Schools, Walmart, and Clinch Valley Community Hospital (as reported by Tazewell County, VA VCE Publications).

Salaries and Income

The median household income in Tazewell County was approximately $47,300 between 2020 and 2024 (as reported by USAFacts). For Tazewell, VA specifically, the median wage is around $42.6K per year (as reported by Indeed). The average annual salary for employees at Tazewell County Virginia is reported to be $74,595, with an approximate hourly wage of $36 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures

Tazewell experiences a mild climate with moderate temperature variations throughout the year. Summers are generally warm, with July being the hottest month, featuring average high temperatures around 81.3°F (27.4°C) and average low temperatures around 59.5°F (15.3°C) (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 38.3°F (3.5°C) and average low temperatures around 23.9°F (-4.5°C) (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Snowfall

The area receives adequate rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 45 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, while September sees the least rainfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average of 32 inches of snow annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snow typically falls from January through May and again from October through December.

Education and Schools

School District Performance

Tazewell County Public Schools are highly regarded, earning an overall B+ grade and ranking 18th out of 129 school districts in Virginia (as reported by Niche). The district demonstrates strong academic performance, with an average math proficiency score of 81% and a reading proficiency score of 80%, both exceeding Virginia’s public school averages (as reported by Niche). Testing ranks are based on combined math and reading proficiency scores, with Tazewell County Public Schools ranking in the top 10% of Virginia public schools (as reported by Niche).

Notable Schools

Several schools within the district have received high marks. Graham High School, Cedar Bluff Elementary School, and Tazewell Primary School are among the top-ranked institutions (as reported by Niche). Tazewell Intermediate School, for example, is an above-average public school with 364 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Population and Diversity

As of the latest available data, Tazewell has a population of approximately 4,390 people (as reported by Data USA). The town is predominantly White, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents making up the largest demographic group (as reported by Data USA). Other significant racial or ethnic groups include Black or African American residents and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Household Composition

The median age in Tazewell is around 44.5 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (48.2 years) compared to males (42.7 years) (as reported by US Census Bureau). A significant portion of the population is aged 65 and older, indicating a notable retiree presence. Households in Tazewell show a mix of family structures, with married couples, single-parent households, and non-family households all represented.