Madison
RANK #568 / 996 NAT · #11 / 37 VA · POP 53,985
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
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
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County scores 42/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#568). Median household income is $59,116 and job growth is running at +2.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Washington County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $181,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $796/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Washington County are hiring — job growth of +2.2% — but the population is close to flat (-0.0% YoY). Home values moved +0.1% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.17% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Washington County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.