By Anita Firebaugh, Contributing Writer
Craig County residents are really into computers, according to U.S. Census Bureau. The Census reports that 95.3% of households have a computer, and 88.1% of those computer users have a broadband internet subscription. The major internet providers in Craig County are Bee Online Advantage, Citizens Telephone Cooperative, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative, and TDS Telecom, according to information available online.
“The Board of Supervisors considers this a very important service to our citizens,” County Administrator Dan Collins said of internet access. “They consider internet service as an essential utility just as important as electricity.”
The Board created a Broadband Committee several years ago to help oversee this necessary service, he added.
The Census information offers an interesting glimpse of Craig County’s rural yet vibrant community atmosphere. The county’s population of approximately 4,843 as of July 2023 has created a unique sense of place that can only be found in close-knit areas.
Demographics and Population
Craig County has seen a slight population decrease of 1.0% since the 2020 Census. The county’s demographic profile is predominantly White, with 97.0% of the population identifying as such. Other racial groups include Black or African American (0.6%), American Indian and Alaska Native (0.5%), and Asian (0.5%). The Hispanic or Latino population stands at 1.5%.
Age and Gender
The age distribution in Craig County highlights a significant proportion of older residents, with 26.1% of the population aged 65 and over. Children under 18 make up 16.6% of the population, and those under 5 years account for 4.3%. The gender balance is nearly even, with females comprising 50.1% of the population.
Housing and Living Arrangements
There are 2,615 housing units in Craig County. Housing in Craig County is characterized by a high rate of owner-occupied units, at 80.9%. The median value of these homes is $184,700. A high percentage of residents live in the same house as the previous year (92.3%). For those with a mortgage, the median monthly cost is $1,296, while those without a mortgage pay a median of $383. Renters face a median gross rent of $687.
Education
Education levels in Craig County show that 87.9% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, and 16.0% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Economy and Employment
The labor force participation rate in Craig County is 53.5% for the population aged 16 and over. The county’s economy includes sectors such as accommodation and food services, which generated $1.965 million in sales in 2017 (the last year for which numbers are available). Health care and social assistance also play a significant role, with receipts/revenue amounting to $3.723 million in the same year.
For more information, see these websites: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/craigcountyvirginia,US/PST045223
https://commonwealth-connection.com/
