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Relocation Information
Location
Smyth County is located in Southwest Virginia. Interstate 81
runs through the county's central valley, and intersects with
Interstate 77 approximately 25 miles northeast of the Town of
Marion, the seat of county government.
Smyth County's prime location in the southeastern United States
and its interstate highway access, combined with the quality of
its work force, have made it one of the prime manufacturing
centers in Virginia in recent years. Industry representatives
cite the county workforce's productivity, loyalty, trainability,
and outstanding work ethic as a major determinant in their
location decisions. Modern technology has brought the Internet
to Smyth County, and is expected to expand the opportunities of
residents and businesses.
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Distance to Major
Cities |
| City |
Miles |
Kilometers |
 |
| Atlanta, GA |
358 |
576 |
| Charleston, SC |
372 |
599 |
| Charlotte, NC |
155 |
249 |
| Chattanooga, TN |
276 |
444 |
| Cincinnati, OH |
378 |
608 |
| Greensboro, NC |
142 |
228 |
| Knoxville, TN |
162 |
261 |
| Lexington, KY |
292 |
470 |
| Nashville, TN |
349 |
562 |
| Norfolk, VA |
369 |
594 |
| Pittsburgh, PA |
368 |
592 |
| Raleigh/Durham, NC |
193 |
311 |
| Richmond, VA |
275 |
442 |
| Roanoke, VA |
104 |
167 |
| Washington, DC |
343 |
552 |
Smyth County Facts
| Population |
33,081 (2000 est.) |
33,000 (1993) |
| Average Temp, Jan. |
31F |
-1C |
| Average Temp, July |
71F |
22C |
| Average Annual Rainfall |
41 inches |
104 cm |
| Average Annual Snowfall |
20 inches |
51 cm |
| Degree Days |
4,394 Heating |
709 Cooling |
| Elevation |
1,740-5,729 feet |
530-1,746 meters |
Population
Based on the 2000 Census, the population of Smyth County is
33,081, with populations in the incorporated communities, Marion
6,349, Chilhowie 1,827, and Saltville 2,204. For more
information click
here.
Climate
The average temperature in mid-summer is 71 degrees, with
the average mid-winter temperature of 31. Annual precipitation
averages 41 inches, with an average snowfall of 20 inches.
Education
All Smyth County Schools are accredited by the Virginia
Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools, which has named Smyth County one of its Super
Systems for Quality Schools Several years in a row. 40% of Smyth
County's teachers have advanced degrees. Approximately 75% of
Smyth County graduates continue their educations after high
school. For a listing of Schools and Colleges that serve the
Smyth County area, click here.
Government
Smyth County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, whose
members are elected from each of the seven magisterial districts
in the county. A County Administrator is appointed by the board.
Smyth County has a Planning Commission, an Industrial
Development Authority, a comprehensive plan, zoning and
subdivision ordinances. Marion, Chilhowie, and Saltville are
incorporated towns with Mayor/Council forms of Government.
Industry
There are approximately 30 industries producing a wide
variety of products in Smyth County. Agriculture also makes
a significant contribution to the county's economy.
Click here for a listing of major
industrial and service employers.
Medical
Primary provider of health care services is the 176-bed
Smyth County Community Hospital with modern intensive care
units, major surgery rooms and a dedicated staff of doctors and
medical professionals. In addition to the hospital, located in
Marion, Smyth County has four clinics to assist in serving the
needs of the community. They are the Greever Clinic in
Chilhowie, the Physician Care of Saltville, the Saltville
Medical Center, located in Saltville, and the Troutdale Medical
Center in Troutdale. Nursing home care is provided by the
Francis Marion Manor of Marion and the Valley Health Care Center
located in Chilhowie. Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Care
Center located in Chilhowie. Southwestern Virginia Mental Health
Institute provides inpatient psychiatric treatment and
rehabilitation for the region's adolescents, adults, and
geriatric aged persons. Referral is through the local Community
Services Board in each county. Mount Rogers Community Health and
Mental Retardation Services Board provide services for adults
and children with mental and physical disabilities. The Smyth
County Health Department provides varies services throughout the
county, with offices in Marion and Saltville.
Transportation
Smyth County is traversed by Interstate 81, and is located
only 25 miles southwest of Interstate 77 in Wythe County. Seven
interchanges bring traffic off the interstate into the
communities and provide easy access to the majority of Smyth
County. 21 motor freight carriers and 4 terminals serve the
area. Air Transportation is provided by Tri-Cities Regional
Airport and Roanoke Regional Airport, and general aviation
facility with 5,250-foot lighted runway is available at the
Mountain Empire Airport, located nine miles west of Marion. A
Norfolk Southern mainline provides bulk and mixed freight
service, containerized piggyback and team track service to Smyth
County.
Utilities
Electricity for Smyth County is provided by Appalachian
Power Company. Atmos Energy Corporation and Virginia Gas Company
are the local providers for natural gas. Water is provided by
the towns of Marion, Chilhowie and Saltville, and the Thomas
Bridge Water Corporation. Telephone service is provided by
Sprint. Click here for our newcomer's information guide.
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