Districts

The county is divided into five magisterial districts with a supervisor elected from each district every four years. The districts are: Clintwood, Ervinton, Sandlick, Kenady, and Willis.

Adjacent counties

• Buchanan County, Virginia – northeast
• Russell County, Virginia – southeast
• Wise County, Virginia – southwest
• Pike County, Kentucky – northwest

National protected area

• Jefferson National Forest (part)

Major highways

• SR 63
• SR 72
• SR 80 (U.S. Bicycle Route 76)
• SR 83

2020 census

2000 census

As of the census^[11] of 2000, there were 16,395 people, 6,732 households, and 4,887 families residing in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile (19 people/km²). There were 7,684 housing units at an average density of 23 units per square mile (8.9 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.96% White, 0.35% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. 0.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,732 households, out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.00% were married couples living together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.10% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 26.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $23,431, and the median income for a family was $27,986. Males had a median income of $27,281 versus $17,695 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,822. About 16.90% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.80% of those under age 18 and 17.30% of those age 65 or over.

Public high schools

• Ridgeview High School

Public middle schools

• Ridgeview Middle School

Public elementary schools

• Clintwood Elementary School
• Ridgeview Elementary School

Radio station

• WDIC-FM

Towns

• Clinchco
• Clintwood
• Haysi

Census-designated place

• Dante (mostly in Russell County)

Other unincorporated communities

• Bee
• Caney Ridge
• Darwin
• Lick Fork
• McClure
• Nora
• Sandlick
• Trammel