County Profile and statistical digest
Transcript of County Profile and statistical digest
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ i
1.0 County Government .................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Operating and Capital Budget ...................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Tax Rates ....................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1 Real Estate Tax ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2 Personal Property Tax .......................................................................................................... 4
1.2.3 Meals Tax .............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2.4 Lodging Tax ........................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Tax Exemption Programs ............................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Per Capita Expenditures ............................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Debt Profile ................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Size of County Government ....................................................................................................... 12
2.0 Demographics ........................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Population .................................................................................................................................. 14
2.2 Race ............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3 Median Age ................................................................................................................................. 16
2.4 Educational Attainment ............................................................................................................. 17
2.5 Housing and Household Characteristics .................................................................................... 19
2.6 Per Capita Income ...................................................................................................................... 19
2.7 Median Household Income ........................................................................................................ 20
3.0 Local Economy .......................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Unemployment Rate .................................................................................................................. 21
3.2 Employment Base ....................................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Commercial and Residential Development Activity ................................................................. 24
3.4 Real Estate and Housing ................................................................................................................... 26
3.5 Tourism ....................................................................................................................................... 27
3.6 Lodging and Retail Sales ............................................................................................................. 28
4.0 Education .................................................................................................................. 30
4.1 School Enrollment ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.2 Per Pupil Spending ..................................................................................................................... 30
4.3 Composite Index (Ability to Pay) ............................................................................................... 31
4.4 Required Local Effort .................................................................................................................. 32
4.5 Accreditation .............................................................................................................................. 32
4.6 Standards of Learning (SOL) Test Scores ................................................................................... 33
4.7 High School Graduation Rate ..................................................................................................... 34
4.8 Dropout Rate .............................................................................................................................. 35
5.0 Public Safety ............................................................................................................. 36
5.1 Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................................ 36
5.2 Fire and Rescue ........................................................................................................................... 40
6.0 Health & Welfare ...................................................................................................... 42
6.1 Poverty ........................................................................................................................................ 42
6.2 Food Stamps ............................................................................................................................... 42
6.3 Birth Rate .................................................................................................................................... 44
6.4 Low Weight Births ...................................................................................................................... 44
6.5 Teen Pregnancy .......................................................................................................................... 45
6.6 Death Rate .................................................................................................................................. 45
7.0 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................................. 47
7.1 Facility Usage .............................................................................................................................. 47
7.2 County Fair .................................................................................................................................. 47
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 County Government
The County has a general fund budget of $69.1M. The total budget for all 14 operating funds is
$152.5M.
Local taxes comprise 81% of all general fund revenue and consist of general property taxes (real estate
and personal property) and other local taxes (bank stock, business license, communications sales,
consumer utility, consumption, lodging, meals, motor vehicle license, recordation and sales).
The real estate tax is the largest source of County revenue accounting for over 50% of general fund
revenue. Personal Property tax revenue is the 2nd largest source of County revenue or approximately
19% of general fund revenue.
Isle of Wight’s real estate tax rate of $.85 per $100 of assessed value is higher than most counties in
the region, but below the average for Hampton Roads cities ($1.13). Approximately $.15 of the
County’s real estate tax rate is attributable to the general fund subsidy provided to the public utilities
fund which is in its infancy and not yet self-sustaining.
The State of Virginia caps the amount of tax that can be charged by counties for lodging (2%) and
meals (4%). No such cap exists for cities and towns.
Tax exempt parcels represent approximately 10% of the total assessed value of all real estate in Isle
of Wight.
543 property owners are enrolled in the County’s tax relief for the elderly and disabled program. The
number of participants has increased 28% over the last 7 years. The amount of tax exemption
provided by the County has increased 106% to $338,921 over the last 7 years.
64 property owners are enrolled in the tax relief for Disabled Veterans Program mandated by the
State of Virginia. The number of participants has increased 48% in the last 3 years since the program’s
inception. The tax exemption amount provided by the County has increased 22% to $106,695.
The County spends approximately $2,715 per citizen on government services. Isle of Wight has the
fourth lowest per capita expenditures among the localities surveyed as part of this report.
Isle of Wight has a AA bond rating, but an above average debt per capita in comparison to other
similarly rated localities in Virginia.
The County has a low number of full-time employees compared to other localities at 6.8 per 1,000
citizens. The County has the second lowest FTEs per 1,000 citizens among the localities sampled as
part of this report.
2.0 Demographics
Isle of Wight has a population of 36,462 residents. The population has increased 15.5% over the last
10 years, 3rd fastest in Hampton Roads behind James City County (26%) and Suffolk (15.7%). The
County is anticipated to grow to over 40,000 residents by the year 2030.
The County is comprised of 71.8% White, 24.9% African American, and 1% Asian residents.
Approximately 1.9% of County residents are Hispanic.
Isle of Wight has a median age of 43.7 which is higher than the state (37.4) and national (37.2)
averages and among the highest in Hampton Roads.
Approximately 85.5% of County residents have graduated high school, which is lower than the state
(86.9%) and national (85.7%) averages. Approximately 25.8% of residents have a college degree,
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
which is also below the state (34.7%) and national (28.5%) averages. The County, however, has made
significant gains in educational attainment levels since 2000 with an increasing percentage of high
school and college graduates greater than the state and national average increases.
There are approximately 13,585 households in the County of which 80% are owner occupied and 20%
renters. The median value of owner occupied housing units is $252,000 which has increased
considerably since 2000 when the median value was $129,300.
The County has a per capita income of $45,247 which is below the state average ($48,377), but higher
than the national average ($43,735).
The County has a median household income of $64,491 which is higher than the state ($63,636) and
national ($53,046) averages.
3.0 Local Economy
Isle of Wight’s unemployment rate is currently 6%, slightly above the state average (5.7%), but lower
than the national average (6.3%). The County’s unemployment rate has generally followed the same
trend as the state and nation.
The top employment sectors by industry in the County include manufacturing (30%), other services -
government, utilities, etc. (20%), retail trade (8%), accommodation and food services (8%), and health
care and social assistance (7%).
Employment sectors that have experienced the most job growth over the last 10 years include
wholesale trade (159%), professional, scientific and technical services (102%), and administrative,
support, and waste management (95%). Employment declines have occurred in the following sectors:
management of companies and enterprises (-52%), arts, entertainment and recreation (-50%), and
manufacturing (-49%).
The number and value of commercial and residential building permits issued by the County declined
following the recession and housing crisis. The number and value of new residential permits have
increased in the last 3 years. New commercial permits, however, have continued to decline with the
exception of 2013.
The total taxable assessed value of real estate in the County increased sharply from FY 2004 to
FY 2010 before declining after the economic recession and housing crisis in FY 2011 and FY 2012. The
overall taxable value of real estate is comprised of 72% residential, 15% commercial/industrial, and
13% agricultural parcels. Residential and commercial/industrial parcels have increased as an overall
percentage, while agricultural property has decreased as a percentage of assessed value over the last
10 years.
Foreclosures dropped significantly in FY 2014 following a period of sustained increases between
FY 2007 and FY 2013. The number of foreclosures, as a percentage of total sales, is currently 6%. While
declining, foreclosures as a percentage of total sales are still higher than pre-recession levels.
Tourism expenditures in the County have increased 44% in the last 10 years.
Lodging and retail expenditures in the County have also increased 9% and 13%, respectively, over the
last 10 years. The County ranked 6th in the region in average retail sales growth over the last 10 years.
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
4.0 Education
School enrollment has increased 7% in the last 10 years to 5,507 students for the 2013-2014 school
year.
Isle of Wight spent approximately $10,040 per student in the 2012-2013 school year which ranked in
the middle of the localities sampled as part of this report and lower than the state average ($11,257)
for all school divisions.
The County’s ability to pay for public education, as calculated by the State composite index, has
generally increased in recent years.
The County spends 85% more than the required local effort for public education, as determined by
the State, which is higher than the state average (82%) and in the middle tier of the localities sampled
as part of this report.
78% of Isle of Wight Schools attained full accreditation for the 2013-2014 school year compared to
68% statewide. Carrollton and Hardy elementary schools were accredited with warning based on
math test results on the Standards of Learning (SOL) test.
Isle of Wight students performed well, overall, on the SOL tests in 2013-2014. Isle of Wight Public
Schools ranked in the top 30 or better out of 132 school divisions across the state in all subject matter
areas.
Isle of Wight Public Schools had a graduation rate of 92.6% for the 2013-2014 school year which is
higher than the state average (89.9%) and in the top tier of localities sampled as part of this report.
The dropout rate has significantly declined in the last 5 years to 3.6% in 2013-2014 and is lower than
the state average of 5.4%. Isle of Wight’s dropout rate is 3rd lowest among the localities sampled as
part of this report.
5.0 Public Safety
Isle of Wight spends approximately $129 per citizen for law enforcement compared to the average of
all counties in Virginia of $162.
The County has approximately 1.8 deputies per 1,000 citizens and roughly 6.8 deputies per square
mile which is in the middle tier of the localities sampled as part of this report.
The number of calls for service were flat from 2009 to 2012. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office received
44,278 calls for service, an increase of 17% over the previous year. The top calls for service over the
last 5 years include patrol checks, civil/criminal paper service, traffic stops, business checks, and house
checks.
825 incidents were reported in 2013 or 2,912 per 100,000 incidents. The incidents per 100,000 for
2013 were lower than most of the other localities sampled as part of this report.
The County spends approximately $88 per citizen on fire and rescue services. The average for all
counties in Virginia is $141 per citizen, which includes counties with career only fire and rescue
departments.
Calls for service are run by volunteer departments and County personnel. The County ran
approximately 57% of all emergency medical service calls for service in 2013 compared to 20%
volunteer run calls and 23% joint run calls by County and volunteer personnel. County run calls for
emergency medical service have increased from 34% in 2011 to 57% in 2013.
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
6.0 Health & Welfare
Approximately 10.5% of county residents live in poverty, which is below the state (11.1%) and national
(14.9%) averages.
Approximately 4,000 residents are receiving food stamp assistance from the Isle of Wight Department
of Social Services. The number of residents receiving foods stamp assistance has increased 68% in the
last 10 years, which is consistent with other localities in the region.
The County’s birth rate has declined from 11.5 to 8.5 births per 1,000 citizens in the last 10 years and
below the region (11.4) and state (12.6) averages.
Low weight births account for approximately 7% of all babies born in Isle of Wight which is below the
region (8.6%) and state (8.2%) averages.
Teen pregnancy has declined significantly over the last 10 years. The County’s teen pregnancy rate of
9.9 per 1,000 is lower than the region (17.6) and state (16.7) averages.
The County’s death rate is 8.6 per 1,000, lower than the region (8.7), but higher than the state (7.2)
averages.
The top causes of death in the County include cancer, heart diseases, chronic lower respiratory
diseases, unintentional injury, and Alzheimer’s disease.
7.0 Parks and Recreation
County parks and recreation facilities were utilized over 100,000 times in 2014. Carrollton Nike Park
was the most heavily used park at 77,669 visitors followed by Heritage Park (35,186), and Camptown
Park (8,602).
Over 33,000 people attended the County Fair in 2012 and 2013. Fair attendance declined to 25,160 in
2014 which is attributable to bad weather.
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION I
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.0 County Government The County of Isle of Wight is comprised of an elected governing body, the Board of Supervisors, which
consists of five members representing each of the County’s five magisterial districts including Carrsville,
Hardy, Newport, Smithfield, and Windsor. The Board of Supervisors are elected to four-year terms of
office. At the first meeting of the calendar year, the Board of Supervisors selects a Chairman and Vice-
Chairman to preside over the Board.
The Board of Supervisors sets priorities, establishes policies, and represents the needs and interests of
the citizens of Isle of Wight County. The Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to manage
the day-to-day operations of county government, recommend and implement policies, and oversee
county operating departments. Additionally a County Attorney is appointed to provide the Board of
Supervisors, operating departments, and county boards, commissions, and agencies with legal
representation and advice.
In addition to the Board of Supervisors, the county government is comprised of five constitutional officers
elected by the County’s citizens including the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Commonwealth Attorney,
Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, and Sheriff.
Citizens
Board of
SupervisorsSchool
Board
TreasurerCommissioner of the
Revenue
County
Administrator
Assistant to the County
Administrator
Commonwealth’s
Attorney
Clerk of the
Circuit Court
Clerk
Director of
Human
Resources
County Attorney
Director of Information
Resources/Legislative
Services
Director of
General Services
Risk
Management
Chief Financial Officer
Director of
Information
Technology
Communications
E-911
Communications
Section 8 HousingBuilding Maintenance
Refuse Disposal &
Collection
Sheriff
Stormwater
Public Utilities
Director of
Economic
Development
Director of
Planning &
Zoning
Director of
Inspections
Director of
Parks &
Recreation
Chief of
Emergency
Services
Director of
Tourism
Director of
Budget &
Finance
PurchasingEngineering
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.1 Operating and Capital Budget
The County’s annual operating and capital budget process begins in January and concludes after the final
adoption of the budget by the Board of Supervisors, prior to June 30th in accordance with state law. The
County’s fiscal year begins on July 1st and ends June 30th. The adopted budget must be balanced with
estimated revenues equal to estimated expenditures.
The adopted Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Operating and Capital Budget is comprised of 14 funds totaling
$152.5M. The General Fund budget, the primary operating fund of the County, which contains funding for
most general government operations and services, is budgeted at $69.1M.
FY 2014-2015 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET
General Fund $ 69,137,186
Capital Projects Fund 800,000
Debt Service Fund 6,824,458
Grants Fund 199,314
Emergency 911 Fund 1,325,743
County Fair Fund 364,198
Social Services Fund 3,161,543
Section 8 Housing Fund 124,383
Comprehensive Services Act Fund 605,587
Technology Services Fund 949,764
Risk Management Fund 506,412
Public Utility Fund 9,720,610
Stormwater Fund 1,715,198
95,434,396
School Operating Fund 57,054,284
$152,488,680
The County relies on funding from local taxes (54%), fees and charges (7%), and state/federal/other (39%)
funding to provide services to citizens.
State/Federal/Other39%
Local Taxes54%
Fees & Charges
7%
County Revenue Sources All Funds Excluding Capital and Utility
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.2 Tax Rates
Local taxes makeup 81% of all general fund revenue and consist of general property taxes (real estate and
personal property) and other local taxes (bank stock, business license, communications sales, consumer
utility, consumption, lodging, meals, motor vehicle license, recordation and sales and use). The County
does not receive any sales, meals, or lodging tax revenue generated within the boundaries of the towns
of Smithfield and Windsor. The sales and use tax is set by the Commonwealth of Virginia at 6% for
Hampton Roads localities of which the County receives 1% for general government purposes and 1% for
public education. The state also caps the amount of tax that can be charged for lodging and meals taxes
at 2% and 4%, respectively. This limit does not apply to cities and towns. The County is also prohibited by
state law from imposing admission and cigarette taxes.
1.2.1 Real Estate Tax Real estate tax revenue is the largest source of funding for the County accounting for over 50% of general
fund revenue. Isle of Wight’s real estate tax rate is currently $.85 per $100 of assessed value. Isle of
Wight’s real estate tax rate is higher than other counties in the region; however, it is significantly lower
than the average rate of cities in Hampton Roads. Approximately $.15 of the County’s real estate tax rate
is attributable to water utility operations which are subsidized by the County’s general fund. Absent the
required operational funding for public utilities, Isle of Wight’s real estate tax rate would be among the
lowest of the cities and counties sampled as part of this report.
Source: FY 15 Adopted Operating Budgets, Cities and Counties
Hampton Roads Planning District Cities/Counties and New Kent County
$0.65$0.73 $0.75 $0.77 $0.77
$0.84 $0.85$0.90
$1.03
$1.13
$0.00
$0.20
$0.40
$0.60
$0.80
$1.00
$1.20
Real Estate TaxRegional Comparison
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.2.2 Personal Property Tax
Personal Property tax revenue is the second largest source of County revenue comprising approximately
19% of general fund revenue. Personal Property taxes are levied on boats and airplanes, business
equipment, machinery and tools, mobile homes, and vehicles. The County’s personal property tax rate is
currently $4.50 per $100 of assessed value for vehicles. Isle of Wight’s personal property tax rate is slightly
higher than the localities sampled including the average of all cities and counties in Hampton Roads.
1.2.3 Meals Tax
Meals tax revenue accounts for approximately $337,000 or less than 1% of all general fund revenue.
Counties in Virginia are restricted by state law from levying the meals tax within the limits of incorporated
towns. Additionally, state law caps the meals tax rate at 4% for counties. No such restriction is imposed
on cities and towns in Virginia.
Source: FY 15 Adopted Operating Budgets
Hampton Roads Planning District Cities/Counties and New Kent County
$2.95
$3.75 $3.89 $4.00 $4.00 $4.00 $4.25 $4.50 $4.50$5.00
$0.00
$1.00
$2.00
$3.00
$4.00
$5.00
$6.00
Personal Property Tax Regional Comparison
Meals Tax
Isle of Wight 4.0%
Gloucester 4.0%
James City 4.0%
Southampton 4.0%
Windsor 5.0%
Smithfield 6.0%
Franklin 6.5%
Suffolk 6.5%
Source: FY 15 Adopted Operating Budgets
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Cities/Counties/Towns
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.2.4 Lodging Tax The lodging tax is a flat percentage imposed on the charge for the occupancy of any room or space in
hotels, motels, boarding houses, travel campgrounds, and other facilities providing lodging for less than
30 days. The tax applies to rooms intended or suitable for dwelling and sleeping. Isle of Wight levies a 2%
lodging tax. State law restricts the maximum lodging tax rate that counties can levy at 2% with the
exception of some counties that have received special permission to levy a higher rate. In Hampton Roads,
Gloucester, James City, and York have received special permission to levy a higher lodging tax rate than
permitted by state law. Counties that have received special permission must use the portion of the tax
collections exceeding 2% for tourism related expenses. Counties are also restricted in their authority to
levy the lodging tax within the limits of an incorporated town. Cities and towns are granted the authority
to levy the lodging tax under general taxing powers of their charters and are not restricted with regard to
the amount of tax that can be levied.
1.3 Tax Exemption Programs The County offers a number of tax exemption programs for qualifying taxpayers and property owners
including the tax relief for the elderly and disabled program; veterans tax relief; special assessments for
real estate devoted to agricultural, horticultural, or forestry use; and qualifying rehabilitated
commercial/industrial or residential properties. Additionally, the Code of Virginia provides localities with
the authority to exempt real or personal property for nonprofit organizations that use such property for
religious, charitable, patriotic, historical, benevolent, cultural, public park, or playground purposes. Also
some nonprofit organizations and entities are exempted by the Commonwealth of Virginia by
classification or designation such as property owned by local, regional, state, and federal government
entities, cemeteries, churches, and museums.
There are currently 793 land parcels totaling $447.4M in value exempted from the real estate tax in Isle
of Wight. Tax exempt real estate represents nearly 10% of the total assessed value of all taxable real estate
in the County.
Lodging Tax
Isle of Wight 2%
New Kent 2%
Southampton 2%
Gloucester 4%
Smithfield 5.0%
James City County 5% + $2 per night
York 5% + $2 per night
Franklin 8.0%
Suffolk 8.0%
Source: FY 15 Adopted Operating Budgets
Hampton Roads Planning District Cities/Counties/Towns
and New Kent County
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office administers the County’s tax relief for the elderly and disabled
program. Real estate tax exemption is provided for qualified property owners or partial owners. In order
to qualify for the program a property owner must hold title of the property for which exemption is claimed
is held or partially held on December 31st of the preceding tax year, be at least 65 years of age or
permanently and totally disabled, have a total combined income no more than $40,301 (not counting the
first $6,500 of each relative, other than a spouse of the owner(s) who is living in the dwelling, and have a
net combined financial worth of $168,501 or less including equitable interests as of December 31 of the
preceding calendar year of the owners and the spouse of any owner excluding the value of the dwelling
and the land not exceeding one acre upon which it is situated. If the property owner(s) meet the
aforementioned criteria they are eligible for exemption from real estate taxes as follows:
Range of Income Exemption
$0 - $23,400 100% up to a maximum of $1,000
$23,401 - $29,100 75% up to a maximum of $1,000
$29,101 - $34,600 50% up to a maximum of $1,000
$34,601 - $40,300 25% up to a maximum of $1,000
$40,301 and above 0%
Currently there are 543 property owners participating in the tax relief for the elderly and disabled program
with a total value of real estate of $46.4M. The tax exemption amount in FY 2013 was $338,921. The
number of participants in the program has increased 28% in the last seven years, while the annual tax
exemption provided by the County has increased over 100%.
Tax Exempt Real Estate
Total Parcels Value Percent of
Assessed Value Federal 7 $ 723,500 0.02% State 31 $ 9,977,700 0.22% Local 345 $ 97,173,600 2.16% Religious 236 $ 72,987,000 1.62% Charitable 21 $ 3,053,200 0.07% Educational 37 $ 110,861,200 2.46% Other 68 $ 10,934,700 0.24%
SCC Taxed 48 $ 141,664,743 3.14% 793 $ 447,375,643 9.92%
Source: Isle of Wight County, Commissioner of the Revenue
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
In 2010, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation providing for a state referendum regarding the
provision of real estate tax exemption for disabled veterans. The referendum was approved by voters and
the program was effectuated in January 2011. The legislation requires localities to fully exempt qualifying
disabled veterans from real estate taxes. The tax exemption applies to the principal residential dwelling
and up to 10 acres of land. The tax exemption extends to surviving spouses that do not remarry and
continue to occupy the property as the principal place of residence.
There are currently 64 property owners receiving real estate tax exemption with a total property value of
$18.6M. The number of program participants has increased 49% since the inception of the program in
2011. The annual tax exemption has increased 22% in the last three years.
Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled
Participants Value Tax
Exemption 2007 424 $31,597,469 $164,307 2008 444 $38,201,440 $198,647 2009 433 $37,880,317 $196,978 2010 431 $36,677,546 $190,723 2011 439 $37,115,508 $241,251 2012 509 $44,141,937 $286,923 2013 543 $46,427,511 $338,921
Source: Isle of Wight County, Commissioner of the Revenue
Disabled Veterans Tax Relief Program
Participants Value Tax
Exemption
2011 43 $13,406,400 $87,142
2012 62 $18,485,367 $120,155
2013 64 $18,616,800 $106,695
Source: Isle of Wight County, Commissioner of the Revenue
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.4 Per Capita Expenditures
The Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Virginia prepares an annual report of local
government expenditures. While no one locality is alike, and each has its own needs and issues, a
comparison of per capita expenditures can provide some measure of the average cost of providing
government services to citizens. Per capita expenditures are calculated by taking the total cost of
operational expenditures divided by the total number of citizens.
Isle of Wight spends approximately $2,715 per citizen to deliver the full range of local government services
to its citizens. The cost per capita has increased 28% over the last 10 years. In comparison to other
localities sampled as part of the community profile and statistical digest, Isle of Wight ranked fourth in
per capita spending.
Source: Auditor of Public Accounts, Commonwealth of Virginia
$2,120
$2,715 28%
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
FY 04 FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13
Per Capita Expenditures Last 10 Years
Source: Auditor of Public Accounts, Commonwealth of Virginia
$2,282 $2,399 $2,551 $2,715 $2,806$3,075
$3,385$3,856 $3,996
$0$500
$1,000$1,500$2,000$2,500$3,000$3,500$4,000$4,500
Per Capita Expenditures Regional Comparison
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.5 Debt Profile The County issues general obligation and revenue bonds to finance major capital improvement needs
including the acquisition of land and buildings, construction and renovation of public facilities and
infrastructure, and large equipment purchases. The cost of issuing long-term debt or the interest rate paid
for bonds that are issued is determined by the competitive nature of the financial markets and the
County’s credit rating. Essentially, governments with higher credit ratings are able to secure lower interest
rates on borrowing which can result in millions of dollars saved over the average 20 to 30 year repayment
period for general obligation and revenue bonds.
The County receives a credit rating from the following bond rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s,
and Fitch Ratings. The highest credit rating that can be received by a governmental entity is Triple A (AAA
or Aaa). Only a handful of localities in Virginia have attained Triple A status. Isle of Wight’s credit rating is
currently AA or Aa2, a notch below the coveted Triple A status.
The bond rating agencies analyze a number of factors in developing a credit rating including, but not
limited to, structurally balanced financial plans/budgets, stability and strength of the management team;
overall debt load; local and regional economic measures such as per capita income and median household
income levels, the size of the local tax base, and economic growth, diversification, and employment
growth/stability; fund balance/reserve levels; and pension liabilities. The County’s AA/Aa bond rating was
reaffirmed by all three rating agencies in July 2014.
Isle of Wight County
Bond Ratings
Standard & Poor's AA
Moody's Aa
Fitch AA
Source: Standard & Poor's
Moody's
Fitch Ratings
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COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
The County currently has $232.6M (principal and interest) in total bonded debt including general fund,
school fund, and public utility fund related debt.
Fiscal Year Principal Interest Total
Payout
Ratio
Total 142,215,233 90,358,514 232,573,746
06/30/15 3,416,744 5,239,461 8,656,205 2.40%
06/30/16 2,766,744 5,846,046 8,612,790 4.35%
06/30/17 2,846,744 5,772,292 8,619,036 6.35%
06/30/18 3,160,000 5,688,305 8,848,305 8.57%
06/30/19 5,675,000 5,572,376 11,247,376 12.56%
06/30/20 5,860,000 5,402,671 11,262,671 16.68%
06/30/21 5,930,000 5,211,194 11,141,194 20.85%
06/30/22 6,050,000 5,020,202 11,070,202 25.11%
06/30/23 6,250,000 4,823,045 11,073,045 29.50%
06/30/24 6,420,000 4,588,280 11,008,280 34.02%
06/30/25 6,655,000 4,344,419 10,999,419 38.70%
06/30/26 6,910,000 4,081,829 10,991,829 43.55%
06/30/27 7,205,000 3,792,286 10,997,286 48.62%
06/30/28 7,175,000 3,497,719 10,672,719 53.67%
06/30/29 6,555,000 3,175,811 9,730,811 58.27%
06/30/30 6,855,000 2,877,415 9,732,415 63.09%
06/30/31 7,155,000 2,575,474 9,730,474 68.13%
06/30/32 6,425,000 2,226,400 8,651,400 72.64%
06/30/33 4,625,000 1,971,581 6,596,581 75.90%
06/30/34 3,585,000 1,770,511 5,355,511 78.42%
06/30/35 3,760,000 1,586,886 5,346,886 81.06%
06/30/36 3,960,000 1,393,886 5,353,886 83.84%
06/30/37 4,150,000 1,199,086 5,349,086 86.76%
06/30/38 4,350,000 1,002,149 5,352,149 89.82%
06/30/39 4,555,000 900,016 5,455,016 93.02%
06/30/40 4,770,000 368,425 5,138,425 96.38%
06/30/41 1,515,000 219,625 1,734,625 97.44%
06/30/42 1,595,000 141,875 1,736,875 98.57%
06/30/43 1,675,000 60,125 1,735,125 99.74%
06/30/44 365,000 9,125 374,125 100.00%
Total County Debt
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Budget & Finance
Davenport & Company, Financial Advisors
11
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Isle of Wight has a moderately high debt profile according to comments provided by the bond rating
agencies. In comparison with other similarly rated localities in Virginia, Isle of Wight has the second
highest per capita debt at $3,882 per citizen. Figures below are as of June 30, 2013.
Henry County Aa3 340
Franklin County Aa2 470
Washington County Aa3 575
Pulaski County Aa2 841
Bedford County Aa3 1,010
Botetourt County Aa2 1,075
York County Aa1 1,223
Rockingham County Aa2 1,344
Carroll County Aa3 1,397
Prince George County Aa2 1,409
Chesapeake Aa1 1,488
Wise County Aa3 1,508
Frederick County Aa2 1,689
Franklin A1 1,788
Pittsylvania County Aa3 1,863
Virginia 'Aa' Medians 1,946
Appomattox County Aa3 1,946
Roanoke County Aa3 1,957
Dinwiddie County Aa3 1,969
Fauquier County Aa1 1,987
Virginia Beach Aaa 2,095
Newport News Aa1 2,132
Hampton Aa1 2,170
Culpeper County Aa2 2,179
Spotsylvania County Aa2 2,223
Montgomery County Aa2 2,507
Powhatan County Aa2 2,631
James City County Aa1 2,793
King George County Aa2 2,811
Northumberland County Aa2 2,834
Norfolk Aa2 2,894
Stafford County Aa2 2,898
Poquoson Aa3 3,186
Fluvanna County Aa2 3,769
Suffolk Aa2 3,812
Isle Of Wight County Aa2 3,882
Portsmouth Aa2 4,877
Source: Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Most Recent Available (AA:6/30/2013)
Debt Per Capita Comparative Data
12
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
1.5 Size of County Government The ideal size of local government has been debated for many years by citizens, local government
practitioners, public administration scholars, and organizational management consultants. As with per
capita spending, the number of employees that it takes to deliver services to citizens can vary widely.
State mandates, citizen demand and expectations, affordability, and local issues and needs all influence
the size of local governments. Notwithstanding these and other factors, the number of employees per
1,000 citizens is a measure that is commonly used for comparative purposes.
The adopted FY 2014-2015 Operating and Capital Budget provides for 249 full-time positions in Isle of
Wight. The number of full-time positions per 1,000 citizens has remained relatively flat over the last eight
years ranging from 6.3 in FY 2007 to 6.8 in FY 2015.
Source: Isle of Wight County, Operating and Capital Budgets, FY 2007 to FY 2015
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
31,000
32,000
33,000
34,000
35,000
36,000
37,000
FY2007
FY2008
FY2009
FY2010
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FTEs pe
r 1,0
00
Citize
ns
Po
pu
lati
on
Full-Time Positions Per 1,000 CitizensIsle of Wight CountyLast Eight Fiscal Years
Population Approved Positions Per 1,000 Citizens
Source: FY 15 Operating Budgets of Localities Sampled in Chart Above
6.7 6.8 7.3 8.09.2
10.412.5
0.02.04.06.08.0
10.012.014.0
Regional ComparisonBudgeted FTEs Per 1,000 Citizens
13
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
In comparison to other localities that were sampled, Isle of Wight has the 2nd lowest number of
employees per 1,000 citizens. The chart on page 12 illustrates the relative size of the localities sampled
ranging from 6.7 in Gloucester to 12.5 per 1,000 in Suffolk. It should be noted that for purposes of the
comparison, Suffolk’s number of employees was adjusted for traffic engineering, road maintenance, and
social services employees to provide a consistent comparison with the counties represented in this
analysis who do not directly provide these services. In total, Suffolk has approximately 15.5 employees
per 1,000 citizens.
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION II
DEMOGRAPHICS
14
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
2.0 Demographics
2.1 Population
The population of Isle of Wight is 36,462. Over the last 10 years, Isle of Wight’s population has increased
15.5%. In comparison to other localities in the region, Isle of Wight is the third fastest growing locality in
terms of population growth behind James City County and the City of Suffolk. Over the last 10 years, Isle
of Wight is the 21st fastest growing locality in Virginia.
Source: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
31,579
36,462
28,000
29,000
30,000
31,000
32,000
33,000
34,000
35,000
36,000
37,000
38,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Population GrowthLast Ten Years
Source: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
26.0%
15.7% 15.5%
10.8% 10.5%8.8%
6.1%3.4% 3.2% 3.1% 2.3%
0.9%-0.7% -2.3%
-5.0%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Jam
es
Cit
y
Suff
olk
Isle
of
Wig
ht
Will
iam
sbu
rg
Ch
esa
pea
ke
York
Sou
tham
pto
n
Surr
y
No
rfo
lk
Vir
gin
ia B
each
Po
qu
oso
n
New
po
rt N
ew
s
Po
rtsm
ou
th
Ham
pto
n
Population Change Regional Comparison
15
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Isle of Wight is poised to continue growing well into the future with its abundance of land and close
proximity to regional employment and commercial centers. The County’s population is projected to
exceed 40,000 residents by 2030.
2.2 Race Isle of Wight is comprised of 71.8% White and 24.9% African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.6% Other Races.
Approximately 1.9% of county residents are Hispanic. Since 2000, the County’s racial composition has
remained relatively constant with a slight increase in Asian, White, and Other Races and slight decrease
in African American residents as an overall percentage of County residents. Residents of Hispanic origin
increased approximately 1% during this time period.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Virginia Employment Commission
35,27038,828
41,94644,922
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
2010 2020 2030 2040
Population Growth Projections2010 - 2040
Race
2000 2012
White 71.1% 71.8%
African American 27.1% 24.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.3% 0.2%
Asian 0.3% 1.0%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.0%
Some Other Race 0.2% 0.6%
Hispanic 0.9% 1.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
16
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
2.3 Median Age
Isle of Wight’s median age is 43.7, higher than the state (37.4) and national (37.2) median ages. The
County has one of the highest median ages in the region.
Since 2000, Isle of Wight’s median age has increased 4.8 years, which is third highest among localities
sampled in this report, and higher than the state and national median age change over this time period.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
37.2 37.4 38.2 39.6 40.1 41.9 42.0 43.7 43.9 44.9 45.3
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Median Age
Median Age 2000 - 2012
2000 2010 2012 Change
Franklin 39.9 40.7 40.1 0.2
Virginia 35.7 37.5 37.4 1.7
United States 35.3 37.2 37.2 1.9
Suffolk 36.0 37.9 38.2 2.2
York 36.5 39.4 39.6 3.1
New Kent 38.4 42.4 42.0 3.6
Gloucester 38.0 42.6 41.9 3.9
James City County 40.8 44.9 44.9 4.1
Isle of Wight 38.9 43.8 43.7 4.8
Southampton 38.6 44.3 43.9 5.3
Surry 39.4 45.0 45.3 5.9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
17
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
2.4 Educational Attainment
Isle of Wight is below the state and national averages in terms of the percentage of residents who are
high school and college graduates. In comparison to the localities sampled in this report, Isle of Wight falls
in the bottom tier for high school graduates and in the middle tier for college graduates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
94.8% 92.9%88.4% 86.9% 86.9% 86.1% 85.7% 85.5%
80.1%74.8%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
High School Graduate or Higher
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
45.3%
41.1%
34.7%
28.5%25.8% 25.7%
23.2%21.1%
15.7%12.2%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
45.0%
50.0%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
18
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
On a positive note, Isle of Wight has made significant gains in educational attainment levels over the last
12 years. The percentage of residents that are high school graduates has increased 9.3%, higher than the
state and national average increases, and 3rd highest among the localities sampled in this report. The
percentage of residents that are college graduates increased 8.3%, higher than the state and national
average increases, and 2nd highest among the comparison group.
High School Graduate or Higher
2000 2012 Percent Change
Southampton 63.2% 74.8% 11.6%
Surry County 70.4% 80.1% 9.7%
Isle of Wight 76.2% 85.5% 9.3%
Suffolk 76.8% 86.1% 9.3%
Gloucester 81.7% 88.4% 6.7%
New Kent 80.6% 86.9% 6.3%
Virginia 81.5% 86.9% 5.4%
United States 80.4% 85.7% 5.3%
James City County 89.3% 92.9% 3.6%
York 91.7% 94.8% 3.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
2000 2012 Percent Change
Suffolk 17.3% 25.7% 8.4%
Isle of Wight 17.5% 25.8% 8.3%
New Kent 16.3% 23.2% 6.9%
Virginia 29.5% 34.7% 5.2%
United States 24.4% 28.5% 4.1%
James City County 41.5% 45.3% 3.8%
York 37.4% 41.1% 3.7%
Gloucester 17.6% 21.1% 3.5%
Surry County 12.8% 15.7% 2.9%
Southampton 11.7% 12.2% 0.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
19
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
2.5 Housing and Household Characteristics
Isle of Wight has approximately 13,585 households with an average household size of 2.58 persons per
household. The number of households in the County has increased 20% since 2000. However, the average
household size has actually decreased slightly from 2.61 to 2.58 persons per household. Approximately
80% of residents own homes in the County while 20% rent. The percentage of home owners and renters
has remained steady over the last twelve years. The median value of owner occupied housing units in the
County has increased considerably from $129,300 in 2000 to $252,000 in 2012.
2.6 Per Capita Income
Per capita income is a measure of community wealth that is expressed in terms of annual individual
income. Isle of Wight’s per capita income is $45,247 which is between the state and national averages.
Isle of Wight is among the top tier of the localities sampled as part of this report.
Housing and Household Characteristics
2000 2012
Number of Households 11,319 13,585
Average Household Size 2.61 2.58
Percent of Housing Units Owner Occupied 80.80% 80.40%
Percent of Housing Units Renter Occupied 19.20% 19.60%
Median Value of Owner Occupied Units $129,300 $252,000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder
$54,796$50,236 $48,377
$45,247 $43,735 $41,344 $41,109 $38,605 $37,201 $34,934
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
Per Capita Income
20
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
2.7 Median Household Income
Median household income is another indicator of community wealth which refers to the income of all
residents 18 years or older in a household. Isle of Wight’s median household income of $64,491 is higher
than the state ($63,636) and national ($53,046) averages and in the middle tier of localities sampled as
part of this report.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder
$82,454
$76,767
$70,978$66,479 $64,491 $63,636
$60,752
$53,046 $52,955
$46,703
$33,447
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
$90,000Median Household Income
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION III
LOCAL ECONOMY
21
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.0 Local Economy
3.1 Unemployment Rate
The County’s unemployment rate is currently 6%, slightly above the state (5.7%) and national (6.3%)
rates. Historically, Isle of Wight’s unemployment rate has followed state and national trends.
Source: Virginia Employment Commission
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
Aug.13
Sep.13
Oct.13
Nov.13
Dec.13
Jan.14
Feb.14
Mar.14
Apr.14
May14
June14
July14
Aug.14
Unemployment RatePast 12 Months
County
Virginia
United States
Source: Virginia Employment Commission
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Unemployment RateLast Ten Years
County Virginia United States
22
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.2 Employment Base
Isle of Wight’s employment base is diversifying. Manufacturing continues to represent the largest
employment sector in the County despite the closure of the International Paper Plant in 2009.
Other Services (government, utilities, educational services and unclassified) now comprises 20% of total
employment in Isle of Wight, up from 14% in 2005.
In terms of employment sectors that have experienced job growth or loss over the last 10 years, wholesale
trade (159%), professional, scientific, and technical services (102%), and administrative, support, and
waste management (95%) have experienced the greatest percentage increase in employment. The
following employment sectors, however, have experienced declines in employment: management of
companies and enterprises (-52%), arts, entertainment and recreation (-50%), manufacturing (-49%), real
estate, rental and leasing (-31%), construction (-31%), information (-29%), and retail trade (-3%).
Employment by Industry
2005 Percent
Total 2014 Percent
Total
Manufacturing 6,130 48% 3,121 30%
Other Services 1,806 14% 2,031 20%
Retail Trade 908 7% 883 8%
Accommodation and Food Services 706 6% 783 8%
Health Care and Social Assistance 570 5% 694 7%
Wholesale Trade 187 1% 484 5%
Transportation and Warehousing 393 3% 475 5%
Administrative, Support and Waste Management 214 2% 417 4%
Construction 580 5% 403 4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 183 1% 370 4%
Finance and Insurance 188 1% 205 2%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 150 1% 193 2%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 377 3% 180 2%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 123 1% 85 1%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 106 1% 53 1%
Information 38 0% 27 0%
12,659 100% 10,404 100%
Source: Virginia Employment Commission, Qtr. Census Employment and Wages *Other Services includes establishments categorized as government, utilities, educational services, or unclassified.
23
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Employment Growth/Loss
2005 2014 Percent Change
Wholesale Trade 187 484 159%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 183 370 102%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management 214 417 95%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 150 193 29%
Health Care and Social Assistance 570 694 22%
Transportation and Warehousing 393 475 21%
Accommodation and Food Services 706 783 11%
Finance and Insurance 188 205 9%
Retail Trade 908 883 -3%
Information 38 27 -29%
Construction 580 403 -31%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 123 85 -31%
Manufacturing 6,130 3,121 -49%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 106 53 -50%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 377 180 -52%
Source: Va. Employment Commission, Qtr.Census of Employment and Wages
1st Qtr. 2005/2014, Excludes Other Services (govt., utilities, educational services,
Largest County Employers
Gwaltney of Smithfield
Isle of Wight County School Board
County of Isle of Wight
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
International Paper Company
Riverside Regional Medical Center
C.R. England, Inc.
Food Lion
Packers Sanitation Service, Inc.
Cost Plus, Inc.
Smithfield Foods
Farm Fresh
Penisula Metropolitan YMCA
Consulate Health Care of Windsor
Isle of Wigth Academy
ST Tissue, LLC
Town of Smithfield
Presbyterian Homes & Family Services
Premium Pet Healt LLC
Smithfield Station
Soruce: Virginia Employment Commission, Qtr. Census of Employment and Wages, 1st Qtr. 2014
24
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.3 Commercial and Residential Development Activity
Not unlike most localities across the region, state, and country, commercial and residential development
activity in Isle of Wight has been significantly impacted by the economic recession and housing crisis. With
the end of the recession, the total number and value of permits issued has picked up over the last few
years. In fiscal year 2014, a total of 2,355 permits were issued for a total value of $56.2M.
New residential permits have increased steadily since fiscal year 2012. In fiscal year 2014, the County
issued 126 new residential permits for a total value of $29.1M.
Permits for new commercial development, however, have not rebounded like the residential sector. The
number and value of new commercial permits has declined with the exception of fiscal year 2013. In fiscal
year 2014, the County issued 5 new commercial permits for a total value of $3M.
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Inspections
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
$80,000,000
$90,000,000
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY 14
Valu
e of P
ermits
Nu
mb
er B
ldg.
Per
mit
s
Total Building Permits and ValueFY 2009 - 2014
Value of Permits Permits Issued
25
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Inspections
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
$35,000,000
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14
Valu
e of P
ermits
Nu
mb
er o
f B
ldg.
Per
mit
s
Axis Title
Commercial Permits FY 2009 - FY 2014
Value of Permits Permits Issued
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Inspections
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
0
50
100
150
200
FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14
Valu
e of P
ermits
Nu
mb
er o
f B
ldg.
Per
mit
s
Residential PermitsFY 2009 - 2014
Value of Permits Permits Issued
26
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.4 Real Estate and Housing
The total taxable assessed value of real estate in Isle of Wight County is approximately $4.5B. The value
of real estate has increased from $2.2B in fiscal year 2004 to $4.5B in fiscal year 2013. Real estate reached
a peak value of $4.8B before declining to the present $4.5B following the national economic recession.
As a percentage of overall taxable value of real estate, Isle of Wight is comprised of 72% residential, 15%
commercial/industrial, and 13% agricultural parcels. Over the last 10 years, residential and
commercial/industrial parcels have increased 2% and 1%, respectively, while agricultural parcels have
decreased 3%, as a percentage of the County’s overall taxable value.
Regionally and nationally, distressed sales continue to make up a large segment of available properties
despite an overall decrease in foreclosures in the last few years. The number of foreclosures in Isle of
Wight peaked in 2010 at 95 or 9% of total sales. However, the number of foreclosures has declined in
recent years to 58 or 6% of total sales in fiscal year 2014.
Real Property As Percentage of Assessed Value
FY 04 FY 13 Percent Change
Residential 70% 72% 2%
Commercial/Industrial 14% 15% 1%
Agricultural 16% 13% -3%
Source: Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office
Source: FY 13 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
$2.2B$2.7B $2.8B
$4.1B$4.3B
$4.8B $4.8B $4.7B $4.5B $4.5B
$0
$1,000,000,000
$2,000,000,000
$3,000,000,000
$4,000,000,000
$5,000,000,000
$6,000,000,000
FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13
Total Assessed Value of Real PropertyLast Ten Years
27
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.5 Tourism
Isle of Wight is a destination for tourists from all over the world who come to the County to enjoy its
agriculture, open spaces, and scenery, history, and to attend special events and festivals. Visitors from all
50 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond visited Isle of Wight in 2013. Sixty-six (66%) were new
visitors and 34% were return visitors. The tourism industry accounts for 369 jobs in the County, a 5%
increase over the last 5 years. In 2013, tourism related expenditures reached $36.2M representing a 44%
increase over the last 10 years.
Foreclosures
Number of Foreclosures
Total Sales
Percent of Total Sales
FY 07 28 1,400 2%
FY 08 62 1,240 5%
FY 09 71 1,183 6%
FY 10 95 1,056 9%
FY 11 81 1,157 7%
FY 12 84 1,200 7%
FY 13 86 1,433 6%
FY 14 58 967 6%
Source: Commissioner of the Revenue's Office
Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation
$36.2M 44%
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
$35,000,000
$40,000,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Tourism ExpendituresLast 10 Years
28
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
3.6 Lodging and Retail Sales
Lodging and retail sales have gradually increased in Isle of Wight over the last 10 years. Lodging
expenditures have increased 9% over the last 10 years from $3.8M to $5.4M. However, as discussed in
Section 1.2.4, the majority of lodging tax revenue is received by the Town of Smithfield ($135K Town
versus $20K County).
Retail sales also continue to increase as the County adds new households and commercial development.
Retail sales increased 14% over the last 10 years from $165.3M to $202.2M. In comparison to other
localities, Isle of Wight falls in the middle of the region in terms of retail sales growth over the last 10 years
and slightly ahead of the region average of 13%.
Source: Virginia Department of Taxation
$5.4M 9%
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
7,000,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Lodging ExpendituresLast 10 Years
Source: Virginia Department of Taxation
$202.2M14%
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Retail SalesLast 10 Years
29
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Regional Retail Sales Growth Last 10 Years
Percent Change
James City County 37%
Suffolk 35%
York County 29%
Portsmouth 25%
Southampton County 21%
Isle of Wight County 14%
Virginia Beach 14%
Hampton 14%
Hampton Roads 13%
Chesapeake 10%
Newport News 9%
Williamsburg 9%
Gloucester County 6%
Norfolk 0%
Source: Virginia Department of Taxation
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION IV
EDUCATION
30
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
4.0 Education
4.1 School Enrollment
Isle of Wight has five elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Fall student
enrollment was calculated at 5,507 for the 2013-2014 school year including Pre K through Grade 12.
Student enrollment has increased 7% over the last 10 years.
4.2 Per Pupil Spending
Isle of Wight Public Schools receives operational assistance from local, state, federal, and other sources.
Per pupil expenditures in Isle of Wight were approximately $10,040 for the 2012-2013 school year.
Source: Virginia Department of Education
5,167
5,5077% incr.
4,600
4,800
5,000
5,200
5,400
5,600
5,800
6,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
School Enrollment
Source: Virginia Department of Education
$11,257 $10,898$10,048 $10,040 $10,007 $9,738 $9,675
$8,793
$0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
Per Pupil Expenditures
31
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Per pupil spending has increased 30% over the last 10 years. In comparison to other localities sampled as
part of this report, Isle of Wight falls in the middle tier and below the state average ($11,257).
4.3 Composite Index (Ability to Pay)
Funding for local school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia is largely determined by the composite
index of local ability to pay. The composite index is a funding formula that uses real property value,
adjusted gross income, and taxable retail sales to determine an overall fiscal index that is applied to
determine a locality’s ability to pay for public education. The goal of the funding formula is to equitably
divide funding requirements based on a localities’ ability to pay. The average for all of the localities in
Virginia equals 45 percent, while the state provides for 55% toward the cost of funding for education. The
composite index is recalculated every two years by the state.
Isle of Wight’s composite index is currently 0.4195 for the 2014 – 2016 biennium, down slightly from the
2012-2014 biennium. Overall, the County’s composite index has increased over the last several years,
indicating the County has a greater ability to pay for public education.
In comparison to other localities sampled as part of this report, Isle of Wight has a relatively high
composite index.
Composite Index
2006-2008 0.3753
2008-2010 0.3697
2010-2012 0.3926
2012-2014 0.4258
2014-2016 0.4195
Source: Virginia Department of Education
Composite Index
New Kent 0.4298
Isle of Wight 0.4195
York 0.4026
Gloucester 0.3661
Suffolk 0.3490
Franklin 0.2978
Southampton 0.2878
Source: Virginia Department of Education
32
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
4.4 Required Local Effort
The funding required by the Commonwealth of Virginia to support the Standards of Quality (SOQ)
education expenditures is spilt on a 55% state and 45% local basis as determined by the composite index.
The required local effort or the share that localities pay for education is a minimum threshold. It does not
cover all of the costs associated with the provision of public education. As a result, localities in Virginia
provide funding above and beyond the required local effort.
In 2012-2013, localities in Virginia provided funding above and beyond the required local effort ranging
from a low of 10% (Lee County) and high of 229% (West Point). The average actual local support in excess
of the required level for fiscal year 2013 was approximately 82%. The County funded the Isle of Wight
school division at 85% more than the required local effort in fiscal year 2013.
4.5 Accreditation
School accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments
and other tests in English, history/social science, mathematics and science. Ratings are based on student
achievement on SOL tests taken during the previous academic year and may also reflect a three-year
average of achievement.
Elementary and middle schools are fully accredited if students achieve all of the following pass rates:
English – 75 percent or higher
Mathematics – 70 percent or higher
Science – 70 percent or higher
History – 70 percent or higher
High schools are fully accredited if:
Students achieve pass rates of 75 percent or higher in English and 70 percent or higher in
mathematics, science and history and
Source: Virginia Department of Education
153%
114%103% 98%
85% 82% 78% 70% 65%
0%20%40%60%80%
100%120%140%160%180%
Percent Funded Above Required Local Effort
33
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Attain an 85 or greater point value on the graduation and completion index.
All of Isle of Wight County Schools were accredited based on performance on the SOL’s in the 2013-2014
school year. Carrollton and Hardy elementary schools were accredited with warning as their math scores
did not meet required benchmarks. Schools that are accredited with warning undergo academic reviews
and are required to adopt and implement school improvement plans. A school can be accredited with
warning for no more than three consecutive years.
Overall, 78% of Isle of Wight schools attained full accreditation compared to 68% statewide.
Approximately 30% of schools in Virginia were accredited with warning. A total of 10 schools or less than
1% of schools across the state were denied accreditation.
4.6 Standards of Learning (SOL) Test Scores
Isle of Wight County students have consistently performed well on the SOL tests over the last three years.
Overall results for the 2013-2014 school year indicate that the Isle of Wight school division ranked in the
top 30 or better out of 132 school divisions for all subject matter areas including reading, writing, social
science, math, and science.
SOL Test Scores, 2013-2014 School Year
Score State Rank
Reading 80 19
Writing 76 29
Social Science 87 23
Math 78 20
Science 86 17
Source: Virginia Department of Education
SOL Test Scores - 2012 - 2014 2012 2013 2014
Reading 92* 79 80
Writing 92* 78 76
Social Science 87 87 87
Math 72 73 78
Science 95* 85 86
Source: Virginia Department of Education
*Old test under different format
34
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
4.7 High School Graduation Rate
Isle of Wight’s graduation rate was 92.6% for the class of 2014 and higher than the state average of 89.9%.
The school division ranked 32nd out of 132 school divisions across the state. In comparison to other school
divisions sampled as part of this report, Isle of Wight ranked in the top tier for its graduation rate. The
graduation rate has increased from 80.4% in 2008 when the state first introduced the cohort graduation
rate to 92.6% in 2014.
Source: Virginia Department of Education
80.4%
92.6%
74.0%
76.0%
78.0%
80.0%
82.0%
84.0%
86.0%
88.0%
90.0%
92.0%
94.0%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Graduation RateIsle of Wight County
Source: Virginia Department of Graduation
94.5%92.9% 92.6% 92.6%
90.7% 90.5% 89.9%
86.4%85.5%
84.4%
78.0%80.0%82.0%84.0%86.0%88.0%90.0%92.0%94.0%96.0%
Graduation Rate Regional Comparison
35
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
4.8 Dropout Rate
The Isle of Wight school division dropout rate for the 2013-2014 school year was 3.6% which ranks 43rd in
the state. The dropout rate is lower than the state average (5.4%) and among the lowest of the localities
sampled as part of this report.
Source: Virginia Department of Education
12.2%
3.6%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
14.0%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Dropout RateIsle of Wight County
Source: Virginia Department of Education
2.5%3.4% 3.6% 4.0%
4.9% 5.4%
7.1%
8.8% 9.3%10.0%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
Drop Out Rate Regional Comparison
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION V
PUBLIC SAFETY
36
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
5.0 Public Safety
5.1 Law Enforcement
The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office is the chief law enforcement agency in the County. The Sheriff’s Office
investigates all criminal activity, responds to calls for service, patrols the County’s highways, transports
prisoners, serves civil process papers and criminal warrants, maintains court security, and dispatches
E-911 calls received for sheriff services. The Sheriff’s Office has an annual operating budget of $3.9M not
including the animal control division and emergency 911 division which it oversees but receives operating
funds through separate cost centers.
In fiscal year 2013, the County expended approximately $129 per citizen on law enforcement services.
Isle of Wight spent the 3rd lowest on law enforcement among localities sampled as part of this report. In
fiscal year 2013, the average for all counties in Virginia was $162 per citizen, while the average for all cities
was $275 per citizen.
The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of 45 sworn deputies including deputies, investigators, and command
staff and 3 administrative personnel. The Department is responsible for patrolling 316 land miles which
equates to approximately 6.8 deputies per square mile. In comparison to other counties in the region, Isle
of Wight falls in the middle tier. York County (1.0) has the lowest number of deputies per square mile,
while Surry (19.9) has the highest.
Source: Auditor of Public Accounts of Virginia
$69
$107
$129 $133 $138
$162 $173 $180
$237
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
Per Capita Expenditures
37
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Isle of Wight has approximately 1.8 deputies per 1,000 citizens consistent with other counties sampled
as part of this report.
The Sheriff’s Office received 44,278 calls for service in 2013. The number of calls for service has remained
relatively flat until 2013, which showed a 17% increase over the previous year. Calls for service data only
reflects calls received by the Sheriff’s Office for Isle of Wight County and does not include call data for the
towns of Smithfield and Windsor.
Deputies per Square Mile
York 1.0
Gloucester 3.8
Isle of Wight 6.8
New Kent 7.2
Southampton 8.8
Surry 19.9
Source: Sheriffs’ Departments
U.S. Census Bureau
Source: Sheriffs’ Departments
U.S. Census Bureau
1.5 1.5 1.61.8
2.0
3.6
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Gloucester New Kent York Isle of Wight Surry Southampton
Deputies per 1,000 Citizens
38
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
The top calls for service over the last 5 years have accounted for approximately 77% of all calls for service.
As illustrated in the chart below, a majority of the top calls for service have been self-initiated, proactive
responses by the Sheriff’s Office.
Source: Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office
37,72639,278 38,316 37,932
44,278
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Law EnforcementCalls for Service
Top 10 Calls for Service
Last 5 Years
Patrol Check 37,698
Civil/Criminal Paper Service 37,908
Traffic Stop 18,905
Business Check 18,699
House Check 17,090
Animal Complaint 9,949
Citizen Assist 8,581
Suspicious Person./Vehicle/Activity 5,118
Police Investigation 4,171
Disabled Vehicle Assist 3,509
Source: Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office
39
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
An examination of crime statistics reveals that the total number of incidents in Isle of Wight has generally
decreased over the last 5 years. In 2013, Isle of Wight reported a total of 825 incidents or 2,912 incidents
per 100,000. The top 5 incidents reported in Isle of Wight over the last five years include larceny (1,513),
simple assault (1,271), destruction of property (909), burglary (572), and drug offenses (403).
In comparison to other localities evaluated as part of this report, Isle of Wight had the 2nd lowest number
of incidents per 100,000 in 2013.
Isle of Wight County
Incident Rate per 100,000
2009 4,212
2010 4,047
2011 3,457
2012 3,936
2013 2,912
Source: Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office
Source: Virginia State Police, 2013 Crime In Virginia Publication, UCR Reporting Program
Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office
2,0642,912 2,976
3,9554,499 4,603
7,411
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Incidents per 100,000 Regional Comparison
40
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
5.2 Fire and Rescue
Isle of Wight County is served by a Department of Emergency Services and seven volunteer fire and rescue
departments including the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department,
Isle of Wight Rescue Squad, Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department, Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department,
Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, and Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad. The Department of
Emergency Services is comprised of a chief of emergency services, 16 full-time firefighters and medics, an
emergency management coordinator, and three administrative personnel. The Department provides full-
time and part-time staffing in addition to the volunteer fire and rescue departments serving the County.
The Department of Emergency Services has an operating budget of $4.1M. The County partners with the
volunteer fire and rescue departments and provides operational support in the form of contributions. The
volunteer departments are also funded by donations, fundraisers, and grants acquired by these respective
departments.
Isle of Wight spent approximately $88 per citizen in fiscal year 2013 on fire and rescue services, 4th lowest
among the cities and counties sampled as part of this report. However, it should be noted that James City,
York, and Suffolk have significant career-based fire and rescue departments, which cost more to operate
than a community with combined career and volunteer fire and rescue departments. The average for all
counties in Virginia was $141 per citizen, which includes counties with all career fire and rescue
departments, while the average for all cities was $195 per citizen.
Source: Auditor of Public Accounts of Virginia
$70 $71 $87 $88
$139 $141 $161
$183
$259
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
Per Capita Spending
41
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
In 2013, there were 4,133 emergency medical service (EMS) calls for service in Isle of Wight of which 57%
were run by paid County staff, 23% were jointly run by paid County staff and volunteer departments, and
20% were run by volunteer departments. Over the last 3 years, the percentage of paid County run calls
for service increased 23%, while volunteer run calls for service declined 20%, and joint run calls for service
declined 3%.
EMS Call Statistics
2011 Percent
Calls 2012 Percent
Calls 2013 Percent
Calls
Vol. Run Calls 1,646 40% 1,310 25% 830 20%
Paid Run Calls 1,398 34% 2,595 50% 2,364 57%
Joint Run Calls 1,058 26% 1,255 24% 939 23%
4,102 100% 5,160 100% 4,133 100%
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Emergency Services
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Emergency Services
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
2011 2012 2013
40% 25%20%
34%50%
57%
26%
24%
23%
EMS Call StatisticsPercent of Calls Run by Department
Vol. Run Calls County Run Calls Joint Run Calls
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION VI
HEALTH & WELFARE
42
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
6.0 Health & Welfare
6.1 Poverty
Approximately 10.5% of Isle of Wight citizens are living in poverty. The County’s poverty rate is lower than
the state (11.1%) and national (14.9%) averages. In comparison to other localities sampled as part of this
report, Isle of Wight falls in the middle tier.
6.2 Food Stamps
The Isle of Wight Department of Social Services administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) Program, formerly known as the federal food stamp program. An evaluation of point-in-
time count information reveals that the number of citizens in Isle of Wight who are receiving food stamp
assistance has increased 68% to approximately 4,000 citizens. This general upward trend is also occurring
in other localities sampled as part of this report.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder
5.4% 5.9%
8.7% 9.0% 9.1%10.5% 11.1% 11.6%
14.9%
17.3%
23.2%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
Poverty Rate
43
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Social Services
3,99868% Incr.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14
Isle of Wight SNAP Case Counts
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Social Services
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14
SNAP Case Count Regional Comparison
Surry New Kent York Southampton Gloucester Isle of Wight
44
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
6.3 Birth Rate
Isle of Wight has a birth rate of 8.5 per 1,000 population which is below the region (11.4) and state (12.6)
averages. The County’s birth rate has declined over the last 10 years from 11.5 in 2002 to 8.5 per 1,000 in
2012. The region has also experienced a similar decline in birth rate over the last 10 years.
6.4 Low Weight Births
Approximately 7% of all babies born in Isle of Wight in 2012 were considered low weight births, babies
weighing 5 lbs 8 ounces or less. The percentage of low weight births in Isle of Wight were lower than the
region (8.6%) and state (8.2%) averages in 2012. The percentage of low weight births in Isle of Wight has
varied over the last 10 years.
Source: Virginia Department of Health
8.5
11.4
12.6
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
FY 02 FY 03 FY 04 FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12
Birth RateLast 10 Years
Isle of Wight Region State
Source: Virginia Department of Health
7.0
8.68.2
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
FY 02 FY 03 FY 04 FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12
Low Weight Births
Isle of Wight Region State
45
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
6.5 Teen Pregnancy
Isle of Wight’s teen pregnancy rate was 9.9 per 1,000 in 2012 and lower the region (17.6) and state (16.7)
averages. Teen pregnancy rates in Isle of Wight, the region, and the state have declined significantly over
the last 10 years. In 2002, the teen pregnancy rate in Isle of Wight was 28.3 per 1,000 which is significantly
higher than the 9.9 per 1,000 reported in 2012.
6.6 Death Rate
Isle of Wight’s death rate was 8.6 per 1,000 in 2012, lower than the region (8.7), but higher than the
state (7.2) averages.
Source: Virginia Department of Health
9.9
17.6
16.7
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
FY 02 FY 03 FY 04 FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12
Teen Pregnancy Rate
Isle of Wight Region State
Death Rate
Isle of Wight Region State
FY 02 9.6 7.6 7.8
FY 03 8.8 7.5 7.8
FY 04 9.9 7.4 7.5
FY 05 7.5 7.4 7.6
FY 06 9.2 7.4 7.5
FY 07 8.5 7.6 7.5
FY 08 8.5 7.4 7.6
FY 09 8.7 7.5 7.4
FY 10 9.2 7.4 7.4
FY 11 8.2 8.6 7.4
FY 12 8.6 8.7 7.2
Source: Virginia Department of Health
46
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
The top causes of death in Isle of Wight in 2012 were cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory
diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and septicemia.
Top Causes of Death
Isle of Wight County 2012
Cancer 93
Heart Diseases 73
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases 22
Unintentional Injury 14
Alzheimer's Disease 10
Diabetes 9
Septicemia 9
Nephritis and Nephrosis 5
Suicide 5
Influenza and Pneumonia 4
Chronic Liver Disease 3
Source: Virginia Department of Health
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
SECTION VII
PARKS AND RECREATION
47
COUNTY PROFILE AND STATISTICAL DIGEST
7.0 Parks and Recreation
7.1 Facility Usage
The Department of Parks and Recreation provides recreational facilities, maintains parks and open space,
and implements programs, youth and adult sports, classes and special events for all County residents. The
Department oversees 8 major parks and recreation facilities throughout the County.
7.2 County Fair
The Isle of Wight County Fair is held annually in September at Heritage Park off of Route 258 near the
Town of Windsor. The Fair provides for a number of activities and events for adults, children, and families.
The Fair is attended by thousands of County residents and visitors each year.
Park and Facility Utilization FY 2014
Carrollton Nike Park 77,669
Heritage Park 35,186
Camptown Park 8,602
Fort Boykins 1,317
Tyler's Beach 1,214
Jones Creek 655
Riverview Park 362
Fort Huger 20
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Parks & Recreation
Source: Isle of Wight Department of Parks and Recreation
2011 and 2014 attendance impacted by significant rain
12,068
22,065
29,296
15,572
33,732 33,886
25,160
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
County Fair Attendance