Abingdon & Washington County Community Profile

Agriculture

Washington County is a leader in the state of Virginia in barley tobacco production and marketing. The county ranks seventh in the state for the number of dairy cattle and third for the total number of cattle and calves. Washington county is the largest egg producing county in Virginia, and has in excess of 1800 farms, the largest number of farms in the state. Abingdon has the largest livestock marketing center east of the Mississippi.

Churches / Synagogues

There are more than 150 churches in Washington County, representing all major denominations. A Jewish Synagogue is located in Blountville, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles southwest of Abingdon.

Climate

Washington County has an average annual temperature of 57 degrees. The average elevation is 2,265 feet. Temperatures range from winter lows of 20 to summer highs of 85-90.

Communications

There is one weekly and one daily newspapers serving the area. Several radio stations provide signals into the area. Cable television is available through independent companies.

Industry

Located within the radius of Abingdon are three industrial parks, which include several manufacturing, and service oriented industries. Agriculture is one of the major industries in Washington County. Climate and conditions are ideal for farming and raising cattle.

Medical

Johnston Memorial Hospital, located in Abingdon, is a fully accredited community hospital and home to the first and only open-bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit in the region. JMH also operates the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Southwest Virginia. JMH operates one of the only two remaining self-sufficient blood banks in Virginia. The hospital also has a Coronary Intensive Care Unit, and a surgical Intensive Care Unit. Johnston Memorial Hospital is a non-profit, fully accredited community hospital.

Several medical clinics and dentist offices also serve the area. Specialists include orthodontics, orthopedic, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, radiology, and many more. The Washington County Health Department provides services to the area including education in personal, household and environmental health. Professional sanitarians and a full-time dentist staff it. Nursing services also are provided to help with family planning, pediatrics, immunization, x-ray, mental after care, pre-school examinations, physical therapy, and other needs. County wide emergency services are available 24 hours a day.

Transportation

Several interstate truck lines serve the area. One railroad company provides rail services. Virginia Highlands Airport is located 3 miles southwest of Abingdon, however, commercial traffic is primarily served by the Tri-Cities Airport located about 30 miles southwest of Abingdon in Blountville, Tennessee.

Utilities

American Electric Power (AEP) provides electric service. The Washington County Service Authority and Bristol Virginia Utilities Board provide water services. Sewage services are provided by the Washington County Service Authority, Town of Abingdon, Town of Damascus, and Bristol Virginia Utilities Board. Natural gas is provided by an independent vendor. Telephone service is provided primarily by CenturyLink.