Smyth County, Virginia
8 ZIP codes · Avg score 50/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Smyth County's water safety record falls below average — health-based violations are on file in a notable share of the county's 8 ZIP codes, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements.
How Smyth County Compares
How Smyth County Compares
Smyth County scores 16 points below the Virginia state average (66/100) and 18 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Smyth County, Virginia
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.6 (asthma 11.2%, diabetes 15.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $936, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.329% avg pipe failure probability, 29% of ZIPs at high risk
51.9% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $936
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
14,767 housing units in Smyth County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Smyth County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Smyth County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Smyth County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Smyth County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marion, Town of | 8,500 | 13 |
| 2 | Hutton Branch | 833 | 13 |
| 3 | Rye Valley Water Authority | 1,276 | 13 |
| 4 | Chilhowie, Town of | 4,625 | 6 |
| 5 | Thomas Bridge Water Corporation | 3,500 | 6 |
12 total water systems serve Smyth County.
All ZIP Codes in Smyth County
8 ZIP codes tracked in Smyth County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24378 | Troutdale | 68 | C | 3 | $116K |
| 2 | 24354 | Marion | 57 | C | 3 | $142K |
| 3 | 24377 | Tannersville | 53 | D | 0 | $112K |
| 4 | 24319 | Chilhowie | 52 | D | 0 | $145K |
| 5 | 24375 | Sugar Grove | 52 | D | 10 | $77K |
| 6 | 24316 | Broadford | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 24327 | Emory | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 8 | 24340 | Glade Spring | 40 | D | 0 | $175K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Smyth County
If FEMA records flag flood-top-risk status or EPA samples show PFAS exceedances, the matching logic lifts emergency-water and PFAS-rated filtration into the recommendations — federal data drives the order, not retailer arrangements.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 51.9% of homes built before 1978
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Smyth County, Virginia
Overview
Smyth County in Virginia covers 8 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (50/100).
3 of 8 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to Virginia water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Smyth County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
51.9% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.