Cost of Living in Accomack County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Accomack County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Accomack County ranks #1,900 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack's rent burden slightly above national norm
Accomack residents spend 20.3% of household income on rent, slightly higher than the U.S. average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $57,500—about 23% below the national median of $74,755—housing costs take a noticeably larger bite out of local paychecks.
Above-average affordability stress for Virginia
Accomack's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% ranks it as one of Virginia's least affordable counties, above the state average of 18.6%. The median gross rent of $973 is $167 below the state median, but lower incomes here mean affordability is still stretched.
More affordable than rural Virginia peers
Accomack's median rent of $973 is comparable to nearby Amelia County ($972) and undercuts Appomattox County ($883) slightly. However, Accomack's lower median income ($57,500) versus Amelia's ($66,339) makes the same rent burden heavier here.
Renters and owners both stretched
Renters here spend $973 monthly while homeowners pay $686—a relatively modest ownership cost that reflects the county's $193,100 median home value. Together, these housing costs consume roughly one-fifth of the typical household's $57,500 annual income.
Consider Accomack for coastal affordability
If you're seeking a quieter Eastern Shore setting with below-state-average rents, Accomack offers access to waterfront living without the premium prices of Northern Virginia. Budget carefully: your income will need to stretch further here than in higher-wage Virginia counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Accomack County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Accomack County is affordable. The median rent is $973/month against a median household income of $57,500, putting rent at 20.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $973/month rent versus $686/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $287/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,400/year. With a median household income of $57,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Accomack County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Accomack County sits 7% less expensive than Lynchburg city ($1,043/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Accomack County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,342
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Accomack County may be a stretch
Median home value is $193,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,542 vs. your max of $1,342.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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