Cost of Living in Amherst County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Amherst County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Amherst County ranks #743 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Amherst County, Virginia
Amherst delivers exceptional rental affordability
Amherst residents spend just 15.0% of household income on rent, well below the national average of 18.6%, with median rent of only $842 and household income of $67,298. This mountain county offers some of Virginia's most generous housing-to-income ratios.
Virginia's second-most affordable county
Amherst's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% ranks among Virginia's very best, 3.6 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. The median gross rent of $842 is the second-lowest in the state, beaten only by nearby Alleghany County.
Rivals Alleghany for best rural value
Amherst's $842 rent edges out Appomattox ($883) and Amelia ($972) while falling just above Alleghany's $774, offering comparable affordability among central Virginia's best options. Its rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% trails only Alleghany's 16.8%.
Balanced housing costs on modest incomes
Renters pay $842 monthly while homeowners pay $867—nearly identical burdens—on a median household income of $67,298. Together, housing consumes just 15% of income, exceptional value for working families seeking stability.
Amherst suits affordability-first families
If you're relocating with a household income around $65,000 and want to minimize housing costs, Amherst offers some of Virginia's best value alongside solid local schools and community stability. The county's proximity to Lynchburg adds educational and employment opportunities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Amherst County
Affordability Verdict
Amherst County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $842/month — about 15.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Amherst County pay $842/month on average, compared to $867/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,157/year. With a median household income of $67,298, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Amherst County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Prince Edward County where rent averages $898/month, Amherst County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Amherst County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,570
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
The median home in Amherst County may be a stretch
Median home value is $197,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,574 vs. your max of $1,570.
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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