Cost of Living in Bath County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bath County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bath County ranks #16 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bath County, Virginia
Bath County's affordable rent surprises
Bath County renters pay just $825 monthly—one of Virginia's lowest rents—with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.0%, well below the 30% affordability ceiling. Though household income lags the national median at $61,709, residents here spend a lower percentage of earnings on housing than the typical American.
Stands out for rural Virginia affordability
Bath County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's 18.6% average, and its $825 median rent is $315 cheaper than the state average. This rural county ranks among the state's most affordable places to rent, though incomes are correspondingly modest.
The quiet affordable corner
Bath's $825 rent undercuts nearly all nearby counties—Augusta ($1,057), Bedford ($955), and Botetourt ($951) are all substantially pricier. The trade-off: Bath's median income of $61,709 is the lowest in this regional cluster, reflecting a more rural economic base.
Low rent, low income, tight budgets
Renters spend $825 monthly while homeowners pay $660, keeping housing costs remarkably low in absolute terms. Yet with a median income of $61,709, that $825 rent still consumes 16.0% of household earnings—tighter than wealthier counties despite lower nominal costs.
Bath County: housing won't break your bank
If affordability is your priority and you can work remotely or have flexible employment, Bath County's $825 rent is hard to beat in Virginia. Just factor in the lower local wages and ensure your income source is portable before making the move to this rural Allegheny region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bath County
Affordability Verdict
Bath County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $825/month representing approximately 16.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bath County pay $825/month on average, compared to $660/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,286/year. With a median household income of $61,709, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Bath County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Bath County is more affordable than Alleghany County by roughly 7% ($825/mo vs $774/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bath County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,440
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
The median home in Bath County may be a stretch
Median home value is $206,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,645 vs. your max of $1,440.
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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