Cost of Living in Botetourt County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Botetourt County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Botetourt County ranks #268 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Botetourt County, Virginia
Botetourt residents earn more, pay less
Botetourt County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% sits well below the 30% affordability mark, and the median income of $80,467 exceeds the national average by over $5,700. This combination—higher-than-average income plus lower-than-average housing burden—positions Botetourt as one of Virginia's strongest housing values.
Best affordability in the region
Botetourt's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's 18.6% state average, and at $80,467, the median income ranks among the state's highest. The county delivers both strong local wages and reasonable rents, a rare combination in competitive housing markets.
Highest income, nearly lowest rent
Botetourt's median income of $80,467 tops nearby Augusta ($79,972) and Bedford ($77,644), while rents are nearly identical across the three at $951, $1,057, and $955 respectively. This income advantage makes Botetourt the most comfortable choice for renters and homebuyers in the central Virginia cluster.
Strong income cushion for all households
Renters allocate $951 monthly (14.2% of income) while homeowners spend $978 (also roughly 14.2%), both well within the affordable range on a median income of $80,467. The median home value of $268,900 is accessible to area earners, making both renting and buying realistic options.
Botetourt: buy or rent with confidence
Moving to Virginia's Blue Ridge region? Botetourt County combines the region's strongest median income ($80,467) with competitive rents ($951) and moderate home prices ($268,900). Its 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's best—a genuine advantage worth investigating before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Botetourt County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Botetourt County is affordable. The median rent is $951/month against a median household income of $80,467, putting rent at 14.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Botetourt County is $951/month, while owner costs run $978/month. Renting saves approximately $27/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,914/year. With a median household income of $80,467, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Botetourt County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Botetourt County is more affordable than Prince Edward County by roughly 6% ($951/mo vs $898/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Botetourt County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,878
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Botetourt County may be a stretch
Median home value is $268,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,147 vs. your max of $1,878.
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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